DESIGN DECODED 3: Reverse Retro Revealed!

What do you call a throwback jersey…. that’s not a true throwback?
Adidas calls it #ReverseRetro and just served up another exciting new collection of NHL uniforms… that remix and reimagine hockey history.
To truly understand what makes these sweaters special demands a little detective work. This episode takes a deep dive to uncover the history behind the hype, revealing the origin of every Reverse Retro design.
▪️ CHAPTERS ▪️
00:00 - Introduction
02:18 - All Team Chapters
03:21 - ANA-ARZ-BOS-BUF
06:20 - CGY-CAR-CHI-COL
10:09 - CBJ-DAL-DET-EDM
13:51 - FLA-LAK-MIN-MTL
17:25 - NSH-NJD-NYI-NYR
20:52 - OTT-PHI-PIT-SJS
24:53 - SEA-STL-TBL-TOR
28:18 - VAN-VGK-WSH-WPG
32:27 - The Future of RR?
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DESIGN DECODED is an Icethetics Original Series that delves into the art of hockey, revealing the often-overlooked secrets hiding within logo and uniform designs.
This video showcases all 63 Reverse Retro jerseys-designed by Adidas-and worn during the 2020-21 and 2022-23 NHL seasons. It includes details for all 32 teams: Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets.
Thank you for watching and subscribing to the Icethetics channel!

[@patrickramsdale4724]

Babe wake up, Icethetics just posted another video!

[@zachpower2192]

I was considering your question throughout the video, before you even asked it, and the St. Louis jersey confirmed it for me: I would love to see a league-wide Prototype initiative. Teams could wear designs that never made it to the ice before, showcasing a hidden part of their branding history in a fun, and I imagine sometimes a little kooky (looking at you, re-coloured Flyers) way

[@fantasticvoyage262]

I really like that idea. But did teams hang onto all those concepts after all these years?

[@kurtherey1110]

The effort that goes into each video is incredible. Well done once again

[@icethetics]

Thank you, Kurt!

[@staceyserene2436]

I can't be the only one who legitimately thought this was a nhl partnered channel when I first found it. The quality is unbelievable 👏

[@icethetics]

Haha, that would be nice! But no, it’s just me.

[@jo-um7yf]

For the next manufacturer, I'd love for them to do a "Future-reboot" series. In this, they would be allowed to go nuts, much like Nike did when they started the sublimation process. Work with the players and fans and put out a set of jerseys with the question "what if the team started today? What would the logo and colors be?". They would be allowed to stray greatly from the current design and history and basically "start over". I'd imagine that if you let a group of creatives go crazy, we'd see some bad one's, we'd see some good ones, but we'd all be interested.

[@johnnyc.31]

You’re describing the third jersey program from the 90s - which lacks the nostalgia driven sales of the RRs. The bad chrome-logo stadium series comes to mind (RBK really was a dark period). The most popular RR1s were COL Nords & MIN Wildstars purely due to nostalgia (and classic design), which seems more bankable, but also feeling overdone already. Do we need a break?

[@johnnyc.31]

YAY! The much anticipated tentpole event in the ICETHETICSVERSE!

[@icethetics]

Haha, you said it!

[@johnnyc.31]

@@icethetics Love this Chris! It moves quickly, but it has to, and still quite long. (So much work!). I hope you can give attention to the full kit for some of these in the future. I found some pant/glove/etc combos quite surprising and delightful for some RRs.

[@icethetics]

Definitely a lot of work! 😅 I’m hoping to do another Talkback episode soon to let the crew weigh in on their favorite RR details.

[@estellegrignon]

The NHL should set sight to a City Edition line of jerseys, kinda like the NBA does. Take inspiration from city/state flags, landmarks and such. I've seen several concept designers already coming up with amazing designs for such a line of jerseys, and it could add a lot of unexpected colours to the league

[@repo9530]

Seriously how this guy has only 16.5k subs?? The quality of these videos (for a ONE GUY) is incredible!

