Reebok introduces Smoothfit Technology for NHL Player Jerseys

21 Jan '09

4 min read

Reebok is proud to announce the debut of new NHL All-Star jerseys for referees and linesmen for this year's historic NHL All-Star Game, which will be held in Montreal, on Jan. 25. The jerseys -- 18 percent lighter in weight than current officials' uniforms -- are customized to fit the specific needs of officials, providing increased range of motion and better moisture management.

In addition to the introduction of new officials jerseys, the jerseys that will be worn by the Eastern and Western Conference NHL All-Stars will include Reebok's patent-pending Smoothfit performance name and numbering technology, which allows players to move more efficiently on the ice and will contribute to improved moisture management. The Smoothfit performance name and numbering technology eliminates up to 35 percent of the weight inherent to the traditional name and numbering system, which in many cases, includes multiple layers of twill.

Features on the officials' uniforms include stretch mesh in the underarm and back of the jerseys, a zipper-less neckline, numbers on the back and sleeve and an enhanced Referee arm bar design to allow for greater on-ice visibility. The uniform also features a microphone channel that allows the officials to maneuver seamlessly across the ice with their microphones securely fastened to them.

The players' uniforms pay tribute to the history of the game through use of color and symbolic references. The Montreal Canadiens' red, white and blue color scheme is present in both the East and West uniforms and celebrates the organization's 100th anniversary. Additionally, the three stars etched on the players' sleeves commemorate the three most-recent NHL All-Star games held in Montreal. The jerseys also were constructed with the latest in performance fabrics currently used in the Reebok EDGE Uniform System. These fabrics have been strategically placed or “mapped” throughout the uniform to maximize the athletes' performances.

“Aesthetically, the design of the 2009 NHL All-Star Eastern and Western Conference uniforms is a deliberate break from traditional hockey uniform patterning and symbolizes the revolutionary advances the sport has made in both technology and popularity,” said Keith Leach, Director of NHL Merchandising, Reebok. “The asymmetric cut lines are meant to create visual motion in the uniform, which is both a literal reference to the speed of the game and symbolic reference to its evolution into the future. The officials' jerseys will enhance the way the referees and linesmen follow the action on the ice without fear that their microphones will become entangled.”

“Over a year ago, the NHL and our on-ice officials began collaborating with Reebok to refresh and modernize the officials' uniforms. The results are uniforms that incorporate the latest in technology to offer a lighter, more comfortable fit,” said Stephen Walkom, NHL Senior Vice President & Director of Officiating. “We appreciate the time and effort that Reebok put into making this sweater a reality and look forward to their debut at this year's NHL All-Star game.”

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