By Phil Hecken (with another big assist from Teebz)
The 2009 NHL All-Star Game will be played today as part of the celebrations surrounding the Canadiens’ 100th anniversary. It will mark the 13th time Montreal has hosted the game (although the first time they’ve done so at the Bell Centre). The uniforms for this game have already been covered nicely by Paul in his ESPN piece, and Teebz has been running a series of all-star-related entries on his blog. This article will focus on some aspects and uniforms of previous all-star games.
The first true NHL All-Star Game was played in 1947, and the All Stars wore these beauties as they defeated the Stanley Cup champion Tornoto Maple Leafs, 4-3. In those days, the All-Star Game format called for the reigning Stanley Cup champion to play a team comprised of all stars from the other teams. Since there were only six teams in the NHL then, the All-Star Game was played prior to the start of the regular season.
It wasn’t until 1969 that the game changed to two all-star teams, one from the West Division and the other from the East Division. This stayed relatively unchanged, except for changes in the division or conference names, until the NHL thought of emphasizing the global nature of the game by having the North American all-stars play against the World all-stars. This system came into effect for the 1998 game and stayed until the 2003 season, when they reverted back to the East/West format.
MVPs of the game were announced starting with the 1962 game when Eddie Shack was named MVP. A few years later the MVP would be given a car as a prize for his accomplishments. But, since the All Star Game is returning to Montreal for the first time in 16 years, let’s now focus on those games played in that city.
Although the first league-sanction all-star game wasn’t until 1947, there were “all-star benefit games” prior to that. The first such game was in 1934, for Irvine Wallace “Ace” Bailey, whose career came to an abrupt end on December 12, 1933, when he was hit from behind by Eddie Shore of the Boston Bruins, apparently in retaliation for a hit he had received from King Clancy moments earlier, and hit his head on the ice, fracturing his skull. It was feared that Bailey would not survive after severely injuring his head. Bailey and Shore shook hands and embraced at center ice before the game began. One of the teams was comprised the stricken Bailey’s teammates: Toronto Maple Leafs. The other team included the stars of all other National Hockey League clubs and they were so talented that more than half of them were later honored in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Those players would don this sweater. One of those players was Howie Morenz.
Other benefit games were staged in Montreal in the 1930s. The first one was held to benefit the family of Nels Crutchfield in 1936, while the other two were held for tragically lost Canadiens: Howie Morenz (the same man who played in the Ace Bailey benefit) in 1937, and Albert Siebert in 1939.
Montreal hosted the NHL’s seventh non-benefit All-Star Game on October 3, 1953, at the Montreal Forum. The All Stars wore this jersey, which was used from 1950 through 1954. By virtue of their domination of the six-team league at the time, the Canadiens hosted the annual event five straight years between 1956 and 1960. The All Stars wore a white sweater until 1959. In 1960, the 14th NHL All-Star Game was played in Montreal, and this time the Canadiens wore orange and black uniforms instead of their traditional red, white and blue jersey.
With the 1967-68 expansion and the NHL going from six to 12 teams in two divisions, the All-Star Game format changed and would now feature the Eastern Conference All-Stars playing the Western Conference counterparts. Furthermore, the All-Star Game became a mid-season event instead of being held at the start of the season. On January 21, 1969, in a newly renovated Forum, the 22nd NHL All-Star Game featured an East-West match-up that ended in a 3-3 tie. The teams wore these uniforms for that game.
The NHL All-Star Game would return to the Forum in 1975 (decent video footage can be seen here). Uniforms retained their basic black and orange colors, and in 1975, Bobby Orr wore this. By this time, there were 18 teams in the NHL, playing in two conferences of two divisions each. The All-Star Game format changed once again to reflect the new alignment, pitting the Wales Conference against the Campbell Conference.
The last All Star Game to be held in Montreal prior to today was in 1993, when the returned for the 44th annual game. The event produced a 22-goal scoring extravaganza, as Wales beat Campbell, 16-6.
My fondest memories of the All-Star game were when the game took place back in the 1970s and 1980s, between the then Campbell and Wales Conferences. The jerseys varied only slightly then, featuring the black and orange look many of us fondly remember. From 1994-1997 after realignment and the renaming of the divisions to “Eastern” and “Western,” sweaters took on the new look. Trying to generate new excitement, in 1998, the format switched to North America versus “The World”. The jerseys would get progressively worse (see Teebz’s site for more pics), and the NHL reverted back to Eastern versus Western in 2003. The only saving grace during this time occurred in 2004, when the NHL switched to these beauties. It wouldn’t last long however, because by 2007, Reebok took over hockey and introduced the world to the Edge jersey. We’ve been subjected to unis like this for the past two seasons. Fortunately, this year’s uniforms are a nice upgrade.