[@HellScream107]

I love the meticulous research and effort you put into these videos. I loved most of these sweaters, with the exception of the Blackhawks and Redwings - guess they shoulda contracted Icethetics for better ideas! 😉

[@icethetics]

Thanks!

[@shinyslowbro2060]

Would like a “Nex-Gen”, every team forced to look to the future. Every team has to come up with a new crest and completely original jersey idea (small nodes to the past would be okay).

[@BigYodaBalls]

This is where the fun begins

[@orionataylor]

Just phenomenal work as always Chris. As disappointing as it is (at least for me) that adidas won’t be making the NHL sweaters, I hope that the next manufacturer creates a program similar to the Reverse Retro. What exactly that would be, I guess would be up to the manufacturer/NHL. I’d love to see more colour vs colour matchups though, so maybe something down that road? I do love me the retro looks though, so I say bring them on!

[@burkus.3527]

I'd love if the NHL adopted a similar system to the NBA or MLS, with a "Primary" and "Clash" system where teams can wear any color either at home or on the road.

[@Jake_Broer]

I want to see a full-blown retro series and a turn away from home/away. Allow teams to have any variety of colors for their jerseys that they can use. It's such a shame that they have to wear a white jersey when there are teams like the Preds, whose jerseys could easily contrast enough with most others for them to be able to wear them on the road. I want to see expanded creativity with today's jerseys, while also having a jersey series dedicated to the history of the NHL.

[@hrd2imagin]

Your videos are the most impressive on all of KZbin. Production blows me away every time. I don't care I"m going to say this on every video you make. I honestly feel like these videos will be referenced by jersey designers 50 years from now. Keep up the incredible work Chris!

[@icethetics]

Thanks for the kind words, Alan!

[@rileykazama3145]

I absolutely love what the jets golden knights predators Sabres Sharks and stars did

[@KOZMOGRAFX]

What a fantastic deep dive! Nice work, Chris! :)

[@messenjah9106]

I'd like to see the next manufacturer do some thing like the NBA and MLB's city uniforms

[@NickTheBody]

Amazing production as usual.

[@squidMB]

If the Canucks do a jersey of Vancouver grizzlies that’ll be an instant seller

[@KO-eu6jv]

I think a retro initiative should be the way the NHL moves forward with jersey decisions, or reverse retros. Remixing old and new colors and designs is usually a slam dunk. It’s a real shame Adidas isn’t renewing their contract, their reverse retros look far superior to the things Nike is crafting for the NFL MLB & NBA. I predict Nike will pick up the NHL to complete the big 4 league merch monopoly.

[@cccoolbucket1285]

No way this channel only has 15k subs still, it literally has the highest production value I've ever seen on youtube

[@Mike_Poppe]

New third jersey program. Bring back the creativity of the 90’s, but with new concepts

[@KevynKing]

Been waiting patiently for this one! Excited to watch.

[@icethetics]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@KevynKing]

@@icethetics I did! Great video. Now if only I could get my hands on one of those Caps jerseys (they sold out so quick!).

[@donellweaver5722]

Great video Chris of knowing the history of every NHL team where they got their ideas for the Reverse Retro 1.0 and 2.0

[@icethetics]

Thanks, Donell!

[@donellweaver5722]

@@icethetics You welcome sir 👍👌👍👌👍👌

[@Fatal_Potatoes]

I feel like there should be an emphasis on deep throwbacks; Ancient franchises from the region of a modern team, franchises that would go on to become a modern team, or teams that span back several decades should really try digging deep and finding older designs to pay tribute to. The Red Wings using the yellow accents from their time as the Falcons, the Leafs using the red from their mid-late 40’s jersey, etc. Seeing tributes to more obscure teams, such as the aforementioned Falcons as well as the New York Americans, Montreal Maroons/Wanderers, Philadelphia Quakers, etc. would be incredibly cool in my opinion.

[@congs5192]

Your videos are out of this world. Great work!

