The Unofficial Rbk EDGE FAQ

I've been noticing a trend in the comments and elsewhere of people not having all the information that's out there relating to the new Rbk EDGE uniforms and the 2007-08 NHL season. So in this post I'm going to compile a list of frequently asked questions regarding the uniform switch.

Why should you take my word for it? Maybe you shouldn't, but I'm going to try to cite a reliable source where applicable. Plus, I've been researching this topic since way back in January when the first Rbk EDGE jerseys were unveiled for the All-Star Game in Dallas. I've read a lot on the subject.

I hope this will be helpful. And if you come across any information that's inaccurate or missing, please email me so I can correct it. You can reach me at nhllogos@gmail.com. Happy reading!

First off, Reebok issued their own official FAQ back in January when it was announced the NHL would be making the big switch. You can read that for the public relations information. Download the PDF here.

RBK EDGE UNIFORM SYSTEM

Is Reebok redesigning the uniforms of all 30 NHL clubs?
Depends on your definition of "redesigning." Every team will be adopting the new Rbk EDGE cut and style which is different from what they have been wearing, but not all of them will feature an actual design overhaul — though many have. My understanding is that Reebok is coming up with the designs and going through an approval process with each team. So the individual club (along with the league) has the final say in the jersey design. (So don't take out your frustrations on Reebok or Gary Bettman, necessarily. Take them out on your team's management.)

Are teams required to choose from a set of prefab templates when designing their new jerseys?
There isn't anything official regarding "templates" per se, however, we have been noticing that some jerseys that have been unveiled have very similar elements to others. I'll take a more in-depth look at this after all of the uniforms have been unveiled.

When will the new uniforms be unveiled?
The unveilings have been staggered over the course of the summer. For a complete list of confirmed and speculative unveiling dates, see the countdown in the sidebar of this blog. All uniforms will be unveiled by or before Friday, September 21 as that is when they are all scheduled to go on sale in sports stores everywhere.

Are any other hockey leagues adopting the Rbk EDGE jerseys?
The American Hockey League is the only one I know of. The AHL is keeping a photo gallery of all the new jerseys on their official web site. You can view it here.


THE NHL IN GENERAL

Is the league switching back to home whites?
No, teams will continue to wear dark sweaters for home games and white sweaters for road games. I can't say for sure this won't be the case in the future, but it is true for the 2007-08 season. One source of this information is the NHL.com shop where each jersey is labeled appropriately — home or road.

Will any teams have third jerseys?
No, the league has announced that there will be no third/alternate jerseys this season. However, there have been a few indications that the third jersey program will return as early as the 2008-09 season. For example, the Flyers' official web site has an FAQ about the new uniforms. It states, "Black and white jerseys are available this year. A third orange jersey will be released next year." You can read more here.

What do the new uniforms look like?
I'm compiling an online gallery with photos of the new uniforms for each team as they are unveiled this summer. Click here to view it.


BUYING A JERSEY

How do I know what size jersey I should buy?
This sizing chart (measured in inches) should serve as a good basis for deciding what size Rbk EDGE jersey is right for you.



I hope this FAQ has been somewhat helpful to you. If you have a question that hasn't been addressed here or have discovered inaccurate information, please let me know in the comments or email me at nhllogos@gmail.com. Thank you!