#1 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 7:33 am |
now, if you’ll excuse me, i’ll be busy spending 2-3 hours preparing something for tomorrow you’ll probably dislike as much as this
As a matter of fact, it suits me just fine!
…although some of the Red Wings might have issue with it though so they might just skip it
#2 by scott on 01.25.09 8:19 am |
New uniforms for the Newark Bears next season:
http://www.app.com/a...
They look really nice:
http://www.nytimes.c...
#3 by Scott on 01.25.09 8:38 am |
Let’s see, the league 4 years ago promised Carolina (Raleigh) an All-Star Game within the next few years.
Montreal is now hosting its 13th All Star Game. Still to this point, Raleigh has not been booked as an All-Star site.
Yes, that makes sense.
#4 by Shaftman aka Jay Palmer on 01.25.09 8:47 am |
Great job guys!!!
Even though I can’t read as often as I want during the week, it’s a pleasure to know that I can look forward to the same awesome content during the weekends.
#5 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 8:59 am |
Scott said:
Didn’t you read the fine print?
“Raleigh will be granted an All-Star game after they agree to return the Whalers to their rightful place in Hartford.”
Thats why Phoenix wasn’t so bummed they lost the game in ‘06
#6 by Graf Zeppelin on 01.25.09 9:11 am |
‘Morning all. Had a great time at the gathering yesterday.
For anyone interested, here’s NASA’s website on mission patches. Here’s another. You can buy them here.
Enjoy.
#7 by Graf Zeppelin on 01.25.09 9:12 am |
Correcting first link:
NASA website on mission patches
#8 by aflfan on 01.25.09 9:27 am |
I miss the Prince of Wales and Clarence Campbell Conference. I also miss the Divisions; Adams, Norris, Symthe and Patrick.
#9 by The Oakville Endive on 01.25.09 9:40 am |
On the net version of the Washington Post – Sports section – there’s a picture that brings new meaning to NOB – nice arc of the letters.
#10 by Josh on 01.25.09 9:49 am |
I think that “Bell Center” photo you link to might actually be the old Forum. The centre-ice scoreboard certainly isn’t one that’s been seen at the new rink, and the “Players” ad on it is for cigarettes. We haven’t seen legal cigarette advertising like that in Canada in quite some years!
#11 by Steve on 01.25.09 10:15 am |
So you complain about ASG jerseys from the last few years, then compliment this year’s jersey? It seems to encompass many things UniWatch despises…such as the random piping between colors. Not to mention the fact that each arm is a different color (reminds me of a crappy ProBowl jersey) and the horrible looking swatch of color that runs from the bottom of the jersey, up one side, across the top, then down the sleeve on the other side. It’s just plain ugly.
I know they’re nothing special, but I’d actually take the uniforms from the last few years over this one…since they actually look like a uniform…not some arena league jersey.
A “fitting tribute” to Montreal’s 100th season would be a set of classic looking uniforms, not these futuristic looking pieces of crap.
#12 by Patrick in MI on 01.25.09 10:16 am |
scott said:
Wow, pinstripes. That’s original!
#13 by Dan on 01.25.09 10:32 am |
scott said:
Much better than the purple/gold, maroon/black color schemes of the past
#14 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 10:36 am |
Steve said:
You know, I was thinking the same thing too, Steve. When they were going through the RBK revision two years ago, I was scared to DEATH that the Canadiens were going to do something like that ASG jersey for their new jerseys. Thankfully, they didn’t.
#15 by Bob A on 01.25.09 10:46 am |
Shaftman aka Jay Palmer said:
I was going to say the same thing. I enjoy the really complete weekend entries that Phil (and friends) put together. Ironically the weekend entries are the ones which I am able to appreciate best since none of the links are blocked as they are at work.
Nice job, Phil, even for a Ranger hater!
#16 by ken on 01.25.09 10:49 am |
ASG uniforms… I like the current unis. I was also a fan of the World jerseys espically with the players name on the bottom. And as to Carolina not getting a game. We in DC haven’t had one since the early 80s so we are due. (But the NCAA still loves us and the “FROZEN FOUR” is here this year)
#17 by William Harrison on 01.25.09 11:05 am |
Neat article on an enterprising high-school goaltender who designed his own pads that may or may not confuse shooters:
http://www.boston.co...
