Hockey Canada revealed a preview of the jerseys the Olympic teams will wear in Milan, sparking immediate reactions from fans. The final roster for Team Canada must be submitted in a little over a month, but the anticipated uniforms are already under scrutiny.
The preview showed jerseys featuring prominent black elements, including thick black stripes on the arms and a black maple leaf similar to the one used in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. This design choice stirred mixed feelings among supporters.
"I’ve never seen Black on a Canadian Flag," tweeted @CalderSnub22 on X.
"I’ll never understand the obsession of adding black to our color scheme," added @kjc_2599 on X.
Fans noted the similarity to the Beijing jerseys, which featured the black maple leaf and were associated with the team’s quarterfinal loss to Sweden—without NHL players on the roster.
"So basically the same as the previous Olympic jerseys? Logos and strips look the same. Disappointing," expressed @curmudgeonaf on X.
The official reveal was scheduled for Thursday, after which it would be clearer if these designs are the final versions. The Milan jerseys contrast with the red and white uniforms worn by Team Canada at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off, a tournament they won.
"It's a shame because the 4 Nations jersey was elite," tweeted @DrCrackOfficial on X.
These early opinions highlight fans' passion and expectations for a fresh look to inspire Olympic success.
Author's summary: The unveiling of Hockey Canada's Olympic jerseys sparked fan debates, especially over black accents, with many hoping for a fresh design after previous mixed results.