Rbk EDGE Being Dumped!
Monday · Mar 31 · 2008 | 11:44 PM PDTAs you know, I hate to post rumor and gossip. I prefer actual facts to back up my information so naturally I was unsure about posting this at all. But since I started this blog, I've made contacts with a lot of great people inside the NHL and Reebok. (Honestly, how do you think I was able to get much of the information I did over the summer?)
I was asked not to write about this, but I can't do that to you guys. As NHL fans, you have the right to know. I've been told the league will be dropping the Rbk EDGE uniforms entirely next season and is cutting all ties with Reebok. Naturally, this news comes as quite a shock considering all the time and money that was put into the project in the first place. My Reebok rep called it a "failed experiment" and said the split with the NHL was "best for both parties."
What might be most surprising is the league is discussing redesigning all 30 uniforms once again! (Like once wasn't enough.) A new deal is still being worked out, but right now it appears league commissioner Gary Bettman would consider having the folks at Bravo TV series Project Runway design the new sweaters in one of next season's new episodes. Manufacturing would then be handled by Nike, believe it or not.
My source (who I unfortunately can't name due to legal issues) inside the league says Bettman is "delighted" at the prospect of getting the league this sort of national television recognition. I'm tempted to take him at his word as that sounds just like Bettman to me. Not surprisingly, this is going to make the NHL look like a complete joke on the national stage.
Personally, I really think they should have just stuck it out for at least one more season. Sure, the Rbk EDGE system had its issues, but so do most new things. On the other hand, the prospect of new uniform designs is kind of exciting. But we just went through it last year. This is just overkill and rather annoying.
Finally, I just wanted to take the time to thank you guys for continuing to visit the blog. Without you, I certainly wouldn't be where I am. News regarding these uniform changes will supposedly start trickling out as the playoffs wind down. Looks like we'll be doing the uniform re-design watch for yet another summer.
I'll post more information on this as I get it.
UPDATE (4/2 2:12 AM): Happy April Fools' Day! I love you guys!
Reader Comments (44)
un-fucking-real!
no wayyyyy.
Wow at least I didn't waste $90 on an Edge Jersey.
Oh wait, I did!
You know, today is april's fools day. I am inclined to think that this post is a prank.
It better be, because a new change would be horrible, i just got used to the new jerseys. And dont get me started on why they shouldnt be on project runway.
You shouldn't April Fools things everyone hopes are true!
Keep up the good work.
I can hear all the Oiler fans rejoicing now.
haha. deleted.
dammit Chris.... you turd....
You got my hopes up with that headline until I realized what today was.....
I hope this is true (not April Fools joke) - these jerseys were crap from Day 1. All the hype about improved uniform 'systems' was garbage. The moisture repellent - failure. The tight fit - failure. Both dropped by whole league.
That said I don't think many teams will redesign their jerseys again - other than dropping the 'apron string' strips. Most new designs can be adapted to traditional jersey cuts. (Tampa will keep their new design - or something really close to it)
almost had me until the bravo part.
Good April Fool's post. Only wish it were true :(
You know the sad thing? Even the Bravo part is believable.
I was really believing this until I got a call from the "IRS" at work trying to schdule an audit. That set me straight with this post.
Wishful thinking...hopefully RBK will bail out soon enough.
Are you kidding? TV designers doing the jerseys? This is ruin the NHL further. DOWN WITH BETTMAN. This better be an April Fools Joke
i was excited to read this, until i realized its april fools...my happiness is now gone...
This would have made more sense if most of the teams hadn't already abandoned the EDGE jerseys (or, rather, the EDGE material, they still use the same cuts I guess). Still, bravo, well played.
nice one.
I am so HAPPY
i am gonna get hyped up up ove the summer agian
FUCK YEAH
I AM SO HAPPY
DAMNIT CHRIS
I Jst realized it's april fools day
godamnit
i was jumping around
this better be true
April Fools!
On any other day, this would be good news.
OK, it's past noon, no more jokes.
I got to the part about the TV Show people redesigning the jerseys and thought something was up. Then I realized what day it was.
Good one Chris. Many of us were hoping it was true I am sure.
haha i rad that at 3:24 am... give me a break for buying it!
You got me Chris. I was all excited about new jerseys and trashing these RBk things. Then I realized what day it is. Love the site keep up the great work.
anyone realize that this post did not show the date "Tuesday, April 1" like every other post?
Nice job Chris. Was that thank you to the visitors to ease the blow to some of us who bought it? (including myself)
Can anyone imagine what would really happen if Project Runway took over? ~faaabulous~... j/k