As of late, plenty of fans have been discussing the New Jersey Devils black, alternate jersey. Recently worn in the 3-2 overtime win versus the Tampa Bay Lightning, these jerseys mean more than the average fan might know.
The Devils launched the franchise’s first-ever black jersey, trimmed in white with touches of red, which weaves together the Garden State pride, Devils’ history, and the state’s professional hockey heritage. The jersey was created in collaboration with the New Jersey Devils, NHL, and Adidas and guided by the Hall of Fame goaltender Martin Brodeur in 2021.
Julien Garza is a 22-year-old Devils fan based in Michigan and said these are one of their favorite jerseys in the league.
"I think I like how simple they are. Black jerseys in general are just super nice, and I love that it pulls in more of the 'Jersey' concept as a nod not only to New Jersey itself but also is a cute little joke since a hockey jersey has the literal word jersey on it," Garza said.
Designed in conjunction with Devils legend and current Executive Vice President of hockey operations Martin Brodeur, the uniform plays homage to the first three professional hockey teams to call New Jersey home — the Newark Bulldogs (1928-29), the River Vale Skeeters (1939-42) and the Jersey Larks (1960-61). Additionally, there are 21 white stripes to represent the 21 counties that make up New Jersey. In particular, the five stripes on the left shoulder above the heart are a nod to the five legends whose banner hang in the rafters at Prudential Center.
The crest represents an unibased proclamation that above all else, the Devils play for their fans in Jersey. The success of playing for Jersey is signified by the interior collar. It has the championship years dipped in Stanley Cup silver. A touch of red is also present, acknowledging the constant color that represents the Devils and their fans.
Many New Jersey Devils fans feel very different about the "Jersey" jersey three years later.
"I'm super passionate about these jerseys," Garza said. "Next time I'm in jersey, I will be getting one while I'm there."
Most importantly, the black base is a never-before-used base color, which signifies going into the next era of New Jersey Devils hockey.
"It’s something completely different than they’ve had in the past with all of their jerseys too which I think adds to the charm and why everyone loves them," Garza also said.
History and significance of the jerseys aside, there are some Devils fans who have a superstition that the black alternate jerseys are cursed. But with a 5-1-0 record while wearing them this season and the previously mentioned win over Tampa Bay — it is safe to say the curse has been broken this season.