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?

JerseyWatch 2010

The NHL has really started to understand the value of marketing hockey jerseys over the last few years. They know that fans like us like whatever is new (or not so much) and that even if we don't spend the money ourselves, we build the invaluable buzz needed to get others to do so.

I mention this because, not since the years before and after the lockout have we seen all 30 teams wearing the same logos and uniforms in back-to-back seasons. In a way, it's what's kept Icethetics in business (and probably the league, too). That's five straight years with at least one team getting a new logo or jersey — or both — including the upcoming 2010-11 campaign.

Now that all of this season's new sweaters are out, the aim of JerseyWatch 2010 is to keep us all on the same page as far as what's new for next year. And we begin with Howard Berger. Berger became the first to leak descriptions of all 18 third jerseys when the program was re-launched in the Age of Reebok, 2008. Now he's at it again.

According to his most recent blog post, six NHL teams will be donning new or altered uniforms in 2010 — some of which we already knew, some we didn't. He says a "league merchandizing source" is his mole. Whether it's the same person as before, who knows? But you have to admit he was pretty accurate the last time.

First, here's what Howard knows. Later in the week, I'll write up a summary of everything else we know.

The Buffalo Sabres will lose primary mark that's served them since 2006. Unaffectionately referred to as the "slug" by fans, the ambiguous logo is finally going by the wayside.

Taking its place in all likelihood will be the classic logo that's as old as the team is (seen to the left). Evidently, the current third jersey (a veiled throwback) will become the new home sweater and a white version now in the works will be worn on the road.

This has been no secret as the organization's managing partner Larry Quinn has stated on a number of occasions that this will be the case. Sabres fans may rejoice.

The only real question: Will they introduce a new third jersey? I doubt it.

Perhaps the biggest surprise from Berger's post is with regard to the Nashville Predators. While he has no details on the look, he does say the Preds will "be making a significant alteration to [their] original design."

That original design had been worn by the team since their inception in 1998 — up until the Age of Reebok. Is it too much to think something along the lines of the new third jersey could be in the cards?

Berger also mentions the change could be even more dramatic if the team is relocated. But I think he's just being dramatic.

It's no secret the New York Islanders are hoping for a return to their glory days by returning to the jerseys that won them a handful of Stanley Cups.

They'll be following the Sabres in promoting their third jersey to full-time use and adding a white version for away games. Consult the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers for an idea of what that would look like. Just try to see past all the jersey advertising.

Oddly enough, while Berger doesn't have the details on this one, NYI Point Blank blogger Chris Botta does. Saturday night, he wrote a short post saying the white version is currently in the works. I have no reason not to trust him, but we haven't heard official word from the Isles on this yet.

The Philadelphia Flyers will become the third team in as many years to give their Winter Classic jersey an extended stay beginning in 2010-11.

No surprise here, but the Flyers, who this season made their orange third jersey the new home sweater, will take the white version of it, being worn this New Year's Day, to be worn on the road. This seems to be the era for throwbacks. I think the '90s killed uniform creativity. Or something.

By the way, as I read Berger's take on the Flyers, I have to wonder whether he's an actual hockey writer as he mentions the "Outdoor Classic" and misuses the term "piping." Still, he was pretty much on the money last time.

The powder blue third jersey the Pittsburgh Penguins introduced originally in the 1960s then later brought back for the inaugural Winter Classic has apparently run its course as a third jersey (after just two seasons).

This isn't news as I've mentioned it previously here on Icethetics. But now Berger is saying it too. So there's that. He also points out, as we know, that the Pens will still have a blue-infused third jersey for 2010 — it just won't be this one.

At last we've reached Berger's own team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are making some alterations their home and road jerseys for 2010-11. The third will remain the same.

Added to the blue and white sweaters will be the much-missed horizontal waist stripes. There was no reason to get rid of them and every reason to bring them back. Berger also says the "TML" shoulder logo, introduced in 2000, will also make a comeback. I could take it or leave it.

Coming soon to JerseyWatch 2010, the Vancouver Canucks and possibly the Ottawa Senators. I'll have a summary later in the week. 

Blackhawks Unveil 3rd Jersey!

First, huge win for my Bolts tonight over the Rangers — despite the shutout-spoiler with two minutes on the clock.

As expected, the Chicago Blackhawks today followed in the footsteps of the Pittsburgh Penguins and revealed their new third jersey to be that which was designed for last season's Winter Classic. But there was a twist.

But before that, a video on the Blackhawks' web site served as an unveiling of sorts. We watch Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa struggle to wrap the new form-fitting jersey over their bulky gear. Seriously, it's the worst video I've ever seen an NHL team produce.

Patrick Kane tries on the Blackhawks' new third jersey

Look how uncomfortable he looks. Anyway, beyond that, what do you notice? Check out the shoulders.

New colors for the tomahawk logoThe classic tomahawk logo has been been altered to match the red/tan/black color scheme of the new alternate uniform. This was a feature missing from the Winter Classic version. 