#18 by Jamie on 01.25.09 11:28 am |
Suck it, guy from yesterday who said we don’t cover uniforms anymore. Great article, Phil.
#19 by NickTav on 01.25.09 11:34 am |
Very nice entry. I’m glad some other folks remember how great the 2004 jerseys were. As for this year’s, I can’t see what makes them so much better than what was worn the past two years, either. But as long as Reebok is calling the shots, I don’t expect to like the all-star uniforms, anyway.
My favorite part of this weekend took place last night, with the skills competition and young stars game. I like seeing everyone in their own jerseys on the ice at the same time. And watching Big Z take home the hardest shot crown again was icing on the cake.
#20 by Dan on 01.25.09 12:13 pm |
The NHL Allstar Jersey wore in the eraly 1950’s
http://i135.photobuc...
looks a heck of alot like the New Westminster Salmonbellies Lacrosse teams Retro Jersey that i sent you last year that was based on a 1950’s Salmonbellies Jersey
#21 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 12:18 pm |
Scott said:
They announced just a few days ago that Phoenex is getting the next one in 2011 (none next year due to olympics) and Carolina’s probably getting the 2012 game.
#22 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 12:24 pm |
Actually, announced may be too strong a word. A guy on a HFboards posted a link to a rds article in french.
#23 by timmy b on 01.25.09 12:24 pm |
Very well done, teebz and LI Phil. Thanks.
I think I asked this before, and I understand if I get no feedback on this because of the rarity, but can anyone confirm what exact sweater was worn by the NHL All-Stars in the 1961 tilt vs. the Black Hawks?
Was it:
a) What was worn in the late 50’s?
b) What was worn from 62-64 in Toronto (the quasi football style jerseys with the strange thin black/orange stripes on the sleeve in lieu of TV numerals) -or-
c) Something we’ve never seen before??
As always, I cite http://www.nhlunifor... as a reference for a) & b).
Many thanks in advance for anyhelp!!
#24 by Nick on 01.25.09 12:28 pm |
As a New Orleans UNIWATCH fan from the Village Voice days (I was slow to the internet and would buy hard copy from the newsstand!) I would love to attend a gathering and hope to go on the road to meet you guys very soon.
Would love to help with a UniWatch gathering in New Orleans at some point. I know Paul has mentioned trips to New Orleans for music festivals/events and probably would want to keep the unicentricity separate from the music.
But if you guys ever want to come to New Orleans I’d gladly bring an assist with the meeting location/bar venue, etc.
#25 by Sammy on 01.25.09 12:29 pm |
I have a question for Teebz, and anyone else who may have a clue:
How do the colors of the ASG uniforms get decided? I understand that for a while, it was always black and orange, because those were the league colors. But, once the conferences were re-named, how did they get purple and teal for the West and East? And then maroon and blue?
It makes sense that they were red and green in Minnesota in 2004, because those are the Wild colors. But, why do they use red and blue now? It started two years ago, so it can’t be to coincide with the Canadiens. I don’t have a particular color preference, but I would just like the league to pick colors and stick with them.
#26 by Brady Graham on 01.25.09 12:30 pm |
So, I was just flipping channels and landed on a rerun of President Obama’s inaguration on C-SPAN. Was there a reason that the colors of President Obama and President Bush’s ties were the colors of the other’s party? Obama wore red for Republican, and Bush wore blue for Democratic.
#27 by BWags on 01.25.09 12:32 pm |
William Harrison said:
Good for him…pretty clever idea. Interesting that no pad designer has tried that (or at least patented the design) before now.
As for the ASG unis, I’m in the middle of the road. I like the stars down the sleeve, but without that, its pretty vanilla. I guess, in some ways, that’s an upgrade given recent RBK efforts, but like I said…they’re ok.
#28 by LI Phil on 01.25.09 12:38 pm |
timmy b said:
i believe it was this
according to this site:
LI Phil said:
teebz can probably give you ultimate confirmation though
#29 by blake on 01.25.09 12:44 pm |
NickTav said:
I can certainly understand this sentiment because when I first saw the all-star unis I wanted to dislike them because of their very atypical design but I just couldn’t and I can’t really understand why. Personally, one of the main reasons I disliked the unis from the past two years was the introduction of silver into the colour scheme. I’ve never been a fan of silver or gold in hockey uniforms as it takes away from the NHL tradition of simple design concepts and bright colours. That and silver and white look terrible together. At least the Kings had the good sense to surround their silver (grey) with black.
