Before they were the ECHL team with the most NHL prospects in the league, the Orlando Solar Bears were best known for having the best branding in hockey. The contrast between the city and the name was only topped by the graceful yet over the top look of the logo, and the jerseys that just screamed Sunbelt hockey. It was deliciously meta, quite like the original Phoenix Coyotes jerseys were basically Arizona on a shirt.

But the team has one-upped themselves.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of playing in the Amway Center, which they share with the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the team introduced a pair of faux-back jerseys, blending teal, purple, and white into a classic, yet extravagant design that would make Don Cherry proud. The team also revealed a new third jersey, which depending on your method of explaining things, is either last year’s third with the team’s former home logo, or last year’s home jersey in the third’s colours. It’s the weakest link of the three, which makes it still one of the best jerseys in the league.

The Solar Bears recently began their training camp, and begin their season against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on October 17th.

In the meantime, the ECHL also announced new blue hockey nets, as part of a corporate partnership with Geico. They’re… interesting, to say the least. What do you think?





