Avs 3rd Leaked (Again... Sort of)

Received an interesting photo this afternoon. I'm not sure what to make of it. It appears to be a cell picture of the new Colorado Avalanche third jersey hanging in a sporting goods store.

Couple of problems with it thought. First, take a look, then I'll give you my thoughts. The photo comes from an anonymous Icethetics reader.

Possible Avs third jersey?

First off, the collar proves this is not an authentic or premier Reebok Edge jersey. I'd go short of calling it on a knock-off since there does appear to be a rack full of them. My bet is it's a youth jersey.

Take a look at the NHL Shop and you'll see that the collars on the kids' jerseys get a different treatment across the board.

Example of Reebok Edge youth jersey

It looks fairly close to what we see in the Avs photo above. But aside from that, the design is exactly what's been rumored in all the computer-generated mock-ups that Icethetics has posted.

As for this photo in particular, the email simply said it was from a "shop in Colorado." No specifics. (Also, it was taken with a BlackBerry.)

More or less, I say this is what the Avalanche will take to the ice wearing in a few weeks when they officially debut their alternate sweater. What do you guys think?

(By the way, I know a promised concepts for my next post, but this was actual news! You'll get concepts before the weekend is out. More than you can handle.)

On the Ice, Nothing's Scarier

This always happens once the season gets going. I have less and less time to update the web site and I know many of you are disappointed by that. But I'm just one guy with a job and a life (sort of). Anyway, when I have time and content worth posting, I'll be here. (No plans to shut down like last year.)

All right, so here's today's content worth posting. The OHL's Kingston Frontenacs paid tribute last night to Don Cherry of all people — by wearing jerseys modeled after his trademark plaid suit.

Frontenacs' Don Cherry jerseyDoes anything make you smile more than that? It's just so ridiculous. 

The jerseys will be auctioned off online Here's the full release from the Frontenacs.

The Kingston Frontenacs are pleased to announce that on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009, they will be honouring Canadian Forces Base Kingston in their annual salute to the military and Don Cherry will be joining them at the event.

On that night, the Kingston Frontenacs will be unveiling and wearing a limited edition, one-of-a-kind Don Cherry game sweater. Each Don Cherry sweater will be autographed by the Canadian hockey legend and then made available for sale in an on-line auction, with proceeds from the monies raised to be donated to Soldier On.

Seriously, who wouldn't want one of those jerseys? Looks like they're all starting around $150. Get your bids in now!

By the way, nothing is funnier than Cameron Gaunce's face in this ceremonial faceoff photo-op. A true WTF moment.

Gaunce: Who the heck are we playing right now and why is Santa here so early?

Thanks to Carlo for sending this in.

All right, back to the NHL now for some quick updates. Yesterday, I posted a link to Twitter about third jersey article on NHL.com. It outlined a lot of information we already know and touched on a few new items — primarily with regard to the Cats and Avs.

The biggest new info is that the Florida Panthers have set a debut date for their third jersey. Ladies and gentlemen — Monday, November 23 hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins.

This is actually the only alternate sweater in this year's batch we have yet to see. Either they are the best team in the NHL at keeping secrets... or it's the Panthers and no one cares what their third jersey looks like.

I live in Fort Myers (technically Panther territory, not Lightning) and that game will be televised on FS Florida. That means I'll be able to offer HD video of the new sweater in action.

By the way, I just realized the Panthers and Penguins play each other in Miami both on Oct. 23 and Nov. 23. Weird.

The NHL.com article is the first official confirmation that the Colorado Avalanche will unveil a new third jersey in mid-November.

Specifically, it says that the sweater "will be worn for the first time in an unspecified mid-November game. A press conference will act as the grand unveiling a day or two before the game."

The only mid-November game the Avs play at home is on Saturday, November 14 against the Canucks. That's what I call a safe bet. We should probably expect that press conference on Nov. 12 or 13.

In case you missed it, here's an unconfirmed look at that new sweater.

That's it for today. When I next have time to update the site, I promise a concept post. You have my word!