With AC/DC's "Back in Black" blaring, the Hurricanes revealed their third jersey this afternoon in a press conference that was open to the public. The jersey's new look was shrouded in secrecy, but in the end the team decided on a black jersey featuring the secondary flag logo as the crest. The numbering is red with a white outline, with the name plate letters in white. The hurricane flags that run across the bottom of the team's home and away jerseys are still there, but instead in just black with with a gray/silver outline and square in the center. There are red and gray/silver arrow-shaped stripes on the arms and socks, and the reversed black "eye" logo — that's been teased on the team's site for a few days — is on the shoulder. The rest of the uniform includes black gloves, pants and helmet. Here's a browser-friendly PDF showing a mock-up of the jersey. Modeling the new jersey were center Eric Staal, defenseman Tim Gleason and goaltender Cam Ward.
According to a team release, the Canes will wear the new uniforms 15 times at the RBC Center in 2008-09, the first being an Oct. 13 showdown against the defending Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings. They will go on sale to the public Sept. 21 at the Caniac Carnival. A fact sheet on the Canes site lists the remaining 14 dates Carolina will wear the black sweaters as:
Nov. 2 vs. Toronto
Nov. 16 vs. Tampa Bay
Nov. 26 vs. Philadelphia
Dec. 7 vs. Washington
Dec. 27 vs. Boston
Jan. 2 vs. St. Louis
Jan. 15 vs. Toronto
Feb. 14 vs. Columbus
Feb. 22 vs. Colorado
Feb. 26 vs. Boston
March 9 vs. Rangers
March 21 vs. Washington
April 4 vs. Pittsburgh
April 7 vs. Islanders
As previously mentioned at Canes Country, Gleason has seemingly switched his jersey to No. 6, which was worn in recent years by the now-departed Bret Hedican.
Bubba is attending the event and will have more details about the press conference and maybe even some pictures of the Canes' new garb tonight or tomorrow.
Side note: CanesVision Online streamed the press conference for all to see. Kudos to the Canes and the NHL for taking advantage of the Web and making it available to those who couldn't attend. Also, the Canes now have a photo gallery up on their site.