The link between sweaters and hockey dates back to the early days of the sport, with teams being recognized by their iconic colors and patterns. Some are timeless classics, while others are just downright atrocious. In our annual series, we delve into the best and worst sweaters in each team’s history, and today we turn our attention to the Carolina Hurricanes.
When the Hurricanes made the move from Hartford to Raleigh, many hockey fans were displeased. However, one thing that remained consistent was the sharp look of their sweaters. In fact, the Hurricanes went on to claim the Stanley Cup in 2006 sporting these very sweaters.
The team stuck with the original design when transitioning to the Reebok Edge in 2007. The classic design, complete with hurricane warning flags along the bottom, is a striking visual. The combination of red, black, white, and gray in the logo is both bold and eye-catching.
If we had to pick a favorite, we’d lean towards the white sweaters over the red ones. But let’s be honest, both are truly timeless in their own right. In fact, the original red sweaters made a comeback as alternate jerseys in the 2022-23 season.
Now, before all you Hartford Whalers fans come rushing at us, hear us out. We’re including the Whalers jerseys on this list because they have been integrated into the Hurricanes’ lineup. Despite any lingering pain from the relocation, these sweaters are a part of the Hurricanes’ history now.
The sale of the team from Peter Karmanos to Tom Dundon has paved the way for the Whalers jerseys to make a comeback on special occasions. These throwback sweaters first reappeared during the 2018 season and have since made several appearances on the ice. And who can forget the times when the team brought out those legendary Cooperalls with the striking green pants?
In the world of hockey, sweaters are more than just uniforms – they are symbols of a team’s identity and history. And for the Carolina Hurricanes, their sweaters have seen both triumph and nostalgia, making them an essential part of the team’s legacy. So whether you’re a fan of the reds or the whites, one thing is for sure – these sweaters are here to stay.
