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Reebok to Replace New NHL EDGE Jerseys

How bad are the Rbk EDGE jerseys failing?  They are such a failure that Reebok has offered alternative fabric jerseys to any players that request them (as per a Boston Herald Rbk EDGE article on Saturday).  This is due to increasing NHLPA complaints that the new Rbk Edge uniforms are leaving players drenched in perspiration.  The Canton company said it made the decision after soliciting feedback from players, teams and equipment managers.  So much for two years of research Reebok spent developing and testing a new lighter and streamlined NHL uniform that they claimed would wick away moisture to keep players drier and create less drag to make them faster.

More from the Herald article: But some Boston Bruins and other players started complaining last month that the jerseys were collecting water that ran down their arms and legs, soaking their gloves and skates. Others complained that the new jerseys made it hard for them to grab onto opponents during fights.

“Many NHL players are satisfied with the current Rbk Edge jersey, but since the start of the season we have received player feedback about the jersey’s moisture management and durability,” Reebok said in a statement. “. . . Reebok will provide players with the option to wear a version with slight sizing and fabrication adjustments.”

Reebok has removed its Bead-Away technology in the alternative jerseys and added a new air-knit fabric. The jerseys still will have PlayDry moisture-wicking technology and a stretch mesh fabric for increased range of motion and ventilation, Reebok said.

Reebok plans no changes in the jerseys that it sells to the public, why of course not.  They have to bleed consumers of all of their sunk R&D costs, thanks Reebok.  Anyone looking to buy a new jersey BUYER BEWARE, I wouldn't buy the new Rbk EDGE as I'm sure they'll have a new style out next year so people have to buy the next latest and greatest "sweater".

For those of you who truly hate the new Reebok Edge Jersey's or want to save some dough, now is the time to pick up the "old" style jerseys before their sold out. Check out these great deals on NHL Jersey Deals.

Want to know all the specifications and the advantages (as per Rbk Marketing) of the new Reebok EDGE uniforms, check out this link: Facts about New NHL Jersey Reebok EDGE.  Or those in the mood for humor check out this blog Why You Need to Buy a Reebok EDGE Jersey! 

Check out my previous rant about the new Reebok Edge Jersey and Top Reasons to Boycott Reebok EDGE.

Free Agent Frenzy update...

Some player movement has finally begun.  It doesn't appear that there is a frenzy out there however it does appears that somethings never change. 

Daniel Briere

Philly - with or without Bobby Clarke - is still a gong show.  Daniel Briere is a good hockey player.  I have no issue with that.  But a 8 year contract front loaded like it is with a no movement clause to boot.  Talk about handcuffs.  What is Briere gets hurt?  What if the Flyers have spent so much they can't sign the another players required to make a Champion. 

Brian Rafalski

Detroit made a nice move here (over paying a bit 6 million dollars a year - but hey overpaying is what signing a Unrestricted Free Agent is any sport is all about).  They lost Schneider earlier in the day and looked to fill the hole.

Who???

BIG NEWS - The Oilers sign Tarnstrom and Grebeshkov  - NOT!!!  Of course I know who these guys are but they're weren't the names I was looking for.  More retreads and hail marys.  KLowe is quickly looking like the Bridesmaid again.  I'm thinking that the Oilers are going to have to target restricted free agents and trades as the only way they are going to land who they want.  The damage from Chris (I forgot to talk to my wife before signing a long-term deal with the Oilers) Pronger continues...

Ron
www.getitnext.com

NHL introducing new jersey's / sweaters

Today might be the day that we get our first live look at the new NHL jersey.  It's rumored that the Capitals will be going back to their original red, white and blue color and will unveil them at the 2007 draft.  So make sure you check out the capitals new sweater when they introduce their #1 pick.  Bravo to the caps for returning to their original colors.  But it will be interesting to see how people react to the new jersey design.

NHL teams have kept a tight lid on what their new jersey's are going to look like.  Check out this USA Today article from the beginning of the year that offers a prototype and all the performance specs.  I'm glad they involved the players in the process, I hope the NHL did alot of survey's with their fan base.  Fan base meaning real hockey fans, not ones they are trying to appeal to south of the border in the  warm weather states.

I consider myself a hockey purist and do not like drastic changes to the culture of the game.  If the original 6 sweaters have different colors, patterns or stripes there will be a mutiny.  If the blueshirt is drastically changed I might have to quickly pick up the "old" before they are gone from the market.  Currently a quick look on ebay turns up only 77, view results (note: i excluded the flyers, devils and islanders).  One of my fondest memories is of Messier scoring his patented far side wrister and seeing his jersey flapping in the wind as he skated past the net.  I guess I'm not the only one that is worried about change.  There already is a petition going around protesting the new uni's click here to participate (6637 so far).  Unfortunately the NHL doesn't seem to care what it's hardcore base thinks these days. 

I personally think the NHL should have spent the last couple of years researching elbow and shoulder pads so they are not armor.  Instead, 6th avenue has decided to change only the visual parts of the uniform, the parts that don't concuss and injure players.  I guess keeping their stars on the ice is not the priority.  I'll save my hard plastic cap rant for another time.

So be sure to check out the draft and let me know what you think about the new jersey's. 

Matt
getitnext.com
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