Like many of the NHL’s decisions over the years, hockey fans are definitely taking this news well.
For some time now, it seemed as if the NHL wasn’t too far off from introducing advertisement patches on jerseys. After adding ads to helmets in 2020, the NHL has since permitted teams to add advertisement patches on jerseys within the last year. And now, ahead of the 2022-23 season, we’re finally getting our first look at what form these ads will take on some teams’ jerseys.
On Monday, the Montreal Canadiens revealed that 23-year-old Nick Suzuki has been named captain of the team — the youngest in franchise history — but what drew many hockey fans’ attention was the Royal Bank of Canada advertisement patch on the jersey.
Nick Suzuki, 23, is Canadiens' 31st captain and youngest in club https://t.co/jaQuM1ZrEQ pic.twitter.com/6eSFlU7ttd
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) September 12, 2022
The Canadiens aren’t the first team to unveil their advertisement patch for the upcoming season, as the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild and more will be sporting a new addition to their sweaters this season.
The NHL jersey ad, as modeled by @Capitals Hendrix Lapierre pic.twitter.com/WZwLSCgeSz
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 6, 2022
Given how sacred the Canadiens jersey is to some, it’s no surprise NHL fans reacted with revulsion at the small blue square now adorning such a historic piece of fabric. Sure, the Canadiens could have done a better job blending it in with the jersey like the Capitals did, but it’s not an affront to human nature like many are making it out to be.
Hockey fans were decidedly split on the Canadiens’ jersey advertisement patch, with some heralding in the end of times for the NHL while others were apathetic to the proceedings.