Canadians Heart Stripes

It's been a week since the last blog update, so it's time for a nice long one. Let's take a trip across Canada and try to figure out why the natives like stripes so much. We start in the capital city. The blog's been a little Ottawa-heavy these days, but that's where the news is.

Ottawa 67's dark uniform / Robert LefebvreThe OHL's Ottawa 67's — not the Senators — have announced they will unveil a new dark uniform on Friday. They're bringing back the old barber-pole look from just prior to the Age of Reebok.

According to Reebok, the "high-tech" Edge uniforms were not conducive to the top-to-bottom striping the 67's were known for. So they switched to this (right) and fans weren't very happy with that.

Now, it's apparently "technologically possible" so they're bringing them back once again. Details from the team's website:

The Ottawa 67’s will return to their roots next season by wearing the barber pole jersey/socks as their “dark” uniform. The team was forced to temporarily switch from the barber pole to a solid colour prior to the start of the 2009-10 season when the OHL adopted the new Reebok EDGE jersey.

At the time, 67’s Owner and Governor Jeff Hunt pledged that his team would return to the barber pole design as soon as it was technologically possible, and that time has now arrived.

“The barber pole jersey is synonymous with 67’s hockey,” said 67’s Owner and Governor Jeff Hunt. “It’s the jersey of Denis Potvin, Doug Wilson and Bobby Smith. It’s the jersey of our Memorial Cup winning teams. And it’s fantastic to finally be able to return to it and give our fans the look they’ve been asking for.”

The jersey will be unveiled to 67’s fans at the Rona Centre on Friday evening, just before the start of their game against Niagara at 7:30 PM. Great seats for that game are still available.

Binghamton Senators' barber-pole jerseySo that's cool and I'll get pictures on the blog tomorrow. If any 67's fans in attendance feel like sharing a picture, everyone here would be grateful.

The AHL's Binghamton Senators recently sported the full stripes — though not in the Reebok Edge cut (right).

But that's not all. Now we bring it back to the NHL club. Icethetics reader Dan P. emailed in about what the change-up for the 67's might mean for the Ottawa Senators in 2011.

Given the conversations regarding the Sens jersey changes, this news could likely have an impact as it probably rules out a complete return to the straight barber poles... not likely that two teams in the same town sport the same jersey.

While I can't think of a specific example to refute Dan's claim, I don't see why that necessarily has to be the case — especially if it's just an alternate for the Sens. It might be cool to have that connection with the junior club in town.

Still, let's say Dan is onto something and the Sens wouldn't go full-on barber-pole. Team president Cyril Leeder has said that the barber-pole design will be part of the new third jersey. So that brings me back to the above jersey the 67's have been wearing since 2009. I think it would work perfectly for the Senators and it will no longer be in use by the 67's.

So that's that put to bed for the time being.

Here's an interesting one. Remember my April Fool's joke in 2008? It was about the NHL dropping Reebok Edge jerseys and turning to Project Runway for redesigned uniforms. Maybe it was just crazy enough to be true.

ESPN The Magazine asked fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger for his take on the uniforms of the most historic teams in major sports for their Style Issue (March 21 edition). He tried his hand at the Yankees, Lakers and Cowboys before turning to the Montreal Canadiens.

Tommy Hilfiger gives the Canadiens a new look / ESPN The Magazine

Here's what Hilfiger had to say about his Habs' redesign:

I wanted to go in a different direction than the current Canadiens uniforms, which are solid colors. We loved the idea of taking the traditional rugby stripe and incorporating it into a hockey uniform. The tie at the neck area allows a wider opening for putting on and taking off the jersey over all the pads. The zigzag stitch along the front is one of the strongest stitches that can be applied to a garment to withstand pulling and tugging. It gives the uniform a cool twist, but it's functional, too. There has to be a balance.

I like the rugby stripes much better than the barber-pole the 67's are talking about. But it would be hard to see the Habs in a uniform that didn't bear the CH. If you're so inclined, you should check out Hilfiger's other redesigns.

This next item relates to Canada, but not stripes. Chris Creamer tweeted a link to a story saying the sale of the WHL's Chilliwack Bruins  is "70% done" — meaning it's looking like they'll be playing in Victoria next season.

And it apparently relates to the possibility of the Phoenix Coyotes moving back to Winnipeg if they can't sort things out in Glendale, Ariz. This pretty much sums it up: "With the impeding collapse of the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale and their move to Winnipeg in the cards, it is imperative to the WHL that they move into the Victoria market before the Vancouver Canucks affiliate, the Manitoba Moose does."

