Predators to unveil 3rd jersey

"The NHL regards the Nashville Predators' third jersey as the new standard for the third jersey program," said Brian Jennings, NHL group vice president, consumer products marketing. The jersey features an "animated" saber-tooth tiger logo on the crest of the jersey and also features a pair of tiger skulls on the shoulders.

"It's exciting and I think it brings a lot to the organization," said Predators captain Tom Fitzgerald. "I certainly feel the fans will like it and as players, we're really going to enjoy it. Variety is the spice of life and a third jersey can certainly add that."

The new jersey encapsulates several new NHL design elements and The Hockey Company developed a new double tone air-knit material for a shadowing effect and new cut, featuring a square-neck and drop-tail design with a gold coloration.

"The end result, once all of these features are combined, is a jersey that is truly a breakthrough in the industry," said Ross McCracken, product manager, uniforms, The Hockey Company.

In addition to the Nashville Predators' primary home and away jerseys, the third jersey takes the brand to another level, extending the club's recognition and identity in the marketplace.

"We have a young exciting team and the look and design of the new gold jersey truly characterizes the personality of our hockey club," said Tom Ward, Predators executive vice president of business operations.

"From a league perspective, reaching new fans and having fans connect with our game through our consumer products is vital. We're pleased with the new design and think the fans of the Nashville Predators will be excited when this jersey is unveiled over the Thanksgiving weekend," said Jennings.

The Predators are scheduled to wear their third jersey at 10 home games during the 2001-02 season:

• Wednesday, November 21 vs. Chicago
• Friday, November 23 vs. Pittsburgh
• Saturday, December 8 vs. Edmonton
• Tuesday, December 11 vs. Los Angeles
• Thursday, December 20 vs. Vancouver
• Saturday, January 19 vs. Columbus
• Friday, February 8 vs. Washington
• Thursday, March 21 vs. New Jersey
• Saturday, March 30 vs. St. Louis
• Thursday, April 11 vs. NY Islanders

The team will also wear the third jersey for select road games. The new jersey will be available in the Predators Pro Shop immediately after the unveiling, and during the weekend of November 23-25, the jersey will be featured exclusively at Bellevue Center Mall, 7620 U.S. 70 South. All fans in attendance at the Friday, November 23 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at 7:00 p.m. will receive a Predators team poster, with the players in their new jerseys, courtesy of The Tennessee Sports Fan.

"I like our third jersey, I think it's kind of a unique color," said Predators left wing Stu Grimson. "What I really like is the patch we have on our sleeve. I think that skeleton figure of the predator is sharp, and I think our fans will enjoy it."