Hockey and sweaters go hand in glove, with teams being easily identified by their iconic colors and patterns. From the classic to the downright hideous, sweaters play a crucial role in the identity of each team. In our annual series, we take a closer look at the best and worst sweaters in the history of each team. Today, we dive into the world of Montreal Canadiens sweaters.
The Montreal Canadiens have a rich tradition when it comes to their sweaters. In the early days, the team sported interlocking letters “C” and “A” before adopting the famous CH logo. But did you know that there was a time when the Canadiens proudly displayed a “World Champions” logo on their sweaters during the 1924-25 season?
These sweaters are more than just pieces of fabric – they are iconic symbols that reflect the team’s storied history. Since 2003-04, the Canadiens have donned these sweaters as their home uniforms, a tradition that is likely to continue for years to come.
Back in the day, Montreal wore white sweaters with red shoulder yokes and the CH logo. Opposing teams dreaded stepping onto the ice at the Montreal Forum in the 70s and 80s, knowing they were up against the formidable Canadiens in those intimidating sweaters.
The evolution of the Canadiens’ sweaters is a fascinating journey. While the team had worn some variation of a white sweater since the 1935-36 season, it wasn’t until the 1941 season that the iconic white uniform began to take shape. This design was temporarily changed, but the classic white sweater returned in the 1947-48 campaign and has remained largely unchanged ever since. It seems that these sweaters will stand the test of time, remaining a staple as long as the NHL and the Canadiens exist.
As we celebrate the best and worst sweaters in Montreal Canadiens history, it’s clear that these iconic pieces of fabric hold a special place in the hearts of fans and players alike. Whether it’s the classic CH logo or the intimidating red and white color scheme, the Canadiens’ sweaters are an enduring symbol of excellence in the world of hockey.
