Thomas Hopkins put together this Winter Classic concept for 2014. He envisions the game taking place in Winnipeg between the Jets and the New Jersey Devils. Odd partners sure, but as classic hockey jerseys go, you could do worse.
Thomas Hopkins
Since we missed out on a Ross Taylor concept this week for a special Friday the 13th posting, I'm giving the first half of this Winter Classic Weekend to Ross. Some time ago, he put together a couple of jerseys for the 2012 Winter Classic between the Flyers and Rangers. An improvement over what we actually saw or not?
Ross Taylor
This half of the Winter Classic Weekend is focusing on New York. It's fair to say there are a good number of fans hoping to see the Rangers and Islanders face off in the elements. We've seen lots of examples for the Rangers, but what about the Isles? Brett Ireland provides us with a very simplistic yet intriguing solution. The only thing that probably wouldn't work — since this is a TV event, after all — is the lack of contrast on the back numbers. And while the design doesn't exactly scream Islanders, it would probably fit the Winter Classic theme.
Chris
After reading through the comments, Brett decided to take another swing. This one includes the Isles' other important color — orange.
Brett Ireland
It's Saturday and that means the start of another Winter Classic Weekend, doesn't it? For the moment we'll all pretty Toronto-ed and Detroit-ed out. So let's look beyond 2013? I bet the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues would make good partners for an outdoor extravaganza — especially, now that the Blues are playing like a good hockey team again. And these two jerseys by frequent IceHL contributor Chance Waddell look fantastic to me. In fact, why do we even need to wait for a Winter Classic to see them? Let's get them on the ice as alternates now!
Chris
Chance wrote in the other day to say he revised his Blackhawks Winter Classic jersey to make it "a little less stripey." I think it works both ways. But there you have it.
Before the Columbus Blue Jackets ever turn up in a Winter Classic, they need to get a lot better. But I think they'll make it eventually. Ohio is a great place for outdoor hockey. And when the time comes, perhaps the team could honor its in-state predecessor. That's what Trevor Richards has for us — a Blue Jackets uniform with all the marks of the old Cleveland Barons.
Trevor Richards
We've seen so many throwback designs for the Maple Leafs and Red Wings as part of the Winter Classic Weekends series. Despite that, they all seem to be different and unique. You'd think at some point they'd have to all start running together. Torin Kowalenko adds a great pair of looks to the pile with his set. I could definitely see something like it on open-air ice next January.
On this Winter Classic Weekend, we look beyond 2013. If the pattern we've seen over the years persists, it won't be long before the New York Rangers are back in action on the outdoor ice — and with hosting duties, to boot. If the Broadway Blueshirts were to, say, host the Islanders at Yankee Stadium, perhaps their uniforms could pay tribute to the sport normally housed there — baseball. Basically, Colin May shows us what it might be like if the Rangers were to adopt Yankees pinstripes. It's a cool look, but definitely the wrong sport.
Colin May 