Winter Classic Jerseys Unveiled!

So did I fool anybody with my last post?

Tonight, the Winter Classic 2009 jerseys for the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings were unveiled. Each team will be wearing a special one-time only throwback sweater for the New Year's Day game. Have a look!

The Detroit Red Wings jersey — as modeled above by Chris Chelios — is a replica of the original Detroit Cougars jersey from 1926. In 1930, the Cougars became the Falcons and two years after that the Red Wings moniker was adopted.

The Chicago Blackhawks sweater — modeled by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane — made its original debut in 1935 but with a slightly different version of the Indian head logo. In the 700 meetings prior to the Winter Classic between these two teams, never have these two jerseys taken the ice at the same time — just another reason why this game will be special.

I've got a much better picture of the two jerseys here. You can see Bobby Hull there modeling the Hawks' new sweater.

As more pictures surface, I'll be sure to post them.

On Deck For Super Saturday

This is going to be quite a night. For one thing, it's what the NHL is calling "Super Saturday" — all 30 teams have games today. But there's some other stuff going on.

First, we've got the unveiling of the new Winter Classic jerseys tonight during the Red Wings-Blackhawks game — which will be broadcast locally on FSN Detroit and WGN-TV in Chicago. I'm also assuming the teams will have pictures or video posted on their web site at some point tonight or tomorrow.

As soon as there's something to post, I'll have it right here on Icethetics.

But we have a few hours, so why not speculate? Turning now to one of the best hockey sites on the web for some visual assistance — NHLUniforms.com. My honest opinion is they'll go with the 1991-92 throwbacks.

Classy... obnoxious... you know the drill. But a random message board post — which I can't vouch for the veracity of — suggests these as the subject of alternative speculation.

It would certainly be an interesting choice for both teams and nothing to sneeze at but that isn't even a Red Wings jersey. It belonged to the Detroit Cougars. In any case we'll know for sure tonight. Hope those of you that can watch will report back.

I also wanted to mention Thursday's Canucks post again. The date referenced in that video is tonight. And after reading all the comments and other message board posts elsewhere, I'm among those convinced this viral promotion has to do with the fans and possible the return in some form of the 7th Man campaign.

I mean the answer to all of the questions in that video is "the fans." So it makes sense. Now, having said that I'm still not discounting the possibility of a third jersey unveiling. That would be a nice gift to the fans, I'm sure. So those in attendance tonight at GM Place can report back and I'll spread the word here.

So besides, Danny Boyle bitterly returning to Tampa in a new sweater, anything else going on tonight around the league?

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.