I was a bit young to recall the Chinese water torture-like progress made by the media against the Nixon administration during Watergate, but Redford and Hoffman in ‘All the President’s Men’ suggested a painstakingly patient approach to building the Post’s evidence-based claims against Nixon’s henchmen. North American water torture might be an apt description of what many NHLers are enduring these days dressed in Reebok’s equipment-ruining uniform systems. And like Watergate, it may be many, many months before justice is utlimately served. This from yesterday’s Globe and Mail:
“Just weeks after introducing its much-vaunted, sleek new NHL uniforms, Reebok is making modifications to try to mollify a growing number of players who have complained about the discomfort they’re experiencing from the scientifically-designed fabric.”
Some who are coming forward to the press with damning evidence (in dark garages?) are demanding their identities be protected:
“Obviously, the uniforms don’t get rid of the sweat,” said one U.S. hockey equipment distributor who has been hearing complaints from players and trainers. “It just goes right down into the gloves, the pants, the shin pads and the skates.”
And:
“Industry sources say the company did not do enough testing under game conditions.
“The material itself is not performing the way they originally designed,” one industry insider said. “There was not enough due diligence performed on this material prior to putting these uniforms on the entire league.”
Both Reebok and the NHL this week dispatched PR apologists to try and stem the mounting damage: “Both the league and Reebok insist the new jerseys are here to stay,” the Globe and Mail claimed. Hockey fans across the continent have got to know that the league’s administrator and corporate partners are not crooks.
The Globe continues: “Besides excess sweating, other complaints have focused on the fact they appear to rip more easily. And some players don’t like the tighter fit, which they find more restrictive.”
Capitals’ forwards in particular appear restricted in their shooting motions.
One Comment
The following is a quote from John Buccigross’s Weekly Colum from this week reguarding the RBK edge uniform system:
“I received the following e-mail from Reebok concerning some of the issues being raised about the new uniforms, like the wet socks issue brought up to us this week by Jonathan Toews, and other media reports:
“After working with NHL players, teams and equipment managers to gather feedback on the Rbk Edge uniform system, Reebok has decided to provide an alternative jersey to the players who request it.
“Many NHL players are satisfied with the current Rbk Edge jersey, but since the start of the season, we have received player feedback about the jersey’s moisture management and durability. Based on this feedback, Reebok will provide players with the option to wear a version with slight sizing and fabrication adjustments.
Since Marty Turco, left, and Sidney Crosby unveiled the NHL’s new unis at last season’s All-Star weekend, there have been mixed reviews.
“In the alternate version, one fabric has been replaced with an air-knit fabric and the bead-away water repellency technology has been removed. Both jerseys will continue to offer up to four performance materials, including Reebok’s PlayDry moisture-wicking technology and a stretch mesh for increased range of motion and ventilation.
“There will be no visual difference between the jerseys. The newly designed comfort necklines, jersey cut lines, anatomical fit and team designs will remain identical. Retail versions of the jersey also will remain unchanged.
“Reebok has taken this customized approach with other sports, providing multiple cuts of jerseys to professional athletes based on their individual preferences and performance needs.
“The performance benefits of the Rbk Edge uniform system were proven during testing last season with 28 of 30 NHL teams. We are pleased that overall player feedback has been very positive. We will continue to work with NHL players to ensure they have the best hockey uniform possible.”
David Baxter
President, Sports Licensed Division
“
Post a Comment