Last month, Reebok added a number of “Black Ice” variants on classic NHL jerseys to the NHL store. Somehow, when this was announced, I completely missed that there is a Ryan Kesler Canucks jersey on offer among these variants. And it is horri-awful.
Yes, that’s right. For the low, low price of $159.99, you too can look like an extra from a TRON fan-film. Actually, cancel that: TRON fan-films look way better.
I am at a complete loss as to why Reebok would design and release these jerseys. Were there a legion of male hockey fans looking at the hideous pink jerseys available for women begging for Reebok to give them something equally as terrible? Or is it a continuation of the trend towards black jerseys started in the late 90′s?
In any case, the bright green highlights on this jersey are the most appalling element. I can understand the motivation for making a black jersey, even if it offends me that someone would want to purchase one instead of wearing the team colours. I don’t understand, however, the motivation in adding bright, neon colours to a black jersey, completely removing any of the stereotypical “badass” potential. Still, even without the green highlights, this is a blatant jersey foul.
There was an interesting study published this month linking uniform colour in the NHL to penalties. Specifically, players wearing black jerseys were penalized more than players wearing white jerseys. The study attempts to discover if there is a potential link between black jerseys and aggression or if some other connection can be made.
Accordingly, if I see anyone in Rogers Arena wearing one of these, I will not confront that person, as I am a tiny, tiny pacifist and that person is potentially more likely to engage in aggressive behaviour. I will, however, write another passive-aggressive post on PITB and add you to our Jersey Foul Bingo Card.
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C.K.
September 29, 2011Wow. I thought the pink Canucks jerseys were bad…OK, they still are. But that green on black is cruel and unusual punishment on the eyes. I wouldn’t have minded as much if they were all black with shades of gray.
John
September 29, 2011Yeah, that’s pretty horribly awful.
Human Cannonball
September 29, 2011I think an “inverse” jersey with only black and white could have been cool. I think that’s where this design fails. Had it been black with white letters / numbers, logo, and trim, I think it wouldn’t be nearly as offensive looking. If they had to put some colour on there, why couldn’t it have at least been blue?
Human Cannonball
September 29, 2011Here’s a very quick and dirty mockup of this with white on black only:
http://tinypic.com/r/k0hb7l/7
Instantly better. Also invokes killer whales, so there’s that.
Human Cannonball
September 29, 2011Whoops, I’m pretty sure I meant “evoke,” rather than “invoke.”
Not that Vancouver couldn’t use some help from killer whales every once in a while…
http://www.oherrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/free-willy1.jpg
PeeSeeGee
September 29, 2011It’s like someone made that jersey with Microsoft paint and accidentally turned the entire template black.
Pseuccubus
September 29, 2011Wow. Apparently Ryan Kesler really -does- hate clothing.
Cheese
September 29, 2011The only way this would have worked would be if the green and grey bits were glow in the dark.