Oilers set throwback jersey nights for 40th anniversary
/
After only a year without it, the Edmonton Oilers will bring back their original royal blue jersey once again. This time, it will be worn on four special nights during the 2018-19 season. The club also revealed their 40th anniversary shoulder patch to be used throughout the year.
The jersey is identical to what the Oilers used in the years prior to their Adidas reboot — it's just been conformed to the Adizero template. But what's so special about the four games in which it will be worn? In each, they'll be facing an opponent from the old Smythe Division — or at least the way the division existed from 1982 to 1991.
Monday, November 29 vs. Los Angeles Kings
Sunday, December 9 vs. Calgary Flames
Monday, December 31 vs. Winnipeg Jets
Thursday, March 7 vs. Vancouver Canucks
It's a nice nod to the past for the club's 40th anniversary.
Speaking of which, the anniversary shoulder patch actually comes in two flavors — the standard navy blue and bright orange color scheme and a version to match the retro colors to be used on the classic jersey.
In addition, the patch version of the 40th logo is slightly different from the one seen on season ticket package materials received by fans last week.
The patch features the numbers of the Oilers' six Hall of Famers.
- 99 — Wayne Gretzky
- 17 — Jari Kurri
- 7 — Paul Coffey
- 31 — Grant Fuhr
- 11 — Mark Messier
- 9 — Glenn Anderson
All of these players have also had their numbers retired by the Oilers. The only other retired number is Al Hamilton's No. 3, but he was not inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
By the way, this might be a good time to remind everyone of the incredibly cool mini-site the Oilers created to showcase their uniform history.
All in all, great tributes coming from the Oilers in 2018-19!