Team Canda New Look Uniforms

[DarkStar50 679]

Last player to the puck is puckless.

AKA "Speed kills."

[troybruins89 0]

I think that it will be a tough sell for most of the players.  They don't like change - take a look at Shanahan's shoulder pads, or why so many of them still insist on getting old skates custom made.  In this case, comfort will be key, and if they don't find a way to make the more streamlined jerseys acceptable in this department, nice try Nike.

I don't particularly like the tight look on these jerseys.  Watching the game, it's great when you see a guy who can really fly (Modano comes to mind, among others) and see his jersey flapping in the wind.  These aren't cheap mesh jerseys either, like most men's leaguers will wear - you really have to get going to make a pro weight game jersey to flap like that.

You answered your own question. A pro-weight game jersey is heavy, add on the tackle twill lettering, the stitched on nameplate, and the sewn on tackle twill logos and you have a weighted jersey on your body. I bought a game used Red Deer Rebels jersey this past winter, size 56 with three-color sewn on numbers and name. In addition to the sewn on logo on the front this is easily almost 2 lbs. of jersey. Now yes, Modano and the rest can skate so fast that they make these jerseys ripple in the wind. Now, imagine its the third period or maybe even Overtime in the Cup Finals in June. Which jersey would Shanahan want on now? The classic throwback heavyweight game poly or the ultra light snug fit jersey?

If all the players on the other team are wearing jerseys of the same weight why does it matter? It will benefit them just as much as it will benefit you so it shouldnt make to much of a difference.

[RadioGaGa 162]

I'm kinda worried about the fact that these new jerseys/socks are so slick. I'd hate to see a guy fall on a rush and go hard into the boards becasue he was sliding so fast.

Draper made the comment, "...when you go down you slide..."

[sherwood21 0]

How often do you hear players saying one of:

"I got beat to the puck because my jersey weighs 2 pounds"

"I didn't win fastest skater because my jersey is a rock"

"I got caught on that breakaway because my jersey weighs as much as Andy Milonakis"

Hmm...

Sersiously, this argument's rediculous. I've never ever heard of someone saying that the jerseys weigh too much, let alone insist that in the 3rd period a players jersey weight holds their (impeccable, for most players in the show) skating ability back 

And how often do you hear that the guy in the Show says he wants the lightest and least bulky piece of equipment? All the time! Well, guess what? Now, its his jersey! Why resist improvements and advancements in the game by the vendors? Keep up this line of thinking and we would still be wearing all leather gloves with long cuffs(about 5 lb. per pair) and all leather Tackaberry skates with tubular steel blades.

I'm 13, I am about as far away from old school as you could want to be. Jersey weight reductions is not an improvement or an advancement, it is a reach. I'm sorry but it is so far from relevance to hockey that it makes me laugh.

Your original point was what really got me though:

Lets take Shanny's avg. ice time last season, 18 mins a game. Now that's 6 minutes a period, over 3 periods, over roughly 3 hours. And that is roughly 18 minutes of really tough strain, over an 180 minute period. You think that in the shape those guys are in, that a jersey that weighs two pounds, as opposed to a jersey that weighs less than 1, or less than 2 pounds is going to hold him back? Not a chance.

[A_Steeves12 0]

Lets take Shanny's avg. ice time last season, 18 mins a game. Now that's 6 minutes a period, over 3 periods, over roughly 3 hours. And that is roughly 18 minutes of really tough strain, over an 180 minute period. You think that in the shape those guys are in, that a jersey that weighs two pounds, as opposed to a jersey that weighs less than 1, or less than 2 pounds is going to hold him back? Not a chance.

well put.

[DarkStar50 679]

I think that it will be a tough sell for most of the players.  They don't like change - take a look at Shanahan's shoulder pads, or why so many of them still insist on getting old skates custom made.  In this case, comfort will be key, and if they don't find a way to make the more streamlined jerseys acceptable in this department, nice try Nike.

I don't particularly like the tight look on these jerseys.  Watching the game, it's great when you see a guy who can really fly (Modano comes to mind, among others) and see his jersey flapping in the wind.  These aren't cheap mesh jerseys either, like most men's leaguers will wear - you really have to get going to make a pro weight game jersey to flap like that.

You answered your own question. A pro-weight game jersey is heavy, add on the tackle twill lettering, the stitched on nameplate, and the sewn on tackle twill logos and you have a weighted jersey on your body. I bought a game used Red Deer Rebels jersey this past winter, size 56 with three-color sewn on numbers and name. In addition to the sewn on logo on the front this is easily almost 2 lbs. of jersey. Now yes, Modano and the rest can skate so fast that they make these jerseys ripple in the wind. Now, imagine its the third period or maybe even Overtime in the Cup Finals in June. Which jersey would Shanahan want on now? The classic throwback heavyweight game poly or the ultra light snug fit jersey?

