2026 NHL Winter Classic Jerseys Unveiled
In an exciting announcement, both the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers unveiled their specially designed jerseys for the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, which promises to be a historic event. This year marks the 17th edition of the Winter Classic, scheduled to take place on January 2 at LoanDepot Park, the home stadium of the Miami Marlins. Not only will this game be a milestone as the first outdoor NHL event held in Florida, but it will also be the southernmost outdoor game in NHL history. Additionally, this occasion will see the Panthers participate in their first-ever stadium game, while the Utah Mammoth remains the only NHL team yet to experience such an event.
Florida Panthers Jersey Design
The Panthers’ updated jersey design pays homage to their original “leaping panther” logo, now reimagined with a vintage flair. Dom Fillion, the creative director at Fanatics, shared that the Panthers’ ownership, led by the Viola family, contributed significantly to the jersey’s aesthetic. They envisioned how the logo might have appeared in the 1920s, leading Fillion’s team to incorporate a meticulously hand-stitched logo representative of that era. Fillion remarked on the creative process, noting,
“It was an amazing challenge,”
as there was extensive collaboration to achieve the final design. The jersey features classic detailing, including striped sleeves and socks, and a darker red hue, distinct from their usual color scheme. The shoulder patch showcases both the Florida state flag and the Panthers’ iconic “walking panther” logo, while a rat silhouette sewn into the hem references the fan tradition of tossing plastic rats on the ice during games, adding a playful nod to their history.
New York Rangers Jersey Design
On the other hand, the New York Rangers’ jerseys commemorate the franchise’s 100th anniversary, reflecting elements of their blue Centennial jerseys that they have sported this season. Unlike the diagonal “Rangers” across their Centennial version, the Winter Classic jersey features the words “New York” prominently. This design primarily utilizes an off-white shade, maintaining a consistent homage to their longstanding identity while also introducing fresh design nuances. One noteworthy feature is a large red apple located on the shoulder, a detail that originally appeared on the hem of Centennial jerseys. Fillion remarked how their team stumbled upon the apple logo on an old Rangers practice jersey, leading to its modern interpretation of the “NYR” wordmark.
“This connects with historic elements to create something unique,”
Fillion stated, highlighting the Rangers’ enthusiasm for this innovative blend of tradition and modernity.
Upcoming Winter Classic Events
The upcoming Winter Classic events in Florida do not end there, as the Tampa Bay Lightning are set to host the Boston Bruins on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium, creating a thrilling winter for hockey fans in the Sunshine State.
