Adidas Aftermath 3: NHL Picks Fanatics For Game Jerseys

On March 21, the speculation ended as the #NHL announced #Fanatics will replace #Adidas as the official outfitter of on-ice NHL jerseys. The immediate backlash was fierce-and with good reason.
In the finale of the Adidas Aftermath trilogy, I’m taking a closer look at Fanatics and what this new deal means for the look of the league as well as hockey jersey collectors. It’s a short one for now, but it hits all the important points.
▪️ CHAPTERS ▪️
00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - The New Deal
03:32 - What Will Change?
05:46 - Final Thoughts
Adidas Aftermath is a special presentation of the icethetics KZbin channel-written, produced, narrated and edited by Chris Smith.
PART 1 ➡️ • Adidas Aftermath: Who ...
PART 2 ➡️ • Adidas Aftermath 2: Wh...
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[@hanrattyman3343]

I think this Fanatics deal is going to age like milk. It might even force the NHL to actually care about fan opinions.

[@SixerIverson04]

Shhhhh you are upsetting Fanatics and Gary Bettman

[@ryanw8220]

I agree with your first point, I highly doubt the second lol

[@fantasticvoyage262]

The league will never care about our opinion.

[@RichNosowicz]

HONEY, ICETHETICS DROPPED ADIDAS AFTERMATH AGAIN!

[@icethetics]

😳

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

I realize how frivolous a problem this is in the grand scheme of things but we appreciate that you're here. It's the biggest story in hockey

[@icethetics]

Yeah it’s all just for fun. Like hockey. 😊

[@sportsnstuff5557]

There's a good reason why I'm willing to pay almost double for authentic jerseys and not buy the replicas. I think that fanatics could have some really good creative ideas, but im very concerned about the products quality and some of their other aspects

[@sand_is_greaney]

I’m so worried what this means as fans. I would assume that there will be a jersey option for consumers other than the Breakaway line to replace the Adidas indo jerseys but nothing has been said about it yet. I also am bummed that the Capitals likely won’t get a 50th anniversary jersey now (considering how there were no 3rds in Adidas’ first year). I also hate how their Mitchell and Ness jerseys are but I’m expecting that to be the quality we see in the future. Guess we just have to wait for now

[@icethetics]

I can’t see why there wouldn’t be third jerseys in 2024-25 since Fanatics won’t have to set up a new template with the factory like Reebok (Edge) and Adidas (Adizero) both had to. But like you said, we’ll just have to wait and see to know for sure.

[@gregp9350]

I agree to what you are saying. Their Michell and Ness jerseys appear nice online. In person, garbage! Not remotely worth the asking prices, in my opinion.

[@shawklan27]

Their current replica line is a giant downgrade from the previous manufacturers like ccm, koho and reebok. The fact that the quality of them will never likely improve for the likely future is freaking tragic

[@yothythoty729]

Honestly get in contact with your favourite team’s lockeroom guy. Plenty of NHL organizations sell team issued blank jerseys directly from the team. I have like 17 team adidas mic jerseys. In Winnipeg I’m lucky that our team directly sells home away and both heritages for around 400 cad. It’s so worth it to wear the issues jersey. When fanatics comes around highly recommend switching over to authentic on ice jerseys

[@gregp9350]

@@yothythoty729 Thanks, this is good to know.

[@Ramuh.]

Preach it, I'm here for all the Fanatics call outs. I hope they hear you loud and clear and get better. Otherwise we must let them hear with our wallets

[@icethetics]

That’s the only way. Thanks for watching!

[@philcar1994]

As someone who has worked for a Fanatics production affiliate, I am not ready to see what kind of atrocities are passed through QC and onto the ice

[@ghmongo]

I don't think anyone is actually happy about this. Quality Control at Fanatics has been... spotty, at best.

[@icethetics]

You said it.

[@derick-smith]

I liked the video... ONLY to help the channel. The news is garbage. You did a great job explaining the garbage however! Thanks for the amazing coverage, as always Chris

[@icethetics]

Thanks for your support! 🫡

[@every_eve]

your timing could not have been better. chef's kiss.

