After events like the Met Gala or various award shows, it’s customary for various accounts on X or Instagram to comment on celebrities’ outfits that were worn at these occasions. Just like these traditions, it has become a ritual at NHL outdoor games for players to wear matching outfits, keeping fans on their feet wondering what outfits they’ll wear.
This year, the NHL teams have definitely exceeded their fans’ expectations.
This past Saturday at the annual NHL Stadium series, the New Jersey Devils wore outfits to resemble characters from the show ‘The Sopranos.’ Players wore navy or neon green tracksuits, white tank tops and even slicked their hair back. Accompanying their outfits, some players also carried around cigars or little espresso cups.
Their fellow Metropolitan Division foes and opponents on Friday, the Philadelphia Flyers, wore a beanie and gray sweatpants and sweatshirts while catching a running start as they exited the team bus. This was to resemble Sylvester Stallone in the famous scene from the movie ‘Rocky’ with the song “Gonna Fly Now” in the background.
It launched a plethora of comments all over social media, and fans were fascinated by these iconic “arrival outfits” by the teams competing in outdoor games this season.
After the Devils took the win 6-3, captain Nico Hischier was asked by ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan what their idea was behind these outfits and what he has learned about New Jersey. “Great state, I love it here. It’s my second home. Sopranos, that’s how we roll.” Hischier answered.
The idea of arrival outfits has taken the NHL by storm, like at the Winter Classic last month when the Seattle Kraken arrived dressed as fishermen from Pike Place Market.
Brandon Tanev, a winger for the Kraken, said to GQ, “We wanted to do something that showcased the outdoors of Seattle, something fun, something vibrant…We decided on doing something with fishing vibes. Pike Place is a staple place for tourists that people to go down to visit. You always see the individuals there out at the market, chucking fish. It’s a famous thing. So we wanted an outfit that represented that, along with being on the water. Fishermen on vessels, that’s what they’re wearing.”
With these rituals, the league and its teams are integrating pop culture into their traditions, expanding their horizons for the future. It’s a fantastic marketing strategy while elevating the league and its events to gain more traction and viewership.