Loose Threads: Canada to SoCal

In today's edition of Loose Threads, I've got jersey news, ice painting news, and some other stuff. I always know to start with the jersey news and for now that means Calgary.

Flames: Retro Edge Jersey Revealed

Flames retro Edge jerseyAn Icethetics reader sent in a photo of the Calgary Flames vintage sweater in its new Reebok Edge cut.

Last season, the Flames re-introduced their original threads as an alternate uniform as part of their 30th anniversary celebration. Then in March the team announced that the classic sweater would be back for at least another season, but as a Reebok Edge jersey. Last season's version was made out of the standard pre-Edge jersey material.

The design remains mostly the same but for an alteration in the collar. The Flames have said this jersey will be worn up to 15 times this season. Last year, it saw action in only five games. Thanks to Mitchell for sending in this photo.

Maple Leafs: Center Line Gets Patriotic

Leafs paint new patriotic center lineThe Toronto Maple Leafs have overhauled their center ice design at the Air Canada Centre.

A string of Canadian flags now forms the center red line on their rink. But there's a twist. The leaf you find within those little white boxes that run the 85 feet from dasher to dasher is not quite what you'd find on the flag. It's actually the Maple Leafs' logo painted red. Not ground-breaking, but pretty cool.

Close-up of Leafs' new red lineHere's a close up. But if these photos aren't enough for you, the Leafs have you covered. There's an entire photo gallery on the website that shows the process of painting the logos before the ice goes down. Thanks to Brad for that.

Also, I haven't yet mentioned it on the site, but I did link to it on Twitter last week. We recently got a look at the the Leafs' new home sweater in action at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase. Click here to see it.

Kings: Look Out for Legends Night

Kings to celebrate Legends NightFinally, we have some new details on what the Los Angeles Kings are calling Legends Night this season.

Icethetics reader Curtis S. recently received his season ticket package and had some information to share. He says the Kings have branded several games as Legends Night.

Not sure what that means but the games are denoted by an emblem that features the Kings' retro logo. The team will be wearing a retro sweater this season, so this is probably indicative of that.

We already know the Kings will relaunch the classic threads on Oct. 9 against the Canucks. Curtis tells me that other Legends Nights include Jan. 15 vs Edmonton, Feb. 24 vs Minnesota and Mar. 19 vs Anaheim.

Too bad those games are all at home. What a sight it would be to see the Kings and Oilers both in their brightly-colored retro sweaters — no red, black or navy blue to be found.

By the way, the Kings are holding Hockey Fest '10 this Saturday. They haven't said anything about unveiling their retro jersey at this event, but it would be a good time, so I'll keep an eye on it.

Kings Draft Night Surprise

Forbort gets throwback jerseyThe host of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft surprised jersey geeks tonight when the Los Angeles Kings gave a purple and gold throwback jersey to their first round draft pick.

It's been rumored for some time that the Kings will wear a throwback jersey during the 2010-11 season opener against the Vancouver Canucks, as the two teams celebrate the 40 years since their first meeting. It seems this is an indication from the team of such intentions.

Derek Forbort (right) was taken 15th overall earlier tonight as the Kings took up hosting duties at the Staples Center for the draft. After posing for a couple of pictures, Forbort was given the standard black/purple home jersey before he went off to do interviews.

While I was watching the draft tonight, I managed to grab a quick photo that I shared on Twitter. In case you missed it, click here. And if that's not enough, the Kings have posted a photo gallery from the draft featuring Forbort in the gold and purple threads.

Update on Friday · Jun 25 · 2010 | 11:14 PM PDT by Chris

Just thought of a few other noteworthy draft night items. Most teams handed their new draftee the standard dark home jersey. But some strayed from the pack.

Most notably, the Buffalo Sabres gave 23rd overall Mark Pysyk the royal blue third jersey, which has been long-rumored to be taking full-time duty beginning this fall. Was that a hint?

If not, perhaps the big draft board itself was. The "slug" was nowhere to be found. Only the retro logo was used up there. The current primary logo — "Buffaslug" — was on the big board last year in Montreal.

Brock Nelson gets Isles' new road jerseyIn addition to the Sabres, the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks gave third jerseys to their draft picks. The Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets jerseys also featured their 10th anniversary patches. The Edmonton Oilers gave Taylor Hall the retro home jersey while the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche joined the New York Islanders in handing out road sweaters. For the Isles, it was the new sweater just unveiled at the team's Draft Party earlier in the night.