If all the players on the other team are wearing jerseys of the same weight why does it matter? It will benefit them just as much as it will benefit you so it shouldnt make to much of a difference.

Not all players make it to the third period or overtime with the same amount of fuel in the tank. I understand you may not think it makes a difference but the year is 2005, the technology and its applications are extremely viable, therefore the potential for an advantage is created. Finally, at the professional level when differences are few and far between, any competitive edge to be gained will be maximized by the elite player.

Again, ten years ago all pro players wore Stanfield 100% cotton tops and bottoms under their equipment. Along comes UnderArmour and an assortment of related product to wick moisture off the body, keep the player more comfortable, and, oh by the way, reduce the weight of his undergarments tremendously(go soak your cotton t-shirt in a bucket of water and soak your UA shirt, tell me which weighs more after the soaking). Now, this type of undergarment is standard for all professional players. The advances in technology under the equipment are now being used over the equipment.

I can be as "old school" as anybody on this board about changes in the game. I saw Hull, Howe, Orr, and that generation of players at MSG against Ed Giacomin, Brad Park, and the Broadway Blueshirts. This may be ancient history to most of you, no problem. My point is that the game will change before your eyes because I have watched it happen over 35 years( Jeez, I am ancient!).

You don't have to accept it but you can't deny it.

"The wheel is turning

and you can't slow down

You can't let go

and you can't hold on

You can't go back

and you can't stand still

If the thunder don't get you

Then the lightning will."

The Wheel

Lyrics by Robert Hunter

Music by Jerry Garcia

[DarkStar50 679]

You think that in the shape those guys are in, that a jersey that weighs two pounds, as opposed to a jersey that weighs less than 1, or less than 2 pounds is going to hold him back? Not a chance.

Fortunately or otherwise, you are not of legal drinking age to watch the guys in the Show get '' in the shape they are in." Not all players treat their bodies the same, if you can read between the lines. Some are actually in much better shape than others. And that goes to my point about advantages gained and advantages taken.

Would you rather skate in a 2 lb jersey knowing that your AAA competition is in a 1 lb jersey? Do you think your team might feel a difference at some point in the game? Yes, the differences are minimal. But in elite competition do not overlook any competitive edge. The differences between first and second place are small but the rewards are huge.

This is a discussion about the differences that elite professional athletes and the vendors will go to in order to gain competitive edge. On our level, we will never ever need or reap the benefits of this technology. At the same time, to dismiss this technology as foolish is only an opportunity for others to simply pass you by as they take advantage of the technology available.

Sherwood21, study the original 72 Summit Series Canada vs USSR. Canada was almost over run by a team that took innovation and ideas in team play from the soccer field to the hockey rink. They added conditioning and thinking to the process and changed the face of hockey forever. And, I know, they did this in old crappy equipment, because that was all they had in Russia at the time. By the mid 70's they had access to the world's best equipment, as well. The Russians dominated because they fused innovation and conditioning with total team play into hockey. They gained a competitive edge that was unbeatable for a long time.

The new hockey jersey style is a crossover technology from other "speed" sports. If there were not differences in the product, it would not be in the world of elite sports competition.

[Project824 0]

All are good points, it will come down to the pro's preferences. If they as a group don't like the final version, I don't see them catching on. As much as innovation helps, it also often flops. Remember those V-Line rollerblades? How about the double sided stick blade (curved forehand and straight backhand)? How about the offset blade? How about those inline wheels that you could supposedly hockey stop on? (Knew a guy who broke BOTH ankles using them, they were definitely not able to simulate ice) I'm sure there's a lot more that I'm missing, anybody got any others? Point is not everything that is "new and improved" lasts.

You should also consider that this is a group of athletes that used to cut foam out of their game helmets simply because they didn't like the way they looked on their heads. Some have been wearing the same old CCM helmet for over a decade. There are certainly newer and more protective helmets out there, why don't they switch? Comfort and looks are probably the two main reasons for cutting foam or wearing an old helmet. We were sent a shipment of Nike Quest helmets when they first came out. Our players refused to wear them, not because their current helmets were better, lighter or more comfortable. The common answer was that the new helmets were "gay" (the term that now means stupid or undesirable among most 10-22 year olds). I can see handing out these new tighty whitey jerseys at practice, and the reaction will be similar if not worse.

