Preds 3rd Leaked at Concert

The Nashville Predators used a country music concert to leak their new third jersey last night at the Sommet Center.

According to Preds fan blog Section 303, singer Taylor Swift made a wardrobe change for her encore — donning the yet unseen alternate sweater. Preds forward Steve Sullivan even hinted at the surprise via Twitter last night.

Photo from Section303.com

Section 303 nabbed a photo from a giant video screen so obviously it lacks in quality in terms of detail. For that, we'll probably still have to wait until next Thursday.

I don't think anybody but a couple of 11-year-olds in the front row actually got a good look at it. Still, we can make out some of the basic features. It actually looks a lot like the mockup that was based off of one fan's alleged early look at the jersey.

It looks to be dark blue, with fewer colors on the crest, white stripes around the waist and sleeves, and laces at the collar. It's too difficult to make out whether that checkerboard pattern is present. (Section 303 says it's not but didn't provide any photographic evidence.)

What the earlier "leak" failed to incorporate was the the new circular logo that appears to be on the shoulders. It looks like the primary logo enclosed in a heavy circle — similar to the logo on the Wild's home jersey.

Predators owner David Freeman certainly wasn't lying about the Original Six feel of the jersey — aside from the glaringly modern logo on the front of the sweater, of course.

In fact, Jeremy at Section 303 points out, it's practically a carbon copy of the Maple Leafs' classic uniforms. That will probably hurt it's originality score.

Section 303 has more pictures. Thanks to all of the Icethetics readers who wrote in overnight with this news. My inbox was overflowing with new messages when I woke up this morning.

Remember, the official unveiling takes place at the Sommet Center this Thursday prior to the Preds' preseason game against the Thrashers. We'll have much better photos to look at then.

Preds 3rd Launch Date & More...

Lots to cover tonight so let's dive right in.

The Nashville Predators have revealed their plans for the unveiling of their brand new third jersey. According to the team's web site, the sweater will be introduced on Thursday, September 17.

That night the Preds face the Atlanta Thrashers in an exhibition match at the Sommet Center and fans in attendance will get their first look at the new threads during a pre-game ceremony.

Here's the text pulled from the web page.

Prior to the start of the Sept. 17 game, the Predators new Third Jersey will be revealed in a pre-game ceremony. Players debuting the new jersey will be available for autographs on the main concourse during the first intermission. 

If you're there, feel free to snap some photos and send them along. I'm sure everyone here will enjoy seeing them. Thanks to Paul for pointing out this new information.

To recap earlier news, it sounds like the third jersey will make its regular season debut sometime in November. Team owner David Freeman says it has a traditional look based on some Original Six teams. And back in July, a fan claiming to have seen the sweater, posted a description online which was followed up by a concept rendering.

Now onto the Boston Bruins.

This story may turn out to be nothing, but I got several emails so I thought I'd share it. A new video on NHL.com featuring Tim Thomas appears to show a retro-looking Bruins sweater we've never seen before.

Could it be a sneak peek at their new Winter Classic threads? Take a look at this screenshot and judge for yourself.

Sneak peek at Bruins Winter Classic sweater?

It's the yellow one there in the equipment bag. It's tough to say but it certainly isn't out the question. Like I said, I'll let you guys make up your own minds about its legitimacy. Feel free to discuss.

The design will be officially unveiled a week from tonight at the Bs' State of the Bruins event.

My final piece of news for the night is sort of a follow-up to Wednesday's late night post regarding the classic Buffalo Sabres logo continuing to appear at center ice. It's good news for fans who've been awaiting the imminent death of that awful yellow logo which debuted in 2006.

The final nail in the coffin may have come straight from the mouth of Buffalo bigwig Larry Quinn early today. Icethetics reader Kevin wrote in today with this report.

Hey Chris,

Larry Quinn, managing partner of the Buffalo Sabres was on Leafs Lunch with Bill Watters on AM 640 Toronto today. He let slip that the Sabres are migrating to wearing the retro sweaters full time. Audio isn't up on the website yet, but I'm sure it will be soon. Thought you'd like to know. Goodbye Buffaslug!

Kevin

I'm sure you guys can keep an eye (ear) out for that but it is certainly positive news. I think we'd all be better of if they just listened to John Slabyk in the first place. But we should all be grateful for the little victories where we can get them.

That's all for tonight.

Senators 3rd Jersey Sked

The Ottawa Senators have scheduled 10 home games in which they will wear their black third jerseys for the 2009-10 season. The new alternates were introduced last season.

