NHL Jersey History

Dating to1917, NHL jerseys have undergone many changes. The rich history of the National Hockey League can be traced to the evolution of the jersey. What originally started as looking like turtleneck sweaters with team logos on the front has evolved into jerseys that offer wider sleeves, looser body covering and increased player maneuverability.

  1. Facts

    • Since the NHL jersey came into existence, it is the only standardized piece of the NHL uniform. It must have the identical design by the same manufacturer for the entire team. Since its inception, the NHL jersey has always been the only part of the uniform that can be mass marketed. Before the 2000-01 season, teams could choose their jersey manufacturers. Since 2001, the manufacturer has been stipulated by the NHL, with player maneuverability being an important factor in the jerseys.

    History

    • In 1917, NHL jerseys resembled body-fitting, turtleneck sweaters. Necklines were shortened (because of players' requests) during the late 1920s and 1930s, with stripes being prevalent on the arms and abdomen. The 1940s and 1950s saw V-shaped necklines, larger sleeves and understated colors become popular because of players' preferences. In 1967, when the NHL added 12 teams, the jerseys changed with the addition of much brighter colors (such as purple, light blue and orange), new designs, and new logo designs.

    Function

    • The history of the NHL jersey is used to study the evolution of the sport of hockey. It can be used whenever one wants to broaden his NHL hockey knowledge. Where the history of the NHL jersey can be used is in museums, documentaries, game broadcasts, and hockey and sports websites. How it is used is mainly as an educational tool to increase appreciation for hockey. Why the history of the NHL jersey is used is to further the understanding about the NHL and hockey.

    Features

    • Features involved in the NHL jersey include cuffs, sleeves, main body, necklines and logos. The first NHL jerseys had tightly knit cuffs, sleeves and the main body. Cuffs were eliminated in the 1960s because of players' discomfort. Sleeves and the main body were loosened during the 1960s because of players' requests and new jersey manufacturers. Jerseys styles were unchanged during the 1970s, with only newer logos changing. The 1980s saw manufacturer logos added to the back jersey tails (bottom).

    Considerations

    • Other facts to take into consideration regarding the history of the NHL jersey include: Players' names did not appear on the jersey's back until 1970. Dating to the 1940s, the captain of a team displays a "C" on the front of his jersey, and the alternate captain will display an "A." Five of the "Original Six" teams have the same logo today. Specialty (commemorative) patches started being sewn on the jersey's upper corner front in the late 1990s and are used to this date.