The NHL has unveiled game jerseys for the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic featuring the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers. The matchup takes place on January 2, 2026 at loanDepot Park in Miami. This will be Florida’s first-ever outdoor NHL game. The jerseys combine vintage design elements with historic inspiration.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Game scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on January 2, 2026
- Broadcasting on TNT, HBO Max, truTV in the US
- Fanatics designed both jerseys with felt and chain stitching
- loanDepot Park is the southernmost venue in Winter Classic history
- Tickets available via Ticketmaster with limited availability remaining
What Happened
The Fanatics design team, led by creative director Dom Fillion, unveiled the 2026 Winter Classic jerseys on November 19, 2025. The Panthers jersey features a vintage take on the original “leaping panther” logo. Fillion reinvented the classic crest with traditional craftsmanship.
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The Panthers’ dark crimson jersey includes felt and chain stitching to evoke hockey from the 1920s-1930s era. Fillion worked directly with the Viola family, owners of the Panthers, on the design. The jersey also honors South Florida’s military heritage with decorative chevron stitching.
“What would that leaping panther look like if the Florida Panthers were a franchise that has 100-year-old history?” — Dom Fillion, Senior Creative Director, Fanatics
The Rangers’ white Winter Classic jersey complements the team’s Centennial season. The front features “New York” in diagonal lettering instead of the regular “Rangers” text. The design honors the franchise’s traditional light jersey heritage.
Why This Matters
This outdoor game represents a historic milestone for Florida hockey. The Winter Classic has been an NHL tradition since 2008, and bringing it to Miami showcases the sport’s explosive growth in Florida. The jersey designs tell stories of franchise history and regional heritage.
For Rangers fans, the Centennial celebration continues with a special outdoor appearance. The white jersey evokes decades of tradition. For Panthers fans, wearing vintage colors at an outdoor game connects them to hockey’s earliest eras.
The jerseys go on sale November 20, 2025 at both team shops and through Fanatics’ online network. Limited merchandise drops regularly throughout the Winter Classic season.
Jersey Details and Design Elements
The Panthers jersey showcases premium craftsmanship. The crest features the reinvented leaping panther. Chevron stitching runs along the shoulders and chest. The rear hem includes the Panthers rat silhouette, honoring the tradition of throwing rats on the ice after home victories.
| Jersey Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Panthers Crest | Vintage “leaping panther” with felt and chain stitching |
| Panthers Colors | Dark crimson (inspired by 1920s-1930s era) |
| Panthers Shoulder Patch | Chevron stitching honoring military heritage |
| Rangers Design | White jersey with diagonal “New York” lettering |
| Rangers Style | Centennial-inspired with traditional light jersey heritage |
Fanatics created both jerseys using felt and chain stitching. This traditional craftsmanship evokes old-school hockey design. The Rangers’ white jersey extends the Centennial collection worn throughout the 2025-26 season.
What To Watch For
- Merchandise sales begin November 20, 2025 at team shops and online
- Limited inventory expected given popularity of outdoor game apparel
- Game broadcast on TNT, HBO Max with international coverage worldwide
- Weather preparations at loanDepot Park to manage tropical Florida conditions
- Second outdoor game on February 1, 2026 with Bruins vs. Lightning at Raymond James Stadium
Will the Winter Classic in Miami Actually Work?
Playing hockey outdoors in South Florida presents unique challenges. Miami’s tropical climate and high temperatures require special preparation. The NHL has already announced plans to keep the ice playable.
The 2026 Winter Classic represents more than a game. It shows how hockey has grown in Florida. The vintage jersey designs celebrate hockey’s rich history. Both the Rangers and Panthers will represent decades of tradition on January 2.
The game kicks off at 8:00 PM ET. Fans can watch on TNT, HBO Max, or truTV. Will Miami weather cooperate? That’s the real question.
Sources
- NHL.com – Official Winter Classic jersey announcement and design details
- Florida Panthers PR – Historic uniform details and merchandise availability
- ESPN – Game matchup and stadium information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.