The Chicago Blackhawks released their new alternate jerseys for the 25-26 season. These new alternate jerseys have grabbed the attention of countless fans on social media. The Blackhawks brought back their iconic black jersey that was last worn for the 2008-09 season. 

This may seem to be just a jersey to normal hockey fans, but, to Chicago fans, it means more, especially since Chicago sports have been getting more and more attention–primarily due to the Chicago Bears’ winning streak and Connor Bedard’s magic at the United Center. More and more, people have seen the alternate jerseys and Chicago sports’ successes as the reason for a massive blowup on social media. 

Patrick Kane in 2008-09 season wearing the alternate jersey. Photo courtesy of Icethetics.

The jerseys symbolize many things that represent the Chicago Blackhawks. First, they showcase the 100th year anniversary of the Blackhawks, as also seen on their red and white jerseys with a gold outer font for the numbers on the jerseys. Second, the jersey is an iconic fan favorite by many Chicago supporters, primarily due to the legacy of players Tony Amonte, Chris Chelios, Eric Daze, Denis Savard, Jeremy Roenick and many more who wore the black alternate jersey. This adds to the commitment and legacy of the team, according to NHL.com.

Besides the legends of the Blackhawks that have worn the jersey, the jersey has also been seen on several players more known by people in Chicago. Some of these players are Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Brent Seabrook, Duncan Keith, Corey Crawford and many other players of the 2008-09 season. And, more well known by nearly all hockey players, Connor Bedard. The stud rookie who played his first NHL game at eighteen years old in 2023 is now in the top 3 for points scored in the NHL 25-26 season. To see his name on the back of the alternate jersey adds to the legacy and grit of the Blackhawks.

“Bringing back the classic black jerseys, last worn from ’97 to 2008, was very exciting.

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This felt like the perfect season to reintroduce them, especially with how electric the team is right now,”

— said Maraccini

The black alternate jerseys also inspire the fans to participate in well known “blackout” games. This theme is also seen in football games at LFHS. The “blackout” theme is one of the more common themes for games and it encourages fans to wear black clothes. This theme is also encouraged at some of the Lake Forest Scouts Hockey games (which is a club team not affiliated with LFHS) along with many other schools and teams doing the tradition.

Many hockey players from Chicago enjoy watching the Blackhawks. Even at a young age, seeing the legends that played on the Blackhawks is a treat. 

Senior Jake Maraccini plays on the Lake Forest Scouts Varsity Gold Hockey team admires the Blackhawks and the return of the iconic jerseys.

“Bringing back the classic black jerseys, last worn from ’97 to 2008, was very exciting. This felt like the perfect season to reintroduce them, especially with how electric the team is right now,” said Maraccini. “It’s finally fun to watch the Hawks again, with players like Bedard and Nazar leading the way to victory.” 

As the Blackhawks hold a solid record, there is still more to come throughout the season with the alternate jerseys and the players that carry on the legacy of the jerseys.