By Phil Hecken
I’m back again today with another installment of the popular “Timelessly Representing” series, and today we will conclude the second half of the NHL.
Originally envisioned for baseball, several readers have submitted their thoughts on which uniform and stadium (or arena/building) would serve as a “snapshot,” if you will, of a club’s perfect uniform and home, if one were to consider a team’s entire history. It’s subjective, of course, and very likely can be heavily influenced by the ballclubs and stadia from a particular reader’s childhood, although this is not necessarily the case. But based on the more recent vintage chosen of both team and building, it seems like one’s formative years play a role in this.
We’ve now tackled MLB, the NFL, the NBA, the CFL, and will be finishing up hockey — if you’d like to refresh your memories of Part I (and there are links in that article to all the other “Timelessly” pieces). As I previously mentioned, I have also received submissions for many of the NCAA Football divisions, and I’ll get to each and every one of those as soon as the football season starts (and I return to weekends).
There’s not much more to say, so let’s see what’s …
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Timelessly Representing the NHL, Central and Pacific Divisions
By Kyle Schroeck
My name is Kyle Schroeck, that’s Shrek like the ogre. Thanks to the readers and Phil Hecken for having me write the “Timelessly Representing the Hockey Clubs” feature. Born and Raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, I have grown an affinity for all things Western PA and I have loved hockey since the late 80’s. I am only 31 years old, but I do embrace the history of the NHL and other sports. By the way, in regards to the NFL column of the same topic, Three Rivers Stadium is as timeless as $10 Wal-Mart sneakers.
The NHL is not exactly the most stable league for teams staying in their original cities. That fact makes this write-up a bit challenging, because the best jerseys in Hurricanes history have a Whalers logo in the center of the chest. Plus we add the Winnipeg to Phoenix and Atlanta to Winnipeg conundrum. So here we go, sorted by the new divisions. On an aside, if they wanted to make the division names timeless, they would have gone back to the Patrick, Adams, Norris and Smythe divisions.
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Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks Best jersey in the NHL, hands down, so clean, yet so colorful and Chicago Stadium.
Colorado Avalanche: Nordiques or Avs? I like the usage of the lighter blue and the fleur-de-lis around the waist, the successes have been more plentiful in Denver at the Pepsi Can.
Dallas Stars: Even though the Cup was won in Dallas, the Star jersey was short lived, and they have really bastardized that thing since. Gotta go with the 1991 photo, if only for the gratuitous Mario inclusion, and Reunion Arena in Dallas gets the nod over the Met Center.
Minnesota Wild: Current green fauxbacks and Xcel Energy Center.
Nashville Predators: They broke the mold a couple years ago by going yellow at home, first time since the Pens had yellow primaries in the 80’s, and Bridgestone Arena and its interesting sculpture.
St Louis Blues: The Blues should be Blue, right? It’s a shame the steeples were demolished before the original expansion in 1967.
Winnipeg Jets: Should I choose the Thrashers or the Jets? No question the Jets look is more timeless, considering Atlanta changed sweater designs every two years. The MTS Centre is arguably the loudest rink in the league. Even though it’s new, it has a reputation.
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Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks: The eggplant still supersedes the crap they are putting out on the ice today, and the Pond is their entire history.
Calgary Flames: The firefighter unis just feel right, as does the Saddledome.
Edmonton Oilers: Gretz, Kurri and Mess, and Rexall Place, the third oldest barn in the NHL.
Los Angeles Kings: Gretz, Kurri and Luc, and the Great Western Forum.
Phoenix Coyotes: Winnipeg’s second appearance on this list, and The America West Arena only because the sightlines for hockey were terrible, so bad that the balcony seats could not see the near net.
San Jose Sharks: Remember when teal was badass? Yeah, me neither, but they have stayed the course in the Bay Area and the Shark Tank is a great venue.
Vancouver Canucks: Lots of sweaters, tons of color schemes but which stands out? I can’t stand the orca, the skate on the black and yellow jersey, the deep V-neck, nothing really stands out, none are timeless. I think the new stick in rink is the classiest, with the V in the sleeve striping, and the Rogers Arena seems to be a suitable venue.
