Era Of Change For Hockey Uniforms

There's an article in today's Newsday talking about the lack of originality in hockey uniforms over the last several years. The column, written by Mark Herrmann, comes a day before the New York Islanders are scheduled to reveal their new third jersey.

It's an interesting enough read for anyone who's a fan of Icethetics. But the cool thing is Icethetics gets a mention and I'm even quoted in the piece. But give it a read and see what you think.

And try to look past the first paragraph which mentions the Blackhawks winning the THN logo tournament. It was actually the Canadiens, but the point about red taking over the league still stands.

By the way guys, I just wanted to address the lack of posts this weekend. Not only did I have a lot of plans, but I've been hard at work on the new Icethetics web site and all that goes with that. Hopefully all of this work will pay off and you guys will appreciate Icethetics' new home. We'll even have our own domain and everything like so many of you have been asking for!

I plan to make an announcement some time this week so keep checking back.

Winter Classic Jerseys To Be Unveiled

The Winter Classic 2009 jerseys will be unveiled on Saturday night when the Chicago Blackhawks face the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. The announcement was made this morning on the Hawks' official web site.

The unveiling will take place during the broadcast of the game tomorrow night on WGN-TV and FSN Detroit. I'm sure pictures will be posted online by both teams. If anyone can record the unveiling and post it on YouTube, I'd be happy to put your video here on Icethetics — that's assuming the teams don't beat you to it.

So anyway, remember how I told you yesterday I'd have Winter Classic news I'd get back to you on? Well there it is. I was just waiting for some confirmation before posting and now we've got it.

I'm also still working on that Penguins news. Basically, it sounds like their new third jersey might not look exactly like what they wore at last year's Winter Classic. Close, but not exact. I'll get you more when I have it.

Isles Prep For New Jersey

Hmm, that would've been a better pun if the New York Islanders had a game against the Devils in the next week or so. Instead, it's not even a pun. I'm obviously talking about their new alternate uniform.

First thing I have to address is the countdown in the sidebar. Surprisingly, I've gotten more than a few emails asking why Icethetics has a countdown of 4 days while the Isles' official web site has a countdown of 9 days to the new third jersey. The answer is simple. I'm counting down to the day the jersey will be unveiled to fans. The team's site is counting down to the day the sweater makes its game debut — five days later. Hope that clears some things up.

Speaking of which, Newsday's Greg Logan is reminding us that the Islanders will in fact unveil their new sweaters on Monday and he got a look a new royal blue helmet.

The Islanders are going to unveil their third jersey on Monday. First to see it will be the members of the Islanders Business Club who attend the meeting scheduled that evening before the Isles meet the Rangers for the first time this season at the Coliseum. Then, the jersey will be displayed for fans during the course of that game.

The first time the Islanders actually wear their new uniforms will be on Saturday, Nov. 1 against Montreal. They will wear them at all subsequent Saturday home games. Including the Canadiens game, there are 13 such dates.

I happened to see the helmet yesterday, and it’s a switch back to the traditional royal blue of the classic Islanders jersey. In the past, I heard the third jersey would be the same as the ones the team wore two seasons ago that had orange numbers. But that might not be the case. The Isles might go all the way back to their roots to wear the original blue jersey with white numerals. That was the “road” jersey way back when. But we’ll have to wait a couple days to find out for sure.

If you recall, last week I pointed out that the team's web site was saying the thirds will be entirely new which seems to indicate they won't be rehashing the past. However, everything I've read and seen seems to indicate Logan is on the money here.

I'm betting on a classic vintage look with the same logo and everything. But like he says, we'll find out for sure in a few days.

By the way, I've got some possible Winter Classic and Penguins third jersey scoop. I'll do some more research and get back to you.

Kings Set Third Unveiling, Sked

Tonight the Los Angeles Kings officially announced their intentions to unveil their new third jersey via their official web site. They also released a schedule indicating when this new sweater would be worn.

They will unveil the alternate sweaters on November 22 when they take the ice against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Kings will wear their regular Crown/black home jerseys for pre-game warm-ups and change into the new sweaters before hitting the ice prior to the drop of the puck.

“I know our fans are anxiously awaiting this jersey and we are excited to unveil it,” said Kings President, Business Operations Luc Robitaille. “Everyone will want to get to that game early.”

The jersey is described as featuring "a modern look while echoing the history of the franchise." It will be worn for 12 home contests.

