DALLAS, TX – When the league first developed the Winter Classic outdoor game concept, unveiled in Buffalo on New Year’s Day in 2018, it wanted to create a spectacle setting the sports apart from others. It also began a process to determine just where it could capitalize on generating revenue streams in a relatively short timeframe.
In terms of revenue in this highly ticket-driven league, the search was on for where else to capitalize on the event. Since that first Winter Classic, the wearing of a new uniform on New Year’s Day has been a key component of the spectacle.
The unveiling of the logos and uniforms of the game and the two combatants are as anticipated as the game itself with great care taken to accurately depict the image and brand. It provides for an opportunity to reveal other core elements of the city, the team and its’ moniker. The build-up to the game includes a series of announcements and unveilings which add to the experience which the league shepherds so well.
Dallas was the first to unveil their logo, going with a crest inspired by historical hockey uniforms from Texas and featuring the word “STARS” superimposed upon the letter “D.” The “A” in “STARS” takes the shape of a star as a reference to the Texas state flag. It is bold and distinctive, setting the stage for the rest of the uniform.
The uniforms carry the theme of victory green, unveiled in 2003 and white. The simplistic combination of two colors dominating the uniform is only worn by three other teams in the NHL; Detroit, Toronto and Tampa Bay).
To further emphasis the classic theme, the jersey executes traditional felt along the crest’s lettering and numbering with vintage silver stitch detailing throughout.
On each jersey’s left sleeve, a patch in the shape of the state of Texas is embroidered in heather-grey felt on the stripe, paying homage to the Lone Star State. Design details feature silver stitching, to create beveled dimension.
The interior area of the collar features a design inspired by the Texas state flag.
Matching socks mirroring the sleeves are accompanied by light beige pants which are a curious choice as it clashes with the white. Seems the color choice is a better add to engender a vintage look.
The NHL continues to make the Winter Classic special, keeping the concepts and experience fresh, and remains the most sought after ticket during the season.
Dennis Morrell has a lengthy background in the great game as a hockey writer, photographer, goalie coach, player and currently active USA Hockey-certified referee with over 1,000 games in his striped jersey. His passion for the game began in the early 70s with his first glance at skaters in Clayton’s Shaw Park. He can be reached at dennis.morrell@prohockeynews.com and you can follow him on Twitter at DMMORRELL.
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