Alternates And Promotions

Two more teams rolled out alternate jerseys this past week in the NHL, and there have been a number of equipment changes seen or spoken about as well. These changes are not changes to the equipment itself, but rather players who have changed or started wearing different equipment. As for the jerseys, the Chicago Blackhawks rolled out their all-black look against Colorado this week, while the Pittsburgh Penguins had their alternate jersey unveiling last night. There are also some teams that are gearing up for Veterans' Day and Remembrance Day in November, so we'll take a look at those looks as well. Lots of stuff to cover today, so let's get cracking.

First off, the Chicago Blackhawks went into stealth mode on Monday evening as they went back to their all-black uniform. I'm not big on teams using a black uniform for their alternate, but Chicago has used black on their jerseys before, so this one gets a pass. The jerseys are nothing new in comparison to what they wore two years ago as an alternate, and still look clean and uncluttered. The font on the back is normal Blackhawks' font, and the white-on-red numbers make for easy reading.

I did notice one thing while looking at pictures and watching highlights of this game, though. What are on Dustin Byfuglien's thighs? They are too tight to be regular hockey pants, and he seems to be the only guy wearing them from all I saw. Anyone with an idea? Hit me up in the comments of you know what he's wearing.

The other major unveiling occurred last night as the Pittsburgh Penguins revived the powder blues they wore at last season's Winter Classic in Buffalo. The Penguins showed off their new jerseys at Dick's Sporting Goods by having Paul Bissonnette, Kris Letang, Tyler Kennedy, Alex Goligoski, and Eric Godard model them. Iceburgh did a little shopping with the kids at Foot Locker before they headed over to the unveiling. I was a fan of these jerseys last season, and seeing the Penguins in powder blue is definitely an alternate look.

The Penguins will wear the new alternates for the first time this season at the Mellon Arena against the Buffalo Sabres on November 15, the same team they last wore them against. Sometimes, the little details like that make me smile.

As for other teams with new jerseys, we have a few that are honouring specific groups in the next few days. As well, there are some new looks to some players' sets of equipment. Let's take a look at these changes:

• The WHL's Saskatoon Blades are honouring the men and women of emergency services with a night dedicated to them on November 10. They'll wear jerseys to reflect the event as well. Solid looking jersey from the graphic, but I'm waiting until I see the real thing before giving a full endorsement.
• The AHL's Portland Pirates will be donning a very patriotic jersey to honour veterans on November 8. November 11 is Veterans' Day, but this jersey should get the patriotic red blood flowing for sure. Now, I'm not sure who their graphic designer is, but that "design" preview is probably one of the worst I've ever seen. I've seen pre-schoolers do better work.
• It appears that the Montreal Canadiens are really getting into the old-time hockey that is surrounding their 100th anniversary celebration. Here are Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price sporting new pads that look like the pads from the days of yore, as seen here on Ken Dryden. I think it's cool when goaltenders do stuff like this, and I commend Halak and Price for honouring their heroes in between the pipes.
• Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes has decided to go with a movie-themed helmet! He has used the forehead protection to show off his Cape Fear motif. Ultra-cool look on that portion of his helmet. The rest of his mask reflects Carolina history, and looks solid as well. Here is the left side, the right side, and the back of his new mask. Mike Sundheim of the Hurricanes website deserves credit for the pictures.
• According to Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times in Florida, Lightning goalie Mike Smith will be breaking in his third mask of the season this month. Smith's "current mask commemorates Veterans' Day and Canada's Remembrance Day", which occur on Tuesday of next week. Pictured on the mask are the "United States flag and army boots" on one side, the Canadian flag on the other side, and "[a]ll 30 NHL logos adorn the brow". Smith also alluded to wearing a Christmas-themed mask like he did last season with Dallas - it has the Grinch on it - and stated that he may wear a different mask every month of the season. That's commitment at its finest if I've ever seen it.

So there are some quick updates for your Thursday hockey needs. Again, if anyone knows what Dustin Byfuglien is wearing, I'm all ears.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!