Hockey Canada revealed a preview of the jerseys for the upcoming Olympics in Milan, sparking mixed reactions among fans.
Although the final Team Canada roster is yet to be submitted, the jersey design preview already created a buzz. The most criticized element is the inclusion of black in the color scheme.
“I’ve never seen Black on a Canadian Flag,” tweeted @CalderSnub22 on X.
“I’ll never understand the obsession of adding black to our color scheme,” tweeted @kjc_2599 on X.
The jerseys appear to feature thick black stripes on the arms and possibly a return of the black maple leaf design seen in the Beijing Olympics.
The black-accented jersey recalls the team's look at the 2022 Beijing Games, where Canada, without NHL players, was defeated in the quarterfinals by Sweden. Fans seem eager for a fresh look after that outcome.
“So basically the same as the previous Olympic jerseys? Logos and strips look the same. Disappointing,” noted @curmudgeonaf.
The official jersey unveiling happened this Thursday, revealing that these new jerseys mark a shift from the red-and-white jerseys worn at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, where Canada emerged victorious.
“It’s a shame because the 4 Nations jersey was elite,” expressed @DrCrackOfficial on X.
Fans are divided over Hockey Canada's new Olympic jersey reveal, particularly criticizing the use of black and comparing it unfavorably to previous designs celebrated in recent tournaments.
Author's note: The jersey design debate highlights the strong emotional connection fans have with national team colors and symbols.