As seriously as anyone can take short pants, the NHL takesits pants seriously.
So seriously, in fact, the league famously banned a style offull-length trousers that plagued the sport briefly in the 1980s. In 1981, thePhiladelphia Flyers took to wearing long pants, known widely as “Cooperalls” (thoughthe NHL versions were made by CCM rather than Cooper), and were joined in thefashion crime by the Hartford Whalers in 1982-83.
The NHL banned them in advance of the following season. Why?Player safety.
Despite claims that Cooperalls were safer for players, withpads held more tightly to the body than in traditional shorts, the nylonmaterial from which they were made proved more slippery than traditional pantsand socks, leading to higher-speed crashes into the boards after falls.
And, yes,hockey pants are most emphatically essentialsafety gear. Built into pro-level pants is padded protection at the belt lineand for the hips, kidneys, back, thighs and tailbone.
By brand usage, CCM, Bauer and Warrior own virtually theentire NHL market. Here’s a rundown of the brands in play for the 2017-18 NHLseason:
5. Reebok
Reebok consolidated with CCM and doesn’t technically makehockey gear anymore. But even though Reebok started phasing out of hockey in2015, nine-year NHL veteran Michael Grabner, who in February became the first-everplayer traded from the New York Rangers to the New Jersey Devils, still wearsReebok pants.
Notable players wearing these pants: Michael Grabner
4. Easton
Just a handful of players in the league are wearing Easton.Known generally for a generous, classic fit and high mobility, Easton offers adouble belt that further customizes fit.
Notable players wearing these pants: Kevin Bieksa, CodyEakin, Jake Muzzin
3. Warrior
No. 3 is sort of Warrior’s niche — and with 19 percent ofthe league’s players wearing Warrior, that’s where it sits in the pantsrankings. It is the third-most popular NHL choice for sticks, gloves andhelmets as well — not bad for a company founded in 1992 on a line of lacrossegear. Warrior’s big boast in shorts is a forward-canted fit tailored to askater’s natural skating posture.
Notable players wearing these pants: Brad Marchand, BlakeWheeler, Johnny Gaudreau
2. Bauer
At season’s end, 37.8 percent of the NHL’s players werewearing Bauer pants. The Supreme line is designed with an “anatomical” fit; theVapor line is tapered; and the Nexus line, with a “classic” fit, is theroomiest cut.
Notable players wearing these pants: Patrik Laine, EricStaal, Evgeni Malkin
1. CCM
Slightly more that 42 percent of the league’s players arewearingCCM pants. The Supertacks model touts an adjustable length feature.
Notable players wearing these pants: Alexander Ovechkin,William Karlsson, Connor McDavid
