Colorado Avalanche Fans React to New Jerseys

The Colorado Avalanche’s new jerseys strongly resemble the old ones, by design. They also pay homage to the state’s history and culture.

The Colorado Avalanche have new jerseys, courtesy of Adidas.  The NHL has partnered with Adidas for outfitting players and fans alike. Reebok was the previous outfitter.

Most teams didn’t significantly change their uniform style. Of those that did, the new jersey for the Nashville Predators is wildly unplopular:

It’s not as hideous as some fans are claiming, though it is pretty bland.

In Avs Nation, the idea of new jerseys was much anticipated. Fans have been complaining for years that they don’t like the Reebok design, which featured unflattering piping coming down from the neckline:

It’s true the piping widens as it travels down, which can make the stomach and hips look wider. I doubt players were concerned — it was more of a fan issue.

As the big reveal got near, there was a bit of a hoax:

The Colorado Avalanche played it coy:

But, naturally, the finally showed off the new jerseys:

In case you can’t tell, the “new” jersey is essentially an update of the classic jerseys from the 1990s until 2007:

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As is the case with anything in life, you can’s please everybody. Some people loved the new jersey design right away:
Finally! So happy to see the classic look brought back! Gotta be a good omen?!!

Some fans had suggestions:

Though not a fan, Avs insider Rick Sadowski was disappointed:

The vote is in:

As far as my own reaction goes, naturally I love anything that reminds me of the Colorado Avalanche glory days. As the Avalanche point out, the jersey is a modern take on the inaugural design. The hemline portrays the Rocky Mountains, while the use of silver pays homage to the state’s history of silver mining.

The update includes getting rid if the black and white striping between burgundy and blue, replacing it with a band of silver. The “C” from the state flag is still in place of the yeti foot from yesteryear:

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The font is also plainer, not featuring the little tags at the top of the numbers.

I liked the tags and the yeti foot, but to me the main problem with the new burgundy and blue jersey is the replacement of the black and white striping with plain silver. In theory, I like the connection to Colorado’s history. In practice, it makes the color borders less distinctive.

Next: Avs Holding Early Prospect Camp

Side note, if you thought the piping made you look fat, imagine the effect of that expanse of burgundy framed by silver on the sleeves. You end up looking like a hexagon. (See Valeri Kamensky above.)

Here are all the new NHL jerseys:

The Minnesota Wild have gotten rid of their Christmas puke uniforms:

We’re all grateful for that, right?
While there hasn’t been a release of the new away jerseys, I’m going to presume they essentially look like the classic home white jerseys:

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With these new uniforms, not only are the old piping-strong sweaters gone, but so are all teams’ third jerseys. Some people thought the Colorado Avalanche had bad luck in their Rockies uniforms, but they were sharp:

Feb 21, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) controls the puck in the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

That said, up to 26 teams will have alternates for the 2018-19 season:

To be honest, I hope the Colorado Avalanche don’t go too retro on those because the all-burgundy sweaters were pretty

ugly

bland

ugly:

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That’s David Aebischer, by the way.

In 2001, the Pittsburgh Penguins abandoned their new logo to return to the skating penguin because they wanted a return of their early 1990s Stanley Cup luck. They’ve won it three times since then. Let’s hope the same follows for the Avalanche, who would love even a return to relevance.

In any case, the Colorado Avalanche jerseys go on sale in September.