Hockey Canada released three new jerseys last night during a game broadcast. The immediate reaction has been pretty favourable thus far for the colours. The logo is a bit of a different story.
It seems like Hockey Canada is hell bent on not having the stem of the maple leaf on their jerseys. It hasn’t been on there for a few years mind you, but nevertheless, we miss it.
Alright, our very small rant is over.
.@HockeyCanada has unveiled their Olympic and Paralympic jerseys for #Beijing2022 🔥
Which one would you cop? 🤔
(via Hockey Canada) pic.twitter.com/ce287qYJdF
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 24, 2021
Let’s count down the top five Canada jerseys of all-time along with a few honourable mentions.
#5 – The 1996 World Cup of Hockey
While the main part of the jersey itself is a little mundane with just the Hockey Canada logo, the trim and arms with the Canada flag are a thing of beauty. The red is nice, but click the link and check out the home whites. You won’t be disappointed!
#4 – The 2002 Salt Lake City Full Stems
Special Yzerman Autographed Team Canada Jersey From Salt Lake Olympics https://t.co/ir3JtSOPDi pic.twitter.com/CJwG8CGLZl
— Sports Autographs (@SportsAutograp1) April 7, 2017
We also loved the black alternates in Salt Lake City too, but the full leaf is a big deal. Give us back the stem Hockey Canada! Give us back the stem!
#3 – The 2010 Vancouver Golden Goals
Much like the 2002 Salt Lake City renditions above, these ones also brought home gold for Canada. The two bar trim is quick and easy. The leaf itself also was packed with beautiful indigenous art. The white text and number pop on the back and shoulders. Even 11-years later, whoever designed these sweaters needs a raise!
#2 – The 1994 Lillehammer Leaf within the Leaf
https://twitter.com/bobbywmurray/status/1207769399589048325
We’ve noticed the last few jersey renditions over the last decade or so have basically had the same slightly altered leaf logo.
Let’s get back to when there was innovation in the ranks. Say what you will about the trim, but we love the leaf within the leaf and even the giant Reebok logos on the sleeves weren’t that bad too.
#1 – The 1972 Summit Series
On this day in 1972: Paul Henderson scored arguably the most famous goal in hockey history that gave Canada the 6-5 victory against the Soviet Union in the eight and final game of the Summit Series. #OTD | #NHLAlumni pic.twitter.com/y5QIbitlQv
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) September 28, 2021
Canada across all of their backs. Giant leaf on the front. White and red and nothing else. So simplistic and yet so powerful.
These will go down in history as the best ever and it’s where the bar will always sit for all future Hockey Canada renditions.
Honourable Mention
The Canada Cup Half Leaf
ON THIS DAY in hockey history (September 15, 1987): Regarded as one of the best games in hockey history, Canada defeats the Soviet Union 6-5 in Game 3 of the Canada Cup Final. Mario Lemieux scored the GWG with 1:26 left on a pass from Wayne Gretzky #VintageHockey #NHL pic.twitter.com/njq7sgB4YF
— Vintage Hockey Showcase (@hockey_vintage) September 15, 2020
We will forever love the half leaf and thanks to Gretzky’s iconic tap in Canada Cup moment, these will always go down in history as one of the best.
The Half Leaf in Blue
1978 World Juniors pic.twitter.com/H9NEsaoeMd
— The Original Burnsie (@burnsieoriginal) February 4, 2021
In 1987 Team Canada sported the half leaf gems in blue. Also, a very awesome rendition of a classic. Switching up the colour scheme – we love it and hope to see more of it one day.
The Multi-Leaf Gem
#NEW PIECE ALERT!!!
The latest to enter our vaults of goaltending history is this #gameworn 1989-90 Team #Canada World Junior Championships jersey that was used by @Sfiset35Fiset as he led Canada to the Gold Medal and himself to tournament Goaltending MVP/All-Star honors! pic.twitter.com/y7lif6oPTl
— Heroes of the Crease Ltd. (@HeroesofCrease) October 28, 2021
The 1990 World Junior Hockey Championships debuted some solid creativity on the part of the marketing folk calling the shots. We loved the multi-leaf and if you can find one of these gems on EBay you should probably scoop it up. You get double the points if it’s a Stephane Fiset as well!
Let us know below what some of your all-time favourites were.












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