Leaking Black And White

After the hype and outrage over the Islanders' move to Brooklyn was announced, there were discussions that the Barclays Center was interested in having the Islanders rebrand to match its "modern" look just as the New Jersey Nets had done. The Islanders have a rich tradition in their orange-and-blue colours, and four Stanley Cups don't just walk away without a fight. Ask the Fisherman about that. In any case, there was a rumour that the Islanders would be looking at a black-and-white alternate jersey for this season which, if you ask me, is a mistake.

I have an Islanders Fisherman jersey, and I have to say it is one of my favorite jerseys of all-time. I've been offered hundreds of dollars by those seeking one to take it off my hands, but it remains in my collection. Islanders fans, though, nearly burned down the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum when it was introduced in the mid-1990s, and they didn't relent until the Islanders went back to their traditional look. Needless to say, it was chaos when the Islanders went to make a change.

Since then, the Islanders have had a few questionable alternate uniforms. The orange pylon look that brings back memories of Alexei Yashin for which Islanders fans have yet forgive the team. There was the throwback uniform that drew rave reviews from the fans. There was this hot mess of a black uniform that seemed to polarize fans one way or another - you know which side I stand on regarding this alternate. In seeing how the Islanders have worn all three colours - orange, blue, and black - as alternates, it makes sense to take one of these colours to the next level.

Yeesh. I thought we were moving away from entirely black uniforms for teams without black as a major colour in their scheme, but I guess I was wrong.

There's a lot of reason to believe this is the uniform the Islanders will unveil on September 21. First, there are the four stripes on the "Y" like there was on their Stadium Series jerseys, representing the four Stanley Cups the franchise has won. Second, there are also four stripes on the sleeves for those four Stanley Cups. Third, the logo looks pretty familiar. Fourth, there are orange and blue stripes inside the neckline, representing the team's normal colours. Finally, there are more in bags below the hanging jersey if you look carefully. That would indicate that these were received as a shipment or they are on the verge of being shipped out.

In light of those five pieces of evidence, I'd say we have a pretty credible leak on our hands. Let me be the first to say that I'm not a fan. In fact, the only thing that's a positive on this entire uniform is that it can only be worn twelve times per season as an alternate. I was never a fan of their black alternates, and these don't change that opinion. They aren't traditional, they aren't interesting, and they aren't the Islanders in these uniforms.

Huge fail on these jerseys, Islanders. I'm disappointed.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!