Blackhawks reveal familiar sweater for 2015 NHL Winter Classic
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The Chicago Blackhawks will look very familiar when they take the ice at Nationals Park for the 2015 NHL Winter Classic in Washington, D.C.
As promised, the Hawks unveiled their newest outdoor game sweater earlier this evening — a design inspired by a uniform the team first wore almost 60 years ago, way back in 1957.
You can find more photos on their website.
At first glance, it looks a lot like the current road uniform. It kind of is — with a few differences.
- The tomahawk shoulder patch has retro colors and is moved down the sleeve.
- There's a lace-up collar.
- The red outline is removed from the jersey numbers.
- There's no black on the cuffs of the sleeves.
The reaction to the jersey unveiling on Twitter was mostly negative, despite the fact that it's nearly identical to a sweater many consider among the greats in NHL history.
That said, I'm not surprised. We've grown accustomed to traditional yet dramatically different jerseys for the Winter Classic. In fact, the Blackhawks were a great example of that in 2009.
This is certainly traditional but it doesn't feel different.
I am surprised, however, that the Blackhawks decided to be so conservative. During the 1920s and '30s, the franchise wore striking black and white sweaters that would've looked great against what the Capitals will have on New Year's Day.
Perhaps they're holding out for a second Winter Classic in the Windy City? Wishful thinking maybe.
Regardless, I have to admit I'm among those that find this jersey to be a disappointment. It's not a bad design, but a little creativity goes a long way. And there's a lot in Chicago's historical arsenal that would've been cool for the NHL's marquee event.
But that's just me. What do you think of the Hawks' Winter Classic jersey choice?