The Hurricanes, Stars, Bruins, Panthers, Coyotes, Canadiens, Ducks, Capitals, Blues, Red Wings, Penguins, Blackhawks, Rangers, Lightning and Thrashers gave regular home sweaters to their newest members. The Flames, Devils, Senators, Flyers, Maple Leafs and Canucks did not have first round picks this year.

More New Sweaters & Logos

The summer is officially here and this is the time of year when Icethetics-related news really kicks into high gear. Yesterday we got our first look at the logos for the Winter and Heritage Classics. But there's still so much more going on this week.

New Islanders jersey seen in video

Islanders new road jerseyIt's not like it was a big secret anyway, but the New York Islanders have tipped their hand by posting a video online which clearly displays their new white road jersey.

In interviews with alumni and current team employees, the new sweater is part of a string of historic Isles threads in the backdrop. It's exactly what's been rumored. But I won't call it official until Friday when it's unveiled at the draft party.

The video, which in and of itself is worth a mention on this blog, delves into the history of Islanders jerseys and logos — including that all too hard to forget Fishsticks Phase from the '90s. I'd embed it, but some people have had problems loading Icethetics when I do that. Instead, a link.

New details on Kings throwback

Kings set to wear throwbacksThe Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks will open the 2010-11 season just as they did exactly 40 years before. And they'll do so in a purple throwback jersey from the 1970s!

LA Kings Insider blogger Rich Hammond has once again said that the Kings will contribute to the Canucks' 40th anniversary celebration by donning vintage threads from their early years. He believes it will look like one worn between 1972 and 1980 (right). He also says it could be worn another three or four times throughout the season, but doesn't specify whether it would be worn against only the Canucks or other opponents too.

Retail sources have also claimed that the Canucks will have a white throwback jersey next season. If so, expect to see it debut on Oct. 9 for the season opener against L.A.

Sharks unveil multiple 20th year logos

The San Jose Sharks, never one to short us on logo options, will have five different 20th anniversary logos for use next season. The new marks were posted on the team's Facebook page yesterday.

The sleeve patch version was first posted on Icethetics a few weeks ago. A description of how it will be used on the uniforms was included in the press release:

All season long, the team will wear a 20th Anniversary San Jose Sharks patch on their sweater that will be placed on the left sleeve underneath the player’s number and above the stripe. The patch, which is 5¼” x 1¾”, combines the modern Shark with a powerful “double-XX” design, using the Roman numeral for the number “20” celebrating the team’s anniversary. This patch will also be placed on each player’s helmet.

I'm assuming they mean a sticker will be placed on the helmet, and that they're not actually going to sew a patch onto it. And as for the sleeve, it's unusual placement. Typically, you'd find an anniversary patch on the chest, but the players' numbers are in the way. Not sure why they don't just swap it out with one of the shark logos on the shoulders. Hopefully this doesn't clutter up the jersey too terribly.

In any event, if you were wondering what the other four logos will be used for, the Sharks' Facebook album describes them as (left to right, image above) primary crest, anniversary shield, classic fin and leaping shark. They're all well-designed and fit within the brand.

Blue Jackets unveil 10th anniversary logo

Blue Jackets' 10th anniversary patchThe Columbus Blue Jackets officially unveiled their 10th anniversary logo yesterday. It was first featured here on the blog a few weeks back.

Now the logo can be seen in patch form (right). And the team even has a whole press release about it on their website. Here's how it's described:

The logo features a representation of the state flag of Ohio flying on a silver flag pole above the stylized number "10" with a red and blue ribbon at the bottom featuring the team's official logo between the years 2000 and 2010.

The mark utilizes the team's primary colors of Union Blue, representing the color worn by the Union Army during the U.S. Civil War; Goal Red, in reference to the most exciting moment in hockey; and Capital Silver, signifying Columbus as the state capital of Ohio.

The release also points out the patch won't be worn on the sweaters until after the NHL Premiere games against San Jose in Stockholm. They'll have a special patch for that too, of course.

The Jackets' social media crew wasn't shy about sharing some pictures and video either. Enjoy these links to an image gallery and a neat video that reveals the logo.

AHL celebrates 75 seasons

Obviously there's a lot going on in the NHL these days, but I didn't want to leave out the AHL. It's the league's 75th season and it also marks the first time that every team has had its own NHL affililate.

The AHL revealed its plans to celebrate the milestone along with a special logo (left) which will be used throughout the season. It was designed by Derek Abraham of Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment.

2011 AHL All-Star Classic logoCelebration plans include all teams wearing a special jersey patch along with a handful of teams opening the 2010-11 season in throwback uniforms. The 2011 AHL All-Star Classic will be hosted by the Hershey Bears and will feature players in vintage uniforms as well.

