When it comes to unique jerseys for specials theme nights, minor league hockey teams know how to do it right.
The latest creative jersey comes from the ECHL’s Reading Royals who will be donning a very special look for their annual Veterans Appreciation Game on Saturday, Nov. 17th when they host the Newfoundland Growlers.
What they’ll be wearing isn’t your typical theme night jersey. There’s no superhero design or characters from Star Wars featured. In fact, in order to get the full experience at the Royals’ game, you’ll need a special pair of glasses.
Behold the 3D hockey jersey:
Designed by the great Jeff Tasca, the Royals and Athletic Knit worked on these jerseys for the last six months. Through some trial and error and a few different techniques, they got the 3D design to work. It’s believed these are the first of its kind.
Reading’s sister team, the Allen Americans, will sport a Christmas version in December. Both are owned by Jack Gulati.
Something eye popping for the @ReadingRoyals their Veterans Day jerseys done a little differently. Check these 3D Hockey jerseys! With the 3D glasses on, this jersey really ‘POPS’. 🔵🔴😎 Check out their social media to find out how you can bid on one of these unique 3D jerseys! pic.twitter.com/MITNABBo2y
— Athletic Knit (@Athletic_Knit) November 8, 2018
According to Tasca, the process was a bit longer than your typical special jersey.
“When initially making the design you want to have it with different ‘layers’ in it that appear 3D, so you first keep that in mind,” he told Pro Hockey Talk this week. “Then you have to go through applying the 3D effect to each layer in the artwork.”
In preparation for the special night, the Royals have ordered 1,000 pairs of 3D glasses for fans. A few jerseys will be featured in the arena concourse, along with glasses, so fans can get an up close view of them. Afterward, the jersey will be sold on the team’s new auction site.
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.