Secondly, I have never been a fan of one single colours being used for the jerseys, pants and socks (and helmet). I am fond of the pants breaking up the uniform and this years sets do that pretty well.
Third, those damn RBK Edge socks. Whoever decided to curve the stripes on the socks and then have a blank strip of fabric on the back of the leg deserves a good talking to.
Fourth, the shield used as a crest two year’s ago looked really lame. I like the proporitions of traditional national shields which the NHL has emulated in their own insignia but that bottom heavy garbage (AND MORE SILVER) used two years ago look like some WB cartoon crap. While the simplicity of just having East and West written on the front of the jersey is more appealing, last year’s bubble-letted, upward curving, off-centre wordmark look like junk once again. At least the designers had the good sense to write East and West in flat block letters this time around.
Fifth, the colour scheme. The bland monochromatic scheme of the past two years was just that, boring. They rolled out these brand new uniforms which were to become the future and the uniform design so many intricacies that I wouldn’t think I could call it boring. But it was, and due mostly to using silver instead of a proper third colour the break up the monotony. This year we have 3 very well defined, and very rich, colours which make up the unis. I enjoy the fact that they used the canadiens colour scheme much like was done in 2004. This is a trend I would like to continue each year.
Sixth, the patches down the arms containing the three years the event was held in montreal is a subtle but welcome reminder that this game has a history and is not simply about trying to attract new fans with bells and whistles, but also about tradition. And to be honest, I always liked the Atlanta Thrashers’ thirds with the assymetrical design so I don’t find this jersey so outlandish. Besides, it is an allstar game which is essentially when uniform designers can come up with some crazy crap which they know they couldn’t possiobly get away with during the regular season because these will only be used for one night. Sure I would love to see something as beautiful as the sets from 2004 each year, but considering the only part of the weekend I truly enjoy is the skills competition (which is incidentally when the players don’t wear the all-star jerseys) I am never too, too upset but an ugly concept. But I can imagine myself being drawn into watching the game if the designs were much more appealing.
#30 by Graf Zeppelin on 01.25.09 12:53 pm |
Brady Graham said:
Doubt it. Red and blue are not “official” colors of the respective parties; the TV networks use them to make electoral maps. In fact, in 1988 the networks used blue for Bush Sr. (R) and red for Dukakis (D). Not sure about ‘84, ‘92 and ‘96.
#31 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 12:54 pm |
Brady Graham said:
Bush was feeling blue because it was his last day, and Obama is taking over a country that is in the red.
…what, you have a better reason? ;-)
#32 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 1:01 pm |
Tony In Erie said:
To show Cross party unity? Red and blue have become synonymous with Republicans and Democrats, elected officials know that. Which, in a moment from 2004, Kerry spent about half an hour before one of the debates debating red or blue tie. (Bush wound up with blue, Kerry wore red IIRC)
You want to show cross party unity, or you want to show you’re a solid member of your own party. If you watch congress, a lot of the junior members wear the color of their own party, while the senior members may or may not.
#33 by Hibbs on 01.25.09 1:06 pm |
The all-star uni’s this year are as bad as the last ones.
That high school goalie who designed his own pads is named Trevor Leahy. Ricky? Julian?
#34 by Sammy on 01.25.09 1:11 pm |
Jeff P said:
That had something to do with it, I’m sure, but if I remember, Bush’s “signature” tie color is blue, going back to when he first ran for president. According to this article, he has worn a blue tie for 5 of 8 State of the Union addresses. They say it’s something about his blue eyes, or Texas blue jeans, or something like that.
As for Obama, maybe he knew about Bush’s blue tie obsession, and wanted to show a contrast, even in opposite party colors. And unity, and that whole thing. Or, maybe red is his preference. I haven’t noticed a pattern for him yet.
#35 by Daniel on 01.25.09 1:16 pm |
Martin St Loius of Tampa Bay was wearing the wrong socks last night.
Normal:
http://i.cdn.turner....
Last Night:
http://lightning.nhl...
I believe he was wearing the socks that go with their 3rd jerseys. Anyone know the reasoning behind this. Lecavalier and Stamkos both wore the correct socks
#36 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 1:18 pm |
Still looking for a reason better than mine haha
#37 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 1:25 pm |
Whats with the generic goalie in those pictures of the skills competition? Who was that?
#38 by Priest on 01.25.09 2:03 pm |
He was a junior B goalie I beleive. Thhey interviewed him on CBC, but I can’t remember any details. I think they did it because Rick Dipietro was hurt last year. He was also apparently told to let them score, but they kept shooting right at him.
