Hockey and sweaters go hand in hand, with teams being recognized by their iconic colors and designs. Some sweaters are timeless classics, while others are deemed as historically bad. In our annual series focusing on the best and worst sweaters in each team’s history, today we take a closer look at the Minnesota Wild.
Fans of the Wild eagerly embraced these sweaters, with little criticism to be found. These sweaters were introduced as the third jerseys in the 2023-24 season, sparking rumors that they could become the permanent home sweaters. Although that idea was dismissed, many are hopeful that these jerseys will eventually become the full-time look for the team.
While the green jerseys are undeniably popular, the white Reverse Retros introduced in 2021 set the stage for an even greater sequel. These sweaters prominently featured the Wild crest, with a perfect incorporation of the North Stars’ colors. Minnesota fans were delighted to discover the subtle nod to the old North Stars franchise with stars on the side of the pants, serving as a heartfelt tribute to the team that many still hold dear.
When Minnesota switched its home sweaters in 2017 under the Adidas uniform contract, they opted for a dark green design with a cream-colored stripe and logo. Despite the shift towards the North Stars-inspired Reverse Retros, these jerseys are often overlooked but maintain a clean and underrated look. The transition to Fanatics has solidified this design for the time being.
In 2007, Reebok took over the NHL sweater contract and immediately switched the Wild’s red third jersey to be their primary home sweater, deviating from the traditional green that had been synonymous with the franchise.
So whether you’re a fan of the classic green or prefer the modern twists on the Wild’s sweaters, one thing is for certain – the sweaters worn by the Minnesota Wild hold a special place in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.