I think it brings the whole uniform together quite nicely. I've always been a fan of this particular secondary logo and I'm glad the Hawks have found a way to freshen it up and keep it around for this new look.

The Blackhawks have also announced a 12-game schedule in which the new sweater will be worn. It makes its on-ice debut this Tuesday, December 1 when they face the Blue Jackets.

It sees the majority of its 2009-10 action late in the season, during six games in March. The full schedule can be found on their web site or in the Icethetics calendar found in the sidebar.

One more note tonight, also related to the Central Division.

Icethetics reader Jon writes in to point out something surprising in the Nashville Predators' new alternate uniforms — which made their debut tonight.

Check out the picture below and you'll see a third new logo on this uniform. Specifically, look at the pants. There's a stylized "NP" lettermark there — something we're seeing for the first time.

A new NP logo is featured on the alternate uni's pants

When the jerseys were first unveiled, the players were not wearing these pants so today was our first chance at seeing them. I've yet to see an up-close or high-res version of this logo, but from this perspective, it doesn't look like anything that's currently part of the Preds' design package.

It's not a big deal, but certainly worth mentioning. Thanks to Jon for picking that out. If I learn anything more on the subject, I'll keep you posted.

By the way, a quick note on comments. If you guys want to ask me a question directly — whether it's related to the topic of the post or not — don't bother putting it in the comments. I will read and respond to it only if you email me at icethetics@gmail.com. Thanks!

Hawks Jerseys & Soldier Tributes

Never ones to miss a Black Friday cash-making opportunity, the Chicago Blackhawks have announced plans to officially unveil their new third jersey. And they're not going to make us wait long at all.

The Hawks have posted on their web site that the new alternate sweater will go on sale Friday, November 27 — tomorrow — and that Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa will be featured in a video about it.

Patrick Kane at the '09 Winter ClassicI'm assuming the short notice goes to the fact that the design has been long-rumored to be based on the special Winter Classic sweaters worn on New Year's Day last season (pictured to the right) against the Red Wings. While they don't say so specifically here, I'd be shocked if they do anything different.

Obviously, Icethetics will have coverage of that tomorrow. So check back for details and pictures.

For whatever it's worth, this is my favorite Winter Classic jersey yet — and quite possibly my favorite NHL jersey of all time. I'm not sure why. I just know I want to own one.

Also while we're on the subject of the Blackhawks, I got an email from a reader today on a topic I never made it around to covering a couple weeks ago.

Why were the Hawks wearing these camouflage jerseys during warm-ups on November 11?

 

Well I think the answer is obvious. The Hawks were honoring American soldiers on Veterans' Day. But if you'd like more details on the tribute, click here.

For the record, the Anaheim Ducks did the same thing the week before. On November 3, they donned camouflage jerseys in their pre-game skate. The sweaters were then auctioned for charity.

In case you were wondering, they are the exact same jerseys — only with different logos and numbers. And from the cut of the collar, it appears Reebok was in on the whole thing as well — which explains why both teams wore the same jerseys.

Anyway, I know I'm late on this story. And I apologize to all of you who sent in emails this month which seemed to go ignored. I read them but I just never managed to find the time to get it posted.

Actually, I had prepared an entire post talking about the lack of updates lately. It then got accidentally deleted before I could post it. Then I figured, who really cares anyway. You've heard it all before and I'm sure you guys are just happy when there's new content.

And this happens every hockey season. Work gets busy for me and when I do get home at almost midnight, the last thing I want to do is have to write more. Plus, I have a hockey team to follow too, you know.

One last note regarding KractIce. A couple of you have asked why it disappeared. Unfortunately it was due to a lack of interested just like the IceHL. And I understand that. The hockey season is back in full swing and no one really cares about logos and t-shirts anymore. We just want to see our teams to win.

We'll shoot for another competition this summer. In the meantime, enjoy the season and I'll keep posting new stuff whenever I have the time — except in January. I'm getting married in Las Vegas in January and I have no plans to keep the site updated during that time. I'll be back after though.

Update on Thursday · Nov 26 · 2009 | 6:35 PM PST by Chris

Quick follow up. Just read a good question that came up in the comments. Alex asked when Nashville is expected to debut their new third jersey on the ice.

As a matter of fact, it's this weekend. The Predators will wear the new alternates against the Blues tomorrow and the Panthers on Saturday — or so says the current splash page of their web site.

By the way, I've got one more item to mention.

If you haven't been following along with the Twitter updates in the sidebar, you may have missed the revelation that the Pittsburgh Penguins are evidently scrapping one of the best third jerseys currently in use in the NHL.

In an article posted on the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's web site, writer Rob Rossi mentioned that the Panthers debuted their third jersey in Monday night's game and that the Penguins' alternates would be replaced in the 2010-11 season.

The Florida Panthers unveiled an alternate uniform last night. The color scheme mirrored the Penguins' original colors: baby blue, dark blue and white. Those colors are part of the Penguins' popular current throwback-themed alternate uniforms, which will be replaced next season.

That's as much as it mentions so there's no word yet on what the jerseys will be replaced with. And as far as I know, there's been no official mention of this from the team.

