In preparation for the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic, both the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers unveiled their nostalgic jersey designs. The event is set to take place on January 2 at loanDepot Park in Miami. This game will mark a significant milestone as it will be the first outdoor NHL game in Florida.
NHL Winter Classic Jersey Designs
Dominating the design process, Dom Fillion, senior creative director and vice president of design at Fanatics, focused on themes of history and nostalgia. He emphasized that blending these elements was crucial for this matchup. The Winter Classic has been celebrated since its inception in 2008.
Unique Challenges and Historical Context
Designing the jerseys presented unique challenges. The Rangers are marking their Centennial season, while the Panthers are celebrating 32 years since their inception in 1993. Fillion’s creative journey involved extensive collaboration with the Viola family, owners of the Panthers, to ensure the design resonated well with the franchise’s heritage.
- The Panthers’ jersey features a reinvented “leaping panther” logo, enhanced with nostalgic details like felt and chain stitching.
- Fillion aimed to evoke how the logo might have appeared if the Panthers had a century-long history.
- The dark crimson jersey pays homage to both Florida’s hockey and military history through decorative stitching.
Rangers’ Design and Aesthetic
In contrast, the Rangers’ jersey is an extension of their Centennial design. It includes diagonal lettering that displays “New York” instead of “Rangers.” This white sweater honors the team’s traditional light jersey color.
- The design process aimed to reflect each team’s identity and respect their heritage.
- Fillion noted, “We always keep in mind the setting, the environment, the stage.”
Availability and Excitement for the Winter Classic
Fans can expect the jerseys, along with various Winter Classic merchandise, to be available from Thursday at select retail outlets and team stores. Fillion expressed excitement about the visual appeal of the jerseys on the ice, stating they tell significant narratives for both teams.
This historic event promises to be memorable, as Fillion referred to the atmosphere as “a snow globe in South Florida,” adding to the anticipation surrounding the game.
