The Carolina Hurricanes Retire Their Black Alternate Jerseys in Style

Last night’s heroic victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets was the last time the Carolina Hurricanes will ever don their famous black sweaters.

Lost in the pandemonium of last night’s great win over the Blue Jackets was something kind of sad. Whether we like it or not, that overtime victory will be the last time we will see the Carolina Hurricanes wear their popular black alternates (at least for a while anyway).

Earlier this season, we covered the nature of the NHL’s new apparel agreement with Adidas and how it meant no alternate jerseys next season. For the record, that doesn’t mean atlernates couldn’t make a reappearance in 2018-19. But, as of now, the Hurricanes black alternates have seen an end. RIP (2008-2017).

This is a little depressing sure, but Carolina ended its run in black the only way it knew how. With a remarkable win. The last nine seasons have been rough, but the black sweaters have always seemed to inspire the team. Just look at their record in black.

It isn’t just the winning percentage that’s impressive, but also the way the Hurricanes have been able to get those wins. Many of the best comebacks, dominations, and stellar performances by the Canes over the past decade have come in black. Last night’s comeback win over the Jackets was just one of many examples.

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Maybe it’s the occasion, or maybe its the color? Whatever it is, the Carolina Hurricanes perform better as a team when they take the ice in their alternates. It will be sad to see them go. Everyone is looking forward to uniform updates courtesy of Adidas this summer, but the end of the black alternates is the end of an era.

Perhaps it isn’t all bad though. There is a clear love for the black uniforms. So much so that over 75% of our readers want black to be the new primary color. Could a uniform overhaul be in the cards? It might also not be the last we see of them this season. If Carolina pulls off the miracle of making the playoffs, they might elect to make black their home jersey. Think along the lines of Pittsburgh using their alternates in the playoffs last year. One can dream.

Next: Noah Hanifin Has Totally Turned His Season Around

For now though, it’s goodbye. Caniac Nation will miss those beautiful black sweaters. They end their time as they should have, helping the Carolina Hurricanes rally to an improbable win.