Fans React to Canada’s Olympic Hockey Jerseys Tease
Hockey Canada revealed a preview of the jerseys for the Olympic teams competing in Milan, sparking mixed reactions from fans. The full Team Canada jerseys were officially unveiled on Thursday, ahead of the final roster submission deadline, which is still over a month away.
Opposition to Black Color in Design
Many fans quickly expressed dissatisfaction with the inclusion of black in the color scheme. Some argued that black does not belong on the Canadian flag or hockey jersey. On X (formerly Twitter), user @CalderSnub22 said,
“I’ve never seen Black on a Canadian Flag.”
Another fan, @kjc_2599, added,
“I’ll never understand the obsession of adding black to our color scheme.”
Design Features and Comparisons
The jerseys appear to incorporate thick black stripes on the sleeves and possibly feature a black maple leaf, similar to the ones worn during the 2022 Beijing Olympics. That Beijing team, which lacked NHL players, was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Sweden, fueling fans’ desire for a fresh look.
@curmudgeonaf remarked on X:
“So basically the same as the previous Olympic jerseys? Logos and strips look the same. Disappointing.”
The new design contrasts with the jerseys used at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which were predominantly red and white and helped Team Canada secure the championship.
@DrCrackOfficial commented,
“It's a shame because the 4 Nations jersey was elite.”
Looking Ahead
The final verdict on the jersey design depends on the official unveiling and fan reactions moving forward, but the initial response shows a divide regarding the use of black in Team Canada's Olympic look.
Summary: Hockey Canada's new Olympic jerseys, featuring black elements reminiscent of past designs, have divided fans who prefer the traditional red and white associated with Team Canada's winning 4 Nations jersey.