It’s A Jersey Thing: 5 Unconventional Hockey Jersey Styles
Hello everyone,
As some of us know as hockey fans, we definitely have our favorite team and we definitely have our favorite jersey.
The way some of us view or wear our t-shirts is sometimes very different between us.
Some of us are very happy to have received our favorite team’s home jersey with no name on the back. They simply show their support for the team they cheer for. Some of us want the authentic fit jersey that players wear on the ice; that’s if you’re a die-hard fan.
It doesn’t matter how you use it, it doesn’t matter when you use it, all that matters is that you’re doing it for the game you love and nothing else.
From time to time, you can see a t-shirt and think; “Hey, that’s an interesting design.” Someone can post a picture of him on the internet and it could cause a bit of a stir on social media. Some of you might stop scrolling and take a good look at it and give it a quick like. Some of you may do a little more digging and find out that the t-shirts are for a charitable cause. Some of these t-shirt designs are great and some are downright ridiculous, but it’s worth a laugh or an amazing reaction. Many of these jerseys are made for promotional purposes and auctioned off for charity, which is another reason why hockey is one of the greatest sports in the world. Sometimes, however, the cause goes beyond the colors of the jersey. There is definitely a cultural symbolism with some of these shirts. Some of which have caused some controversy.
Military-Inspired Camouflage T-shirts:
Many NHL teams are willing to wear these military-inspired jerseys during warmups to support and recognize the nation’s armed forces. Fans have polarized opinions on these jerseys, but they’re not meant to promote style, but to promote a good cause. Some people have said these shirts have no purpose and don’t help the military BUT if you care about how it helps the military then you need to know where your money is going before buying military inspired products.
The MSE (Monumental Sports & Entertainment) Foundation recently raised $46,000 during a Washington Capitals home game on February 5, 2016 through the Washington Capitals military-inspired jersey auction. Funds purchased are used to help families of soldiers serving in the military, soldiers with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and war amputees. The shirts were autographed and sold during the event. These shirts weren’t just sold to raise funds; Equipment such as discs, helmets, clubs and others were also sold to raise funds for this honorable cause.
It is mainly at these private auctions that money is raised for these types of charities. Most official sports retail outlets that offer military camo jerseys are only sold for profit, unless otherwise stated, the proceeds from each sale go to a charity. Some retail stores carry these shirts, but others don’t because they don’t want a controversial image of wearing military fashion for quick profit. The camouflage design is not only used on t-shirts, but also on caps, beanies, and T-shirts. Soldiers who have served in the military do not like the fact that outlets use the military image for profit because it is a weak expression of support for the military and also the image of the military is used with promotional purposes so that corporations can make a profit.
Star Wars themed t-shirts:
It’s easy to admit that these t-shirts are ‘out of the box’ in terms of t-shirt design. For Star Wars fans who love hockey, here are some of the most epic jersey designs ever. The Vancouver Giants and Saskatoon Blades of the WHL (Western Hockey League) each had a Star Wars Night honoring the most successful blockbuster of 2015; Star Wars – The Force Awakens.
Star Wars Night for the Saskatoon Blades was held on November 28, 2015 and the entire Saskatoon Blades team wore these jerseys for their home game against the Edmonton Oil Kings. The jerseys were not only meant to attract nerds to hockey games, they were also for charity. The jerseys worn by the players were signed by the players and auctioned off after the game. Proceeds from the auction went to the Saskatchewan Food Banks.
The Vancouver Giants also had their own version of these beautiful Star Wars jerseys, but unlike the Blades, the Giants went over to the “dark side.” The Giants wore them for their December 4, 2015 home game against the Kootenay Ice. Just like the Blades did, the Giants team also signed these jerseys and auctioned them off for charity. Proceeds went to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
LA Dodgers Pride Night Shirts:
The Los Angeles Kings have a ‘Dodgers Pride Night’ once a season. It is based on the partnership agreement between the Los Angeles Kings and the Los Angeles Dodgers, a Major League Baseball team. It is both a promotion and a charitable cause for the two major sports teams. Fans who attend this annual event not only see the game, but get an LA Kings-themed baseball and a chance to win in-game prizes.
The Dodgers-inspired hockey sweaters worn to warm up were signed and auctioned off after the game. Proceeds went to the Kings Care Foundation.
Flint Firebirds “Tropics” Jerseys:
Based on the 2008 Semi-Pro blockbuster, these jerseys are an excerpt from the Flint Tropics, the name of the basketball team from the movie. Since we’re talking about the Flint Firebirds here, wouldn’t it be nice to have the “Jackie Moon” approved Flint Tropic hockey jerseys for a promotional event?
That’s exactly what the Flint Firebirds did when they hosted a “Flint Tropics Night” in Flint, Michigan. The Firebirds hosted the Owen Sound Attack on February 13, 2016 for the event. It was a huge highlight for the Firebirds as they were having a horrible season dealing with numerous ownership disputes and many lost games. The jerseys were auctioned off after the game for charity and it was a night the Firebirds and the fans had fun regardless of the outcome of the game.
St. Patty’s Day Hockey Jerseys:
Like military jerseys, St. Patrick’s Day jerseys are used by many NHL teams for pregame warmups, but without controversy. It’s a great promotion, as St. Patrick’s Day is very popular and if you haven’t already guessed, pre-game warm-up jerseys are signed and auctioned off for charity by many teams. Whether an NHL team or a youth league team participates, it is a very popular event in Canada and the United States. It always produces great results because it’s a great excuse to celebrate spring and a great reason to order a few pints of Guinness for you and your friends.
How could anyone hate St. Patrick’s Day?