[@GCubedProductions]

Hopefully the creative direction continues as it did under Adidas. They weren’t all winners, but they were taking chances when the teams let them. And you should keep dumping on Fanatics quality so long as it is warranted. When this channel and the other preeminent voices in hockey jerseys continue to professionally and constructively use their platform as a megaphone for these issues, it will move the needle. After all, the press release says they are listening to the fans.

[@icethetics]

It’s a great point, Gregg. And while I may have said I was done dumping on them for this particular video, trust me, I’ll have more to say if Fanatics doesn’t show us some improvement next year. Unfortunately, they aren’t accountable to press releases, but they will be to their bank account. We need to make sure we aren’t spending our money on low-end products.

[@shawklan27]

Preach

[@fpjrzman]

​@@icetheticsas a jersey collector, and seeing, and feeling, the Fanatics breakaway line, I've said that I'd rather buyone of those Chinese counterfeit jerseys over one of those

[@slapshotjack9806]

Yup let’s just keep dumping on a company that hasn’t shown us anything yet

[@Schm1dtstorm]

@@fpjrzman Some of the Chinese knockoffs are more accurate than the Fanatics versions so may as well save your money

[@user-fu3yv6jf2u]

bought a U of M t-shirt a while back that was completely crooked. Fanatics told me they couldnt replace it because it was out of stock, but they could send me a return label for 10 bucks. after that, I'm pretty much all out on buying from them.

[@godzillagaming1794]

Really curious on what the contract with the NHL is like and if the NHL has an out at some point to motivate fanatics into stepping up their game

[@kevin_li13]

Thank you as always for an amazing video Chris! I will say, I have ordered A LOT of things from Fanatics and its various storefronts for over 5-6 years and have been EXTREMELY LUCKY to not have been bitten that badly… That being said, from personal experience, I have been sent the wrong product a couple of times and have been very fortunate to have been refunded on both occasions (albeit it did take quite a long time for the whole mess to get sorted) and a couple of the older shirts that I’ve bought (with Fanatics branding on them) have their screen printing started to fade (but it has been 3-4 years since I originally bought the shirt in the first place) So I completely agree, there is much trepidation to be had and I’m definitely airing on the side of concern until they can prove me wrong on the retail/consumer side of things!

[@colemaxson22]

the quality of icethetics videos are always so good on such short notice

[@ThePollmi01]

Great stuff, Chris! Am I wrong in getting the feeling this upcoming season (23-24) will be the last one teams make changes or new designs for quite a while? That was the vibe I was getting by the release. Am I misreading it?

[@Hakuna65Matata]

Just a heads up for the Nike Baseball jerseys. The Game Issued/Authentic baseball jerseys from NIKE are still made in Easton, PA. Yes I work at that facility for Fanatics/Nike/Majestic. The only Union run warehouse that Fanatics owns (Thanks to MLB and MLBPA). The replica jerseys that you see in stores are imported to our warehouse to put Players names and numbers on them. My thoughts on the NHL jerseys being made my Fanatics. I hope they are up to the test because I dont have many NHL jerseys that are made by Fanatics in my closet. its mostly CCM, KOHO, Rebok, and Adidas. I never really cared for the Breakaway fanatics jersey since they feel cheap to wear.

[@thespeculum785]

So, in that case, Fanatics has been pretty successful in producing Nike’s MLB jerseys, right? No problems I’m aware of.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

I don't have a Nike. But I really like my Majestic.

[@DiegoMagengo]

I hope they prove me wrong but creativity and technology wise I just don’t think they have what it takes to pull off a special series of jerseys like the Reverse Retro line from Adidas which was very well done.

[@Bramptin]

Been saving up for a Flames away jersey. Looks like I'm gonna have to buy it sooner than expected so I can get an Adidas made one...

[@icethetics]

You’ve got until the end of next season to make it happen!

[@TchallaUduku]

@@icethetics or you can keep eye on the sales! Some of the Adidas teams' gear has been on sale for the past few weeks. Fanatics has sales all the time too. Orielly's jersey is $70 since he isn't with the Blues anymore.

