Earlier this afternoon the Colorado Avalanche officially unveiled their brand new third jersey, confirming months of rumors and speculation here on Icethetics.

Kyle Quincey and Paul Stastny were on hand for the Avs to model the new threads. A photo gallery was made available via the team's official web site.

Kyle Quincey and Paul Stastny model the Avs new third jersey

It marks the first time since moving from Quebec that the franchise has donned a blue sweater. Even the Avs' pre-Reebok third jersey was burgundy. However, it did feature the same diagonal lettering across the front that we see on this one.

It does have something unique in the Age of Reebok. The team name is spelled out in white type across the back of the collar. You can sort of make it out in the image to the right.

Overall, it's a solid design. Personally, I would've preferred something different across the front. I like that Nashville and Florida are trying something new — even if it is just a re-imagining of logos they've worn for years.

Minnesota and Colorado are sticking with the text elements and it's just not what we like to see on the front of a hockey jersey — or perhaps I'm speaking only for myself.

Anyway, the Avalanche also announced a schedule of 12 games in which the jersey will be worn — beginning, as expected, on Saturday when they face the Canucks in front of the home crowd.

You can find the full schedule on their site or in the sidebar calendar here on Icethetics. I'm pleased to say they'll be wearing them next month against my Lightning. We can bond over new blue thirds.

There's also a video of Stastny and Quincey talking to the media about the new jerseys. It's really nothing insightful. These guys could care less. They're professional athletes paid millions to compete, not sit around and judge the aesthetic achievements of a shirt.

I'm sure they'd be happy in anything. Only exception might be that Anaheim travesty from the mid-90s. I'm sure those guys never wanted to have to wear those — multiple times.

Anyway, the next and final third jersey this season will be the Panthers on November 23. Not to worry, though, I'll have new content in the meantime. (Panthers third jersey concepts coming soon!)