I'm including the logo in this post because I somehow overlooked its unveiling back on April 3. The AHL All-Star Classic will take place January 30-31, 2011. The game itself returns to an East-West format.

With the recent addition of the Oklahoma City Barons, there are now 30 AHL teams all with individual affiliations. I know it has nothing to do with the blog, but this might make for an interesting logo tournament: NHL logos vs AHL logos.

Kings Going Retro in 2010-11?

The Los Angeles Kings will sport a special throwback jersey for a handful of games in the 2010-11 season, according to LA Kings Insider blogger Rich Hammond.

Hammond wrote on his blog earlier today, answering fan questions, that the Kings would wear the purple-and-gold uniforms for as many as four games against the Vancouver Canucks, who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary season.

Kings may wear this again soonHere's the direct quote from LA Kings Insider:

mrbob25 asked: 1) Who makes the decision to wear alternate jerseys for home games? 2) Will the Kings continue with their black-purple-silver uniforms with the crown or must we witness another uniform modification/change of using the alternate "LA" unis as primary? Good to know for the fans considering an authentic jersey purchase.

Answers: 1) I'm not actually sure how they set the regular-season schedule. It is pre-determined though, because I saw the schedule, early in the season, of which games the players would wear the black uniforms in. For the playoffs, the players decided to wear the black jerseys.

2) I don’t know of any significant changes on the horizon. I think they’re staying with the black alternates, and I know that, for at least one game next season (and perhaps three more), the Kings are going to wear an old-school purple-and-goal uniform against the Vancouver Canucks, because it will be the Canucks’ 40th anniversary.

Not only is this information of prime interest to Kings fans, but Canucks fans as well. Presumably, if another team in the league (not even in their own division) is wearing a classic sweater to celebrate the anniversary, the Canucks are likely to as well. And perhaps other teams will join the fray. But all that is just speculation.

The photo above comes from Shop.NHL.com and is only meant as a reference. This is brand new information and Hammond doesn't go into specifics about the jersey itself. But since it is available in the NHL Vintage collection, it wouldn't surprise me to see it be used in this case.

If this is true and the Kings are going retro against the Canucks next season, I cannot imagine the Canucks would wear the whale. Time itself would likely implode. Think the classic stick-in-the-rink that Icethetics readers seem to have a love-hate relationship with.

Before I go, I thought I should address a Kings-related question I've been getting a lot lately. Many have asked, are the Kings giving their current thirds full-time home jersey status next season?

As Hammond says, there is no evidence for any changes to the home, road or alternate sweaters for 2010-11. The team opted to wear the black-and-silver sweaters at home throughout this postseason, but things should go back to normal next fall.

JerseyWatch: The Aftermath

Wednesday's JerseyWatch 2010 update was one of the most-commented posts in recent Icethetics history. Glad to see everyone enjoyed it. But now I have a few things to mention in the aftermath.

First, let's clear up a rumor that was born out of that post. A few sites that picked up on an alleged "leak" of the Buffalo Sabres' new third jersey from the SportsLogos.net message boards.

Just some concept art!Come on now. This image (right) shows up not 24 hours after my original post and it's meant to be the real thing? We know better than that. Let's be honest and call it what it is: a concept based on a description someone gave to Icethetics — just like one I posted the other day.

Now as far as concepts go, it's a pretty sharp one. The script is taken from the logo of the old Buffalo Bisons, a team that played in the American Hockey League from 1940 to 1970. Is it likely they'd dig that far back into Buffalo hockey history? Maybe not. But then I didn't think they'd use a script on a third jersey in the first place.

We'll just wait and see. And for the record, I'm not trying to tell anyone what to think. Just trying to guide you in the right direction when it comes to jersey news. It's why I'm here.

Speaking of which, one thing I failed to mention in Wendesday's post is that while the list I had came from Reebok, it could be subject to change.

They say that the Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders are among the teams not making any changes for next season, but some of you will swear up and down that's not true.

You could be right. That list is not the end all, be all of hockey sweaters. It could grow and change over the summer and into the fall as more details become official. It's still early so just take it day by day. Your team may not completely let you down.

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In other news, the Los Angeles Kings have said that they will be wearing their black third jerseys during the upcoming playoffs.

The announcement made on the team's website also said that the players made this decision. Interesting if they actually did. More likely it's a marketing ploy to get you to buy a jersey. I mean, if the players like it, then you just have to have it!

I've also heard that the Flyers are planning to carry their Winter Classic sweaters into the playoffs. Not sure if it's true, though.