The Best Jerseys in the Southeast

Earlier this year, we began a series of polls asking readers to rate the 2010-11 uniforms worn across the NHL for the purpose of creating a fan-determined ranking. We've completed the teams in Canada and the western United States. Now we move on to the southeastern U.S.

Each group includes six teams, split up by geography. This set of polls includes Atlanta, Carolina, Florida, Nashville, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. You can rate each jersey individually with a 10, 5 or 1. (You can either love it, hate it, or be on the fence. Keeps things simple.)

After all the votes have been cast, an average rating will be calculated. These polls will remain open for two weeks, ending Thurs., July 14. When we've voted on all the teams, I'll assemble a complete league ranking of every uniform worn for the 2010-11 season. Happy voting!

Sorry, no comments on this post. Just vote!

Atlanta to Winnipeg: The Unfolding Story

Despite passing the midway point of the Conference Finals this weekend, the hot topic seems to have been the future of the Atlanta Thrashers and whether or not it will be in Canada. Winnipeg, specifically.

My inbox is filling up with questions about the situation. I'm not an expert on this particular subject so I'd like to defer to those who are. Like many of you, I've been reading a lot about what may or may not be going down.

To make this easy, I've assembled a list of articles from well-repected sources to paint a picture of all that's going on with regard to this subject. But first I should say something.

Thrashers fans protest relocation / TSN.caAs I've reviewed my post from Friday about the Thrashers' imminent move, my bias is clearer to me. As a fellow hockey fan from a southern state, I feel for Thrashers faithful who are on the brink of losing the team they love.

I'm bothered by the apparent heartlessness of Winnipeg residents who should know what it's like to have a franchise ripped right out from them. But it's not heartlessness, is it?

If we step back and look at the numbers, it's hard to argue with them. How can we expect them to feel bad for Atlanta when all they've wanted for 15 years is to have their team back?

Add to that, the hundreds, even thousands of diehard Thrashers fans are dwarfed by an entire city of more than a half-million that would live and die by the team. That's awfully hard to deny.

If it's a question of who deserves it more — and it shouldn't be — who wins out? Atlanta has the team now. They've supported it (mostly) for 12 years. But from everything I've read, it sounds like the ownership, Atlanta Spirit, has let them down. So it's hard to blame the fans in Georgia. And it's just as hard to tell the folks in Manitoba to subdue their excitement.

I still have no patience for any Canadian who innately thinks their geography makes them more deserving of hockey. (Remember, you keep coming back to read a hockey blog written by a Floridian.) But I recognize the predicament both cities are in. Now, having said all that — which I'm sure most of you didn't bother to read — here are the bullet points from the weekend.

• Deal! On Thursday night, Stephen Brunt of the Globe and Mail (Toronto) reported the deal was done and the Thrashers are moving to Winnipeg for the 2011-12 season. He said an announcement would be made Tuesday (tomorrow). details
• No Deal Everyone else, including TSN, reported that, in fact, no deal had been done — yet. But that it's just a matter of time. details
• Moving Day On Friday, TSN reported that some players had been told to start working on new real estate plans for the fall. details
• Contingency Plan On Saturday, the St. John's Telegram said the AHL's Manitoba Moose will be announcing their relocation to Newfoundland on Friday. This assumes a deal to move the Thrashers is completed by then. details
• Inching Closer As of this morning, things are still looking grim for Atlanta as, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, True North Sports and Entertainment continues to close in on a deal. It has become highly unlikely anyone will come along to keep the team in Georgia. details

Part of TSN's online coverage of the NHL's possible return to Winnipeg has included what they call the Jets Meter — a subjective scale based on the likelihood of it happening. As of today, they're five rungs from dropping the puck. So they're pretty positive about this.

For the longest time, it looked like the Phoenix Coyotes were the most likely victim, set to return to their Winnipeg Jets glory — until the city of Glendale took action to squash that dream. Now it's become the Thrashers. Only they wouldn't be called the Jets since that's part of the Coyotes' heritage. So for the rest of this post, we'll assume the deal goes through this week. What happens then?

• Last month, SportsLogos.net reported that the only way the Jets name would come back is if the Coyotes did too. Because it looks to be the Thrashers, that's probably out. Instead, TNSE, the likely new owners, would bank on their existing hockey brand — the Manitoba Moose. details
• Last Tuesday, TSN pointed out that whatever the name, it would likely be preceded by Manitoba rather than Winnipeg this time. They then asked what the team should be named. It yielded a variety of responses from readers including Monarchs, Boomerangs, Rebels, Lakers, and yes, even Thrashers. But Jets remains the most popular. details
• On Thursday, TSN writer Dave Naylor discussed the love for that Jets name in Winnipeg. In particular, he wondered why the Thrashers couldn't take on that moniker even though it is part of the Coyotes' history. After all, it wouldn't be a first in pro sports. Just ask the Cleveland Browns. details

Whatever happens, I'll keep an eye on it — especially as far as the name and logo are concerned. And keep an eye on the Icethetics Twitter feed in the sidebar as I frequently post or retweet useful links there.