[@dylanwynkoop4578]

To be honest I would like to see every team just always have a retro jersey in the lineup. It’s fun to bring the old designs back, preferably in their original colors.

[@RetepAdam]

This should be on NHL Network.

[@DarkHorse902]

Absolutely stellar production here!!

[@debtsooB990]

Something that I would find interesting, but I doubt would go very far or work very well, would be to challenge teams to come up with jerseys that swap colorways with either their in-state or regional rivals. As some examples, swapping TBL colors for FLA, NYR with NYI or NJ, TOR with MTL or OTT. LAK with SJS or ANA, VGK with ARI or COL, etc. etc.

[@nikovored7235]

i would love to see nhl city jerseys like the nba does

[@christanzola8633]

What a fantastic video. Thanks!

[@jasonrenaldo8920]

The next edition of a jersey series should be city themed… the NBA does it!

[@TheHutchIsOn]

Currently doing a ton of busy work for a youtube video and this is the PERFECT thing to have in the background!

[@erikpapke9269]

Love this video, nice work

[@icethetics]

Thanks, Erik!

[@Redd-mo5bt]

Another great video as always!

[@icethetics]

Thank you!

[@scootscootriot1020]

Icethetics, you outdid yourself on this one! Well done!!

[@mattspain8879]

Subscribed. Good stuff.

[@kennybegeske8824]

Awesome

[@joshuasakal4134]

I think it would be kinda cool if they took what Vegas did of a sort of “imagined past” and did that for every team, but as if they were an original 6 team. And I’m sure they can come up with something for the original 6 as well. Or, better yet, they could redo every team as if they were established today, giving them all a modern look.

[@Pedro-A-88]

Your production quality always amazes me!!

[@icethetics]

Thanks, Pedro!

[@AJEDDY97]

Only got two thoughts: one, the Canucks 2.0 should've matched the logo, but eh, whatever. Two: the Vegas 2.0 is absolute FIRE.

[@mickeymeehan6925]

The Reverse Retro program was exactly what the NHL needed. What a fun way to bank on nostalgia but update it for something new. Sure, some teams didn't nail it, but what can you do. Also, a little disappointed the Jets didn't do a Thrashers inspired reverse retro, so many wanted one. Alot of the designs would make for great third jerseys (Coyotes 1.0, Panthers either, Rangers 2.0, etc) and at the very least it was nice to see the NHL get somewhat creative without going overboard as many feel the stadium series jerseys go. As far as a new series, I see lots of concept artists keep pushing a city edition which would be pretty interesting

[@ariccua6101]

No bias, as the Leaf fan, I loved the current Leafs RRs. Been asking Leafs Twitter for it, since I live on the other side of the Pacific.

[@unholylillim]

Thought about it for awhile and I have a few ideas. How about every team designs a sweater that would be as if they were an original 6 team? As for the actual original 6, they can design a jersey that imagines they were an expansion team from this season. I like the idea of a future concept but how about a decades jersey where every season they focus on a decade? Start with the 1920s and then work their way up to present day, year by year. Design a jersey inspired by the NHL of the 20s, 30s, 40s and so on. I like the idea of everyone having to design a new logo and new colors, something entirely original for every club. They could do a compliments series where they swap their usual colors for the opposite on the color wheel. Could be interesting.

[@kalemacpherson1542]

This guy sure has passion for his hockey history homework, well done :)

[@christanzola8633]

Thanks!

[@EightMilesHigh1966]

Fantastic video as always, but the mustard cat? Man, that’s the Meth Tiger!

[@yycatj]

love ur vids man

[@icethetics]

Thanks for watching!

[@MalWave]

THE RETURN OF THE ROBOPENGUIN LET'S GOOOO

[@Feurmc_]

I hope nike/jordan gets the nhl jersey deal so we can see the city edition/statement edition jerseys

[@icewyre]

New series idea for jersey designs with whoever takes over: create a new logo. Might get jerseys as crazy awesome as Florida's

[@jacobouellette4430]

As for a new series, Id love the NHL to do what the MLB and NBA has done with city jerseys. Id love to see the Bruins do something like the Red Sox City Connect and call to the city flag and use the yellow and baby blue color scheme

[@kimdufva1523]

Always hard when some one new but hope the will do alot like Adidas did. Love to see something with the city and the ice hockey history in citys. Old teams, junior teams and that stuff to promote the hockey in the city.