Ok, let the comment section argument begin!
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Once again, thanks, Kyle! OK — that’s it for puck. Like most “Timelessly” articles, I find myself agreeing more than disagreeing with your choices, but I’m sure there will be some good discussion in the comments. Readers? What say you?
Power Rankings Update
Today’s installment of the Uni Watch Power Rankings takes a look at the NFL — link coming soon.
In case you haven’t been following along all week, here are the introduction and ground rules, the MLB rankings, and the NBA rankings. We’ll continue tomorrow with the NHL rankings, and the master chart of all 122 teams will run on Friday.
Also: I’ll be doing a live web chat on ESPN this Friday, 2pm Eastern. I’ll stay on for at least an hour, and maybe a little longer.
Finally: In Monday’s MLB Power Rankings, I mentioned how the Orioles’ secondary logo has a backwards apostrophe. This prompted a reporter to ask Orioles marketing VP Greg Bader about it, which in turn led Bader to issue a very amusing (and transparently false) response. Sure, Greg, if you say so! — Paul
Sharknado…or Sharknada?
Yesterday the San Jose Sharks unveiled their new uniforms. You can read about it on the Sharks homepage, where there are plenty of pics and a video. But lets check out the new unis here (click any image to enlarge):
Not much of a change, right? Here’s a closeup of the home & road:
Here’s how the Sharks themselves detail the changes:
The home jersey look is clean, focusing on the Sharks primary color, Pacific Teal. Orange accents were removed from the lettering and numbering as well as the arm stripes. The classic crest logo will still be the centerpiece of the jersey.
To complete a classic look, neckline lacing was added and neckline striping was removed.
Clean, classic, bold and designed for performance, the Next Wave jerseys will help take the Sharks to the next level this season and many to come.
Next wave? OK. But it really doesn’t look that much different from their previous set. The biggest differences are the lack of shoulder yoke on the new unis, and a bit less orange. In fact, a lot less orange — the new set feels like the tiny orange piping is almost an afterthought (or a mistake). The other big change is there are no stripes on the hem. That’s a necessary ingredient on a hockey sweater, folks. Now it almost looks like a football jersey (if football jerseys had actual sleeves).
Not a fan.
Here’s the specs:
The Sharks will keep their black uniforms for 2013-14 and beyond. Since their new sweaters now basically look like the black jersey, I guess this was done in the name of symmetry? Those jerseys need hem striping too.
I’m all for simpler uniforms, but this feels like subtraction by subtraction. I never liked the Sharks unis especially, but now I especially don’t like them more.
Your thoughts?
Uni Watch News Ticker: “Here is my youth football jersey for the Otay Ranch Broncos,” says Andrew Domingo. And, “Here is my football patch for 10 year anniversary.” … “Aladdin Bail Bonds,” read the subject of Joseph Gerard’s email, “I immediately thought of Chico when I was watching tonight’s Pirates-Padres game.” … This is the design for the 1977 Milwaukee Bucks basketball floor. Painted by pop artist Robert Indiana, it is considered the world’s largest pop art painting. There is hopes to revive this floor and tour it around the country (big thanks to Eric Sahnow). In a similar vein, Nicole Haase writes, “I know how you like the old Mecca floor. A group here is having it run out one last time in Milwaukee. Some great history on this site, too. And a picture of it started to get laid down.” … $13,000 for a . . . Basketball? (thanks Brinke) … Elijah Netting has a request from the UW faithful (especially you DIYers): “I have a project that I need some help with and I’m hoping you guys might be able to point me in the direction of someone who has experience with this sort of thing. I have 2 replica Steelers jerseys that I would like to combine into one. I know the differences between Authentics, Replithenitcs (aka: Premier), and Replicas and these are both Replicas. One is a black Hines Ward (#86) and the other is a white James Farrior (#51). Since neither are on the team anymore, I thought it would be cool to combine them. Ideally, the finished product would have the name “Warrior” on