[@manwithamic2372]

​@@TchallaUdukuyep, snagged a pens adidas winter classic for 175 at the arena the other day!

[@ivanm.krsticevic1535]

Wait for a clearance sale. There'll be many.

[@ItsJ40]

Huge shout out to you for making this great series, I’ve very much been looking forward to this release

[@icethetics]

Thanks, Jeremy!

[@paytonwest1358]

Unlike the nhl Fanatics deal. Your work is fantastic!

[@icethetics]

Thank you, Payton!

[@havokan45]

I knew someone who used Fanatics Jerseys to play hockey on ice when Adidas took over . They got 2 panthers Jerseys about a year apart the Red & Gold colors where different from one in other .

[@Hot_LeafJuice]

My sister's fiancee got her a Marleau jersey when he returned to San Jose. Fanatics shipped it out with the number 12 on the left shoulder as it should have been, but on the other shoulder, the number 21... incredible. My buddy has an Anaheim jersey that says "AAAHEIM" on the shoulder patch.

[@edsontransports9400]

LM-O

[@jonathanchin3396]

Fanatics doesn't exactly scream 'quality' but I'm fairly certain that the on-ice jerseys will be fine, especially in the first few years when they, ahem, 'borrow' Adidas's gear. What I really want to know is will there still be authentic jerseys available for retail and if so, what level of quality they'll be. Made in Canada jerseys are probably out of the question but authentics can always be better.

[@FirstNameLastName-vt3hu]

Hey Chris, maybe this is old news; or maybe i remember it wrong but i had a question for you. Have you seen the USFL PITTS team logo? Is that not one of the teams logos from one of your design decided vids? Maybe Hamilton or the Florida blockbusters. Sure looked stolen at first glace. You see it? They have good pics on sportlogos

[@hockeytown2597]

Good vid. One of the better in depth videos I’ve seen about the Fanatics apparel taking over. Usually it’s just a guy bitching about how bad everything’s going to suck and wishing it was Nike instead.

[@devackroyd]

I do hope that Fanatics actually sells the Made in Canada jersey's. I know I am not the only person to say this by any means, but it was one of Adidas major missteps in my opinion, mostly because of the confusion created by the fact that the Made in Indonesia retail authentics are technically not even on ice authentic like many buyers would expect. I get that they are of low quantity, but even making them available for people willing to pre-order and wait would really make fans with deeper pockets happy and maybe start to create some good will amongst consumers.

[@TorryGood]

Maybe they should have authentic made in indo and on ice jersey made in canada as an option for fans.

[@JaredtheRabbit]

@@TorryGood They won’t, trust me.

[@TorryGood]

@Jared the Rabbit they most likely won't, but they sell mlb on field jerseys that's made in usa to fans for $350-$400. I do not know who's choice that was, since nike license fanatic to make the jerseys.

[@nicklocascio1814]

Totally agree about Fanatics merchandise. I only order from them when there is no other choice. Only rarely, am I happy with the purchase after the fact. Quality of merchandise, Printing irregularities, and support of the company dealing with these issues, is ATROCIOUS, at best. Fanatics mentions that they "use consumer input" to better the company. Really? I've never been contacted once when I give negative reviews of my experience. So much for that.

[@osgood30fan]

I had somehow convinced myself the NHL wouldn't be this dumb to kick Fanatics being fully aware of their reputation and knowing the NHL is constantly just taking the money whether it hurts them long term or not. I should of known I was just fooling myself.

[@ajthomas872]

If you are a fan of hockey in general, this channel provides. Once again, a great channel. I hope Fanatics delivers next season!

[@icethetics]

Thank you!

[@matthewpaluch777]

Like I mentioned in the last video..."How much will fanatics pay us to wear that crap?"

[@icethetics]

😅

[@ART1E057]

i gotta say the production quality on these is absolutely incredible. thank you

[@icethetics]

Very kind, thank you!

[@ThePollmi01]

Vandelay industries!

