Hockeytown NON-Authentics

[jdunc 0]

Perani's in Flint, in my opinion is the best place to go to get your jersey done. I got a Gretzky jersey done in the late 90's and mr Perani was there when I was ordering it. He had the Jersey shipped to New York and the guy who actually does the jerseys for the Rangers sewed everything on. Granted it was an authentic (right down to the fight strap which was ironic for a Gretzky jersey anyway), and I think it cost nearly 350 at the time, but I couldn't have asked for a better product, and you really can't get any more authentic than that. The turn around time was nearly 3 weeks. I don't know if this is there usual practice for jerseys, or if I got a deal because Mr Perani was there.

[Icer 0]

Since replicas come in all sizes, the normal size numbering and lettering would probably look too large when placed on replica jerseys that are a lot smaller than the sizes worn by players. I doubt many players wear the equivalent of an Adult Small jersey.

I bet Hudler does. He might even wear a Youth L.

[Yzermania19 1]

I found this in the customization rules for Red Wings' sweaters on shopNHL.com -

Retired player names cannot be printed on the team's jersey from which they retired

WTF does that mean? We can't order an Yzerman Red Wings sweater but we could order an Yzerman Blackhawks sweater, if for some completely absurd reason we wanted to?? Or am i just completely interpreting that wrong??

[BlakChamber 8]

I found this in the customization rules for Red Wings' sweaters on shopNHL.com -

WTF does that mean? We can't order an Yzerman Red Wings sweater but we could order an Yzerman Blackhawks sweater, if for some completely absurd reason we wanted to?? Or am i just completely interpreting that wrong??

Chances are, there's some contract with the NHL and the NHLPA over jerseys. The PA allows players names to be put on in exchange for a cut of merchandise monies. Once they retire, they're not part of the NHLPA anymore and therefore, they're outside the contract the jersey makers and sellers have with the NHL and the NHLPA.

[cupcrazy 13]

In the past, the only major difference was that the "official" ones had 1) The fight strap sewn in, and 2) tougher stitching around the elbows. That was IT. There was no difference in lettering or numbering.

This was as far back as I remember, including CCM, KOHO, and Nike. Again, it was only last year that these lame ones started popping up. Before then, there were never "replica" jerseys being sold in general around stores, and certainly not from the actual redwings organization with improperly done numbering

Thats not true,I ordered a Steve Yzerman jersey back in 1999 from 800 wings 25,which is the store in Troy, The lettering and numbers where of smaller size as stated in this thread. Also the captains C on the front wasn't shaped right. The inside corners where cut to an angle,and not blocked like Yzermans. Paid 155 like you guys stated,went to Flint 6 months later had a replica that was 100% on for 99 bucks,I was sick.

[Yzermania19 1]

You are right...as I mentioned in an earlier post on this thread I have seen incorrectly customized sweaters for at least the last 10 years. Most were from Starter but I've also seen some from CCM/KOHO with bad lettering/numbers.

BTW, if anyone has one of the Reebok replicas, can that size tag on the front be removed or is is ironed on or otherwise permanently affixed? I am just curious.

[OsGOD 3]

You are right...as I mentioned in an earlier post on this thread I have seen incorrectly customized sweaters for at least the last 10 years. Most were from Starter but I've also seen some from CCM/KOHO with bad lettering/numbers.

BTW, if anyone has one of the Reebok replicas, can that size tag on the front be removed or is is ironed on or otherwise permanently affixed? I am just curious.

From what i have seen in person... the material it is stitched onto is too delicate... it would look horrible removed.

Edited October 8, 2007 by OsGOD

[Yzermania19 1]

Great...so we either get to walk around with this huge ugly rectangle of fabric that not only broadcasts to the world what size our sweaters are, but also that it's a replica and not the genuine article. And if we don't want the huge ugly rectangle we have to pay $200 more for an authentic sweater.

[Zata fan 40 6]

Ok this is something I wanted to post because it is really irritating and NOBODY has been able to give me a straight answer. This is an anamaly my brother and I discovered last season, and it has continued into this season. Whats more frustrating, is that it seems to be spreading like some sort of disease, and many people probably don't even realize it.

THE PROBLEM:

There is a major issue with the "replica" jersey's now being sold by Hockeytown Authentics, and the vendors inside Joe Louis (I think they get their stuff from the same place) The replica jersey's that sell for $155 are being made and sold with incorrect numbers! Yes, the numbers are actually way too small. If you compare a jersey that was made properly before last season, or compare with an "official" jersey you will no doubt recognize this. The numbers on the newer replicas are much smaller, particularly they are not as long. This makes the jersey really a waste of money as far as I'm concerned.

Now, if I was purchasing a wings jersey from some shady guy on the street corner, I would expect this sort of product. But, when I am purchasing a jersey directly from the wings, or from their "official" store that prides themselves on selling authentic merchandise (the word "authentic" is even in the store name!) I expect....well authentic merchandise.

WHY?

