The NHL did not institute a dress code for the playoffs, but the Columbus Blue Jackets chose to follow one anyway. And it turned out awesome.
The Blue Jackets arrived to practice on Monday in shorts and custom-made Let’s Play Bubble Hockey shirts. The tees were designed specifically for the Blue Jackets during the shutdown by Homage, a popular Columbus, Ohio-based company that creates vintage-style sports apparel.
Hockey Twitter immediately went nuts for the t-shirts and now it appears Homage is taking steps to make the shirts available for the general public.
“We made these for #CBJ just for fun, so they’re not available on the site… (yet),” Homage teased in a tweet.
We made these for #CBJ just for fun, so they're not available on the site… (yet). pic.twitter.com/79SEvJWeh4
— HOMAGE (@HOMAGE) July 27, 2020
According to NHL.com, Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno came up with the idea and suggested it to several friends at the apparel company, who then made it a reality.
Good to be in “The Bubble”. Lets get to work! Thanks @HOMAGE for the great hookup on the shirts for the team! pic.twitter.com/ZjTPhA5DAQ
— Nick Foligno (@NickFoligno) July 27, 2020
“It was just something we thought of,” Foligno said. “I’ve worked with those guys with some charity stuff. They’re a great company. I thought about it just before we left, kind of last minute, so I appreciate them coming up with something for us… Obviously, we know the seriousness of the situation but, you know, for us just to have a little fun while we’re here, show a little flair… A lot of people liked (the shirts) and they’re actually very comfortable.”
Goaltender Elvis Merzlikins played the role of organizer, figuring out all the players’ sizes (I’m guessing 31 men’s smediums) and picking up the gear before the team left for the literal bubble.
Riding its social media high, Homage took suggestions from NHL fans Tuesday on their next line of shirts. Hockey Twitter suggested NHL Jam shirts and Homage asked for which duos?
.@NHL @NHLPA This is one of the best ideas we've ever heard. https://t.co/SbwxukANfi
— HOMAGE (@HOMAGE) July 28, 2020
Ok, just for funsies. Who would be the duos you'd wanna see? pic.twitter.com/Dy9wT20R5z
— HOMAGE (@HOMAGE) July 28, 2020
Ovechkin/Backstrom! @russianmachine
— Brien (@brienc) July 28, 2020
Now we’re talking!
Update: In response to our story, Homage says the shirts are “dropping soon.”
Thanks for the love! Shirts are dropping soon.
— HOMAGE (@HOMAGE) July 28, 2020
ICE, the company behind bubble hockey tables, also responded.
what can we say @HOMAGE did any awesome job.
Our players & for that matter our game- #BubbleHockey are excited to get a little acknowledgement and notoriety. I mean these guys have been inside a bubble now for almost 40 years. pic.twitter.com/zJpUKyhIBu— ICE (@ICEArcadeGames) July 28, 2020
Screenshot courtesy of @bluejacketsnhl
