The NHL and its 32 teams unveiled alternate Reverse Retro uniforms on Thursday.
The sweaters combine colour schemes and logos from both old and new that will be worn during select games throughout 2022-23 beginning in November.
“Each design captures the team’s unique spirit that connects the past with the future,” NHL chief brand officer and senior executive VP Brian Jennings said in a press release.
Here’s a tiered look at all 32 adidas-designed uniforms that fans will see on the ice next month.
The Universally Beloved Throwback Tier: Avalanche, Kings, Sharks, Wild
Colorado’s previous alternate uniform honoured the Quebec Nordiques but this new one is a nod to the old Colorado Rockies. The Wild and Kings have worn similar throwbacks in recent years so why change too much of a winning formula? San Jose’s look is a nod to the league’s first Bay Area team, the Oakland-based California Golden Seals.
The Early Aughts and 90s Nostalgia Tier: Bruins, Capitals, Ducks, Islanders, Oilers, Penguins, Predators, Rangers, Sabres, Stars
Big-time Sergei Samsonov, Olaf Kolzig, Paul Kariya, Ziggy Palffy, Ryan Smyth, Jaromir Jagr, David Legwand, Brian Leetch, Dominik Hasek, Mike Modano vibes below…
The Spider-Man Meme Tier: Blackhawks, Red Wings
OK umm, Chicago and Detroit, who copied whose homework here?
The Something Slightly Different Tier: Blues, Canadiens, Canucks, Coyotes, Devils, Golden Knights, Kraken, Panthers
Vancouver’s 1962 WHL-inspired look featuring Johnny Canuck is among the most unique Reverse Retro attire, same goes for the Blues’ 1966 prototype jersey. Just like the Avs above, the Devils added some colours from the Rockies, the franchise’s former name before it relocated to New Jersey in the 1980s. Recent expansion clubs Vegas and Seattle have also entered the chat and the Golden Knights will be glowing in the dark on their retro nights.
The Might Not Fly Off The Shelves Tier: Blue Jackets, Flames, Flyers, Hurricanes, Jets, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Senators
Now I’m no Tim Gunn but suffice to say these ones below simply aren’t fierce enough and/or are a little too forgettable…
Alright hockey fans, which Reverse Retro looks do you find most aesthetically pleasing?