I don't know all the ins and outs of this story, but I do know the ECHL is already in Victoria with the Salmon Kings — and they're affiliated with the Canucks and Moose. I guess it'll be interesting to see what new team names and logos we end up with next season when all of this gets worked out.

By the way, I have an extra-long Winnipeg Jets concept post in the works for tomorrow. Thanks to all the artists who've submitted their work!

Islanders 2001—2007 / Getty ImagesAnd now to drop my Canadian theme altogether, we'll move on to the subject of the New York Islanders  and their new third jersey.

In a video blog on NYI Point Blank, Chris Botta addressed a reader's question. He says the Isles will indeed launch a new alternate sweater for 2011-12.

The reader asked what we're all thinking by pointing out that the Islanders already "got it right" with the new white sweater this season. So why risk a "fishsticks" ordeal?

The simple answer: money. As Botta points out, if the club adds a new jersey, even if it has a fisherman on the front, fans will buy it. And the Isles would like to have their money.

Botta had no details to offer on the design, but did say he was working for the club when the orange jersey was launched. He liked it. Personally, I'm not a big fan, but it is different and we have seen worse. Much worse.

Thanks to Andy F. for sending along the link. 

Senators Confirm New Third Jersey

The Ottawa Senators held their fan forum call today and use thed opportunity to officially confirm their intention to launch a brand new "heritage" third jersey to mark their 20th anniversary season in 2011-12.

Taking a page out of the Buffalo Sabres' book, the Sens' new sweater will be a throwback to a team that existed long before they did. The team's owner, president and general manager were all on the call and also discussed the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.

Here are some of the relevant details from their website:

2011-12 season: The Senators will celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary in the National Hockey League throughout the whole season. Celebrations will highlight the Senators and city of Ottawa playing host to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game and Weekend, as well as recognize the 11 Stanley Cup-winning teams of early-era.

Senators heritage jersey: The Senators will introduce a new third jersey, a heritage jersey in recognition of early-era teams.

2012 NHL All-Star Game and Weekend: Senators full- and half-season seat owners, renewing by March 31, will receive priority access to tickets for the all-star game. New purchasers will also have access.

They offered no specific information on the design of the new alternate sweater, but based on the mention of "early-era teams," I think we can make a few good guesses. You know where to send your concept art.

Update on Wednesday · Mar 2 · 2011 | 5:28 PM PST by Chris

Sens concept / Jacob BarretteThis might be a good time to point out some previous Icethetics posts that have some relevance to today's news.

• In August 2009, we held a poll between the Senators' current third jersey and Jacob Barrette's concept design (right). Guess which one got 88% of the vote.
• A couple months ago, Ottawa's AHL farm club in Binghamton sported the barber-pole look with "vintage white." It was not pretty. Worse (if possible) than Calgary's Winter Classic threads.
• Also in January, the Ottawa Sun speculated on an "O" jersey for the Sens next season.
• Perhaps most noteworthy, both the barber-pole and the Barrette jersey designs have appeared on the Sens' official website in the past. I'm referring to an artist rendering of the O Store at ScotiaBank Place from 2009.
• And lastly, memories... If you want to get all nostalgic on the now "old" Ottawa third jersey. Remember when it first leaked?

That's all I've got for now. Anything else would just be speculation.

Update on Thursday · Mar 3 · 2011 | 11:39 AM PST by Chris

The story continues today with more speculation on the design of Ottawa's new third jersey.

Senators O T-shirt / Joel HouleFirst, one reader pointed out that the Senators are actually selling a T-shirt that looks and awful lot like Barrette's concept jersey (see above).

Even if it doesn't end up being the new sweater, it's at least nice to know that design is available on officially licensed merchandise. And don't mind the ignoramuses who say it looks like a zero. They're just trying to goad Sens fans.

Second, The 6th Sens blog picked up on a radio interview that revealed some new information on the actual design of the new uniform. Sens president Cyril Leeder was asked for details. He actually gave some:

Looking to see whether Leeder would disclose any hints about the sweaters or keep those cards close to his chest, Lloyd asked, "Are we going to see some kind of barber-pole ... old-school [look]?"

Leeder replied, "Well, you'll definitely see a barber-pole. ... The original barber-pole was the Ottawa Senators jersey so it's definitely going to be part of the design.

"We've actually got the prototype sitting right in the office next to me here and we think it's a sharp jersey. It's really going to be a great jersey and a good testament and tribute to the teams that started hockey here in this city. And really ... the first dynasty in the NHL was the Ottawa Senators."

We keep talking about the B-Sens barber-pole jersey and Barrette's design as though it has to be one or the other. The way I see Leeder's comment, why can't it be a mix of both?

