Chicago Blackhawks Bring Back Iconic Black Alternate Jerseys to Celebrate 100th NHL Season

The Chicago Blackhawks are celebrating a historic milestone—100 years in the NHL—and their centennial season is already off to an exciting start. With a solid 10-6-4 record and 24 points early in the season, Chicago holds one of the Western Conference Wild Card spots, signaling a promising return to competitive form. As part of the year-long celebration, the organization has announced the return of a beloved uniform that defined Blackhawks hockey for over a decade.

A Classic Returns for the Centennial Season

To honor their 100th anniversary, the Blackhawks are reintroducing the franchise’s iconic black alternate uniform. First worn throughout the 1990s and 2000s, this jersey became synonymous with the grit, toughness, and identity of several legendary Blackhawks teams. Now, as the next generation of stars takes center stage, the franchise is bringing the look back to life for a new era of fans.

Team CEO Danny Wirtz emphasized the symbolic importance of returning to such a recognizable jersey.

“The long-awaited black alternate jersey returns this season as we celebrate 100 years of Blackhawks hockey, giving a nod to some of the greatest players to ever wear the sweater,” Wirtz said. “Originally worn by Tony Amonte, Chris Chelios, Eric Daze and Denis Savard in the 1990s-2000s, these jerseys defined an era and became a symbol of the grit, strength, commitment and legacy that still holds true to today’s era of Blackhawks hockey.”

When Will the Blackhawks Wear the Alternate Jerseys?

Fans won’t have to wait long to see the uniform back on the ice. The team will debut the jerseys on Black Friday, the day after American Thanksgiving, during their home game at the United Center.

In total, the alternate design will make seven appearances this season. Each of these games has been branded as a “Blackout” event — giving fans a fully immersive, themed experience at home games.

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Honoring History While Creating a New Era

This isn’t the first time the franchise has revisited the black colorway. Over the past 15 years, Chicago has worn alternate variations of the black uniform during major NHL outdoor events, including the 2009, 2014, and 2019 Stadium Series and Winter Classic matchups. Each event brought subtle design changes, keeping the concept modern while preserving its vintage roots.

However, what makes this season’s edition special is the intention behind it — it’s not just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a bridge between past and present.

Jaime Faulkner, the team’s President of Business Operations, highlighted how meaningful this return is for fans and players alike.

“We’re not just revisiting our past. We’re reactivating one of hockey’s most striking visual statements,” Faulkner said. “Our fans were part of making it an icon under the United Center lights. They’ve been asking for this moment, and we couldn’t wait to give this back to them as the next generation takes the ice.”

Connecting Legends to the Stars of Today

The return of the black alternate jersey isn’t merely a marketing move—it’s a tribute to franchise icons who defined Blackhawks hockey in the 90s and early 2000s. Players like Amonte, Chelios, Daze, and Savard helped shape the identity of the franchise long before their Stanley Cup dynasty in the 2010s.

Now, emerging stars have the chance to carve out new history while wearing the same legendary colors.

This jersey revival also fits into a wider centennial strategy focused on honoring alumni, spotlighting fan culture, and reinforcing the deep roots of hockey in Chicago. Through special events, tributes, and uniform releases, the organization is emphasizing that the Blackhawks’ legacy is just as important as their future.

Debut Game Details

Fans can catch the first look at the returning black sweaters when the Blackhawks take on the Nashville Predators on November 28th at the United Center. With a promising start to the year and renewed energy from the fanbase, the centennial season is shaping up to be a defining chapter for the franchise.

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