What do you think of this year’s four NHL all-star jerseys?
They each have a component of brightness in the shoulder area — two yellow and two orange — and are inspired by this year’s host city, Tampa Bay, and host state, Florida. According to the press release that came out with the jersey unveils, they are intended to “create a timeless aesthetic that simultaneously pays homage to the history of the league, while celebrating the city of Tampa Bay.”
The release continued: “Utilizing the primary colours from the host team as a base, the uniforms are centred around the native colour palette of black, royal blue, white and grey, while a custom colour treatment featuring the ‘energy’ colours of UV yellow and solar red have been uniquely applied to evoke the warm, vibrant sunset tones and the energy of the Tampa Bay area,” the press release read.
“Creating a more contemporary and sleek aesthetic through bold colour blocking, the uniforms are highlighted by a silver metallic film with four die-cut stars, one for each division, that allows the body fabric to show through. Accenting the colour palette and jerseys, a custom-designed number font was inspired by the suspension cables of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a Tampa Bay landmark.”
While the 2018 jerseys will surely have their fans and detractors, here’s a look at some memorable NHL All-Star jerseys from recent years and a few older ones as well.
1984-1986 – For many fans, these Campbell vs. Wales games with the black, white and orange jerseys are the best all-star uniforms to date.
(Pic via ClassicAuctions.net)
1992 – In honor of the NHL’s 75th anniversary, these uniforms paid homage to the original all-star uniforms from 1947.
(Pic via NHLuniforms.com)
1994-1997 – In one of the best moments in NHL All-Star Game history, Owen Nolan (donning the West’s purple and black) called his shot as he buried a hat trick goal on Dominik Hasek (adorned in the East’s teal and white).
2000-2001 – Teemu Selanne was indifferent to these Team World jerseys, while Jaromir Jagr seemed quite pleased with them.
(Kevin Frayer/CP)
Meanwhile, Eric Lindros and Mark Messier loved the Team North America uniforms.
(Kevin Frayer/CP)
2002 – Remember the classic 2002 NHL All-Star Game? You know, the one where both Mark Parrish and Alexei Yashin suited up in another North America vs. World matchup and Jewel sang the national anthems? The good ol’ days.
(Mark J. Terrill/AP)
2004 – The NHL switched up the colours and went back to the East vs. West format. Eastern Conference goalie Martin Brodeur, then of the New Jersey Devils, made this great save on Western Conference’s Markus Naslund of the Vancouver Canucks.
(Ann Heisenfelt/AP)
2007 – Following a two-year all-star absence the NHL returned with these beauties. Rick Nash, then of the Columbus Blue Jackets, is wearing the Western Conference jersey, while Brian Campbell, then of the Buffalo Sabres, is sporting the Eastern Conference kit.
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
2008 – They reversed the colour scheme and changed up the logo from the year prior.
(Gerry Broome/AP)
2009 – The game took place in Montreal and the league went with a traditional red, white and blue pattern as seen here on Western Conference goalie Roberto Luongo, then of the Vancouver Canucks, and Eastern Conference star Alex Ovechkin.
Luongo: Hey, Ovi, really like your jersey, man. Oh, they feel nice too.
Ovechkin: You’re too kind, Roberto, you’re embarrassing me.
(Paul Chiasson/CP)
2012 – This was the second time the league used a draft format as Team Chara vs. Team Alfresson played in a game where each roster was drafted by the team captains. In 2011, it was Team Eric Staal vs. Team Nicklas Lidstrom.
(Sean Kilpatrick/CP)
2015 – There were definitely mixed reviews on these ones. Neon green is apparently not for everybody. Ryan Johansen didn’t seem to mind them. He had four points and was named the game’s MVP.
(Gene J. Puskar/AP)
2017- Last year’s All-Star Game in Los Angeles was the first to include four teams and a new 3-on-3 tournament format for the event. Each look was inspired by the many different sweaters used by the Kings over their 50-year history in the NHL.
Jonathan Toews looked good in vintage Kings purple as he gave a nod to past greats who were included in the NHL’s 100 best players of all-time list as part of the league’s centennial celebration.
Past greats? Hey wait a minute Jagr, you’re still active!
With files from Mike Johnston
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