The Boston Bruins and their iconic sweaters have always been a staple in the world of hockey. Whether it’s the classic black and gold or the more modern designs, fans have always had strong opinions about the team’s jerseys. In our annual series, we take a look at the best and worst sweaters in each team’s history, and today we focus on the Boston Bruins.
When it comes to the best Bruins sweaters, one design stands out among the rest – the iconic sweater that debuted in the 1974 season. What sets this sweater apart is the addition of a secondary bear logo on the shoulders, a subtle tweak that elevates the design to legendary status. These jerseys are synonymous with the Bruins, so much so that they were even featured in the movie “Happy Gilmore,” with Adam Sandler wearing one and referencing Terry O’Reilly as his favorite player.
The Bruins have also experimented with variations of this classic design, including the gold version in the 2021 Reverse Retro collection. However, it’s the original design from the 1980s that truly defines the team and remains a fan-favorite.
On the flip side, we have the worst Bruins sweaters in history – the controversial bear-themed jerseys that made their debut in 1995. This redesign coincided with the team’s move to the FleetCenter and marked a significant departure from their traditional look. The addition of shoulder piping and the polarizing bear logo sparked heated debates among fans, with some praising the design and others vehemently criticizing it.
Despite the mixed reviews, the bear jerseys have become a part of Bruins lore, with a white sequel sweater even making an appearance in the 2022-23 season. Ultimately, the original bear sweater narrowly edges out its sequel as the worst in team history.
In a sport where tradition and innovation collide, the Boston Bruins have left an indelible mark with their sweaters. From the iconic bear logo to the controversial redesigns, each jersey tells a story and sparks passionate debate among fans. Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying the impact of the Bruins’ sweaters on the world of hockey.
