The NHL's first outdoor game of the 2023-24 gave us some pretty sweet special edition twigs. While it didn't appear as though any players had any custom graphics like we've seen in years past, there were still some beauties.
CCM
Players on both Calgary and Edmonton were using throwback style sticks that made their new composite twigs like look older wooden sticks. As pictured below, both Brett Kulak and Nazem Kadri were seen using these sweet throwback sticks. In their previous games, Kulak was using a Tacks AS-V Pro and Kadri was wielding a Jetspeed FT6 Pro. It would make sense that Kulak and Kadri would be using those builds with the limited edition graphic. Jacob Markstrom was also spotted using the throwback CCM design on his goalie stick. If you think this design looks familiar, you'd be right. We saw Toronto's Auston Matthews use an all white version of this stick during the 2022-23 NHL season as well.
We love seeing manufacturers and players making the most of a cool opportunity and having some fun with special edition gear to commemorate a cool event such as an outdoor game!
We also saw Nazem Kadri rocking a sweet pair of throwback looking CCM Tacks AS-V Pro skates. Skates and sticks are the best opportunity to express creativity. The sleek blacked out (bonus points from HSM) design coupled with a leather look make for an awesome special edition skate.
Warrior
We also saw Warrior have some fun with their newest models this past weekend. While not as old as other manufacturers, Warrior has had some wicked deigns over the course of their history, which they paid homage to during the Battle of Alberta. Seen in the hands of Calgary's Nikita Zadorov and Mackenzie Weegar, the Warrior Novium had a sweet custom white and silver paint job featuring the Heritage Classic logo so celebrate the event. Leon Draisaitl was also spotting using a stick he's normally using, but also featuring the Heritage Classic logo.
TRUE
We have to give a huge shout-out to Calgary captain Mikael Backlund for his custom skates for the Heritage Classic. Backlund made the most of the moment by giving visibility to the ALS Society of Alberta, a cause near and dear to the Flames organization following the recent passing of their Assistant General Manager, Chris Snow. Custom graphics can be funky and fun, but when they advocate for something that hits close to home, it offers so much more.
Some say there's too many outdoor games now, but we sure don't! We love not only seeing the game go back to its roots, but we also love seeing the sweet designs players and manufacturers come up with to celebrate the opportunity to play in such a cool event.