True North or False?

This post will be a little bit about what the people at NHL.com are thinking — so in that spirit, I've written a lazy pun for the headline.

Seriously, what's going on? Does True North Sports and Entertainment have a deal to buy and relocate the Atlanta Thrashers or not? And if not, why is the online arm of the National Hockey League reporting a story that is — according to its own commissioner — false? And why are they reporting that exclusively?

I'm referring to an article posted late last night on NHL.com which talks about the unconfirmed report from the Globe and Mail that the deal is done and the Thrashers are moving to Winnipeg. But every other news agency is saying any deal is far from done. Still, the Globe and Mail is holding fast. And NHL.com is only referencing their story. I have it here in image form in case it disappears at some point:

Perhaps I'm confused about the relationship between league and the people who run its website. But from a public relations standpoint, if there's no completed agreement yet, shouldn't your cyber representatives steer clear of posting a story that says there is? Or at the very least include a statement from the commissioner?

Unless it's not all that false.

It's funny. Last night I tweeted, asking for blog ideas as I've been having trouble manufacturing content amidst my team's unlikely Stanley Cup playoff run. Naturally, this story breaks almost immediately after. But more on all the ideas in a moment.

While we wait for official word that everyone can report on, let's not forget about what it would mean if the Thrashers move. Atlanta hockey fans will have lost a second team to a Canadian city of fewer than a million people. Speaking of which, Canadians seem to be the most excited over the prospect of the move. I understand, you love hockey. But are you forgetting what it felt like to lose your team?

Perhaps its the arrogance of those who believe living in the southern U.S. automatically makes you undeserving of the greatest sport in the world. Get over that. I'm from Tampa and I'd wager that my excitement for my team (Go Bolts!) rivals that of any Canadian. And I'm not an anomaly. The Thrashers' Blueland Blog asked Atlanta fans to share how they fell in love with the game. There are some truly great stories in there.

Anyway, if it happens it happens, and it will be terrible for them. I just wanted to make sure you guys were aware that Thrasher fans are not a myth. (Lightning fans on the other hand... at least according to the Bruins marketing folks! Haha!)

I'm not saying you shouldn't be excited. Just keep in mind that a victory for Winnipeg is a devastating defeat for our fellow hockey fans in Georgia. Many of whom love the game just as much as we do.

And despite the certainty from so many places that the team will be in Winnipeg next year, the Thrashers are going ahead with their Select-A-Seat event tomorrow. As they should. Rooting for you, Thrasher fans. Don't get used to it.

A Storm of Blog Ideas

Now back to what I was saying before about needing blog ideas. The summer's coming and that usually means lots of jersey news and unveilings and so forth. Plenty of content. However, the spring is usually the slowest time of the year. So I asked what you guys would like to see on the site. I got a lot of responses but most would require a lot of research on my part, so yeah... thanks for that.

Here's some of what came in:

Alan Ruck rocks a Red Wings jerseyHockey Sweaters in Cinema Dave D. suggested this, specifically referencing the Red Wings jersey famously worn by Alan Ruck in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Off the top of my head I can recall Seth Rogen's bedroom being decorated with Penguins paraphernalia in Zack and Miri Make a Porno and — though I've only seen trailers — it seems Blackhawks gear figures prominently in The Dilemma.

On the small screen, Paul Giamatti showed up on 30 Rock this season rocking an Islanders sweater, singing the praises of Matt Moulson. And back in 2005, an episode of Alias featured the Lightning celebrating their Stanley Cup championship.

This is definitely a topic ripe for further delving, but I am by no means a film buff. If you are, feel free to start compiling a list of NHL jersey cameos in movies and TV shows. Send that along and we'll share it with the group.

Early Implementation of Lightning Rebrand My buddy John over at Raw Charge wonders about the evolution of the public's opinion about the Tampa Bay Lightning's new logo now that it has been splashed just about everywhere. The only place it hasn't been seen yet is on the players' backs. He surmises the early implementation of the new brand is helping in the transition for next season. Definitely something to consider.

Green is Good Josh K. suggested reviewing good examples of green hockey jerseys to get us inspired for the new third jersey apparently being added by the Dallas Stars next season. Word is it will be green! I'm hopeful and I think such a post could be worked out.

Ugliest Stanley Cup Winner Dave White from the Yukon wonders what was the worst Stanley Cup winning sweater ever. That'll require a trip to the past, but I'm sure there are plenty of contenders. The Penguins' Edge jersey, for one, is pretty lame and that was only 2009. We'll explore more at some point.

That Which Never Was Charles P. proposes a post about jerseys that never happened — like what the Nordiques would've worn if they stayed in Quebec in 1995 or what the Blues might've worn in 1996 if Mike Keenan didn't have some sense. There are others but photos and renderings may be difficult to come by. Any help would be highly appreciated and welcomed!

Outside the NHL Box A couple of followers asked about NCAA, junior and international jersey discussions. I tend to avoid those topics as I'm not as well versed in them as the NHL. As far as concepts however, send whatever you've got. If it's good, I'll be more than happy to post it.

