Detroit — The Red Wings on Monday unveiled their official Centennial uniform, commemorating their 100th anniversary this upcoming season.
Established in 1926 as one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises, the team was originally known as the Detroit Cougars, and later the Detroit Falcons, before adopting the Red Wings name in 1932.
Designed by the Red Wings and produced by Fanatics, the Centennial uniform honors the iconic Winged Wheel sweater while capturing the tradition that has defined the franchise for nearly a century.
“Red Wings fans have long embraced the Winged Wheel, and we wanted our Centennial uniform to commemorate its legacy,” said Ryan Gustafson, president and chief executive officer, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, in a statement. “This design honors the traditions that make Red Wings hockey truly distinctive, while incorporating meaningful details to celebrate this remarkable milestone in a way that stays authentic to Detroit. It recognizes the outstanding players, the defining moments and above all, the devoted fans who have shaped us into who we are today.
“We believe this uniform will serve as a powerful reminder of our history, while inspiring anticipation for the memorable moments yet to come.”
Each element of the Centennial uniform was carefully crafted, with meaningful design elements reflecting the team’s century-long story. A commemorative Centennial patch will be worn on all regular season home and away jerseys.
Some of the elements include:
▶ A Detroit Cougars tribute: The original 1926–27 Cougars jersey prominently featured an Olde English “D.” This classic logo has been redrawn and reintroduced as a secondary mark for Red Wings Centennial, appearing on the front leg of the solid-red pants, the jock tag at the bottom front of the jersey and the hem loop on the back. The jersey’s number font is inspired by the Cougars’ “Barber Pole” uniforms, worn in 1927-28.
▶ A Detroit Falcons tribute: The striping along the hem, sleeves and socks draws from Falcons uniforms from 1930-1932. Both the font and striping use a vintage off-white tone to reflect the heritage aesthetic.
▶ Leather-Like features: Patches on the jersey are designed to match the leather-brown hue of the Centennial uniform gloves, a nod to the traditional leather used in gloves and goalie pads. Featured patches include a diamond-shaped faux leather captain patch, honoring those worn in the 1950s, a faux leather jock tag inscribed with “Established 1926 DETROIT MI”.
▶Stitching: The first chain-stitched Winged Wheel, introduced in 1932 and used through 1948, is acknowledged in the Centennial jersey’s craftsmanship.
▶ Lace-up collar: Returning as an homage to early hockey sweaters, the lace-up collar is featured on the Centennial design.
▶ Additional accents: The Wings’ Centennial logo patch is on the left shoulder, and a reimagined “Hockeytown” mark is inside the collar. The inside hem of the jersey displays the Wings’ 11 Stanley Cup-winning years, flanked by silhouettes of the original trophy on the left and the modern Stanley Cup on the right.
▶ Helmet: For the first time in franchise history, the Wings will wear a matte red helmet featuring a vintage Meijer logo (1957–1966) decal.
The Centennial jersey will be worn for more than a dozen home games during the 2025-26 season, with the Centennial uniform debuting on the ice during the team’s home opener on Oct. 9, when the Red Wings host fellow Original Six rival Montreal.
tkulfan@detroitnews.com
@tkulfan
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