Islanders Unveil Black Third Jersey
I'm not going to say it. You know what I'm talking about.
The New York Islanders officially unveiled their new third jerseys to fans and media tonight at their team store inside the Nassau Coliseum. And as it turns out, all of the previous leaks were right on the money as the club introduces two new colors to its pallette — black and grey.
Check out the Islanders' official Flickr account for photos from the event.
The sweater will make its game debut a week from tonight when the Isles host the Philadelphia Flyers and again two days later on Black Friday. They also released a complete schedule detailing the 12 nights they'll be seen throughout the season.
- Wed., Nov. 23 – vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- Fri., Nov. 25 – vs. New Jersey Devils
- Sat., Dec. 10 – vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
- Fri., Dec. 23 – vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Thurs., Jan. 12 – vs. Philadelphia Flyers
- Sat., Jan. 21 – vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- Sat., Feb. 4 – vs. Buffalo Sabres
- Mon., Feb. 20 – vs. Ottawa Senators
- Sun., Mar. 4 – vs. New Jersey Devils
- Tues., Mar. 13 – vs. Washington Capitals
- Sat., Mar. 31 – vs. Boston Bruins
- Thurs., Apr. 5 – vs. Winnipeg Jets
No Western Conference teams will face the Isles in black this season.
Islanders Third Jersey Unveiling photo gallery
I stand by my earlier position on this jersey. While it may be one of the ugliest the Isles have ever worn — and that's saying something — I like that they've decided to use the third jersey for its intended purpose. It shows off an alternate look, completely different from what we're used to seeing.
Having said that, I think I know where these comments will go...
Holy crap, check out the pants!
Chris
There was another link I wanted to make sure got included in this post. After the unveiling, the Islanders posted an article about the creation of the the third jersey.
Here's an excerpt from it:
Terry Goldstein, the Islanders' Director of Retail Operations, said the Islanders started working on the Third Jersey prototype a year ago and ultimately landed on the Black Jersey after getting feedback from the Islanders organization and players.
“We view this (third jersey) as just a fun, alternative jersey,” Goldstein said. “With our white and our blue jerseys we look back at our history, and with the black jerseys, we’re looking forward.”
The Black Jersey has the team’s name across the front with the player’s number below. The numbers also appear on each sleeve as well as on the back. The top of the jersey is gray with the traditional Islanders logo on each shoulder.
The collar and edges of the sleeves are royal blue which matches the team’s royal blue helmets and gloves. The jersey has a gray, orange and blue triangle under each arm and matches the new black pants that will feature an inverted triangle directly below, creating a diamond.
The National Hockey League allows teams to introduce a new jersey idea every three years. Originally, there were nine designs for the third jersey.
The last line was an interesting tidbit for us to hang onto. Appparently third jerseys can be swapped out every three years. We already know Ottawa and Toronto have taken advantage of that rule. They each launched thirds in 2008, wore them for three seasons, and launched new ones this year.
Reader Comments (122)
how in god's name did the execs actually think this was a good idea?
I'll be honest, I don't HATE them. Yes they are different and by different I do mean ugly, but its nice to see a team go a truly alternate route. It's bad enough that everyone is going back to "classic" designs nice to see a modern touch
I would be really embarrassed if I was an Islander fan. What a terrible jersey.
I actually prefer the fisherman jerseys over these.
The only good thing about this jersey is the amount of comedy it's provided by how early and often it was leaked. Never before in the history of professional sports has anyone been able to have as many preemptive laughs at a team as we've been able to have these last few months at the Islanders. It's one thing to unveil a jersey and have so many people hate it - quite another to unveil a jersey people have been mocking for months already. Only the Islanders.
I actually kind of like it. I'll never buy one though because I will not buy an Indonesian made "Authentic' jersey and the gamers will be sold by Steiner so the prices will be stupid.
Wait a minute!
The pants only make a bad thing worse. I mean, when did the Islanders look toward their Cup opposition in 1982 for uniform design? Let's face it, it looked so good then....
I hate it a little less than the last concept, but I'd really like to see it in game to see how the pants work with the jersey. I don't care much anymore, though, if this brings in some cash for that organization. They need it, and I really don't want to see a storied franchise like the Islanders relocate.
I think they're trying to complement NBA lockout by selling basketball jerseys on ice. Horrible.
Not a big fan of this jersey, but at least they don't say "Isles" on them, like Tampa's old "Bolts" third jerseys, or the horrific "Sens" thirds my beloved Senators wore.
This uniform is a mash-up of both old and new trends. Brutal Fail.
Wow, these are the the ugliest New York Islanders' jersey of all time. I want a refund on my season tickets!
its actually better than the dallas stars jerseys.......in my opinion anyway
We want fishsticks.
This jerseys are awful! So disappointed given what other teams have done with their third jerseys. These make me want the return of the flying V of Vancouver...
Now I do have to say that those whom have said that these aren't the worst Islander jerseys ever are indeed right.
I like it, don't know the story behind it, but I like how its similar to the Mets jersey. Kinda like how the Ottawa sports teams share similar colours. It does look weird with the numbers on the front, but looks a helluva a lot better than the 'SNES' jersey. I'd actually give this 3.5-4 stars.
Looks like an attempt to attract anyone other than hockey fans to games. It also reminds me of a Knicks uni back in the 90's.
Definitely one of the worst jersey's ever. Worse then the Thrashers third, The Sens old third, and Tampa's "Dolts" jersey's.
Wow, I might sound crazy, but I really like this look. I wouldn't like it for a primary uniform, but for an alternate, its awesome! Its got a very original look to it, and I like how they tied in the pants. Its a much better effort than any of those other arched name and number style jerseys (ie: Dallas)
Watching highlights from tonight's game. God those just look awful on the ice!
Now they look like the Mets.
This uniform shows just how badly Reebok has failed since taking over the uniform program. This is UGLY! And kudos to those who say "bring back the Fisherman". That logo and uniform was actually not bad, except for what looked like a guy way too old to be playing hockey as the defender of the net. While the "wave" jersey would have been a short-lived 90's fad in any scenario, if they'd used the excellent lighthouse shoulder logo as the main crest, it might still be used today instead of the amateurish NY/Long Island logo that someone originally hand-drew. And Ranger fans' derisive cry "Fishsticks" would have never happened. I'll take the Fisherman uniform any day over this hideous black design. Are they trying to appeal to the gangs in the Hamptons?