This image, showing the complete collection of past Kings sweaters, was included with the announcement.

I'll have pictures of the new sweater when they become available.

BlackArmor Coming Next Month

What is BlackArmor? Glad you asked. The San Jose Sharks have announced they will be unveiling their new third jersey — nicknamed BlackArmor for corporate sponsor Seagate — on November 21. The Sharks made this announcement today on their official web site.

I think it's a safe bet the jersey will be black. It will make its game debut on November 22 against the Washington Capitals. The Sharks also released a schedule of when the new alternate sweater would be worn — 14 games, including two on the road.

And as mentioned, the "BlackArmor" moniker was explained as follows: "The branding of the alternate sweater coincides with Seagate’s promotion of its BlackArmor™ product, the world’s first safe portable hard drive."

By the way, that's another date Icethetics had right. I'm as surprised as you are.

AHL Third Jersey Update, Part 4

Part 1 · Part 2 · Part 3

More AHL third jersey news to share tonight, beginning with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. They've apparently got new white third jerseys with the orange tiger on the front.

And I have a picture.

For reference, Bridgeport's regular home jersey is orange while their road sweater is blue.

The other team I'm reporting on is the Chicago Wolves. But they're kind of an enigma. From the photos I found, it looks like they've been using this white third jersey since last season.

If any Wolves fans are reading, maybe you can fill us in. Were the Wolves actually the first to sport a third jersey in the Rbk EDGE era?

And what's all this with white third jerseys? The regular white jersey for Chicago has the primary logo on the front instead of the text.

As always, if you've got a tip on AHL third jerseys, email me and I'll be happy to post it.

Coyotes Third Jersey Leaked!

The leaks just keep coming. Now we're getting our first glimpse at the new third jersey for the Phoenix Coyotes. I revealed the leaked image during tonight's Live Chat but not before first giving readers a 30-minute history lesson on the uniforms of the Coyotes franchise.

We went all the way back to 1972 and the Winnipeg Jets. But I won't bother with that here. If you're interested in it, check out the replay of the Live Chat. But first, here's the picture.

Just like we suspected, it's got the previously leaked logos featuring the leaping coyote and the coyote paw.

It's also got an unusual striping pattern around the sleeves which I'll have to see on a player before I form any opinions about. But otherwise, I think it looks great. The black works. It's got a clean, simple look and fits in well with the Coyotes home and road sweaters. And that's really all you can ask for.

What do you think? Leave a comment.

Third Jersey Leak Tonight

During tonight's Live Chat right here at Icethetics, I'll be leaking a brand new third jersey we haven't yet seen. And since we've already seen third jerseys for 11 of the 18 teams unveiling them, that leaves just seven more.

In the poll to the right, cast your vote as to which sweater you think it'll be. I'm kind of curious to see what the consensus is. Do you think it'll be the Stars, Kings, Islanders, Senators, Coyotes, Penguins or Sharks? It will be one of them and I'm really excited about it and I think most of you will like it.

So vote and then come back tonight at 10 PM eastern (that's 9 central, 8 mountain and 7 pacific). I know it's Saturday and that usually means game night, but if you're like me, you're stuck at home anyway watching hockey on TV. (Hopefully the Lightning don't plan to go 0-5 to start the season.)

By the way. Check back shortly. Part 6 of the Icethetics Season Preview will be posted tonight!

Another Third Jersey Leak?

I've scheduled a Live Chat for Saturday night at 10 PM EDT for those of you who can make it. And this time I have something to tantalize you with. I'll be showcasing a leaked image of yet another highly anticipated third jersey. And let me assure you it'll be worth the wait.

Which team is it? That'll be a surprise. But I will tell you it's one of the teams whose jersey we haven't seen yet. Could it be the Stars, Kings, Islanders, Senators, Coyotes, Penguins or Sharks?

Be here at Icethetics Saturday night at 10 to find out and be the first to see it!

Sun Picks Up Canucks Third

Icethetics and the leaked picture of the Canucks' new third jersey has made it to the home page of the Vancouver Sun this afternoon. Check it out! And here's the full story.

I spoke with the Sun's sports editor earlier today and he told me folks in Vancouver get really pumped over stuff like this. So I was happy to provide a non-watermarked image to them.

For those in Vancouver, I'm told the image may be appearing in print tomorrow. So keep an eye out for it and be sure to buy a copy of the paper!