the back. Looking at the back of the Farrior jersey, I don’t think the cut will be right down the middle, but if it was done right, I think it would still look good if done by the right person. I’ve attached pictures of the 2 jerseys (these aren’t the actual jerseys from my closet, but they are pics of replica jerseys that I found online) and also a very rough PC “sketch” of what the jersey could look like. I’m looking online for ways to do this but since DIY projects are in your collective wheelhouses, I thought I’d see if you guys could either send me some tips or point me in the direction of someone from the Uni Verse who can. I appreciate both of your time and any assistance you can provide with helping me find the right person for this project.” … New Ice In at Penn State’s Pegula Ice Arena, notes Jeremy Fallis. Our new hockey facility is opening next month and was painted yesterday. … Manchester City Tribute — Late Bert Trautmann honored by Manchester City in training (thanks to Kenny Loo) … “A pro-USA post about the ‘Made in China’ caps given away at a Nats game in our nations capital last week. This should balance out all that bleeding-heart pinko/commie crap you guys usually post,” notes Ben Fortney with sarcasm. “Not only do they name check my favorite vintage baseball nickname (Go Excelsiors!), but they also list 5 Made in America cap companies.” … If you’re going to source Paul in your article, you really can do better than spelling it correctly and incorrectly in the same graf. … Wonder where they’re putting Chipper’s Bull Durham plaque? (h/t James Gilbert). … These are some, um, interesting (what the kids call “sick”) gloves for the OSU Beavers (h/t Beavers Equipment). … Are the LA Lakers going to be one of the five (pretty much confirmed) teams wearing sleeves next season? (good spot by J. Wright). The answer is “yes” (thanks, Paul). … Gotta love MiLB — the Blue Claws gave away a Jake Diekman bobble last night (thanks Sully). More from Sully: If you like electric orange, you’ll probably like this Brooklyn Cyclones giveaway cap (from August 20th). … Brady Phelps says, “This RGIII shirt should go over well.” … Findlay (a Div II college) has new football uniforms. Interestingly, the helmets have the players’ names on the back (thanks to Kyle Shaner). … And who doesn’t love a DDNOB (Double-Decker Name On Back)? “Don’t know if you’ve seen this before,” says Tyson Camp. “I was editing video clips from BYU’s National Championship season in 1984 and found a Michigan player with FNOB: Mark Hammerstein.” … Some late-breaking NCAAFB “news” — looks like Baylor now has a matte black helmet, and here’s a closeup of their jersey (with complimentary Nikelace) — note the “Sic ‘Em” on the collar; and of course, there is a black jersey too (huge thanks to Josh Lassiter). … And “TTC operators reject ‘Montreal Canadiens-coloured golf shirts’ as new uniform” (from James Gilbert). … In yesterday’s comments, a question was asked as to the highest NFL referee number. Up until then, it was 147. Well, that’s been topped (thanks to Rob Holecko). … The recently completed 2013 Solheim Cup between Europe and the United States featured a uniform for both teams, as seen here worn by Paula Creamer (USA) and Charley Hull (Europe), with thanks to Graham Clayton. … Hmmm, first time I’ve ever heard the Arkansas football helmet described as “clean” (h/t Tyler Crawford).
http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20130819&t=2&i=768012511&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=700&pl=300&r=CBRE97I06A700
That’s going to do it for this fine Wednesday everyone. Before I go, I want to thank Kyle for Part II of the NHL “Timelessly” series, and of course to all the fine readers and ticker submitters. But before we go for good, I wanted to wish a special Happy Birthday to Ricko. I won’t say how old he turns today, but lets just say the candles cost more than the cake. And because we all miss “Benchies,” I’m going to run a special Birthday “Bunchies” just for the birthday boy (click to enlarge):
Everyone have a great day and I’ll catch you on the morrow.
Follow me on Twitter @PhilHecken.
Peace.
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“Sometimes things are–whether right or wrong when seen in the rear view mirror–a product of their times.”
–Rick Pearson
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