#39 by Teebz on 01.25.09 2:09 pm |
Alrighty…
Tony, the generic goalie was a junior player from Montreal. His name is Jason Macchio (sp?). He’s 21 years-old, and plays for the Junior AA Vipers just outside of Montreal. The NHL was looking for a goaltender to “stand in the net and not make any saves” during the Breakaway Challenge. Because the NHL goalies don’t want to be shown up, the NHL went out and grabbed a local kid to tend the crease. Cool idea, and one I’d like to see the NHL continue to help promote the game at the grassroots level.
Sammy, the choice for colours is entirely up to the NHL. The purple/teal jerseys of the 1990s was cashing in on the fad of using those colours. The change to maroonish-red and white in the late-1990s was, again, a decision by the NHL. The dark blue vs. orange of 2000 and 2001 was decided by the NHL. This trend continues on 2003 until the Minnesota Wild hosted the game in 2004. They requested the opportunity to design the jerseys in an old-time hockey style with the cream-colour base. And it really came off well, in my opinion. The last three All-Star Games have been a joint effort between Reebok and the NHL. I can’t confirm who is entirely in charge of selecting and designing ASG jerseys at the NHL head offices, but there has to be someone.
Timmy B, the NHL All-Stars did indeed wear these jerseys for the All-Star Games from 1960 to 1964. In 1965, they changed the look slightly, losing the trapezoidal design on the shoulder for stripes.
#40 by Geeman on 01.25.09 2:11 pm |
http://farm1.static....
Glad to see Paul is a tucker once in a while.
#41 by Johnny O on 01.25.09 2:18 pm |
I was just watching highlights of Super Bowl XXXI on the NFL Network, and realized something that may be common knowledge on here, but I’m not sure.
Super Bowl XXXI was the last Super Bowl to be played without Super Bowl patches.
Super Bowl XXXI:
http://www2.jsonline...
http://www.squibkick...
Super Bowl XXXII:
http://extras.mngint...
However, the Pack and the Pats both had the Super Bowl XXXI logo on the back lip on their helmet.
Logo on helmet:
http://i147.photobuc...
http://i147.photobuc...
Before Super Bowl XXXI, did players have the logo on their helmet? I can’t believe the inception on the SB patch is only Super Bowl XXXII. It seems it would have made its appearance a lot earlier.
#42 by Tony In Erie on 01.25.09 2:19 pm |
Teebz (or what “teams” sounds like when you have a cold)
Thanks for the info. Bet Jason had the night of his life.
#43 by timmy b on 01.25.09 2:48 pm |
Teebz said:
Teebz,
Great find! Thanks!
Just a niggly thing here, but the link said that this jersey was first worn in 1961 as opposed to 1960. I think they mean the sweater itself.
Was this design first worn in 1960 or 1961?
#44 by Teebz on 01.25.09 2:54 pm |
timmy b said:
The 1960 season was the first time they wore it, and the NHL ASG still took place before the season started, so it definitely was worn in 1960.
#45 by Podunk Texas on 01.25.09 3:02 pm |
I know nothing of hockey, so my post is totally unrelated to today’s items of discussion.
I went to the Inauguration of Barack Obama with a group of my students and my wife, and took some pictures of some uni-related stuff for y’all at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
I found the uniform of one of my all-time favorite ballplayers, Roberto Clemente. Check out those awesome striped stirrups! Almost as awesome as Clemente’s humanitarian work. I also saw Apollo Anton Ohno’s speed skates which are foreign to someone from Texas like me.
In the non-sports department, I saw two other uniforms of great Americans. George Washington’s military uniform, and this gem! The trip was amazing, and as a fervent Obama supporter (which is sometimes tough in small-town West Texas) I can honestly say it was one of the most patriotic experiences of my life.
#46 by Mohammed on 01.25.09 3:12 pm |
Johnny… The “logo” on the back of the helmets you show aren’t the Super Bowl logo, it is actually the commemorative logo for Pete Rozelle who died in the season.
http://chriscreamer....
#47 by Mohammed on 01.25.09 3:14 pm |
Ugh.. I can’t believe I said “aren’t.” To redeem myself, here is the Super Bowl logo from that year:
http://chriscreamer....
#48 by Mohammed on 01.25.09 3:16 pm |
Looking closer, I will retract my statement. It is the Super Bowl logo on the bumper of the helmet. Nice job Johnny.
