The Canadian Hockey League, in association with Reebok Hockey, announced the league-wide launch of the Reebok EDGE Uniform System for the top major junior hockey league in the world. Each of the CHL's 60 teams introduced new home and away EDGE jersey designs for the 2009-10 hockey season.
All 120 Club jerseys (home and away) were modeled and on display during three simultaneous announcements from each of the CHL's three regional leagues, providing the QMJHL, OHL, and WHL the opportunity to introduce the new designs to their respective territories.
The WHL, in conjunction with the Calgary Hitmen, showcased all 22 WHL Member Clubs newly designed jerseys at a media conference in Calgary. The new designs will be officially unveiled at the WHL Season Opener, Thursday, September 17th and on the WHL Opening Weekend September 17- 19 when all 22 WHL Clubs take to the ice to open the 2009-10 season.
In addition to the regional announcements, CHL clubs hosted a variety of local events including autograph sessions, open practices, local press conferences, and various community endeavors at which they unveiled their team's new Reebok EDGE designs.
The Reebok EDGE Uniform System will also be featured during CHL national events including the 2009 SUBWAY® Super Series, and the 2010 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
“The CHL is very excited to launch the new Reebok EDGE Uniform System in all of our markets today,” said CHL President David Branch. “This major undertaking was made possible through the commitment of Reebok who has been a tremendous league partner, and with the hard work of all 60 clubs across the country that helped create each design that will not only enhance the player experience but excite fans across the entire CHL.”
“The WHL is very pleased to release the new Reebok EDGE jersey designs for all 22 Member Clubs in the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Ron Robison, “Through the support of our national partner Reebok we continue to be in a position to provide the best uniforms and equipment available today to our players.”
By upgrading to the Reebok EDGE Uniform System, the CHL joins both the National Hockey League and American Hockey League in the evolution of the game. The NHL and Reebok first launched the system at the 2007 NHL All-Star Game, before going league-wide for the start of the 2007-08 season.
“Reebok Hockey proudly welcomes the CHL as part of our EDGE team. Every player in the league will now benefit from the same advantages as the pros with our lightweight, moisture-wicking materials and innovative design,” said Glen Thornborough, VP Global Sports Marketing Reebok-CCM. “These young players are the future of the sport and now have the best products available to them. We're excited to provide them with the tools needed to advance to the next level.”
Reebok Hockey has been the exclusive jersey provider for the CHL since the 2003-04 season, and in addition to jerseys, the CHL currently uses The Hockey Company products exclusively in the following categories: helmets, gloves, pants, hockey socks, performance underwear, and all under-protective equipment.