[@Eric-ec8we]

god I love this channel

[@Wisesongs24]

Great video as always…….. Are there any rumblings what company might be taking over NHL jersey production after next year?

[@PrinceAnt722]

Most likely: Nike.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

New Era.

[@pucksaq]

For future campaigns it'd be interesting to see something along the lines of NHL 125/150. Really think outside the box at how the sport has evolved and where it may go. Teams in new markets, new branding initiatives based on ideas going on in the city. Technological evolution and how it evolves how we want to identify our players. Might be a dud or could establish some wild new third ideas.

[@j_geau]

I'd love to see a city-inspired jersey set, similar to what the NBA has done previously. The jerseys could use city colours, symbols, nicknames, whatever and mix in those elements with existing brand elements to create entirely new and unique looks.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

Most of them look bad. Let's see something different.

[@ghmongo]

I'm a simple man. I see an Icethetics video, I watch with great joy.

[@icethetics]

I appreciate that

[@theospeeler6223]

Amazing work as always! Love the NBA city concept idea for the NHL. So how exactly does that work, would the NHL tell their next brand that they want to keep a league wide program going or is it up to the new brand to decide? Also, I have to assume the way these last 2 RR programs sold all parties involved will want to keep this sort of thing going right? Just curious on your thoughts! Thanks!

[@fantasticvoyage262]

Pass. I'd rather see fresh ideas that haven't been recycled through other leagues already.

[@aronjanzen]

I’ve seen some really cool city series concepts. Would be cool to merge the city’s flag into a new logo as well for the series.

[@constantinentakos2907]

I would really like to see city connect jerseys. I think the reverse retro program while cool had its problems with teams who didn’t have a lot to choose from retro wise or colour wise. City jerseys are easier and a lot more creative

[@KevinQ25]

This video was great! As always. I want the NHL to get Nike to do their uniforms. Only so that they can have a "city" edition uniform and an "earned" edition for the teams that go to the playoffs like the NBA. They could have a lot more creativity with hockey uniforms as they can do creative logos. The NBA is just mainly word marks.

[@johnnyc.31]

It feels like NBA teams have a different jersey every night. It’s too diluted with so many IMO.

[@KevinQ25]

@@johnnyc.31 they don’t though. The issue is they don’t have set home and away. They can wear whatever whenever. Some NHL teams already have 4-5 uniforms. NHL teams have a certain amount of times they can wear alts, I believe. So it wouldn’t be any worse than what we have now.

[@johnnyc.31]

@@KevinQ25 I’m getting jersey fatigue. As a design nut, it pains me to say, but we all know the essential truth… less is more.

[@KevinQ25]

@@johnnyc.31 Nah I’m all for more. That’s why I like the ECHL and CHL. They all have lots of specialty uniforms

[@mah1801]

To answer your question, I'd like to see the NHL do something like the NBA did with the City Edition jerseys. Also, it would be cool to see jerseys/logos based on team mascots. You know the Flyers' jersey would be a top seller.

[@justinganz1173]

I realized the Bison on the Sabres jersey is actually the new updated Bison logo from the 3rd jersey this year

[@icethetics]

Might take a closer look. It is indeed the original bison logo with different colors. Not the same as the new third jersey design. The best way to tell is look for the little point that sticks out next to where the bison's left eye would be. That point is gone on the new third jersey version.

[@johnnyc.31]

@@icethetics Odd how they simplified the new 3rd logo (otherwise a faithful remake) AND the RR logo in diff ways. The original had black tones in face & red in the nose. New 3rd & RR do not, while being shaped differently.

