The new Fanatics line of NHL jerseys is now available for fans to purchase, and they come in a couple of new styles that haven’t been around for quite some time.
Today, the league launched the new jersey collection into four distinct retail categories: Authentic Pro, Premium, Breakaway, and Practice. The highlight of this is the return of the availability of the authentic on-ice jersey to fans, which is identical to those worn in games by NHL players.
Let’s break down the four new jersey styles, starting at the “top of the line” and working our way down.
SHOP: The new Fanatics line of NHL jerseys is now available here! ??
(Canadian Shoppers can click here ??)
The Fanatics Authentic Pro Jersey
For the first time in a decade, on-ice style jerseys will be sold as part of the Fanatics Authentic Pro line. This style is the only of the four to be manufactured in Canada and is assembled in the same factory that has supplied NHL on-ice uniforms for nearly 50 years.
This jersey includes a multi-layered tackle twill with 3D embroidered crests and shoulder patches, and an additional fabric layer on the lower sleeve is designed to reduce friction during play. It has been cut to accommodate for player equipment.
As you’d expect, these jerseys are the most expensive of the bunch, coming in at $425 USD or $500 CAD.
The Fanatics Premium Jersey
Down one level is the Fanatics Premium jersey, which, to me, seems to include all the same details and quality of the Authentic Pro but in a cut made for people who are not wearing hockey equipment underneath it.
Fanatics also says this jersey is lighter than the Authentic Pro. Speaking of lighter, the price tag of the Fanatics Premium jersey is much less heavy: $180 USD or $200 CAD, less than half the price of the Authentic Pro. Personally, if I were to get a new NHL team jersey, it would be from the Premium line.
The Fanatics Breakaway Jersey
The third and lowest level of the new retail line of NHL jerseys is the Breakaway series, which I’d compare to what we would have called a “replica jersey” back in the day. These jerseys are much lighter with flexible crests minus much of the intricate detail and stitching we love on hockey sweaters.
But if you’re looking for a simple jersey that gets the job done and won’t cause pain if you spill mustard all over it, here’s your guy. The Breakaway jerseys are going for $135 USD or $160 CAD.
The Fanatics Practice Jersey
Finally, and also new at retail this year, are NHL team Practice jerseys, which will not be the same as the on-ice versions but simply visually appear similar to what the players wear.
This marks the first time in over a decade that fans can purchase team practice jerseys, and they are the cheapest of the bunch, selling for $120 USD or $140 CAD.
This is the first season in which Fanatics has become the official outfitter for NHL on-ice uniforms in a deal that will run for ten years. The new jerseys are produced by SP Apparel, a Quebec-based company that has supplied NHL uniforms for nearly 50 years.
SHOP: The new Fanatics line of NHL jerseys is now available here! ??
(Canadian Shoppers can click here ??)
Fanatics collaborated with NHL players, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and team personnel to work out the details of the new jerseys. The most noticeable change is the NHL shield, which will now appear more like a hologram-style patch. Also, the dimpled shoulders we saw on the Adidas jerseys have been eliminated.
