The AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have unveiled their third jersey for the 2009-10 season.

A picture of the new sweater was posted on the team's official web site recently. It's primarily black with heavy red and white horizontal stripes passing through the midsection.

In other words, it's the Chicago Blackhawks' Winter Classic/third jersey template sans the collar laces. Only the Pens managed to ruin it! (Didn't think that was possible.)

WBS Penguins third jerseyRegular readers know about my disdain for the baseless love the hockey world seems to possess for the Hawks' primary logo and jerseys. Why is it considered by so many to be the best? (None of your reasons will satisfy me so don't bother.)

Still, I was floored by last season's Winter Classic offering. That was a Blackhawks jersey I could get behind. I was even more impressed the decision to promote it to alternate for 2009-10. The more it's used, the better.

But nothing should be on the front of that jersey except for that classic Chicago mark — least of all this ridiculous penguin. Oh well. What can we do?

The team says the new threads will be worn for at least 10 home games this season. Interesting because the AHL usually wears darks on the road, right?

Thanks to Alex for sending in the link on this one.