Devils Declare 'New Era' In Unveiling of First-Ever Third Jersey​

NEWARK, NJ – For seemingly an eternity, New Jersey Devils fans have been anxiously waiting for a black alternate jersey. The long-awaited anticipation finally ended today with the official unveiling of the team’s third jersey, which for the first time in its nearly 40-year existence will display a different crest than the franchise’s iconic logo.

The black-inspired, red-shadow design alternate jersey weaves New Jersey pride with Devils history and the state’s 90 years of professional hockey heritage. It is a product that was three years in the making and was influenced by Devils Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur.

“The organization has been playing with the same jersey for almost 40 years, and to be a part of bringing a third jersey for our fans to enjoy is going to leave a great mark,” said Brodeur, who is now on the Devils front office as executive vice president of business development after a 21-year career with the team. “The new sweater is inspired by a history of hockey in the Garden State that fans may not be familiar with and layered with design elements of Devils championship success.

At first glance, it looks like another alternate jersey, but each component of the sweater has a meaning behind it, and that’s what makes it unique.

Its black and striping pattern pays homage to a history of hockey in the Garden State, stretching from “North Jersey” to “South Jersey”– drawing inspiration from professional teams across the entire state that also called New Jersey home from the Newark Bulldogs (Canadian American Hockey League, 1928-29, Newark, NJ) to the River Vale Skeeters (Eastern Hockey League, 1939-1942) and Jersey Larks (Eastern Hockey League, 1960-61).

The 21 stripes on the jersey represent 21 counties in New Jersey. Meanwhile, the five-stripe pattern on each shoulder honors the retired Devils numbers, which are proudly displayed in the rafters at the Prudential Center. And for an added touch, the silver lettering on the inside of the neck denotes the years the Devils won Stanley Cups (‘95, ‘00, ’03).

“This is a jersey our alumni are envious of that they wished they could have played in it back in their day,” Brodeur added. “People throughout the state and country know us as “Jersey,” this is our place, our home and this jersey signifies that.”

While it is clear the design was carefully conceptualized, the final product drew mixed reactions from Devils fans.

“As someone who is unapologetically from Jersey, I love the design,” Aaron Hannon of Union Township emphatically stated. “It perfectly embodies the grit and toughness of the Garden State.”

On the 'other side of the pond,' Michael Hellberg of Sweden, who has been a fan of the Devils for more than three decades agreed and thought the heritage gave the jersey a nice touch.

“The new jersey looks fantastic, and I love that each part of (the jersey) offers a tribute to the team’s past,” suggested Hellberg, who attended the Devils Global Series game against the Edmonton Oilers in 2018.

The new design also got the thumbs up approval from Vic Cruz, organizer of the popular Devils All Day All Night Facebook group, which has more than 13,000 followers.

“I love the black – I think the black base looks very sharp and can’t wait to see how they look on the ice,” said Cruz of East Hanover Township.

However, as is the case with change, there was some criticism of the design amongst the Devils faithful fans, and some of the comments on social media were despoiling.

“I’m a die-hard Devils fan, but I’d rather wear my unwashed beer league jersey than the new third jersey,” jested David Weichert.

Ian Glaubinger of Plainfield, NJ was not nearly as hard on the product design and applauded the efforts, but it went down as a miss in his book.

“I appreciate the team trying something different,” he said. “I’m not a huge fan of the script “Jersey” wordmark, and probably would have preferred an all-white or all red New Jersey Devils logo without the circle.”

Although he admitted that he liked the striping and what it represents as well as the red drop shadows on the numbers.

The new sweaters will hit the ice on December 8 at home against the Philadelphia Flyers. It will be worn 13 times this season.

Sound off in the comment section on what you think of the Devils new third jerseys. Are you buying one tonight or did it miss the mark?