[@ART1E057]

@@ThePollmi01 I’m a proud importer/exporter and latex salesman

[@ATR022190]

I personally haven't had an issue with the MLB jerseys, but I've only bought 2 since Nike took over and one just has a number on the back. Still, I'm not crazy about Fanatics getting this deal. Hockey more than any other sport needs a company that specializes in hockey. It's tough to see when CCM is right there supplying the AHL and ECHL.

[@zillaeffect]

Whitelabeling Is also known as toll manufacturing, and if whitelabeling contracts are similar to toll manufacturing ones, fanatics has to adhere to strict instructions and qc.or risk heavy fines or loss of contract

[@purplebeard1526]

I've had issues with the quality of Fanatics screen printing on their ts. The few hats of theirs I own, have been fine. The jerseys though, are a different ballgame. Their current ones are low end. If they keep the budget line then they need to have a tier system like Nike does for football.

[@whosflair3716]

This channel covers a niche that I never knew needed to be covered

[@icethetics]

Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@MNTendy]

Dropping a like because you put out really good quality videos, but not the fact of the news that Fanatics is the new jersey maker. I have a few Fanatics jerseys that I wanted but didn't want to spend the bigger bucks for adidas ones, and boy do I wish they were Adidas instead. They aren't terrible for being out and about, but I can definitely feel the difference and I just don't like to wear them as much as my adidas ones because of that

[@icethetics]

Thanks for the support, Taylor!

[@gregp9350]

I've had a few disappointing things from that brand. One product looked good online, but in reality, the look, material & (lack) of craftsmanship was very evident. So unless they really step up their game, we can expect not too much. Also because they deal with other sports , they won't notice the lack of hockey fans support. This may turn out to be a real problem soon.

[@Habu12]

CCM (😅of which SPi is a supplier)still makes and will continue to make the MiC sweaters anyway. The on-ice products will stay the same, except the logo. But for those that like and buy the Indos, the concerns are genuine.

[@silverbeach85]

I'm happy we all hockey jersey fans are from the same opinion being worried about Fanatics. And honestly even if they changed their minds and create dcent material, they don't deserve ANYTHING since they have literally (IMO) "scammed" a lot of buyers selling crap before with their "breakaway" items. BTW Another great video 🌟

[@duckattak]

What’s the link to seeing the footage of the jerseys being made at like 4:45

[@icethetics]

Right here ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/nanUmmV4iKqShMk

[@unholylillim]

I like the Adidas jerseys a lot so I need to buy 6 or 7 more before June 2024. Luckily the ones I want are still available, not chasing any reverse retros which might not get reissued, who knows. I need to stock up for the next ten years. I hope that if Atlanta and Houston are joining the league that they get jerseys next season but that seems too optimistic. Adidas has one last hurrah with the stadium series for next year and the All-Star jerseys. I wish I got an All-Star jersey from this year! One more thing to note is I thought I would get a Rangers jersey for their hundredth anniversary in 2026 but by that time Fanatics will have really sunk their teeth into the NHL.

[@unholylillim]

@@ryu_street_fighter561 I got the Sharks 2.0 one and there aren't any others that I want. Lots of regular ones I want though.

[@unholylillim]

@@ryu_street_fighter561 oh yep I totally agree, I want to get home and away jerseys for all my teams and a few extra ones I like.

[@silverbeach85]

​@@unholylillim The Retro Reverse 2.0?

[@unholylillim]

@@silverbeach85 yeah

[@fantasticvoyage262]

The Kraken didn't have their uniform available until months before they debuted. Houston and Atlanta won't be any different.

[@velociraptorgod7404]

ngl since the announcement I been waiting to watch your vid ab it and hear your take.

[@icethetics]

Haha, did it live up to your expectations? 😅

[@velociraptorgod7404]

as always.

[@thiagoprofili4806]

My opinion: this is a make or break for FANATICS. Fanatics has a huge market and a lot of capital, and for them to step up for the first time is a make or break. They can either use the distrust from fans and create good products and by doing that, surprising everyone (almost just like adidas did) or they can continue being poor and this will be horrible press for the NHL. Fanatics basically functioned as a dropshipping company, now that they have to step it up in order to satisfy one of the most demanding fans on the us and canada, i think they will do a good job

[@fpjrzman]

....and if they don't, it will ruin them

[@Bentami]

Your video production is leading the pack of all NHL youtubers. I know this channel is based on the fashion/design/aesthetics of the NHL, but have you thought of making documentaries like 30 for 30 but for NHL lore?

