The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames revealed their uniforms for the 2023 NHL Heritage Classic on Tuesday, paying homage to their respective franchise histories in a number of interesting ways.
The event will be held on Oct. 29 at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton.
The Oilers used their jersey to honor the Edmonton Mercurys, an intermediate-level senior team that captured gold at the 1952 Winter Olympics, while using the classic Oilers blue and orange, as well as “Vintage White” and a layered top stitch to evoke the color and texture of vintage jerseys. The club is also opting for classic brown gloves and pants, evoking the image of the old leather equipment used during that time.
The Flames, on the other hand, are honoring the Calgary Stampeders hockey team from the 1950s and ’60s with their uniforms, using “Vintage White” just like the Oilers to give the ensemble a throwback vibe that fits the event. The Stampeders were a minor pro hockey team in the former Western Hockey League – their best season came in 1953-54 when they won the President’s Cup as league champions.
To top it all off, both jerseys feature a collar with the phrase “Battle of Alberta” emblazoned upon it.
With this year’s Heritage Classic set to feature one of the sport’s most storied rivalries, it was clearly necessary for both teams to have the uniforms to match.
