Hockey Canada Debuts New Nike Swift Team Canada Uniforms as Fastest Game on Earth Gets Even Faster

NR.114.05
|
August 18, 2005
|

Technologically Advanced Jersey & Sock Reduce Uniform Weight By 43 Percent

Hockey Canada today unveiled its version and design of the Nike Swift Hockey Jersey and Sock that Team Canada will wear during the upcoming 2006 IIHF World Junior Championships in Vancouver and that Canada’s men’s and women’s hockey teams will wear in 2006 in Turin, Italy, as well as the National Sledge Hockey team at the Paralympic Games.

A culmination of more than two years of research, testing and feedback from some of the world’s greatest hockey players and federations, the Swift Hockey Jersey and Sock reduces overall uniform weight, adds increased mobility and comfort while making the jersey aerodynamically the most advanced in the world.

Developed by Nike’s Advanced Innovation Team –– the same forward-thinking group that unleashed the Nike Swift Suit for track and field, the Nike Swift Skin for speedskating and contributed to Lance Armstrong’s unprecedented seven Tour de France victories –– the Nike Swift Jersey and Sock delivers unmatched performance. The Advanced Innovation Team closely examined every facet of the hockey uniform in an effort to make the fastest game even faster. Utilizing state of the art fabrics, materials and technology, including comprehensive wind tunnel testing never before conducted for the hockey uniform, Nike has reduced the overall weight of the hockey uniform by 43 percent.  The jersey alone was reduced by nearly 500 grams, saving more than 150 kilograms in lifted weight per game for the typical forward.

“Unlike any time in hockey’s history, the action on the ice is faster and quicker, with blinding speeds and unfathomable power,” said Jordan Wand, Global Director, Nike Advanced Innovation Team. “The ongoing trend in hockey has been to focus on developing lightweight skates and equipment, but we recognized the importance of examining how we could improve on the uniform itself.  With Nike’s Swift innovation, the hockey athletes’ need for speed is satisfied, proving that hockey apparel is more than simply an accessory; it’s essential equipment.”

Nike and Bauer Nike Hockey worked closely with Hockey Canada and other members of the International Ice Hockey Federation to develop the Nike Swift Jersey and Sock specifically to meet the demanding needs of the world’s greatest players.

“Once I was shown the on-ice benefits players would receive, there was no question that Hockey Canada needed to be a part of what Nike was doing with the Swift Hockey Jersey and Sock,” said Bob Nicholson, President, Hockey Canada. “The uniform will provide benefits that will help our athletes perform at the highest possible level. We are confident that the Nike Swift Jersey and Sock will give our players that added advantage which is instrumental, while maintaining the heritage and tradition of our National Team uniform.” 

In addition to the all-important weight reduction properties, the Nike Swift Jersey and Sock features several other key benefits, including:

Overcoming Air Resistance

While 25 percent of a hockey athlete’s energy is spent fighting the friction of the ice, 75 percent of the energy is spent overcoming air resistance. The rigorous wind-tunnel testing has shown that the Nike Swift Jersey – with its advanced design, hockey-specific articulation and fit, reduced weight, and innovative materials – provides as much as a 50cm advantage over a 50m sprint, delivering a 15.1 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag compared to standard hockey jerseys.

Thermoregulation

The Swift Hockey Jersey and Sock help increase player efficiency by paying particular attention to thermoregulation. Strategic mesh venting is located at gaps in the under protection, allowing air to flow directly to the body, increasing evaporative cooling and comfort.

Through perspiration, a hockey player can lose up to one kilogram of body weight per period. Using lighter weight, less absorbent materials integrated strategically into the jersey and sock design, the uniform takes on far less moisture than traditional products, staying lighter throughout the game.

Mobility, Fit and Comfort

For mobility, the Swift Hockey Jersey features optimal material integration, hockey-specific articulation for greater freedom of movement, and zoned stabilization in the forearms and elbows. The jersey’s streamlined fit helps defeat a defender’s jersey-grabbing grip and allows greater freedom of movement. The position-specific goalie jersey incorporates more durable fabrics across the entire face of the jersey, and is cut larger to accommodate goalie pads.  The Swift Jersey also features a waist Lockdown Gasket System that helps keep the jersey conveniently and efficiently in place.

“Nike thought about everything when they developed the Swift Jersey and Sock and the science behind it all really speaks for itself,” said Jarome Iginla, NHL standout, 2002 Olympic gold medalist, who took part in comprehensive Swift testing. “Once you put on the jersey, you immediately feel the difference in weight and after you skate around, you can feel how it will keep you cool. I’m really looking forward to wearing the Swift jersey – it’s such an improvement over what we have been wearing for years.”

The Nike Swift Team Canada replica jersey will be available September 6 at sporting good stores, licensed product retailers and specialty shops across Canada. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of the replica jersey is $119.99

For more information:

Esther Madziya
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 284-6484 

[email protected] 

Spencer Sharkey
Manager, Communications
Hockey Canada

(403) 777-4567

[email protected]

Jeremy Knight
Manager, Corporate Communications
Hockey Canada

(647) 251-9738

[email protected]

Recent News
Most Popular
Videos
Photos
HCC: One For All in Yellowknife
One For All celebrated women’s hockey with more than 300 participants.
2024 NWT Rivalry Series: CAN 6 – USA 1 (Game 7)
Spooner and Maltais scored twice to lead Canada to win the series.
2023-24 NWT: CAN 3 – USA 0 (Game 6)
Maschmeyer made 27 saves for the shutout to tie the Rivalry Series.
2023-24 NWT: CAN 4 – USA 2 (Game 5)
Bell, Fast and Stacey scored late to help Canada stay alive.
Schedule