[@SRP3572]

Have a three year initiative to where every team would have to go back to wearing the jersey at the time of their founding, unless it's like Seattle then they would have to have a third jersey

[@C-ROY57]

If the next jersey producer is Nike, then it’ll be the jersey producer for all major sports leagues, so the future RR will be handed to the MLB and NBA, to follow the tracks of their City Edition, or City connect

[@kchamot]

I'd love to see a city series kind of like what the NBA did.

[@MoaiMonster]

2:43 that looks like the old nhl logo

[@MoaiMonster]

0:04 Floridas palm tree hockey is nice,they should call it the south florida palms Lmfao

[@SLproductions1000]

The only thing that sucks about Adidas no longer doing the jerseys is the loss of the RR program

[@edwardburek1717]

Great video Chris. Whichever manufacturer gets the NHL contract from 2024 (please let it be Nike!!) I'd like the league to issue a "two-tone" programme where the teams only use two colours for their uniforms.

[@johnnyc.31]

What about the teams that are already two-tone?

[@edwardburek1717]

@@johnnyc.31 Don't panic, the designers will think of something. That's what they're paid to do

[@jacksongoldenretriever]

It’s sad the Jets have yet to do any throwback to the thrashers.

[@jamesgill9040]

NHL should do era of wha teams with current logos

[@JMackin88]

If Nike gets it. You’re getting a city series no doubt.

[@Ineverleft604]

Every reverse retro jersey is really nice except for red wings, Blackhawks

[@ATR022190]

Never liked the Bruins Pooh Bears, only own a blank as a joke lol. BUT... it does look sharp with a white base.

[@rainydayman2k]

1991(-92) not a significant year for the Red Wings? How about the NHL debuts of Nicklas Lidstrom and Vladimir Konstantinov?

[@icethetics]

Huh, that never even occurred to me. (Though both players do make an appearance in the video!) Wasn’t something mentioned in the design explanation either, but good point!

[@peteruhlig9004]

I would like to see Kansas city in the NHL and Houston. Houston galaxy ✨

[@RichNosowicz]

I hope the next manufacturer looks to the NBA for inspiration and we get a City Series of jerseys. I'd love to see these 32 clubs draw from their local areas to blow our collective minds

[@jindashaheed]

Similar to Hockey Fights Cancer but each team picks a local charity and uses that charities colours with their present day designs?

[@amusket2732]

I'd love to see the new manufacturer so what the NBA did for their 75th anniversary and combine multiple elements from previous uniforms. I know some RR's kinda did that, but that could be neat to see from every team.

[@KPapadakis09]

I thought the Winnipeg Jets ceased in 96’ and then returned in 2011 and the Ottawa Senators ceased in 34’ and then returned in 92’.

[@icethetics]

Not exactly. The 1996 Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes and 2011 Jets were the Atlanta Thrashers before the relocation. So that’s different franchises. Sens were an expansion team in 1992. In both cases these were new teams adopting the names of past teams. Not old teams returning.

[@ODSTGodzilla]

Reverse Retro needs to end after next year not every team has throwback jerseys for every season

[@coleblight2960]

Coming back to this after Fanatics has been announced is depressing. I have absolutely no faith that Fanatics will come up with anything this creative or fun.

[@Crazcosmopwnu]

I would love to see a jersey set where teams were paired up (possibly by rivalries) and had to swap colors and/or design cues for their jerseys. So say Toronto and Boston got paired so you end up with a yellow Toronto jersey and a Blue Boston one.

[@macmillan_kai]

Adidas not renewing their contract with the NHL basically sounds to me like we are gonna be getting some new jersey designs in 2024 😏 also, Chris, what brand do you think will take over from Adidas if they do not resign? Would love to see a video on it in the future speculating all of the brands who could step up

[@icethetics]

Yep, it sounds like 2024 will be another busy year. I really don’t know where the NHL is leaning. I’m personally not thrilled about it being Nike because all of the other sports they already handle. I think that’s why Adidas is moving on. Too many other priorities. I’d love to see a company come in that’s fully focused on hockey-whether that means a return to CCM, or maybe a new company like Warrior or Under Armour. Time will tell!

