On Tuesday, the National Hockey League unveiled the uniforms that will be worn by the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers for the 2023 Heritage Classic.
The event, held on Sunday, Oct. 29 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, will be the first-ever outdoor Battle of Alberta.
“For the Oilers Heritage Classic look, Adidas created new front crest artwork that combines the vintage-inspired uniform with the distinctive oil drop of the team, featuring a player number in the oil drop crest. The new player names and numbers, designed by Adidas, are rendered in layered felt,” said the league’s press release.
The uniform was inspired by the Edmonton Mercurys, the team that represented Canada and won gold at the 1952 Olympics in Oslo, Norway. They also feature brown gloves and pants, an homage to the leather equipment players used during that time.
The Flames uniform honors the hockey version of the Calgary Stampeders, a minor-pro affiliate with the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1950s and 1960s.
“The only Flames gold featured within the entire uniform is the word ‘CALGARY FLAMES'”‘ in the crest and top stitch detailing in the numbers,” said the release. “Adidas designed the new player names and numbers that are rendered in felt with top stitch details meant to evoke denim-reinforced sewing techniques seen on a cowboy’s blue jeans.”
This will be each team’s third outdoor game.
The Oilers took part in the 2003 Heritage Classic against the Montreal Canadiens at Commonwealth Stadium in front of 57,167 people. It was the first outdoor regular season game in NHL history. The Habs won 4-3.
The Flames’ first outdoor game was the 2011 Heritage Classic at McMahon Stadium in Calgary against the Canadiens. In front of 41,022 people, the Flames won 4-0.
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