Rangers Sweater Leaks — Again

Rangers' jersey leaked againIf there were any doubts before, let them certainly be quashed now.

Icethetics reader Sean (presumably not Avery) sends in photos of the New York Rangers new Heritage Jersey he found hanging on a store shelf.

I won't mention the name of the store where the pictures were taken as I'm not interested in getting anyone in trouble. But there were a number of them hanging on the rack (right).

And to be fair, these are pictures of the youth version of the jersey. But you get the idea. It's further proof of the sweater's "retro" design, which will be officially unveiled this Friday — in just two days.

The way the Rangers have been promoting the Heritage Jersey, I'm not sure if it's also going to serve as a third jersey for any indefinite amount of time. It looks good so I'm hoping it sticks around a while.

Back of new Rangers jerseyThis jersey was first leaked by Sean Avery back in September. What we didn't see in his lone photo were the details, such as the number and lettering styles.

We've got that covered now (left). And if you're also interested in seeing the special design on the inside of the collar, look no further. It reads "Established 1926" on the back.

Again, these are youth sweaters, so the collar design and jersey material don't match actual Reebok Edge specs, but all the critical design details should be accurate.

Just in case there's any question, I'm told the name and number outlines are in vintage white, not true white. And it appears the number font is the same as the home and road sweaters without the shadow effect.

Despite this pre-release look at the Rangers' newest jersey, I'm still looking forward to seeing it on a player in a game. I'm sure we all are.

Rangers to Reveal New Sweater

The New York Rangers have announced their plans for Heritage Week, part of their 85th anniversary celebrations this season, including the launch of their new third jersey.

It all starts Friday evening at Rockefeller Center when the Rangers unveil what they're calling their "Heritage Jersey" — the new alternate uniform that will be worn occasionally throughout the 2010-11 season. This event will take place at 6:30 PM eastern.

Avery in the Heritage JerseyAt the same time at the NHL Store in New York City will be another Rangers Heritage Jersey Event, where fans will be able to purchase the new throwback sweater for the first time. And just so we're not forgetting, we actually have seen this jersey before. Sean Avery leaked it.

Heritage Week continues through the weekend when the new sweater becomes available for fans to purchase at Madison Square Garden during Sunday's game when the Rangers host the Edmonton Oilers at 12:30 PM eastern. That's a 9:30 AM puck drop for west coasters (of which I am soon to be one).

According to the official Heritage Week schedule on the Rangers' website, the new Heritage Jersey will make its official on-ice debut on Wednesday, Nov. 17 when the Rangers host the Boston Bruins.

So there you have it. I meant to post this last week but you wouldn't believe how all planning to move can eat up your day. Thanks to everyone who emailed in about it.

As for the jersey itself, I'm eager to see it in action for the first time this weekend. I'm sure the cell phone quality photo we've had for a couple months now doesn't do it justice.

Loose Threads: Cats & Rags

Bill Torrey thinks the Panthers will bring the red back and MSG says the Rangers will launch their new third jersey on Nov. 17. These are the topics of today's Loose Threads.

Panthers: Bringing back the red

Florida Panthers architect Bill Torrey, who retired in 2001, seems to think the team will be bringing back the red jerseys at some point.

Miami Herald beat writer George Richards tweeted yesterday, quoting Torrey as saying the "we'll get 'em back," with regard to the team's original uniform colors. Today on his blog, On Frozen Pond, Richards went into more detail:

Bill Torrey, honored by the Panthers on Saturday, said he had to fight with then-owner Marti Huizenga regarding the team's colors and uniforms back in 1993.

[He] said she preferred the Marlins' black-and-teal color scheme, which then, was all the rage. Then she saw the red jerseys on opening night in Chicago "and she came up to me and told me how much she loved them.''

I asked if he missed those red jerseys, gone now since the Reebok redesign. I take it he's not a fan of the new Tampa Bay BlueRays.

"We'll get 'em back,'' he said.