[@icethetics]

Glad you’re enjoying my work, but documentaries like 30 for 30 aren’t made by one guy sitting in his office-like this channel. Those projects require big production teams with proper budgets. (I know because I do work like that IRL!) If someone’s willing to pay, I’m willing to produce!

[@ssmith87]

“put in the money to do it right” over that McDavid jersey @6:14😂😂

[@bluesdemitra38]

This was the only outcome. The NHL decided the jersey doesn’t matter as soon as they allowed ads on them.

[@MayhemmiGunn]

When I heard that Adidas would not extend their contract with the NHL I thought 'on the plus side, at least we won't have to put up with those Fanatics jerseys anymore...' As I said in a comment on your post on the changeover, I'm hoping that their authentic jerseys will be at least somewhat close to Adidas quality, while I'm sure that the replicas will remain the garbage that they are. One thing that is sure is that I'm not taking any chances, I'm gonna have to see and feel the jersey itself before buying it because I don't trust this company one bit, and for me that means I have to fly abroad

[@redtriangle576]

I had all this excitement about the future and it was quickly and soundly crushed. It would’ve been awesome to see an NHL authentic CCM Quicklite jersey. Oh well.

[@icethetics]

Right there with you.

[@johnnyboy830]

I own a few game used one made for the AHL and would have loved if they made the NHL jerseys too but we will see how this plays out. I think if the one ice quality is sub par like the products they currently sell who knows maybe the NHL might terminate the contract early and find a better supplier. However we have to only wait and see how this turns out

[@donellweaver5722]

Wished the NHL would of gone with NIke or CCM but I heard that either company didn't make a run for the NHL jerseys

[@tothecenterofthecity]

On the point of Nike "white labeling" to Fanatics for jersey production, probably not a big stretch there in terms of manufacture, design, material quality since Fanatics had bought Majestic who were the license holder for MLB prior to Nike. And I know you express hope for the On Ice/Authentic product and that makes me wonder if their replicas are so terrible in the hope fans will now have to shell out more for a decent garment LoL (from the 1st instalment on this topic I take it they may be a bit before your time, but I'm still fond of the CCM/Maska Air-Knit-550 model replicas I collected in my teens). Keep up the good work Icethetics!

[@jusducks07]

Didn't know about the MLB jerseys and that makes me a little less worried about quality, but my biggest concern is that the authentic pricing is going to shoot way up.

[@icethetics]

Yep, but keep in mind that while Fanatics runs the factory, Nike still oversees design and quality control. With the new NHL deal, there’s no middleman ensuring that quality between the teams and the factory except for Fanatics. So it will be a true test for them. Not saying they aren’t up to it, but we’ll see.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

That's why I'm expecting a big price hike.

[@alanberndt4900]

I just shed a tear. Leave it Buttman to make the worst decision possible…as usual.

[@chrisbc]

Can’t wait to see the first on-ice fight with these jerseys and watch them shred apart like paper.

[@geztreal1327]

i better start buying some adidas jerseys that i need in my collection soon before everything goes down hill with fanatics.

[@zakwan10]

Anyone remember when the NHL took more money from the Outdoor Network rather than ESPN? This exactly the same route, the NHL with zero foresight goes for the big money rather than an established manufacturer. Fanatics is the true representation of what's wrong with sports merchandising, myself I'm done with NHL jersey collecting for now, moving on to the minor and junior leagues.

[@christinetyrrell2295]

Have 2 because live in Northern Ireland hard get jerseys but both looked terrible after been washed once

[@mementomori887]

Wonder if the customer service they provide us now will be extended to the NHL? We are about witness jerseys fall apart on the ice.

[@DoubleP29]

*sigh* the most I can say is, I'll be saving a bundle for 10 years (short of searching around for former deals online)

[@JaredtheRabbit]

It’s official: This proves that they don’t care about the quality of the fan gear or the game. No, they prefer money.

