Flyers unveil new third jersey for 50th anniversary
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Yesterday, the Philadelphia Flyers unveiled the new sweater they'll wear to mark their 50th anniversary during the 2016-17 season.
The uniform is primarily white with an large orange shoulder yoke, orange stripes, and, most notably, gold accents. There's a gold outline around the crest and the numbers are gold — all in honor of the franchise's "golden anniversary."
Reebok's famous hanger effect is also in full force. There's text inside the collar that reads "EST. 1967" for the year the team made its NHL debut.
From the press release:
Flyers senior management reviewed dozens of jersey prototypes and over 100 logo sketches in preparation for the upcoming anniversary. ... The jersey and anniversary patch were approved and finalized in December 2015, when management received the blessing of Ed Snider — who approved both upon first sight.
In addition, a special decal will be worn on players' helmets next season in memory of Snider, who died at the end of last season.
The new third jersey will be worn a dozen times during the regular season, for the first time on Oct. 20 for their home opener against, oh, the original orange and gold team — the Anaheim Ducks. That's interesting.
Those are the facts. Now the opinions.
It's the definition of underwhelming. It's just boring, really. Classic jerseys are classic jerseys, but there's no character in this one. It's inspired by traditional hockey sweaters but it's still dull about it.
Granted, I may be biased. I've never been a fan of the Flyers, though I do respect their branding. The reason they can't do a simple throwback third is that they're basically wearing the same home and road jerseys they wore in 1967. So kudos to that.
But that's just me. On the other hand it is a white jersey that will be worn at home. And I know there are plenty of people who love to hear that. What do you think?