The Minnesota Wild have finally unveiled their long-awaited alternate jersey, and fans may find it quite familiar. The new jersey bears a striking resemblance to last year’s popular green Reverse Retro jersey. The only noticeable differences are the addition of a shoulder patch featuring the “State of Hockey” logo and unique treatment for Jared Spurgeon’s Captain’s “C” and Marcus Foligno’s alternate captain “A.” These letters are now layered over a patch in the shape of the state of Minnesota.
The jerseys, named “The 78’s” in honor of the former Minnesota North Stars, pay homage to the design and colors of the North Stars’ late-1970’s uniforms. They introduce a new colorway with a Kelly Green base color and bright yellow striping. John Maher, Wild senior brand advisor, expressed the team’s decision to incorporate this legacy look into their alternate jersey, stating, “Our primary home and road jerseys are as popular as ever with our fans. They also let us know last season that they still loved this legacy look so we decided to keep it in our mix as a new alternate jersey, with some updated ‘State of Hockey’ details.”
The jerseys will be officially modeled for fans by a select group of players during a program at TRIA Rink, the Wild’s practice facility, following Saturday morning’s practice. Minnesota plans to wear the new alternate uniform 15 times throughout the season, with matchups against teams like the Blue Jackets, Rangers, Avalanche, Blackhawks, Canucks, Bruins, Red Wings, Jets, Coyotes, Ducks, Sabres, Predators, Blues, Golden Knights, and Jets.
The launch of jersey sales began at The Hockey Lodge at Xcel Energy Center and Hockeylodge.com on Saturday. Wild fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of a third jersey for quite some time. However, the unveiling was delayed due to both the pandemic and the team’s special jersey worn at the 2022 Winter Classic hosted at Target Field.
The Wild Reverse Retro uniforms from the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons, created in collaboration with Adidas and the NHL, served as the foundation for “The 78’s.” These jerseys were a hit among fans, prompting the team to incorporate the design into their alternate jersey.
With the unveiling of the new alternate jersey, Wild fans can now proudly sport their team’s colors in a fresh and unique way. The combination of the familiar Reverse Retro design with updated details and the incorporation of the “State of Hockey” logo and Minnesota-shaped patch adds a special touch to these jerseys. Whether attending games or watching from home, fans can show their support for the team while embracing the rich hockey history of Minnesota.
The Minnesota Wild have always had a passionate fan base, and the introduction of “The 78’s” alternate jersey is sure to ignite even more excitement among supporters. The team’s decision to honor the legacy of the North Stars while incorporating modern elements showcases their commitment to both tradition and innovation. As the Wild take to the ice wearing these new jerseys, fans can look forward to a season filled with thrilling moments and a strong sense of pride in their team’s rich hockey heritage.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Wild have unveiled their highly anticipated alternate jersey, which closely resembles last year’s popular Reverse Retro design. The addition of the “State of Hockey” logo and unique lettering for team captains adds a fresh twist to these jerseys. Named “The 78’s” in honor of the former Minnesota North Stars, these jerseys pay homage to the team’s late-1970’s uniforms. With a Kelly Green base color and bright yellow striping, these jerseys are sure to make a statement on the ice. Wild fans can now purchase these jerseys and proudly support their team while embracing Minnesota’s hockey legacy.