Once a widely panned fashion faux pas, the ill-fated Islanders fisherman logo will make its triumphant return Thursday night at UBS Arena.
The Isles will wear an updated white version of the once-hated “Fish Sticks” jersey for their game against the Hurricanes as part of the Hometown Remix NHL-Fanatics initiative.
“I vaguely remember some controversy around it, but this is what I know: I know people are really excited about it,” said Isles coach Peter DeBoer, who donned a cap adorned with the logo after Wednesday’s practice. “There’s a really good buzz about it, and I like the fact that we’re wearing something different here. It’s exciting for our group, and I know our guys are excited about it too.”
The fisherman jersey was introduced in 1995 as a full-time replacement for the traditional Long Island crest that represented the team’s four-time championship dynasty of the 1980s, but it was scrapped after two seasons amid overwhelming fan backlash.
“It’s not the only thing that’s made a comeback from the mid-90s. We got double-breasted suits back, and we got a lot of other stuff. What’s old is new again, right?” DeBoer added.
Like many current players, second-year defenseman Matthew Schaefer wasn’t born yet during the logo kerfuffle three decades ago.
“I’m excited to get the fisherman logo back. I just love the way it looks,” Schaefer said. “I think it’s going to be a great touch to our collection with the new colors and new looks. It’s gonna be awesome.
“That was the past and we don’t think about things like that. It’s a great logo. We’re by the ocean. I haven’t been fishing yet here, but I think it’s just great, and I think it’s gonna be great to have added to our collection and spice it up a little. It’s gonna be good rocking them.”
Isles captain Bo Horvat said he “for sure” believes in measuring-stick games, and the Isles face an early-season litmus test Thursday night at home against the Hurricanes.
The reigning Stanley Cup champions are off to a league-best 12-3-2 start.
“They play every game tough. They’re a tight-checking team. They’re all over you all the time, and we gotta be ready to go,” Horvat said. “They’re the defending Cup champs and they’re playing really well again this season. I think for sure it will be a big test for us.”
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