Another issue to consider is durability. Don't those speedskating and full swim suits wear out rather quickly? While speed is a necessity in hockey, it is also a rough contact sport. The NHL probably isn't concerned if they have to replace jerseys every game, but it will make a difference to minor league teams and below who work with a much smaller budget. I remember when Nike sent our team some new game jerseys a few years back, very light, very well ventilated, and pretty stylish to boot. The problem was that they didn't last very long - we went through 2 jerseys apiece that year, when we normally used a set of game jerseys for a minimum 2-3 years. Something's gotta give, I guess we'll see.

[thehighlife 0]

From What i have heard these new nike swift jerseys and socks are going to be for Pro or International use. these will Not be in retail so none of us will have to worry about kids or beer leagers ever wearing them.

[Chadd 916]

From What i have heard these new nike swift jerseys and socks are going to be for Pro or International use. these will Not be in retail so none of us will have to worry about kids or beer leagers ever wearing them.

If the pros use it, the style will get knocked off by others. Just like equipment is driven by what the pros use, jerseys will change to be more like what the pros use.

[modernice 0]

The New Look jerseys will morph into a viable innovation, eventually....

lightweight, loose and free is the best of all worlds.

this "compression" or tight fit concept is silly.

gb

[hockechamp14 0]

I think it's ironic that some of us teens hate these things, while some of you older guys are defending them. :lol:

[Chadd 916]

I think it's ironic that some of us teens hate these things, while some of you older guys are defending them. :lol:

I hate them too but I'm smart enough to know where this is going to end up.

[whbd18 0]

I prefer more looser jerseys,but Ive worn tighter jerseys than that and have had no problem.

[sherwood21 0]

Fortunately or otherwise, you are not of legal drinking age to watch the guys in the Show get '' in the shape they are in." Not all players treat their bodies the same, if you can read between the lines. Some are actually in much better shape than others. And that goes to my point about advantages gained and advantages taken.

If those advantages are there with 2 lb jerseys, they will still be there with 1 pound jerseys. If one player is going 20 in the 3rd with 2lb jerseys, and another is going 15 in the 3rd with 2lb jerseys that edge will still be there if both are wearing 1lb jerseys. It will just simply cancel its original purpose out in the end. Besides, even if some players are in better shape than others, I can tell you that they are all in better shape than the your average joe.

Would you rather skate in a 2 lb jersey knowing that your AAA competition is in a 1 lb jersey? Do you think your team might feel a difference at some point in the game? Yes, the differences are minimal. But in elite competition do not overlook any competitive edge. The differences between first and second place are small but the rewards are huge.

I guess then, with that reasoning if I cut my flow and wear a 1lb jersey I will be beating the kids with 2 lb jerseys to pucks because I have more energy? The difference is too minimal IMO to feel any difference at any point in the game. If this were really the way it were, then players wouldn't be wearing 652's, or using wood sticks anymore. There are a ton of variables in these situations that really cancel out the purpose of having a lighter jersey. In elite competition, players use their talent to get to loose pucks, to catch up to their assignments, not their 1lb jerseys. And once you get to a certain talent level, you can use things like lighter sticks, skates, pants, and if you must jerseys. But as I said before, it will just simply cancel its purpose out.

Sherwood21, study the original 72 Summit Series Canada vs USSR. Canada was almost over run by a team that took innovation and ideas in team play from the soccer field to the hockey rink. They added conditioning and thinking to the process and changed the face of hockey forever. And, I know, they did this in old crappy equipment, because that was all they had in Russia at the time. By the mid 70's they had access to the world's best equipment, as well. The Russians dominated because they fused innovation and conditioning with total team play into hockey. They gained a competitive edge that was unbeatable for a long time.

They gained their edge by using puck possession, conditioning, passing, and pure talent. Their jersey weight had nothing to do with it. I can't see how this is related to the topic. You can't use technology as a crutch, plain and simple.

Don't take any of this as an attack, but I think that were running in circles.

[Slapshot 0]

These Jerseys are a complete JOKE. Someone in Nike is trying very hard right now not to get their ass fired.

Nike's arguement for improved performance is "stretching it" to say the least!

Nike should stick to running shoes and apparel and leave Hockey to people who actually play hockey.

[usmlax 0]

I'm not quite sure how big of an issue this is, but how will the jerseys and socks hold up to everyday wear and tear? If they're anythng like Dri-Fit or Under Armour, they'll get shredded and torn beyond belief by sticks and skateblades...

As for the aesthetic aspect, they're FUGLY. Way to "neostyle" for somewhat of a tradionalist sport...

[Jim A 4]

yes, I'm sure Nike and Reebok and well New Balance (Warrior) are all just running shoe guys...no one would ever play hockey there..good talk good talk...

the Swift tech has worked in other sports..it had a very public first test in the hockey world..the games are in January..we'll see a big difference in Italy if and when people use them..

if you think 1lb of gear doesn't matter..than DarkStar is correct and I'd still be using my old CCM HG1's...old Bauer Supreme's with the leather lining etc..since a couple lbs here and there don't matter...

