When the NHL hosts its myriad of outdoor games, one of the unique features that fans get to see are the alternate jerseys that the teams get to sport.
In the spirit of the Chicago Blackhawks busting out their black jerseys for the first time in several years (with several Stadium Series additions, including longer numbers and different stripes), the team’s back-up goaltender has made up special pads for the occasion.
Here is what Antti Raanta will be donning when the Blackhawks take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field on March 1st:
Raanta's pads for the #StadiumSeries game �� @AnttiRaanta @ChirpHard @KevinWeekes pic.twitter.com/2WdW0mO5Ln — Tyler (@tyler_downey92) February 5, 2014
Response to the pads was enormously positive:
@KevinWeekes @tyler_downey92 @AnttiRaanta @ChirpHard That is cool even if I do not like the Hawks — Nathan Gayle (@79ngayle) February 5, 2014
Local
@KevinWeekes @tyler_downey92 @AnttiRaanta @ChirpHard these are awesome. imagine if it was the norm to have customs like these. #beauts — Kyle Partiss (@partiss38) February 5, 2014
@KevinWeekes @tyler_downey92 @AnttiRaanta @ChirpHard Why wouldn't you play with those pads all the time! They're amazing! #awesomeness — Lasse Andersen (@hockeyhulk) February 5, 2014
Perhaps the coolest element of the pad set (outside of the four feathers on the pads, which are always awesome) is the fact that Raanta incorporated the red and white striping at the base of the pads and blocker like the team did on their jerseys. It adds an additional element to the pads, and really makes them stand out.
Unfortunately for Raanta, he may not be able to display the pads in the game. Corey Crawford will in all likelihood get the start in the game, so Raanta will have to occasionally stand up along the bench so that TV cameras can catch his gear in full view.
