Uniform Review: Rimouski Oceanic

2009-2010 marked the beginning of the Reebok EDGE era in the Canadian Hockey League, prompting all 60 member clubs to switch to the EDGE uniform system, and for many clubs to revamp their existing uniform designs. Like the NHL, there are many successes, several failures, and those who stay true to their roots. This is a success story.

The Rimouski Oceanic have gotten quite a lot of attention in the past few seasons, notably being the Junior home to the NHL's second coming, Sydney Crosby, as well as Tampa Bay Captain Vincent Lecavalier and the host city for the 2009 Memorial Cup Tournament. The Oceanic also won the Presedent's Trophy in 2000 and 2005, and won the Memorial Cup in 2000. The Oceanic's logo has remained consistent since their move from Saint-Jean in 1995, with a slight recolouring some years later.

The previous harsh straight lines of the Pre-EDGE set betrays the team's namesake. Previous uniforms used diagonal lines in their design, while interesing to look at, did not yet convey a feeling of being 'oceanic'. An alternate in the mid 2000's brough a more nautical feel, with a Pirate ship and lots of silver of teh Black Buffalo Sabres tempalte. (Check it out here on Sportslogos.net)

In the move to the EDGE system, the Oceanic were the only club to adopt the Anahiem Ducks template (Calgary would use it for their 15th anniversary uniform, and Drummondville would use the sleeve pattern) in their new design. Carefully recoloring the template, the Oceanic recreated a truely unique design that captures their namesake better than any of their other uniforms ever had. The sweeping stripes envoke movement in the uniforms in the form of stylised waves. The lack of symmetry helps echo the 'ocean' theme, as being dynamic and without a set shape or form. Much like on the ice, the arrangement of the players is often dynamic and at times chaotic.

It's clear that Rimouski went into the EDGE system with a clear understanding of what they wanted in their designs when the change came, and came out as winners. With 2010-2011 bringing alternates back to the CHL, one wonders how the Oceanic will tackle their alternate, if they chose to add one again.