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful ideas! As I work behind the scenes to continue the expansion of the Jersey Galleries section, I'm also hard at work on improving another well-received feature I launched last summer. Many of you have asked about it so I hope you like it.

Thrashers Retire Third Jersey

Thrashers retire 3rd jerseyAfter three long seasons, the Atlanta Thrashers have mercifully announced they are retiring their football basketball third jersey.

Blueland Blog, an arm of the Thrashers' official website, posted the news today and added that the team will NOT wear a third jersey at all in the 2011-12 season. Blogger Ben Wright wrote:

Some fans loved them, and others weren’t big fans. Whether you were a fan of the red third jerseys or not, they were unique, but their time has come to an end.

After launching in the fall of 2008 and being worn for three seasons as an alternate home jersey the red Thrashers jersey is being retired. The Thrashers will return to the basics next season and stick with their regular home and road uniforms with no third jersey in 2011-12.

Were you a fan? Will you miss it?

I may not be a Thrashers fan. But as someone with an appreciation for hockey uniforms, I think it was a wreck. But that wasn't always the case.

When it was first unveiled on Oct. 8, 2008, I wrote, "this is a great jersey if you can look past the front of it. I like sleeves, the logo element on the shoulders and the striping looks great. I just can't quite get past the text and the giant number on the front."

I still mostly stand by that. I like slightly oversized shoulder patches and the stripes on the sleeves. And I was always on the fence about the socks and the odd elements on the sides of the jersey.

But after years of seeing it over and over again I've been unable to reconcile the front of that uniform. It's just not what a hockey uniform should look like. Not that I'm any kind of authority on that. I'm a fan like anyone else. And coloring outside the lines is usually a good thing.

I just won't miss this one. Will you? Will you miss the Thrashers having a third jersey option? Should they take another stab in 2012-13 or stick with two for a while?

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Related: Atlanta Thrashers jersey gallery

Rock Your Green!

Splash graphic on Devils website featuring red-green jersey

Devils break in the greenIt's St. Patrick's Day and that means wear green or get pinched.

The New Jersey Devils will certainly not get pinched tonight, as they'll be wearing replicas of the red and green uniforms not seen in NHL action since 1992.

And they've been teasing us with photos in the weeks leading up to tonight. Just yesterday, the players broke in some of their their throwback gear during practice, including red helmets, special socks and green pant shells. The Devils posted photos on their website.

The Devs have also revamped their website with a bunch of green — I'm guessing for today only. But it features a picture of Martin Brodeur as a rookie in 1991! Here's a look at the background image, in case it disappears before you get a chance to see it.

Devils limited time green-infused website

By the way, he'll be wearing a helmet with that same design tonight. Definitely a game you won't want to miss. Makes me glad to have a subscription to NHL GameCenter.

Preds, Thrash Warm Up to Green

Preds don the greenThe Nashville Predators took the ice for warm-ups prior to last night's game against the Flyers in their green threads.

Couple of things to note about these jerseys. First, it's not a typical shade of green — which is cool. It's almost a really dark teal, a little bluer than the Sharks' teal.

But more importantly, check out the crest. It's the logo from the third jersey. Does this signal a shift in the Predators' primary logo?

You'll remember back in December that Howard Berger said the Preds would be making a "significant alteration" to their uniforms next season. Will the thirds get the full-time treatment so soon? Will the gold and orange disappear for good? Am I reading too much into a warm-up jersey?

Green for Atlanta too!The Atlanta Thrashers also wore green during their pre-game skate last night. Here (right) you see Maxim Afinogenov in the special jersey.

The sweaters were subsequently autographed and auctioned off during the game, resulting in $16,000 for the Thrashers Foundation.

Naturally, the jerseys worn by Chris Chelios and Evander Kane nabbed the highest dollar figures at $1,200 a piece.

Perhaps taking advantage of the Irish's luck, both the Predators and Thrashers walked away with wins last night after donning the green.

Update on Friday · Mar 19 · 2010 | 9:40 AM PDT by Chris

Devils throwback jersey in actionThe Devils' green-infused throwback jerseys were a big hit the other night. It's always cool to seeing the past come back to life on the hockey rink.

Devils specialty jersey gallery

In fact, the Devils weren't the only team rocking the vintage threads this season. The Calgary Flames also wore their '80s sweaters five times against Canadian rivals. 

And the team just announced that these jerseys are coming back another dozen or so times in 2010-11 as a third jersey. The Devils are probably happy to keep this a one-time deal, but imagine if they went a little further. That got me thinking...

Devils vs Flames, 1984This photo was taken in 1984 and the 1991-92 season was the last time we would see those jerseys on the ice together. Now, 20 years later, I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that we could actually see it again.

Maybe at some point teams like this will see that the 1980s was the pinnacle decade for the hockey sweater. They were bright, colorful and easily identifiable.

Today almost every team wears some shade of blue, red or black. How original and diverse. I know it's all about the money grab with these jerseys, but I'm all for it if it means the NHL looks like it should again.

It's great to see hockey jersey designs trending back toward the classics these days. Anyone else agree?