Pittsburgh Penguins' third jerseyPersonally, I thought they should've made the switch to these jerseys full time. But obviously the team disagrees — though I can't imagine why. Fans seemed to go nuts over it.

As you may know, the baby blue sweaters (pictured at left) originally debuted in the inaugural Winter Classic on New Year's Day 2008. They were such a big hit, the team opted to use them another dozen times both last season and this season.

It also means the Age of Reebok's Third Jersey Extravaganza won't end this season after all. We'll see a new alternate uniform in Pittsburgh at the very least come 2010.

Other teams for which I'm hoping to see replacement third jerseys — the Lightning, Senators, Stars, Bruins and Thrashers. But we can all keep dreaming.

Icethetics Season Preview, Part 3

We're midway through the Icethetics Season Preview and after yesterday's three-section post, I'm going to make Part 3 short and sweet. It's a recap of the new logos that will be seen around the NHL this season.

Part 3: New NHL Logos

At least six NHL clubs will have new logos in their arsenal beginning with this 2009-10 season, presented here in alphabetical order.

Boston Bruins (special)

The Boston Bruins will face the Philadelphia Flyers in the Winter Classic on New Year's Day 2010. The NHL's annual outdoor game typically sees its participants dig into their history for special vintage uniforms. And the Bs had a long history to dig into.

For this year's big game, the Bruins pulled elements from five of the different looks they've had over the last 85 years. This logo comes from the sweaters worn 60 years ago to commemorate the franchise's 25th anniversary.

The logo will be used on the jersey as well as other Winter Classic-related merchandise. No plans have been announced to make the jersey the new third beginning in 2010-11, but it's not out of the question. The Penguins and Blackhawks have both given their Winter Classic threads an upgrade.

Buffalo Sabres (vintage)

While nothing has been made official just yet, everything is beginning to point to the notion that the Buffalo Sabres will retreat from the slug and give that classic 1970s primary mark another go. (I'll have details on this from Larry Quinn soon.)

Retro is in right now in the NHL and it seems like a vast majority of the teams are looking backward to move their uniforms forward. Sabres fans have been begging for a return to the team's original look. Their wish may soon come true.

The logo will continue to appear this season at center ice in the HSBC Arena and on tons of merchandise along with the team's official web site and other electronic and social media.

Calgary Flames (vintage)

After scrapping plans to release a brand new black third jersey complete with a fancy new logo, the Calgary Flames jumped on the throwback bandwagon. In fact, forget the black jersey — black is nowhere to be found on the new vintage threads the team is trotting out for their 30th anniversary season.

The club will wear a red jersey that's nearly identical to what was originally worn when the Flames moved from Atlanta to Calgary in 1980. Front and center will be that classic, white-hot flaming C.

No word yet on whether this vintage jersey and logo will be sticking around beyond the five games its scheduled for this season or if that previously designed black third will ever see the light of day.

Florida Panthers (alternate)

After 15 years in the NHL, the leaping cat logo most associated with the Florida Panthers is disappearing. While nothing has been announced officially, this legless feline has been popping up all over the place — everywhere but the jerseys, that is.

The Panthers are also one of a handful of teams expected to release a third jersey this season. They, along with the Colorado Avalanche, have yet to do so. It's not clear yet what to expect for the alternate sweater, but it wouldn't surprise me if this new logo somehow figures in.

For now, you can find it all over the team's electronic media outlets as well as publications and merchandise. And I haven't seen it yet, but it'll will probably be painted at center ice as well.

Minnesota Wild (third jersey)

So far this summer, two teams have unveiled third jerseys and both have involved new logos. The Minnesota Wild's new green duds feature a script rather than a typical logo. But that M will be making its way onto all sorts of Wild gear this year.

The logo is an encapsulation of the history of classic Minnesota hockey. From the simple M to the shooting star which dots the I that, no doubt, calls back to the Minnesota North Stars.

It's not my favorite thing for the front of a jersey, but it has a lot of meaning and the Wild still have the best primary mark in the entire league if you ask me.

Nashville Predators (third jersey)

The launch of their third sweater brought two new logos into existence for the Nashville Predators. However neither is entirely new. The one you see here is a simplified and recolored version of the Preds' primary mark.

A mix of black, grey and shades of blue join a brand new color in the team's identity — the red in the eye. I certainly prefer the simpler version of what is surely the most detailed primary logo in the NHL.

The other logo, found on the shoulders of the new jersey, is an adaptation of the current secondary mark which depicts the skull of a saber-toothed tiger. It's now encircled within the same checkerboard pattern found on the uniform itself.

I might've been more impressed with a completely new logo, but then we do know Nashville's track record in this category (see the old mustard jersey). Still, they're at least moving in the right direction by simplifying a complicated set of logos.

I'm not anticipating any other new logos around the NHL. The Colorado Avalanche have yet to unveil their third jersey, but it's expected to feature text across the front with the primary logo on the shoulders — nothing new.

And that wraps up Part 3. We're back tomorrow with Part 4. Can you guess the topic?