[@macmillan_kai]

​@@icethetics thanks for the reply man. And yeah CCM returning would be nice, however I love the way adidas does the collars so maybe CCM could do something similar. All collars are the exact same 4 pieces but there are so many different designs you can make for them by swapping around colours.

[@TheJackass1980]

Whoever the next brand is I hope they make the on ice jerseys available for purchase. Unlike adidas with their "authentic" nonsense

[@Yetso97]

There wasn't nearly enough calling teams cowards 🤣 Match to socks to the sleeves you cowards!!! LA! Bring back purple and gold full time you cowards!!! 🤣 This is why I dont make videos... Outstanding job once again!!!

[@icethetics]

Haha, thanks! Yeah, not my style.

[@Yetso97]

@@icethetics VERY not your style at all. 🤣 I'll keep calling them out on twitter tho. 🤪

[@pens87668]

Bring back the V collars. The current iteration of the lace collars is truly terrible. That’s what I want from the next jersey maker.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

Preach. I'm so sick of laces. They have no substance. And look ridiculous.

[@jacklefton9526]

I always thought it would be cool for the nhl to do an ugly sweater party around christmas time every team would wear the worst jersey in their history

[@johncampbell9445]

Boston really missed the opportunity to go back to Brown. The pooh bear jersey is awful

[@JD200_]

Brown is even worse

[@icethetics]

Kinda with you. I’d love to see a one-off brown jersey at some point. Maybe an inaugural throwback for their 100th anniversary in 2024. That was the only year they ever wore brown sweaters.

[@RetepAdam]

I like the white version of the Pooh bear jersey.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

Brown sucks. At least the bear head is something fun and different.

[@michaels9574]

"Celebrity fan Todd MacFarlane"? Dude lol. MacFarlane owned the Oilers for many years

[@icethetics]

Sure, he did own a share of the team for a time, but that’s not what he’s known for.

[@michaels9574]

@@icethetics He was a co-owner of the team for 10 years. Everyone knows he's the creator of Spawn, but calling him a "celebrity fan" is an inaccurate and misleading way of portraying his relationship to the Oilers or their third jersey/RR2 design, as he was an active member of the ownership group at the time.

[@icethetics]

Ok, fair enough. I’ll make a note for future reference. Thanks Michael!

[@JD200_]

@@michaels9574 never knew he was an owner. Just thought he was a Fan

[@patrickstar2750]

I’m still baffled as to why people like the isles fisherman logo. It looks more minor league than NHL. It’s a horrendous jersey and logo.

[@fantasticvoyage262]

I keep saying the same thing about the hideous Oilers Reverse Retro. I have no idea why anyone would want that trash.

[@Thrashman-ye4cf]

Florida needs to bring back the classic cat. Their current uniform and logo is so basic and boring in my opinion.

[@boisvert45]

I don't care what everyone says, Philly have had the best reverse retro both times and the Isles the worst both times

[@erikpapke9269]

Detroit would like a word with you

[@boisvert45]

Tell Detroit i don't care

[@JD200_]

Philly's are overhated but I wouldn't say they're the best

[@boisvert45]

@@JD200_ if it helps understand my choice I'm a flyers fan, so I'm a bit of a biased judge

[@JD200_]

@@boisvert45 thanks for clarifying 😂

[@peteruhlig9004]

Do baseball or football

[@icethetics]

Haha, wouldn't even know where to begin. Never watched a full game of either sport. All I know is hockey so it's probably best I stick to that. 😅

[@TheJimmyStDenisShow]

I wanna see a NHL city concept

[@TheJimmyStDenisShow]

I hope u do the history of every nhl teams logo

[@icethetics]

Another big undertaking, but that is in the works. One team at a time, probably.

[@intoodeep941]

There’s some beauties in this set, but the original reverse retro set was better.