A Trio of CHL 3rd Jerseys

A large chunk of Canadian Hockey League teams are adding alternate sweaters this season. It would be impossible for me to keep up with all of them on my own. So I thank all my awesome Canadian readers for their emails. Today, a trio of new third jerseys for your enjoyment.

WHL: Rebels go for retro feel

Rebels unveil third jerseyThe Red Deer Rebels unveiled their new third jersey on Wednesday morning.

I'm starting with this one because I'm a huge fan. It is by far one of my favorite junior league sweaters, with a great vintage look. And that's what they were going for.

Here's an excerpt from their news release:

The most noticeable change from the previous "R" uniform is the base color. The predominant burgundy has been replaced by a beige color that adds both a retro tone, along with a western feel.

The standalone "cow skull" shoulder patch, taken from the teams primary logo, reinfoces this western concept. The striping has been moved to the middle of the jersey, and a burgundy shoulder "yolk" [sic, I hate it when I get egg on my jersey] added to the top of the sweater.

The most predominant feature of the jersey, the popular "R" logo which the team has worn since 2001, has been made over. The black fill adds strength to the logo, and compliments the neck collar.

The team will wear black pants and black helmets to complete the look. Player socks will be beige with two burgundy stripes through the middle.

The jersey will make its debut on Oct. 2 when the Rebels face the Medicine Hat Tigers.

OHL: Frontenacs add impressive third

Frontenacs unveil third jerseyThe Kingston Frontenacs also unveiled an impressive new third jersey on Wednesday.

I'm really blown away by the uniform designs that come out of the CHL. Their designers really need to take a stab at the NHL because rarely do we find a bad one in the bunch. In fact, a Frontenacs official may have put it best:

“We went for a retro look and they turned out better than what we ever imagined,” said Jeff Stilwell, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Indeed, Jeff. You really don't need to say any more than that. Well done, Kingston!

And here's another picture, because it's just that good.

OHL: Rangers rely on fan favorite

Kitchener unveils third jerseyLastly, the Kitchener Rangers unveiled their 2010-11 third jersey about three weeks ago.

I may be a little late to the party picking this one up but it's still very much worth a mention. This is a sharp sweater that is a big fan favorite. The team's press release has details:

This exciting new jersey was influenced by the Rangers 2008 Commemorative MasterCard Memorial Cup Jersey, and will feature the same highly popular soldier crest.

The crest on the front of the jersey was designed by the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club in honour of the Canadian Forces. The design was derived from a recruiting poster that was used in England during WWI. This popular recruiting poster was inspired by "Lord Kitchener", the same individual that the City of Kitchener was subsequently named after.

The poster's popularity led the United States to use it as the basis for the creation of their "I Want You - US Army" poster in their recruiting efforts on this side of the Atlantic.

As I said, if only NHL teams were this thoughtful and inspired when it came to uniform designs. Time to stop marketing your slick, flashy jerseys to A.D.D.-addled children and think about what real hockey sweaters are meant to look like. Call the CHL. They can help.

Thanks to Andy for the email on this jersey and to everyone who wrote in about the Rebels' top-notch sweater. Remember, if you see something that hasn't been on the blog, drop me a line and I'll share it with everyone.

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!