Ottawa 67's / Blitzen PhotographyHe says the barber-pole will be "part of the design." That means the entire jersey doesn't have to be covered in stripes — maybe just the sleeves?

If that sounds familiar to you, you're probably a fan of the OHL's Ottawa 67's who currently wear a sweater quite similar to that description.

Personally, I'm pulling for this look as I just can't stomach another jersey covered in bad stripes — especially one that will see action up to 15 games a season.

I've always thought CHL teams have some of the best uniforms in hockey (and I can't wait to try to put together their jersey galleries). And while the 67's jersey isn't my favorite, it would be a solid choice for a Sens alternate.

One reason I say that is because of its similarity to the team's current black third. And that could be a good thing. While Icethetics readers may not like it, it's apparently very popular among people who spend money on jerseys in Ottawa.

Still, I can't help but worry we'll be disappointed by the Senators — as it's happened all too often in the past.

What do you guys think? Would the 67's jersey be a good look? The barber-pole? Barrette's jersey? Or should it be something entirely new and original?

Canadian NHL Uniform Ranking

In preparation for tomorrow's Hockey Day in Canada, Icethetics has been conducting a series of polls with the goal of ranking the uniforms of the NHL's six Canadian teams. It's the very definition of a popularity contest. And with 18 sweaters and more than 75,000 votes cast, the results are in. 

Rating: 8.6 (#1) 1979/2008

Rating: 8.2 (#2) 1917Coming in at No. 1 with an 8.6 rating, the Oilers' alternate sweater, a throwback to the days when things were brighter in Edmonton — both in hue and on-ice talent. Wayne Gretzky lifted the Cup four times in those colors. Now Taylor Hall hopes to lead a new crew to glory.

The Montreal Canadiens' red home uniform was a surprising and relatively distant second place with an 8.2. But it had some stiff competition. It's a look that's existed for as long as the NHL itself has. Its place among the best in well-deserved.

Rounding out the Top 3 is another blast-from-the-past retro jersey, this one belonging to the Calgary Flames. Rated by fans an 8.1, it was initially a hold-over from the Atlanta Flames after they relocated in 1980. And though the logo changed, the sweater remained the same for 15 years until the team's look evolved with black trim.

Rating: 8.1 (#3) 1980/2009 Rating: 7.8 (#4) 1970/2010 Rating: 7.6 (#5) 2008 Rating: 7.4 (#6) 1958/2008

The first white jersey to show up in the rankings appears at No. 4 and it's another throwback! Something tells me we like our Canadian teams in retro sweaters. The Vancouver Canucks are wearing their inaugural season uniform to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Fittingly, the Canucks also take 5th place with their alternate sweater. Toronto's alternate sweater follows close behind with a 7.4 rating. (Of course we won't be seeing Beauchemin in that jersey anymore.)

Rating: 7.1 (#7) 1992 Rating: 7.0 (#8) 1941 Rating: 6.4 (#9) 1992 Rating: 5.0 (#10) 2007

The next group includes the Maple Leafs' home and road sweaters and the Habs' road threads, making these the only two teams with all of their sweaters ranked in the Top 10. Of course it also leaves one team out of the Top 10 entirely. But we'll get to the Senators shortly.

Rating: 4.9 (#11) 2007 Rating: 4.8 (#12) 2007 Rating: 4.3 (#13) 2007 Rating: 4.2 (#14) 2007

As we start moving into the latter portion of the ranking, a couple of patterns are becoming clear. For every team but one, the alternate jersey is the most popular of the set. And the colorful home jerseys are certainly preferred over the bland road whites.

But the most noteworthy bit is that even though the Ottawa Senators have three sweaters to choose from, their most popular is 14th out of 18 in all of Canada. Perhaps a change is needed in the capital city, because Icethetics readers really do not like what they have to offer.

Rating: 3.9 (#15) 2007 Rating: 2.6 (#16) 2007 Rating: 2.4 (#17) 2007 Rating: 2.2 (#18) 2008

The final group is not a huge surprise. Many have bemoaned the "practice jersey" look of the Oilers original Reebok Edge home/road set. When the throwback won fans over, it became the home sweater. Now, rumor has it, it's getting a partner in white next fall.

And readers always suspected the Senators had a terrible alternate uniform. Now we have the data to back that up. That 2.2/10 rating is an abomination. But it's also supposedly getting replaced for 2011-12.

I found there were a few more numbers to crunch. For instance, what if you average each team's jerseys? How does each team rank overall?

Unsurprisingly, the Habs averaged out at a 7.6, a decisive top finish. The Leafs were second-best with a 6.9 average uniform rating while the Canucks trailed behind with a 6.3.

