Isles unveil new jersey for NHL Stadium Series
John Tavares models the jersey the New York Islanders will wear for the NHL's 2013-14 Stadium Series games. Credit: Handout
The Islanders unveiled their NHL Stadium Series jerseys, a sleek, contemporary take on their home attire to be worn when they face the Rangers at Yankee Stadium on Jan. 29.
The new look already has a major fan in Islanders captain John Tavares, who modeled the uniform for publicity photos.
"I think they¹re really sharp," Tavares said after practice Tuesday. "We've seen in the past in a lot of outdoor games a kind of retro, heritage, old-school kinda look. But this is newer, more modern."
There's just one thing missing on the Islanders' jerseys: The Island.
The classic emblem, featuring an orange profile of Long Island, has been done away with in favor of a more stylish design. The Stadium Series jerseys simplify the team¹s symbol by enlarging the familiar top of the logo -- an "NY" that morphs into a hockey stick -- on the chest. General manager Garth Snow as well as coaches and players from the organization had input on the design.
Tavares said the bold 'NY" is a fitting design, considering the opponent.
"Obviously playing the Rangers in that game, there's a lot of fight over who¹s New York¹s team and whatnot, and I think that's still who we are," he said. "That New York with the hockey stick."
Matt Martin enthusiastically described the jersey design as "futuristic."
"I can't wait to get my hands on it," he said.
Martin also said he was in awe of the prospect of playing at one of the sports world's most recognizable cathedrals.
"Yankee Stadium is one of the most prestigious sports arenas in the world, it's huge," he said. "I did a promo at Yankee Stadium for this game and I was standing on the mound and kind of looking around and getting a little bit of the chills and realizing how amazing this is going to be. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and not a lot of people get to be a part of it.
"To play the Rangers, our biggest rival? It's going to be crazy."
Season-ticket holders are already eligible to pre-order the jersey (though the official unveiling isn¹t until Wednesday) and the public has its chance to place an order starting Black Friday, Nov. 29.
