Worn since 2007, the Lafayette Hockey Team’s vibrant black, white, and gold uniforms have been instantly recognizable with their large gold letter “L” and Lafayette Lancer on the chest.
The iconic uniforms have seen countless Battle of 109 rivalry games, Silver Skate Championships, Wickenheiser Cup victories, and more playoff triumphs. But it’s not Lafayette Hockey’s primary uniforms that are changing, it’s their alternates.
Since 2013, the team has had just one alternate uniform which featured a primarily white and gold color scheme and Lafayette’s iconic Lancer logo on the chest.
This year, however, the team has decided to make a change to their alternates. A change not made by the coaches, but instead by the seniors.
“We got word that we were going to be able to design a new alternate jersey this year,” senior team captain Matt Ridgeway said, “so me and all the seniors got together, we all made our own version, and from there we voted on what was the best.”
The new uniforms feature a primarily gold home sweater with black stripes, numbers, and “Lafayette” across the chest in black cursive letters.
The away uniforms are a reversed version of the home ones, featuring a primarily black sweater, with shiny gold stripes, numbers, and “Lafayette” gleaming across the chest in gold cursive letters.
“I love the new style that we chose,” senior goalie Blake Parks said, “the modern logo and the new gold color are my favorite parts for sure. I think our whole team was happy to get new uniforms and a breath of fresh air.”
These uniforms may have only been designed by the seniors, but they weren’t the only ones who got to vote on them. Underclassmen were able to vote too, increasing the sense of community across the entire team.
“I think it’s great for the [team’s] chemistry,” senior team captain Matt Ridgeway said, “it’s kind of a whole team thing.”
The seniors even displayed their new black away jerseys next to their senior banners on senior night against Lindbergh, further emphasizing the pride the team feels with their new uniforms.
But, the team doesn’t just feel a greater sense of community and pride when wearing their new alternates, they also feel more confident on the ice.
“I think getting our new uniforms at the beginning of the season helped fire our team up, especially our seniors, including me,” said senior forward Emma Leibrecht.
Overall, it is clear that the new look is not just popular, but is also creating a sense of community and increasing team morale.
With Lafayette Hockey about to enter the playoffs and face the Oakville Tigers on Feb. 18 and 19, some may wonder how far these new uniforms can take them.
But, there is no question that the Lancers are confident and ready for whoever they may face.
Just take the words of senior goalie Blake Parks, “Look good, play good.”
