Colorado Avalanche Third Jerseys: Bye Bye Blueberries

When the Colorado Avalanche put on their predominantly blue third jerseys in the game against the New Jersey Devils, it will be for the last time. After this season, the blueberries are being retired.

According to IceThetics, the NHL’s jersey manufacturer, Reebok, is dictating the Avalanche change their third jersey. The blueberry jersey has been in use since the 2009-2010 season.

The blue alternate jersey is very popular with players and fans alike. Several of the players have said they especially enjoy playing in the alternate jersey. In fact, the Avalanche win more often than they lose in the blueberries — 15-4-2 over the last two seasons. They have only lost twice this season while wearing the third jerseys — a 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks and the 3-1 loss to the (hated) Minnesota Wild.

Avalanche fans prefer the blue jerseys at least partially because they’re not in the “uni-pron” style of the home and away jerseys. Those jerseys feature piping that extends from the neckline to the hemline in both the front and back:

Colorado Avalanche center Matt Duchene in the home jersey. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In theory, the piping makes sense — it serves as a border between the colors. In reality, it’s horribly unflattering. It gives the impression of an apron — hence the term “uni-pron.” It does not appear that the home and away jerseys are getting an update, though.

Now, the Avalanche are also hosting a Stadium Series game on February 27, 2016. Teams typically get new uniforms for those games. These are generally pretty ugly. For instance, this year the LA Kings skated in uni-jamas. Whoever thought white pants with a white jersey was a good idea… let’s hope that particular designer is not in charge of the Avalanche’s Stadium Series uniform.

Let’s also hope that the poor, blind designer who created the Minnesota Wild’s home jerseys has been put in a home. As for the designer who created the Nashville Predators’ home jersey — here’s to hoping that person was fired.

But, I digress. The article speculates the Avalanche might have a Stadium Series jersey that they use as their third jersey. I somehow doubt it. That’s just not done.

So, Avs Nation, as the Avalanche skate out to meet the Devils, take an extra moment to appreciate the blue alternate jerseys — and then say bye-bye to the blueberries.

Next: Avs Superstitious About Blue Jerseys

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