Dec 13, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
NHL jerseys are symbols of not only fandom but tradition and excellence. Perhaps no other sport reveres the crest on the front of the ‘sweater’ as much as professional hockey. From the reborn Winnipeg Jets to the Original Six the jersey is more about triggering an emotional response by fans. But not all emotional responses are positive.
While a great number of jerseys are creative masterpieces or traditional excellence there are a few in the league that could stand to go back to the drawing board. I tend to consider myself a connoisseur of sorts having been a fan for over twenty five years and an owner of 43 NHL jerseys. I intend to own more and do own a few of these on the list, but more because I’m a collector and not because they are the most visually appealing.
I may be alone on this but I like the Buffalo Sabres third jersey above. Here are the five I respectfully ask to be reconsidered:
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Jan 6, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) before the game against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The blue, black and white of the Lightning is actually a nice look but I think the crest could have been a little bit more creative and menacing. A single wide lightning bolt seems simplistic. What kind of designs could incorporate multiple strikes? The more offensive design is “BOLTS” across the front. Was there a really important meeting someone had to get to after this was settled on? It seems rushed. And I am not a big fan of the diagonal name on the front. I don’t care what font you use, it doesn’t look good. Not on the Lightning. Not on the New York Rangers. Not on any jersey.
Anaheim Ducks
Jan 4, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler (17) celebrates after he scores a goal on a shootout after the game against the Nashville Predators at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks won in a shootout with a score of 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
This one pains me to say. There are aspects to like on the existing design. The four color look and extra piping on the arms is one of the sharper looks in the league. The orange pops particularly well on the home black jerseys. But that crest? It looks like a duck stepped on Batman’s flowing cape. Selfishly I thought the original crest with the duck shaped mask and crossed sticks was excellent. Maybe going to a crest similar to the head of Wild Wing would work. It’s certainly a more aggressive look than the flowing cape.
Colorado Avalanche
Jan 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Colorado Avalanche goalie Semyon Varlamov (1) celebrates with teammates a win against the Chicago Blackhawks at the end of an NHL game at United Center. The Avalanche won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
There is nothing on this crest that says avalanche. The “A” shaped similar to a mountain is a nice base from which to work. But that thing coming across the front of it looks more like a gust of wind from Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. Is it impossible to have what looks like racing snow come between the legs of the “A” to finish formation of the letter instead of the northwesterly wind? And again with the diagonal letters. Keep the blue/white/burgundy. But start the rest over.
Los Angeles Kings
Jan 1, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Alexandre Burrows (14) shoots against Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick (32) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Los Angeles Kings won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe the Kings have a good reason to hold a grudge against every color in the rainbow. It’s one of the plainer jerseys in the league with a base white/black/grey look. The crest is straight forward with the “L.A.” on top of a crown, bordered on what looks like home plate. The straightforward approach works and I don’t really have any complaints about this one. But my love for the purple and gold from the 1980’s with the ornate crown as the crest is immense. It’s a unique look worn by some of the greats in NHL history. Bernie Nicholls. Luc Robitaille. Marcel Dionne. Please bring it back.
Carolina Hurricanes
Jan 6, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Carolina Hurricanes goalie Cam Ward (30) makes a save during the third period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. The Predators won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The most offensive jersey on the list. The third jersey is actually nicer than the home or away regulars, the crest of which reminds me more of a galaxy or flushing toilet than it does a weather system. That’s the best you can do with a hurricane? Make the eye bigger and more imposing, almost staring back at you like an actual eye. Or get a picture of Jim Cantore hanging on for dear life in the middle of the storm. Something else. Anything else.