The Flames' three sweaters work out to a 5.7 overall rating forcing the Oilers to second-worst in Canada with a 4.5, despite having the best individual jersey. Those other two really hurt them. Obviously the Sens sit at the bottom of the group with a meager 3.4 average.

Alternate and specialty jerseys averaged out at 5.9/10. Home sweaters were clearly the most popular with a 6.3 average compared to those road whites with just a 4.8. And the good news is that overall, fans like more than half of all Canadian NHL uniforms.

By the way, for as much as some readers complain about all the blue in the league, these results speak for themselves. Ten of the top 11 Canadian NHL sweaters have blue in them. What's your take on the results?

Update on Friday · Feb 11 · 2011 | 10:58 AM PST by Chris

Just added a new detail to the sweater stats above. In the caption of each photo you'll find the year the jersey was introduced into the NHL (followed by the year it was revived, if applicable). When you look at it that way, all of the bottom 9 uniforms are from the Reebok Edge era (2007). The Canucks' alternate is among the top group but even though it's relatively new, it's inspired by the look of the 1970s. Coincidence?

The Best Sweaters in Canada

Hockey Day in Canada. It's the day on the NHL calendar when the six Canadian teams go head-to-head with each other. It's Saturday, Feb. 12 and it means wall to wall hockey coverage on CBC. I'll be tuning in.

This year the event is being hosted in Whitehorse, Yukon and on Friday, Feb. 11, I'll be talking to the local CBC radio station about the state of hockey uniforms — including those of the Canadian clubs. So the question is, which team has the best sweaters? One way to find out. Your vote.

The polls below will remain open until Thursday night and on Friday, the results will be revealed here on Icethetics.info and on CBC Radio in Whitehorse.

Scroll down, and cast your vote for each uniform. You can rate them 1, 5 or 10. At the end of the week, all 18 sweaters will have an average score to determine how they rank. Happy voting!

Sorry, no comments on this post. Just vote!

More Talk of Changes for Cats, Sens

In the days following the inaugural JerseyWatch 2011 post, a couple of mainstream media outlets have picked up on NHL uniforms changes set for 2011. And they're providing some new details for us.

George Richards of the Miami Herald says he's also heard red is returning to the Florida Panthers. He was prompted by the Icethetics post to share on his blog, On Frozen Pond, some of what he's heard from the players and team officials.

I wrote, regarding the Panthers forthcoming new home and road uniforms, that all we have is speculation. "You want speculation?" Richards wrote, "You got it!"

Panthers 2003-2007 / On Frozen PondSo since he was kind enough to quote me, I'll quote him so you can have a perspective from someone who covers the team:

At least five players have said they had heard the reds were coming back. Bill Torrey, Dale Tallon and Mike Santos have all alluded to their return. 

This is a big turnaround from the summer when it appeared that everything was going to the Michael Yormark-favored JetBlue uniforms.

So what are the Panthers going to do? Again, it's just speculation. But I wouldn't be surprised to see the Panthers keep their traditional color scheme for home and away — with a new logo, or just a modified one — with the third jerseys sticking around for Chevy/Ford/Pontiac Fridays.

And I think everyone could live with that.

Although ... Was talking with some friends last night as we watched the replay of the Atlanta game and the Panthers current dark blue home jerseys have finally worn on me. I dig them. I liked the blue alternate when they came out in the late 1990s and I think it's a good look today.

I wouldn't mind the Panthers going to white-dark blue-red as their three jersey combos and dropping the Tampa Bay JetBlue Rays look completely.

But I don't see that happening.

Nor do I. And look, we're not going to win every jersey battle. Sometimes we'll take what we can get. And if it means getting the Panthers back in red, we'll take it.

As long as they stay at the bottom of the Southeast Division.

The Ottawa Sun is reporting, independently, that the Ottawa Senators will indeed have a new look next season.

They say the Sens will launch a new third jersey as part of their 20th anniversary celebration, which will include hosting duties for the 2012 NHL All-Star Game. I hadn't considered that in my original post but it does make sense.

This was the paper's only speculation on the design:

While their alternative black third jersey has been a success, they might be looking at a design that includes a stylized 'O.'

They don't specify the basis for this speculation but, to be fair, this is a widely held assumption.

And by the way, if the Sens are turning 20, that means the Lightning are too. Perhaps the new home and road jerseys expected in Tampa have to do with the special anniversary as well. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough what both teams plan to take into their third decades of NHL hockey.

And on an unrelated note, I've just come to the realization that I've been following my Bolts for more than 18 years now. When did I get old exactly?