[@ennok4231]

When I was younger, and my budget wouldn't allow for anything more than an unnamed, unnumbered, CCM or Koho jersey, my budget was what drove choices and maybe I would have made do with a Fanatics jersey because that's all I could manage. The alternative being no jersey at all... But with slightly more means now as an adult, I've always wanted the authentic jerseys to look feel and, if necessary, fold like the real on-ice product. I'm concerned this means a very distinct step back in quality. Any manufacturer can make errors (I have a customized jersey for my daughter bought direct from RealSports in Toronto that has 13 on the arms but 31 on the back...) but the frequency and severity of the errors from Fanatics just goes beyond reason. And why the heck is the deal 10 years? Gary Bettman looooooves his long deals, maybe to avoid having to answer for them too frequently. But this could go poorly very quickly. Thanks for the great video trilogy - I love your work and the analysis!

[@swaviator9623]

I bought a fanatics breakaway because I didn’t know how unrealistic they were. I got it, it was kinda nice but I didn’t like the plasticness of the crest and the fabric didn’t feel like a hockey jersey. Then, I bought an Adidas. Oh, man. As a player myself I appreciated the realism so hard, even if it is slightly different than what they wear on the ice. I also bought a fanatics player shirt (Roope Hintz). The name and number quickly shredded into thousands of weird rubbery pieces despite my best research and effort to take care of it properly. Basically, I’ve boycotted fanatics and I’m concerned about the realism and quality of me buying an “authentic” game jersey when this takes effect.

[@kantstenchonthemel5641]

"67 McDavid" is telling everything we need to know about quality standards. I bought one, had it shipped all the way to France and felt disapointed.Unfortunately there are no authentic NHL jerseys to be found in sports shops around here got to go on the net and cross fingers

[@icethetics]

Yeah, ordering from Fanatics does feel like playing roulette these days. Never quite know what you'll end up with.

[@M3G4TR0N_]

Depending on how those "on ice" jerseys are like the breakaways I might retire from collecting hockey jerseys at least in the current state

[@duckattak]

Only issue I had with fanatics was 2 times I ordered jerseys and they sent the wrong size. I ordered an adult large and they sent an XL. Then another time they sent me a youth L even though I ordered an adult large. They fixed it but that’s it

[@icethetics]

Sounds like you’re one of the lucky ones.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

So how did you resolve it? They sent me the wrong size shirt. And I wasted probably a hour on the phone wading through useless automated crap before finally getting in touch with someone to get what I was supposed to get. I'm not paying to ship something back when I wasn't the one that slipped up.

[@duckattak]

@@fantasticvoyage262 surprisingly easy. We emailed support and they replied same day with a label to return the wrong one and sent the right one at the same time. Oddly surprised they were cool about it

[@jackpethybridge160]

Was hoping for CCM again

[@mrao9068]

As a CBJ fan that was looking forward to a potential rebrand, this absolutely sucks. I also don't understand why it's a decade long deal. I feel like it should have been a shorter deal so that the NHL could get out of the deal if (when) the product doesn't meet expectations.

[@CS.94]

The NHL loves locking down long-term deals. Its indicative of their broadly conservative approach at the root of many fan frustrations... Long-term deals = security, no change, lack of need/desire to adapt, and stifled innovation

[@RedRhino49]

We've been waiting for this since the announcement

[@icethetics]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@mtizzy1986]

I heard someone make the following comment, so it's the one thing I'm clinging to. If Fanatics wants to aim higher for a future deal with MLB, NBA or NFL in the future, they can't afford to botch this up. Like many others I was bummed about the news. I've never invested in anything made by fanatics that I couldn't buy in-person and inspect for QA (except the jerseys, those I've seen and know how cheap they are). They better step up big time because they're already in an uphill climb when it comes to consumer confidence.

