When the NHL reboots its Winter Classic, it will be on Jan. 1, 2014. But on the ice, it will look a lot more like New Year's Day 1934.
The NHL on Sunday unveiled the throwback sweaters the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings will sport when they face off outdoors at Michigan Stadium. And judging by the looks of the threads, the NHL just raised the bar in the throwback game.
“Each NHL Winter Classic uniform is an embodiment of that team’s core brand values and represents memorable milestones in that team’s history,” said Brian Jennings, NHL executive vice president of marketing. “To our fans, the NHL Winter Classic jersey is the ultimate keepsake from this extraordinary event, and with two Original Six franchises participating this year, we have created something quite special.”
The Red Wings will sport red and white uniforms featuring horizontal stripes and arch Detroit wording. The crest on the front is an early iteration of the iconic winged wheel from the late 1930s Red Wings.
Toronto will wear royal blue uniforms featuring white striping inspired by the 1930s Maple Leafs. The crest will feature a distinct typeface from the inaugural Maple Leafs’ logo that was revealed in 1927.
The two teams were originally scheduled to meet at the same venure in the 2013 Winter Classic, but the game was canceled due to the lockout this past offseason.