That post is then followed up by a string of reader comments lauding Torrey for his years of service to the team and the desire to see red return to the Panthers uniforms. Thanks to Danny C. for the link.

Last week I mentioned the Panthers will celebrate three Throwback Nights this season. It got us thinking that they might bring back the red jerseys for those few nights. Perhaps Torrey's comments lend some credence to this. Hard to say for sure at this point.

The Throwback Nights will be held on Dec. 7, Jan. 15 and Mar. 17.

Rangers to debut third jersey Nov. 17

The New York Rangers will hit the ice in their new alternate sweaters for the first time on Wednesday, Nov. 17 when they host the Bruins at Madison Square Garden, according to MSG Network.

Icethetics readers Adrian and A.J. both wrote in today with the details. The guys tell me that during last night's broadcast, there was talk of Martin Biron's new mask, which will be worn whenever the third jersey is — and it will debut next month.

Below is a look at Biron's new mask alongside its inspiration, the mask of none other than Gilles Gratton. (Biron's mask comes by way of Rangers fan blog Blue Line Station.)

Martin Biron's new mask alongside the original

In case you missed it, Sean Avery posted a photo of the unreleased third jersey on his blog last month. It was quickly removed but remains here on Icethetics (right).

But regarding last night's broadcast, Adrian emailed me the following:

At the very beginning of the second period [the broadcasters] did a little background color piece on Marty Biron and his new American flag mask. Then they announced that he also has a second mask that was just created.

The mask consists of a lions jaws surrounding the face cage with the Rangers 85th anniversary logo on both sides. The mask is a tribute to former NYR goalie Gilles Gratton.

Sam Rosen (Rangers commentator) then announced that it was created in a vintage style and will only be worn with the Rangers third jerseys, which will are set to debut on Nov. 17 against the Bruins.

So I'll add that to the calendar and we'll keep an eye on it.

Avery Leaks Rangers Third

Rangers third revealedNew York Rangers forward Sean Avery has taken it upon himself to give us a sneak peek at his team's new third jersey.

This image was posted today on Avery's website. Looks like a pre-release photo shoot with the new alternate sweater — obviously.

Having gotten an early look at it myself, I can say that this is in fact the extra uniform the Rangers will have on hand for the 2010-11 season. You can see a patch there on the right shoulder. It's most likely the 85th anniversary logo.

I'm not sure when the team plans to hold an official unveiling for the third. They may just wait until November, like Anaheim. Or they may do it sooner. Either way, you've already gotten a chance to see it for yourself.

I'm a big fan of the color scheme, but it's no secret that personally, I would've rather seen them go with with the Lady Liberty logo from the mid-90s. What do you guys think? Hit or miss?

Rangers Celebrate 85 Years

The New York Rangers are one of the oldest teams in hockey and this season they celebrate 85 years. It will of course be branded with special logos and everything. This is 21st century sports after all.

Rangers 85th anniversary logoFrank sent in this picture (right) via Twitter last night. It's part of the Rangers' season ticket holder package. This particular item appears to be a notebook. Presumably, this logo or some variation of it will be worn as a patch on the team's jerseys this year.

Also posted yesterday on a blog called Scotty Hockey was another photo of with 85th anniversary items, including a dark blue bag.

By the way, note the navy blue and vintage white on that bag. I recently got an early look at the Rangers' new third jersey. It's not quite what we were expecting but I think you guys will still appreciate it.

And before you ask, yes I've also gotten a glimpse of the Sabres' and Ducks' new thirds. Will I post pictures? Unfortunately, I do not have pictures I can post at this time. Not without permission from the teams, league or Reebok. (For now, at least.)

I intend to have updated descriptions of the Rangers, Sabres and Ducks alternate uniforms in the September edition of JerseyWatch 2010. That will go up Saturday.

And lastly, to put your minds at ease, the Sabres' new road sweater — a white version of the former third jersey — looks very sharp. Rest assured, the Buffaslug is surely dead.