[@apferrando]

Well... they own Mitchell & Ness and Majestic. Those 2 do make good products -- Majestic is where that MLB jersey contract with Nike comes from. But, yeah. That T Shirt example is exactly how I feel about them overall. Anything with that brand marking I see as very suspect. If you can't make a half-assed t shirt, and they can't, I'm not going to be trusting a 250 dollar authentic jersey.

[@Natrannel7034]

Who remembers SportsBelle? Because I heard something along those lines staring at 3:10.

[@ianbraman5808]

This is a fun series

[@ediaz951]

Icethetics presents Adidas Aftermath part 3: The downfall of the NHL ahahah

[@icethetics]

The alternate title. 😅

[@justinganz1173]

I got a Kings stadium series shirt and the logo faded after I wore it twice

[@icethetics]

🫤

[@FelixRavenhurst]

I've honestly got the wonder if the NHL originally had Fanatics produce jerseys as their "budget" option, considering the price difference. If so, it may be the case that they'll find a new budget jersey produced and will ask Fanatics to step up their quality.

[@chitown7395]

I bought a Kraken jersey when they were released for someone I know from Seattle and had it personalized with their name and favorite number. They flipped the 8 upside down but at least they spelled the name right. When they contacted Fanatics they told me all Fanatics said was "return it for a full refund or keep it. Due to the fact all Kraken jerseys are sold out we won't make a new one" They coulda given me a partial refund but I'm not shocked they didn't. I am expecting the worst and hoping for the best. But I have a feeling at least the consumer jerseys are going to not improve

[@icethetics]

I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of stories like this in the comments here.

[@jonmendelson1104]

I'm a bit confused. Wouldn't an upside down 8 look the same as a right side up 8?

[@dan-nq6jw]

@@jonmendelson1104 they tend to make the 8 smaller towards the top i believe

[@canalla4158]

Lmaooooo. Imagine wearing Fanatics. Adidas has some drip. Also I want to apologize to everyone believing that I was going to make all of the NHL jerseys next year. I was in communication with the league but they did not like my dad jokes and funny fortnite memes. Thank you for your understanding

[@EPiche09]

College teams that use addidas now are unlikely to go with fanatics I bet. It will be interesting to see what happens. It's a black eye for the nhl brand, again.

[@MH-jv8ns]

waiting for my Flames pedastal jersey now I have to get the blasty one before it's all gone

[@thesios]

I see this going two ways. Fanatics gets it right, either by learning from the factory combined with the creative team coming in or by pure accident and luck, and they earn their 10-year deal, or they continue being who they are, doing what they do (hoping for different results...how does that saying go?) and the NHL regrets what they have done. At the moment, I can't imagine it going any other way. It almost makes me wonder if allowing the teams to chose their own outfitters might be a better option.

[@dylanboivin2645]

I just got into hockey and can say that while disappointed, I just got my customized Adidas Pastrnak Winter Classic jersey with the A on it. Last of its kind, sadly.

[@j.r.weaver9110]

Hold on to it.

[@icethetics]

At least we’ll get one more season with Adidas.

[@snazzilla]

Very disappointing. My plan is to get the new home and away Flyers jerseys in adidas before the switch. The only good thing Fanatics sells is hoodies. Everything else is garbage. Ps. Keep up the great work on the videos! They are very informative and have amazing production!

[@icethetics]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@MilkMan8404]

Everyone's worst nightmare has come true. I can't believe this has happened. We as fans need to boycott if this terrible quality continues. Buy up all those Adidas jerseys while you can!

[@TheTraskman]

I’m just imagining them screwing up the first uniform roll out and a bunch of players starting out the 2024-25 season in the adizero jerseys for the first couple weeks

[@fpjrzman]

If the consumer "Authentics" keep a similar quality to Adidas, I most certainly won't complain. If they act like their Breakaway line, we're in big trouble.

[@icethetics]

This is my concern as well.

[@fpjrzman]

@@icethetics I'm grateful that we have an 18 month lead time for this. This, theoretically, should given them enough time to get their ducks in a row. Key word, "theoretically"

[@HellScream107]

icethetics is correct: "No competition = No Quality control" . The NHL wins, Fanatics wins, We Lose :-(

[@icethetics]

The NHL wins financially, yes. Fanatics only wins if we, the fans, hand over our money. The key is to hand it over only if they make significant improvements.

