It’s more crazy marketing from the NHL, but it could have some interesting speculation. At the Winter Classic, the outdoor game in Buffalo you couldn’t get tickets to, the Penguins and Sabres are going to be facing off in brand new, “Vintage” jerseys, made by Reebok.
The Buffalo Sabres doesn’t look that far off the mark. I don’t think anyone is going to bat an eye at this. I wonder how many will be sold, if nostalgia will prevail, or if everyone who wants an older style Sabres jersey has one.
The Penguins on the other hand:
Now that’s a “Vintage” jersey. Or at least, a recreation of a vintage jersey. According to www.pittsburghhockey.net, the jersey this was based on was used from 1968 until 1972. This jersey was out in circulation, and being sold as recent as 2004, but I haven’t seen it lately. I really like the jersey, but it’s a new jersey from Reebok, right? We all know what happens to new jerseys from Reebok, they get EDGE-ified, right?
Well, yes, but look at that cut. That isn’t the new slicker, tighter, faster, never-gonna-go-back cut of the new EDGE jerseys. And how about this, from the NHL online store in the product description:
Patented mid-weight air knit 100% polyester
Air knit. If you don’t know what air knit is, go back about a year. Air knit is what NHL jerseys were made of before the EDGE system took over the world. So, let the wild speculation begin. Is RBK giving up on the new materials? Are they willing to let go of “years” of research that wound up being useless in the face of game situations? Are we going to get out beloved hockey jersey back?
I’m not holding my breath on that one.
Your shopping options are many, but I have always been a fan of River City Sports. They have great customer service, still have a bunch of the old (good) style jerseys, and decent prices. You can find the Sabres jersey here, the Penguins jersey here, and the Crosby version here. But there is no way I’m shelling out $133.99 for these jerseys. That’s a $44 markup. Good luck with that, RBK. I’m sure you will make a fortune.
Technorati Tags: Hockey, Jerseys, Winter Classic
5 responses to “Vintage or “Vintage?: Winter Classic Jerseys”
The NHL Store in NYC is filled with old school Pens merchandise. From the look of it, I’d say the baby blue Pens attire sells very well.
Hi,
Being a Hockey fan in the UK has been a labour of love for many years now. As you can imgine the standard of Hockey here is really quite poor.
However, vintage style Hockey shirts have been popular here for a few years now and seem to be selling very well.
Keep up the good work.
All the best.
Doll
Nette Seite! Dein Beitrag ist interessant. Danke dafuer.
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