[Hockeyman9621 0]

yes, I'm sure Nike and Reebok and well New Balance (Warrior) are all just running shoe guys...no one would ever play hockey there..good talk good talk...

the Swift tech has worked in other sports..it had a very public first test in the hockey world..the games are in January..we'll see a big difference in Italy if and when people use them..

if you think 1lb of gear doesn't matter..than DarkStar is correct and I'd still be using my old CCM HG1's...old Bauer Supreme's with the leather lining etc..since a couple lbs here and there don't matter...

Not to be offensive, but don't you play beer league? Throw on the old bauers, it's only for fun. I doubt you'd lose any speed, maybe comfort. If I'm a better skater than someone, I'll put on my brothers beat up pair of mega air 90's and 1 of those euro jerseys with all the velcro sponsers on it, you can wear synergys and the new nike jersey, and I'll still beat you in a race. For the average Joe(like you) it wouldn't make a lick of difference what you wore. But that was your choice to switch. If you think putting thousands of dollars into technology will help you pot a few more goals in beer league hockey then go for it. I'm not knocking beer league hockey, I might be there one day, but if your going to put all that money in and then complain about the prices, then it's useless. If you want to be lighter lose weight!

Yes, I'm into all the high-tech equipment, I have the sticks, I wish I could have everything else but I can't afford to pay 3000 for hockey and 3000 for the best equipment. I might have cheaper, more restrictive equipment, but I'm still the best player on my team. And to stay on the main topic, if I wanted to be a pound lighter, I'd go exercise.

[hockechamp14 0]

A pound on your skates and a pound dispersed across your jersey are two completely different things. The hip flexor and quad carrying that one pound gets a lot more leverage at the extremity of your foot where it is. Compared to your core chest and back, that's really not a big deal.

[Jim A 4]

it has nothing to do with where I play or what I use..my point is when people come out here and act like they know what is going on inside the mfgs or make comments just to be dismissive...and toss out ridiculous comments...I'm going to call them on it..

i've said it throughout this thread that the jerseys aren't for anyone but the top 1% if that ...and we'll see if they like the remodded ones that will come out beforehand..if they believe it has an advantage they'll use it..

[Chadd 916]

it has nothing to do with where I play or what I use..my point is when people come out here and act like they know what is going on inside the mfgs or make comments just to be dismissive...and toss out ridiculous comments...I'm going to call them on it..

i've said it throughout this thread that the jerseys aren't for anyone but the top 1% if that ...and we'll see if they like the remodded ones that will come out beforehand..if they believe it has an advantage they'll use it..

They will make some changes to placate the players but the advanced tech jersey will be used in the olympics.

[Slapshot 0]

A pound on your skates and a pound dispersed across your jersey are two completely different things. The hip flexor and quad carrying that one pound gets a lot more leverage at the extremity of your foot where it is. Compared to your core chest and back, that's really not a big deal.

Good Point

[delpiero81 0]

It's not the same sport, but in Italy our national soccer team has switched to

tight jerseys some years ago.

At least they say the motivation was pure fashion.

Anyway some of the players use bigger jerseys so no more "tight effect"...

[Project824 0]

it has nothing to do with where I play or what I use..my point is when people come out here and act like they know what is going on inside the mfgs or make comments just to be dismissive...and toss out ridiculous comments...I'm going to call them on it..

That's what 99% of this site is. Most of the time it's not exactly rocket science and yes, I know there are some people who work for manufacturers and hockey shop employees on here. They post based on their knowledge, and you'll do so based on yours, however much or little that is. And I'll do so based on mine, which is from inside a team's viewpoint, as a coach who has seen a sample, as well as deals with players who are a few steps below those in question. Keep in mind what is written in some newspaper in Vancouver does not include the players' true opinions (hockey players are some of the few pro athletes who show real politician's restraint when giving a public answer, especially in regards to a company as influential as Nike).

You may be right about only the top percentile of players using these, since durability and versatility become an issue. Below the NHL and AHL level, replacing jerseys on a monthly basis is too costly for most minor league and college teams. Go lower to juniors and amateur hockey and costs, along with the fact that a tightly fitted jersey can now only be used by that player or one of equal or lesser size with shoulder pads on will keep this from taking off too far. First obstacle for Nike is somehow making these jerseys comfortable, light and aerodynamic enough to convince the guys at the top the advantages are worth looking like they're skating around in their wives' gym clothes.

"Call them" on whatever you like, you happen to think the jerseys will make a difference, they don't.