Outdoor games are old hat for the Chicago Blackhawks, but the Wild threw out all the bells and whistles earlier today when the organization unveiled its uniform for the Stadium Series game Feb. 21 at TCF Bank Stadium.
On the ice in front of a large throng of media and team employees, captain Mikko Koivu and alternate captains Zach Parise and Ryan Suter modeled them in front of the penalty boxes.
"Really cool," Parise said of his impressions. "In a good way, they're plain. I think they're sharp. They have a really good look to it. I really like it."
I'm no fashion guru, but in my best attempt to describe them with help from the press release, the jersey's crest features the Wild logo and the colors are primarily Forest Green with Iron Range Red and Minnesota Wheat accents.
On the shoulder is the State of Hockey logo, the first time that has ever appeared on a Wild sweater. The new ligature "M" logo is on the left side of the pant. There are also enlarged numbers on the sleeves and back that are scaled for greater visibility in the stadium setting.
"I really like the jersey's classic look, the addition of the State of Hockey Logo and the 'M' mark to our uniform," said Koivu. "It''s an exciting step towards our first outdoor game, which is going to be a great celebration for our fans and the entire State of Hockey."
Added Suter, "I think it's cool. Like Mikko said, it's traditional, big numbers. It's just something different and I think it'll look nice on the ice. … My son just brought home his jersey for his team now, and he's pumped about it just like we are."
The Blackhawks have played in three outdoor games, including two Winter Classics. Wild players are starting to get excited even though the game is three months away.