#49 by Johnny O on 01.25.09 3:30 pm |
Mohammed said:
No problem, Mohammed. My camera is at my sister’s house, so I had to use my crappy backup camera to take those screen grabs. Here is a view of the helmet we have seen before, and you can kind of see the SB logo to the right of the “Riddell” logo.
http://www2.jsonline...
#50 by Mohammed on 01.25.09 3:39 pm |
I actually like the logo on the bumper. As you pointed out, I wonder why the NFL decided to put the patches on the jerseys. It’s pretty interesting. Now, certainly, there are nice placements.. http://www.photojour...
And just some terrible placements… http://static.nfl.co...
Did it really have to be that high on the jersey?
#51 by BS on 01.25.09 3:40 pm |
Two random finds this weekend.
First, another design-your-own-uni game on a kiddie menu: Pic
Second, my sister sent me this pic from some girly store: Pic 2. Not quite kinesio tape, but still random. I guess sporty girls still want to wear colors other than black or white when having taped ankles, wrists, etc.
#52 by Noah Sidel on 01.25.09 3:46 pm |
The photo labeled “Bell Centre” is 100 per cent a pic of the old Montreal Forum.
#53 by Flip on 01.25.09 3:47 pm |
The Oakville Endive said:
http://www.washingto...
Whoa!
#54 by nate on 01.25.09 3:52 pm |
don’t know if you’ve seen it, but rumors abound that the sixers are going back to their old uniforms next year. unconfirmed, but worth keeping and eye on.
http://sixers4guidos...
i’m guessing it would look like this:
http://www.nba.com/s...
#55 by Sammy on 01.25.09 3:53 pm |
Flip said:
VAL–nice. Doesn’t Chris Daughtry have something like that?
#56 by Flip on 01.25.09 3:59 pm |
Sammy said:
Put red and blue together and you get Paul’s favorite color. Obama wore a purple scarf in the parade. I think it’s #33 in the slide show http://tinyurl.com/d... Yep, he’s reaching out!
#57 by Flip on 01.25.09 4:01 pm |
OK, #22. Purple looks good.
#58 by Flip on 01.25.09 4:04 pm |
Podunk Texas said:
That’s my favorite Clemente jersey also. Too bad the Pirates announced they’re all but abandoning the vest look. It was the one franchise that looked really good in vests (The A’s could go back, too).
#59 by Flip on 01.25.09 4:25 pm |
Flip said:
of course, clemente looked good in all kinds of stripes http://tinyurl.com/b...
http://tinyurl.com/a...
#60 by Flip on 01.25.09 4:28 pm |
re: clemente pics. Amazing how the plain black cleated shoes make everything a bit more classy. Imagine putting swooshes on dress shoes.
#61 by MPowers1634 on 01.25.09 4:41 pm |
Check this GREAT pic of Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron.
http://www.ftl.pinec...
What is more interesting to me is that I thought that the Pirates font was incredibly unique to them alone!!!
#62 by The Hemogoblin on 01.25.09 5:20 pm |
Read at “A Healthy Profit Margin”
http://sportsillustr...
#63 by bfrench on 01.25.09 5:23 pm |
It looks like Zdeno Chára was wearing two pairs of socks last night.
http://tinyurl.com/c...
#64 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 5:54 pm |
Flip said:
I was thinking it was the perfect stirrups and pants that did it, but okay.
#65 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 5:58 pm |
bfrench said:
Nope, he just has one pair of really long ones. That’s a thick tape or elastic band you can get to help hold them up or keep the shins in place. That or plain black tape wrapped around a bunch. If it was another sock, there would be white stripes too. And that never happens in hockey, since the socks have no foot or elastic at the top. They’re held up by Velcro on the jock or a garter belt, which would make it very difficult to wear two pairs staggered.
#66 by Teebz on 01.25.09 6:06 pm |
The Hemogoblin said:
[sarcasm]
Ironically, the research and development that went into the water-wicking technology cost Reebok billions of dollars.
[/sarcasm]
The best part of the All-Star jerseys this year is that they come with an authentic smell of bullsh!t.
#67 by Elwood on 01.25.09 6:22 pm |
So what about the silly new patented number technology for the ASG? Is it really just heat-sealed numbers on a game jersey?
#68 by Ricko on 01.25.09 6:22 pm |
Jeff P said:
Other side of the coin? Some might say it looks like the president of the Audio Visual club who doesn’t own any athletic shoes so he’s playing in his black Hush Puppies. LOL
#69 by Ricko on 01.25.09 6:33 pm |
Jeff P said:
Was just gonna say, “We’re so determined to look for anomalies that we don’t recognize tape when we see it?”
