The Nashville Predators newest addition to their uniform repertoire, their 2020 Winter Classic jersey, arrived to mixed reviews.
This isn’t that uncommon.
A sizable portion of these Winter Classic, Stadium Series, and Heritage Classic designs arrive to skeptical fans and collectors, only to find them adopted and sold out shortly after they appear on the ice. It’s the nature of the rapid reaction society we live in; sometimes folks jump the gun without context.
It turns out the Preds jerseys were actually aesthetically pleasing on the ice, and they contrasted well with the Dallas Stars offering.
This comparison will show the differences between the jerseys worn on the ice by the Preds (made in Canada), and the adidas adizero offerings that you can pick up at the team store or online.
Left shoulder comparison: MiC on the left, adizero on the right
Several notable differences; pronounced dimples on the MiC, larger alternate patch on the MiC, larger sleeve number on the MiC, and the armpit material is also different between the two jerseys.
Sleeve number comparison: MiC on the left, adizero on the right.
MiC sleeve number is noticeably larger. The "gold" layer also seems to be a different shade and possibly slightly different material.
Shoulder patch comparison: MiC on the left, adizero on the right
The MiC patch is slightly larger and also angled slightly differently - though the angle may just be the way I framed the jerseys. The MiC patch is also a bit thicker and stiffer compared to the more pliable patch on the adizero jersey.
Back patch & shoulder comparison: MiC on the top, adizero on the bottom
The dimples really pop here on the MiC and make the adizero look very pedestrian in comparison. The adidas logos are virtually identical sizes, but they are integrated into the MiC much better and don't stick out as much.
Winter Classic patch comparison: adizero on the left, MiC on the right
The WC patches are actually a lot more similar than I anticipated, particularly when compared to the alternate logo sleeve patch. I can't feel a lot of difference between the two, and they look to be of similar size. The coloring does appear to be a little more vibrant on the MiC patch in person, but that could just be manufacturing related from different batches.
Back of jersey comparison: adizero on the left, MiC on the right
Number size is fairly similar between the two jerseys. Even at this distance you can tell there are some differences in the nameplates. The fight strap also sits a little higher in the MiC.
adizero nameplate
Similar font, but the letters are just a little more narrow width wise. As with the sleeve numbers, you can tell the "gold" layer is brighter on the adizero - or possibly different material - than on the MiC. The nameplate on the adizero is mesh, but different material from the jersey itself.
MiC nameplate
The letters are thicker/wider on the MiC nameplate. The "gold" layer is darker and the stitching looks much better than it's adizero counterpart done by Keener. The material used for the nameplate is made of the actual jersey itself, making the entire package much more aesthetically pleasing.
adizero numbering
As mentioned on previous pictures, the "gold" layering is a bit brighter here and the stitching is not as fine as what is found on the actual game worn MiC. The wool material used in the navy blue portion feels similar, however.
MiC numbering
Darker "gold" layering and some very nice stitching. The back of these jerseys is easily my favorite part.
adizero neck and collar
Shiny NHL logo. Slightly different lace setup. Made in Indonesia, obviously. The guitar fret in the neck is a different shade of gold than the MiC.
MiC neck and collar
The real deal NHL shield on the neck. Laces area is different and looks a little more natural/less cramped. The guitar fret in the neck is a different shade of gold. No Climalite stamp.
adizero shield and laces up close
MiC shield and laces up close
The MiC NHL Shield lettering is slightly bolder than it’s adizero counterpart.
adizero captain's "C"
Up close view of the differences in stitching. You can also see the differences in material from this adizero to the MiC in the next photo.
MiC captain's "C"
Cleaner stitching. Again with the slightly different shade of gold in the layering. The MiC material really stands out here compared to it's cheaper counterpart.
adizero left side of crest
adizero crest lettering is actually a different shade of navy blue from both the jersey, and the MiC crest lettering.
MiC left side of crest
As you can see here, the MiC crest lettering is nearly identical to the navy blue stripes found on the jersey causing the controversial hanging bottom of the "P" to disappear at first glance.
adizero right side of the crest
MiC right side of the crest
adizero striping
Nothing extremely different here beyond the different fabric utilized between the two jerseys. The adizero fabric is much softer to the touch than the MiC.
MiC striping
The more durable/rougher MiC fabric shows through here. Shoutout to the puck mark from what I'd presume was a blocked shot.
adizero left sleeve cuff
MiC right sleeve cuff
adizero left sleeve armpit
The cheaper fabric used on the adizero really stands out here.
MiC left sleeve armpit
The MiC sports a more jersey like look and fabric in the armpit.