The information comes from the Sens' official web site. Thanks to Dante_X for the tip! Mark your calendars:

• Saturday, Oct. 31 - vs Thrashers
• Thursday, Nov. 10 - vs Oilers
• Saturday, Nov. 21 - vs Sabres
• Thursday, Nov. 26 - vs Blue Jackets
• Wednesday, Dec. 30 - vs Avalanche
• Tuesday, Jan. 5 - vs Bruins
• Thursday, Jan. 21 - vs Blues
• Thursday, Feb. 11 - vs Capitals
• Saturday, Mar. 6 - vs Maple Leafs

The Canucks and Thrashers have also released third jersey schedules for this season.

New 3rd Debuting at Preds Fest

In an email sent out to fans earlier today, the Nashville Predators announced that their new third jersey would be unveiled this month at Preds Fest 09.

The event is scheduled take place September 17-19 at the Somment Center in Nashville. (That's apparently a Thursday through Saturday.) The email mentioned that more details about the event would be released on their web site some time next week.

Here's the relevant section of the email.

Screenshot from email sent to Predators fans

What's interesting about the note is that is simply says "jersey unveiling" as opposed to "third jersey unveiling." I don't think we need to read much into it. I would guess that the jersey unveiling would happen on Friday, September 18 since there isn't a preseason game at the Sommet Center to keep fans occupied.

According to the Preds' web site, they have home preseason games on Sept. 17 (vs Thrashers) and Sept. 19 (vs Blue Jackets). On Sept. 18, even most of the players won't be available to entertain fans as there's an exhibition game scheduled for that night in Raleigh against the Hurricanes. They'll probably keep one or two guys behind (who have already made the team) to model the new sweater.

I could be wrong but we should find out for certain next week when the full schedule of events is released. In the meantime, consider yourself up to date with the newest third jersey news. It's what Icethetics is here for.

Thanks to Matt for forwarding me the email to share!

In case you missed it: Back in July, Preds owner David Freeman said the new third jersey design borrows elements from the Original Six teams. A few weeks prior, details surfaced of a fan claiming to have seen the third jersey whose description was then translated into a concept posted online.

Mixed Messages

The rumors have been flying the last few days over the status of the Calgary Flames' forthcoming third jersey. The main question now being: Will there even be a third jersey this year?

Obviously we're at a point in the summer where everything is speculation. The last official word we heard was a year ago when Ken King said it would be a black sweater with an entirely new logo. Now it seems that's changed and the Flames may be more likely to look backward for an alternate jersey — this being their 30th anniversary season.

More recently, I've started hearing from various retailers that a Calgary third jersey may be off the table completely for 2009. But those reports have mostly be unsubstantiated. What can I say? We live off of gossip around here at this time of year.

However, a little more evidence to support a throwback third popped up this morning on the Flames' official web site. (Thanks to Drew for the link!) As part of the 30th anniversary, the team will be giving away a $30,000 shopping spree at a local mall to a lucky fan. Many other prizes will also be available including one that caught Drew's eye.

Four (4) weekly qualifiers will be randomly selected from all eligible ballots and will receive a pair of tickets to the Flames Home Opener on October 1, 2009 as well as a Calgary Flames vintage jersey. 

This isn't proof that there will be a vintage third jersey — only that vintage jerseys will be available to fans this season. Having said that, it's not a huge leap to think the Flames have indeed decided on a more traditional-looking alternate sweater. I'm committing to nothing.

Anyway, just a little something to chew on as we wait for more official information on the subject. While we wait, why not hold a poll?

Should the Flames stick with that brand new black third jersey sans the Flaming C that Ken King talked about last year? Or should they go with a throwback from their earliest days in Calgary? And if you like the idea of a throwback, should it be red or white? Don't let logistics get in your way either. The Maple Leafs' white third works just fine. Go with your gut!

Cast your vote and we can get an idea of what Icethetics fans in general are hoping for.

Update on Tuesday · Sep 1 · 2009 | 4:28 PM PDT by Chris

As several commenters have pointed out, the Flames have in fact removed the word "vintage" from the prize description. However, someone accidentally left an extra space in there between "Flames" and "jersey" — proof to those of you first seeing it now that I didn't just make it up.

You can click the image to enlarge it.

It again brings us back to wondering whether the Flames will even have a third jersey at all this fall. And surprisingly, the vote between throwback vs. totally new is nearly even. Interesting.