Not long ago you couldn’t swing a dead cat and not hit a pro football or hockey player holding up his socks with tape.
http://farm4.static....
http://farm4.static....
#70 by Ricko on 01.25.09 6:44 pm |
Styles change. Check out this tidbit from Sports Illustrated in 1985 (especially the players’ reaction to the one-color dark socks, exactly the opposite what we’d probably find today).
http://farm4.static....
—Ricko
#71 by Chad on 01.25.09 6:45 pm |
i thought of the uniwatch comment section the second i saw this http://www.filemagaz...
#72 by Ricko on 01.25.09 7:03 pm |
Chad said:
Don’t you love the dog’s reaction. “Hey, I just DID that.”
#73 by Ricko on 01.25.09 7:08 pm |
What, no Yankee fans defending the Empire from the comments of that lyin’ scum, Joe Torre?
This is, seriously, one of those “consider the source” moments. He ain’t exactly a muckraker, so a certain amount of credibility comes with him.
Or doesn’t it?
#74 by Kev on 01.25.09 7:13 pm |
#1 – Anyone notice the stars are on the “wrong sides” for the NHL All-Star jerseys? The stars are West of the letters for the East team, and East of the letters for the West team. I guess it’s the Words are aligned correctly.
#2 – The generic goalies in the Breakaway Skills Challenge last night was because the skaters were allowed to break all rules and free style.
Actually scoring didn’t matter, it was about the style points.
As such, who cares who’s trying to keep the puck out if the goals don’t matter?
And some of the attempts could have led to an injury. Like when they did 360s and flung the puck lacrosse style with zero control of where it went. That could easily injure a goalie, because it’s not a “normal” shot, and he can’t even see it coming.
So they went with guys who weren’t making millions of dollars.
#75 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 7:13 pm |
Elwood said:
Sublimation, not heat press. But yeah, Reebok has a very verbose description of it, but it’s just sublimation like some NHL teams already use (gamers only, not ones sold to fans) and Euro teams have used for years.
As for the tape, Pretty much every hockey player still uses it, but most use clear tape now.
#76 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 7:15 pm |
Kev said:
Kev, they can control the puck when they do that 360 move if they’re any good at it.
#77 by timmy b on 01.25.09 7:19 pm |
Teebz said:
Or the last of the five straight ASG’s in Montreal.
Gotcha. And thanks again.
BTW. I actually like the on-ice officials’ new tops. I guess wide ref stripes are in!
#78 by LI Phil on 01.25.09 8:13 pm |
i want to slightly amend my post to reflect that im not in love with these ASG unis by any means, but i like that they embrace the canadiens color scheme, and i HATED the past two years, so this is an improvement…but it’s hard not to improve on those disasters
could definitely do without the unbalanced sleeve colors, but as a “one-off”, i can tolerate it; not at all a fan of the “futuristic” fonts either, but the stars on the sleeves are a nice touch…the edge design just sucks so bad, it’s likely we’ll never see as nice an ASG uni as the old wales v. campbells or the 2004 beauts
#79 by Stuby on 01.25.09 8:32 pm |
Ricko said:
Man, what an awesome pair of ‘Roos.
#80 by Judy on 01.25.09 8:43 pm |
Does anybody know the story on the strange shade of pink that the UNC women’s hoops teams are wearing today? I’m guessing it’s in honor of Kay Yow but it seems like they rolled these unis out really quickly. Also, Maryland’s coach is wearing a pink-ish blouse, but I don’t see any pink on the Terps’ uniform. Any ideas?
#81 by Sammy on 01.25.09 8:51 pm |
I can’t really explain it, but when I see these ASG unis, there is something a little bit retro about them. Maybe it’s the yoke design, which is a little bit like the designs from the ’50s and ’60s, or the bright, solid colors. I actually think they look pretty good, asymmetry notwithstanding. I wouldn’t want it every day, but as a one-off, they’re not so bad.
#82 by Teebz on 01.25.09 9:20 pm |
Sammy said:
I’m not touching how wrong this entire paragraph is since I broke out the semantics debate the other day.
However, to each their own.
#83 by Jeff P on 01.25.09 9:31 pm |
I’ll touch it.
Retro? WTF?
Not bad, but not retro.
And Phil, they can do pretty much any design with these things, including the 90’s all star patterns. It’s not the edge system that makes unis look like they do. It’s the drunkards designing them. Other then the awkwardness of the hem, the designs have the option to be more or less the same.