[@christiansjolander86]

Please give easier access for us europeans! Still looking for the reverse retro

[@minalumathe9072]

I personally would have wanted Warrior.

[@johnnyroberts3761]

The NHL fumbled the bag on this.

[@liammiddleton3064]

I REALLY WANTED CCM

[@stephenbrady916]

Par for the course. It is 2023 and we can’t have nice things. MLB rule changes, fanatics “authentic”, dodge killing the v8 muscle car, really what should have expected, betman to listen to the fans (lol).

[@cucamongaduke3600]

This has all the makings of George Costanza convincing George Steinbrenner to switch to cotton for Yankees jerseys.

[@owenmcglone5275]

*Cries in CCM*

[@themanwiththegoldengooch9811]

I have a few of the fanatics jerseys that i've gotten as gifts from my younger brother since he didn't want to pay as much for the adidas ones which I totally understand. I never looked at them too closely so I can't speak to their quality but the one thing that bugged me with them is that stupid tag they have on the front the jersey it just looks stupid and awful

[@fantasticvoyage262]

The tag can be removed.

[@Just-Jack18]

I personally will not buy a Fanatics jersey unless quality improves. Almost every item I have bought from them has had some defect eventually happen despite me following all washing and care instructions. Also, I will never forget how many of the Caps Stanley Cup Champions hats had either a crooked or missing weagle. Luckily, I picked mine up in-store the night they won, so I didn't have that issue. Anyway, Fanatics Sucks!

[@SLproductions1000]

I'm not too worried. Why? because this is their time to shine. All eyes on them. Jerseys will need to be made with good materials that the players will like. If the players hate them, that will be a huge negative. The main point of emphasis is the fans. We don't know the figures but jersey sales are most likely the most sold merch. If the fans hate it, they won't buy and if they don't buy the league looses revenue and a huge chunk of revenue from merch sales. That's what's going to make the league turn its back on fanatics. 10 year deal on a company that is unproven is risky. I feel they must have added an out clause somewhere or something like that for security

[@icethetics]

I’m hopeful for the same reasons you are. A lot of eyes and a lot of dollars on the line.

[@SLproductions1000]

@@icethetics just realized I forgot to add certain words in my sentences lol

[@tintinsimon]

I have long argued in this comment section about the virtues of vintage jersey thrifting. Now Fanatics out here forcing the entire NHL communities' hand. Good on them.

[@wrathchildamerica2104]

There is a part of me that blames the hockey fan base for this. We have gotten complicit with buying products of poor quality & accepting that nothing will change. I’ll be quite honest I hate the Adidas Indonesia authentic jersey’s (there not Authentic’s they are glorified replicas) it’s like playing Russian roulette with the cut of the jersey (most are cut tight except for the bottom - it feels like wearing a dress - plus good luck actually putting equipment under those jerseys to actually play)The MIC on ice Authentic’s are a completely different story love em but very hard to find most teams (either you have to know a guy or your overspending on EBay or a Team Store that sells game worn) I feel that the Consumer needs to smarten up by either 1- complaining to the front offices of the league & the manufacturer about your displeasure of the product (I have) 2-Demand that the MIC Authentic’s are available on the retail end 3-purchase licensed products from reputable companies that truly support hockey & the league (CCM,Bauer,Gongshow,New Era,Warrior etc) 4-Stop supporting those god awful made in china knockoff (The players,players union, alumni Association, nor team see any profits) Overall it should be us the fan base dictating what we want not the other way around

[@icethetics]

Can’t argue against any of this.

[@seen48]

I find it hard to believe that Nike (and others) would outsource their production. Maybe that explains some of my super crappy Nike T-shirts that I’ve received from Fanatics in the last. You know, Fanatics, the only online retailer of everything sports, a huge monopoly if you will. And the NHL picks a company with all the resale business as well? What in the hell is going on here? A 10 year deal you say? 🤮

[@user-rx9ds5rm9x]

I only wear the fanatics breakaway jersey when i play open hockey