Inside the Quebec Factory Where NHL Jerseys Are Manufactured

In a surprising turn of events, the NHL announced that Fanatics would be taking over as the new designer for NHL jerseys, a role previously held by Adidas. Steve Berard, the owner and CEO of SP Apparel, a Canadian company that has been manufacturing the NHL’s on-ice uniforms in Quebec for almost 50 years, expressed his initial surprise at the decision but ultimately welcomed the change. Despite the shift in designers, SP Apparel will continue to produce the NHL jerseys, ensuring a seamless transition for the players.

The new jerseys were unveiled ahead of the NHL draft, maintaining a consistent look with previous seasons to provide familiarity and comfort to the players. Berard emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality and design that the NHL has been known for over the years. The NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, reassured that the manufacturing of the game-worn jerseys would remain in the capable hands of the same experienced team at SP Apparel.

SP Apparel’s journey traces back to the acquisition of Bauer’s jersey business in Granby, Quebec, in 1995. Over the years, the company expanded, opening a modern facility in Saint-Hyacinthe to enhance working conditions for its employees. Despite the aesthetic upgrades, the process of creating jerseys remains unchanged, with a dedicated team ensuring that each NHL jersey meets the highest standards of quality and durability.

The transition to Fanatics as the new designer brought about some changes to the jersey designs, including new shoulder fabrics, an updated NHL Shield execution, and a redesigned on-ice player practice jersey. Keith Leach, Fanatics Brands’ NHL VP/GM, emphasized the importance of player feedback and collaboration in refining the jerseys to meet the players’ needs and expectations.

While the NHL and Fanatics are gearing up for future innovations in jersey designs, the upcoming season will see the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings debuting new logos and jerseys. Despite challenges such as the relocation of the Arizona Coyotes franchise, the NHL and Fanatics are working tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for all teams.

One of the exciting developments for fans is the opportunity to own the authentic on-ice jerseys produced by SP Apparel. Fans will have the chance to purchase the “Authentic Pro” jersey, crafted by the skilled hands of those who have been dedicated to creating NHL jerseys for decades. The industry is looking forward to meeting the demand for these authentic jerseys, providing fans and collectors with a unique piece of NHL history.