Is This A Birthday Suit?

When the SPHL's Huntsville Havoc announced that they were changing their logos for this season, I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, how does one design "Havoc" as a logo? While they had a somewhat tame logo for the last few seasons, I never expected them to go back to a cartoonish logo like the one to the left, but that's what they unveiled before the start of this season. Maybe it's more appealing to kids and families, but we're not here to talk about this logo because the Huntsville Havoc may have just set a new standard in jersey design with their birthday jersey for their mascot, Chaos. It's a beauty!

As you know, I'm all for minor-league hockey teams having some fun with their jerseys when appropriate. I was a big fan of the effort given by the Hershey Bears when they came up with the "Screaming Bear" jerseys that they wore on Sunday for the first time, winning in overtime by a 2-1 score over the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. I didn't think any jerseys would come close to the wink-and-nod that the Bears were giving to their NHL affiliate in the Washington Capitals, but the Huntsville Havoc may have done them one better.

Ladies and gentlemen, here is Chaos' birthday jersey for his birthday party, taking place on January 30, 2026 against the Peoria Rivermen.

Holy moly, is that an awesome take on the Wild Wing jerseys worn by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks! The Ducks brought the Wild Wing back for their Reverse Retro jersey in 2021, but it never quite felt like it had the same punch as the original Wild Wing jerseys that were worn in 1995-96. However, seeing the cartoonish face of Chaos and the alterations for his wolf features on this Havoc recreation of the Wild Wing jersey might just be the best jersey seen across all leagues!

"But Teebz," I hear you saying, "these are still awful jerseys," and you'd be right, but they're awful for an NHL team because of how cartoonish they are. For a minor-league hockey team, these are fantastic beause they look so minor-league in their design. Having the Havoc adopt this jersey design is an awesome idea, and whoever came up with this idea deserves some sort of bonus or promotion!

Perhaps the best part of this jersey is that you can get one of your own! The Havoc are taking pre-sale purchases for Chaos birthday jerseys through November 24, so you can't wait long if you want one of these for your closet. I'd be all over this if they were selling on-ice jerseys, but I dislike replica jerseys of any kind, even if they are awesome like these ones. I guess I'll miss out on this one.

There is a game-style jersey available on the Dash auctions site, but I'm not in a financial position to spend more than $800 USD on a jersey of any kind. Heck, I wouldn't spend $800 on a trip to the state of New Jersey, let alone spending it on a a polyester sweater. As stated, I'm missing out on what could be the best jersey this year.

Feel free to leave your comments about this jersey below because I'm interested in your view on this iteration of the Wild Wing jersey. I've seen teams celebrate their mascots' birthdays before, but I don't think I've ever seen a team come up with an idea like the Havoc did for Chaos' birthday. It makes me wonder what they may have in store for their other mascot, Ruckus, when his birthday hits the calendar!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!