The San Jose Sharks introduced their latest ‘Reverse Retro’ jersey Thursday morning, one inspired by the Bay Area’s first NHL team.
The Sharks’ new alternate jerseys resemble the ones worn by the California Seals from 1974 to 1976, with the same “pacific blue” color used for the lettering, with gold trim. Instead of the word “Seals” the white alternate jerseys say “Sharks” in the same unique font.
The ‘Reverse Retro’ jerseys, manufactured by Adidas, were revealed Thursday for all 32 NHL teams. They will be available on Nov. 15 and will retail for between $190 and $240 in the United States, and between $210-$260 in Canada.
The Sharks will wear the uniforms six times this season, starting with Nov. 25 game at home against the Los Angeles Kings. The uniforms will also be worn at home on Dec. 7 at home vs. Vancouver, Dec. 13 vs. Arizona, and Dec. 29 vs. Philadelphia, and on the road at Anaheim on Dec. 9 in Anaheim, and Dec. 27 at Vancouver.
The Sharks introduced new home and away teal jerseys in September, but they haven’t been of much luck so far. Going into Thursday’s game with the New York Rangers, the Sharks are 0-5-0, marking the first time they’ve begun a year with five straight losses in 31 seasons of hockey.
Reverse Retro jerseys were first used by NHL teams during the 2020-2021 season. The Sharks’ version was gray with the crest, sleeve numbers, and point accents from the team’s jerseys from the 1998 season.
You already know 🦭🦈
Here’s a closer look…
get yours 11.15.#ReverseRetro x #SJSharks x @adidashockey pic.twitter.com/kq8OGV4qAr— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 20, 2022
The Seals were the Bay Area’s first NHL team, coming into the league in 1967 when it expanded from six teams to 12. Although the Seals’ ownership, color scheme, and logo changed frequently over the course of their nine-year existence, their record was either mediocre or poor.
The Oakland Seals made the playoffs just twice in nine years, in 1969 and 1970, and lost in the first round both times. Former Oakland A’s owner Charlie Finley bought the Seals in 1970 and changed its colors from green with blue trim to kelly green and gold, just like the baseball team. The team was also renamed the California Golden Seals.
Finley sold the team to the NHL in 1974. The word “Golden” was dropped from the team’s name and the Seals’ dominant color became pacific blue.
