Hockey jersey colors?

[MacWage]

Simple question, (I can't seem to find it on my own).
Recently, the NHL flipped to dark home and white road colors.
Before it was white home and dark away.
When did the white become home?
My brain keeps thinking that white used to be away/road, but can't seem to find anything to say either way (only the recent shift).

Now, I KNOW there are a pile of NHL fans here, so any help for the Southerner?

[MacWage]

Nevermind, found it.
Just for the mass wisdom:
From:
http://www.nhluniforms.com/
(1950s section)

During the 1950's, rules were modified dictating which jerseys the teams wear on their home ice. For the 1951-52 season, the league mandated that the home team wear their white sweaters. Four seasons later, the colored jerseys became the home jerseys. That would be the standard for the next 15 seasons, until the league did an about-face and ordered teams to wear white at home in 1970.

and white it was until just recently . . .

[SnakeEyes]

I think the Oilers look better in Navy anyways.

[McMurdo]

I really liked the white home jerseys, I don't really watch the leafs anymore, but if I see them now I always think they are playing an away game since the colours have changed.

[ckelly327]

It's really just a big merchandising ploy. It's just like football. The more jerseys they design and produce - the more they can sell. Personally I am a Rangers fan and have one of the old Blues with the "R" on the front and an early replica of the original jerseys. I don't like the Lady Liberty thing that they've been using and wish they would go back. Unfortunately, that's not how to generate revenue from product sales.

[possingk]

It's really just a big merchandising ploy. It's just like football. The more jerseys they design and produce - the more they can sell. Personally I am a Rangers fan and have one of the old Blues with the "R" on the front and an early replica of the original jerseys. I don't like the Lady Liberty thing that they've been using and wish they would go back. Unfortunately, that's not how to generate revenue from product sales.

That isn't necessarly true, the Sabres third jersey's, i.e. the vintage jersey sell great when they are available. I think you will start to see a lot of third jersey's that are throwbacks in 2008 when the third jersey returns.

Back on topic, I miss the white at home as well. Since I have only been alive since the whites were home the last few years really play with my mind. I can't get used to darks at home.

[MacWage]

Now that a discussion has begun . . .
I own:
-Atlanta Flames 1972 "media" jersey (recieved by my father in 1972 when he designed their logo when the team was founded), number 5, signed by Curt Bennett (when he was the assistant coach of Atlanta Knights). Red jersey, in father's hands for the forseeable future.
-Atlanta Knights replica, black
-Atlanta Thrashers white
-Atlanta Thrashers red/navy

On order (on shipping)
-Atlanta Flames (modern replica, now one I will WEAR!!!) in Red.

I actually like the dark ones generally, but some of the whites look better on some team designs.

In the case of Buffalo, there is a HUGE fan push for the "old" logo, but I think they should so a "modernized" version instead. Imaging the crossed sabers alternate of a couple years ago, with a similar style bison at the top.
The design is aimed at coordinating with Reebox's new jersey design. It was SUPPOSED to be introduced simultaniously, BUT the jersey got a unanimous thumbes down by the team owners. However, I will be surprised if the teams and fans do not like anything that is too far of a departure from the "traditional" ones. I like the look of the old one. Also, note how many of the newer intoduced ones (like Atlanta's own "blueland" home jerseys), have TIE necks-the VERY old style.

[cavscout]

I have the Chicago Blackhawks White Jersey with Chelios on it. Sorry Chris, I like you but These things are too expensive to follow you from team to team

[Colin]

It's all marketing. I grew up with the home team wearing white, and still think that is how it should be. Now with the switch and the more readily available "3rd jerseys" it is just to expose more people to all the available jerseys for each team. This of course hopefully means that true fans want one of each jersey. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[possingk]

It's all marketing. I grew up with the home team wearing white, and still think that is how it should be. Now with the switch and the more readily available "3rd jerseys" it is just to expose more people to all the available jerseys for each team. This of course hopefully means that true fans want one of each jersey. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

If the teams do approve the new jersey's there will be no third jersey's next year. I don't know if the Sabres will be able to keep theirs since they already have the new jersey's or not, but it will be at least a year until we see the new thirds.