The History Of Ice Hockey Uniforms

By: Derek Both

Today NHL jerseys are an important part of any ice hockey match because this is how fans show their solidarity. This merchandise has come a long way since the beginning of the NHL in 1917 as you will see how the uniforms have changed over the last century.

The NHL began with only four teams all of which were Canadian. However, the Montreal Wanderers' ice rink burnt down in the first season and they were never heard from again. It was hard to produce NHL jerseys in this time because the teams had an identity crisis over what there uniform should be and it wasn't until the 1920s when official uniforms were decided on.

Ice hockey didn't exist in the United States until 1924 when the Boston Bruins became the first U.S based team. This was a proud time for America when their first NHL jerseys were made because they could start showing their support for their favourite team.

NHL jerseys came and went as did many teams. One example of this is the Brooklyn Americans who were formerly known as the New York Americans. When they left the NHL there were only six teams left which is how it stayed for the next 25 years which many people consider to be the greatest era in league history.

The Chicago Black Hawks changed their NHL jerseys in 1955 and went from black to red uniforms which have since evolved into the shirts they still wear today. The Boston Bruins also had a change of uniform and made a statement by introducing gold jerseys. Five out of the six original teams still use the same designs for their uniforms even today which has no doubt made it easier for fans to follow their favourite teams.

In 1967 the NHL expanded from six teams to 12 and it was because of this that the uniforms were never the same again. Whereas before the colour used were conservative such as reds, blues and blacks, the new teams were using bold colours like orange, green and purple. It wasn't until 1970 however that teams started experimenting with putting players' last names on the backs of their shirts.

NHL jerseys have come a long way since the sport first started to become popular in the beginning of the 1900s. No doubt this has been down to several factors including new teams being introduced and more modern concepts taking over.

Recreation and Sports
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 
 • 

» More on Recreation and Sports