#84 by Johnny O on 01.25.09 9:45 pm |
The one thing I really liked about the NHL All-Star unis was the star patches for how many times the city hosted the ASG. Could have done with the different color sleeves, but they are All-Star unis, they are gonna be flashy, awkward, and out of the ordinary.
Kind of the same topic…are the NBA All-Star warm ups going to contain the patches of the AS games the player has participated in like in years past. I really liked that touch as well.
Pic. from one of Paul’s old ESPN article:
http://www.nba.com/m...
#85 by Skippy on 01.25.09 9:47 pm |
I don’t think i’ve ever seen white hockey gloves before, but the West was wearing them in the ASG tonight.
#86 by Johnny O on 01.25.09 9:49 pm |
Johnny O said:
*Could have done WITH OUT…
…my bad.
#87 by Teebz on 01.25.09 9:53 pm |
Skippy said:
Brett Hull was wearing white gloves at the All-Star Game as far back as 2001.
The team in white the last three ASGs has worn white gloves.
#88 by aflfan on 01.25.09 10:50 pm |
Judy said:
The women’s basketball coaches association is doing a whole think pink week in February and many women’s teams are going to be wearing pink uni’s. They probably broke them out early to honor Yow.
#89 by aflfan on 01.25.09 10:56 pm |
I was watching the AHL skills competition on FSD plus today and I noticed that the Milwaukee Admirals jerseys had the old Milwaukee Brewers glove and ball logo on right breast.
http://www.milwaukee...
Anyone know anything about this? Sorry, if it was covered already on another day an I missed it.
#90 by John in Athens on 01.25.09 11:03 pm |
Not sure if http://www.hartfordw... has been posted before, but it’s a great looking page about the history of the Hartford Whalers’ unis.
I wish I liked hockey when I/we called Connecticut home.
#91 by Teebz on 01.25.09 11:08 pm |
aflfan said:
The Brewers are the official jersey sponsor of the Admirals uniforms and have a Brewers logo on the sweaters.
The ownership group, including Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, assistant general manager Gord Ash and pitcher Ben Sheets, bought the team in 2004, and the Brewers logo has been a part of the Admirals’ jerseys ever since.
#92 by aflfan on 01.25.09 11:10 pm |
Teebz said:
Thanks Teebz,
There were some interesting jerseys in that competition.
#93 by The Hemogoblin on 01.25.09 11:12 pm |
aflfan said:
I remember covering it, but I don’t remember the exact reasoning.
(that comment can be interpreted as “Ask Phil and Ricko”)
#94 by aflfan on 01.25.09 11:17 pm |
Judy said:
Yes, they are scheduled to wear the pink jerseys on 2/15 vs. Georgia Tech. The WBCA websites says the have over 700 teams signed up to take part in the program.
#95 by Johnny O on 01.25.09 11:19 pm |
Teebz said:
#96 by Teebz on 01.25.09 11:25 pm |
aflfan said:
You’re welcome!
It was interesting to see, actually. I watched it as well (what else would I be doing?), and the PlanetUSA stars were wearing their home jerseys because the game was being played in Worcester, Massachusetts, while the Canada players were wearing their road uniforms.
The Worcester Sharks had Ryan Vesce in white and Derek Joslin in black because of it. Vesce plays for PlanetUSA while Joslin is on Team Canada.
Other notes? Ray Bourque was at the Skills Competition because his son, Chris, plays for the Hershey Bears and is competing in his first AHL All-Star Game.
Mike Santorelli, he of Uni Watch fame, won the AHL Accuracy Shooting event for Canada by going 4-for-4. He might be back with the Predators soon if he continues his strong play.
Rory Fitzpatrick, he of the NHL voting scandal a year ago, is captaining the PlanetUSA team at the AHL All-Star Game. Not bad for a guy who received the third highest vote total for Western Conference defencemen in the NHL last season. ;o)
#97 by Jason on 01.26.09 2:42 am |
I don’t know if he’s been wearing them all along or if it was special for the All Star Game, but it looked like Alex Kovalev’s gloves featured the eagle from the Russian flag.
And speaking of gloves, the “away” team wearing white ones sure looks brutal.
#98 by Stuby on 01.26.09 7:50 am |
Jason said:
I assume you meant this eagle…
http://rushockey.com...
A quick search found that most of the time the Russian flag looks like the one Ovechkin is holding in that picture, but occasionally you’ll see this…
http://farm2.static....
#99 by Shane on 01.26.09 12:20 pm |
Tony In Erie said:
Some say he only knows two facts about ducks, and that both of them are lies. All we know is, he’s called The Stig.