Nobody has been able to clear this up for me. I've spoken to Hockeytown Authentics in Troy, and 3 different stands at the Joe Louis. Nobody gets it. In fact, most get defensive when ask them why they are selling jerseys with incorrect numbering and marketing them as replicas. One older guy working there told me "they have always been like that" which is bullcrap because my family, friends, and myself have had redwings replica jerseys for 25 years and never had this issue until last year. Another lady working at a different stand says it's because they are the replica's and thats why they are $155 instead of $330 like the new Rebok. I asked her what replica means, which she replied a copy. I then asked her if it's a copy how can the numbers be smaller...it was like arguing with a brick wall.

This all started when my brother was given a Holmstrom jersey last year for his birthday that was purchased at hockeytown authentics. It was the new smaller and incorrect numbering. He had to argue and plead just to get a refund. Not only that, but he then went over to Perani's and got one correctly done with no problem. I know I can't be the only one that notices this or cares. It seems whoever is supplying the "official" redwings merchandise has made a horrible mistake and nobody will even acknowledge there is a problem.

If this irritates you and you want your REAL jerseys back then BOYCOTT HOCKEYTOWN Non-Authentics crappy jerseys and demand they do them right.

Totally had the same problem last year when I went up their to get a Hudler jersey. They had no clue and I re fuse to buy one that does not have the same lettering.

[Sepster 0]

Joey,

I may have an answer to your questions as to why this has started within the past year or so.

Fisrt, let me start by saying that I am a part owner of the Harper Sport Shop in St Clair Shores, mi and has had an open account with CCM for over 50 years, and have sold NHL jerseys for as long as I can remember.

Here is how this all works; when CCM was its own entity it allowed retail, brick and mortar order stores to sell both replica (the lighter-weight jersey without the fight-strap and double elbows and shoulders) and authentic (same exact jersey as game-worn by the players) jerseys. Also, they allowed retail stores to order both blank jerseys and jerseys with players names already sewn on. This made it really easy for retail stores to service the customer by being able to offer a jersey in any size with any name the customer wanted on the back. Personally, we would exclusively order blank jerseys and sell both the blanks and also have some jerseys "customized" with players names on them. We order our lettering directly from Stalh's, which is located in St Clair Shores and has the official liscense to supply the lettering to ALL 30 NHL teams along with retail stores. Which is great for me because the jerseys we letter are lettered with the exact same lettering they use to letter NHL Teams.

Since CCM was purchased by Reebok several things have changed. One, Reebok originally wanted to stop selling blank jerseys all together. Which means only certain players from each team would be available since there are too many players on an NHL team to offer all of them. Reebok also holds the liscense for half of the NBA and all of the NFL and you'll notice that you CANNOT by blank NBA or NFL jerseys, this makes it much harder for retailers to stock them and therefore most NBA and NFL purchases are made through the leagues respective Web Sites. Secondly, when I first saw the replica jerseys last year Reebok was going to make them with a SCREENED logo. Not the embroidered logo that you find on the old replicas and the current authentics. Retailers all went nuts and Reebok changed their mind and decided to put the embroidered logos back on (albeit at $10 more cost then they originally had offered them).

My guess is that Hockeytown Authentics and Joe Louis are getting their jerseys directly lettered from Reebok and it is Reebk who is using a cheaper and "inaccurate" number size. There is NO WAY that Hockeytown and Joe Louis are buying blank jerseys and sending them out to be lettered.

The problem is not Hockeytown or Joe Louis, its more Reebok than anyone. They've changed quite a bit with CCM since they've bought them and I'll tell you that most retailers don't think its a good thing.

I suggest that if you're as passionate about this as you seem to be, you're best bet is to purchase a blank jersey, whether it be a replica or an authentic and have the jersey lettered with the player you want. Make sure the place that is lettering the jersey is using official lettering from Stalh's.

Not to seem like this is a gratuitous plug, but like I said, my store sells hundreds of jerseys a year, we have both the replicas and the authentics, we use the official NHL lettering and we can letter the jersey with any name or player you'd like. Turn-around is about a week to 10 days for the lettering if the jersey is in stock (which it usually is).

Hope, that helps and I'll try to answer any other question you might have.

Edited October 8, 2007 by Sepster

[Yzermania19 1]

Sepster - I'm not the one who had the original problem but thanks for that wonderful response!

I remember last year when talk of the new sweaters came out, there was mention of the replicas have screen-printed logos instead of embroidered logos and it caused a huge uproar. One of the things I personally liked about the quality of a CCM replica is that simply looking at them side by side you really couldn't notice a difference, even with the logos. To even think of losing that embroidered crest on the front made me sick. I was glad to hear Reebok changed their minds on that one. I would gladly pay $10 more for an embroidered crest, because without it I wouldn't even pay $50 for a replica.

But they got us with that silly size tag on the front, which screams "REPLICA!"

My guess is that Hockeytown Authentics and Joe Louis are getting their jerseys directly lettered from Reebok and it is Reebk who is using a cheaper and "inaccurate" number size. There is NO WAY that Hockeytown and Joe Louis are buying blank jerseys and sending them out to be lettered.

The problem is not Hockeytown or Joe Louis, its more Reebok than anyone. They've changed quite a bit with CCM since they've bought them and I'll tell you that most retailers don't think its a good thing.

I had a feeling it had to be something with Reebok and not HA or the team itself. But, you have to wonder - Reebok doesn't make replica NBA or NFL jerseys with inaccurate lettering or number sizes, why would they do it for hockey sweaters? And one of the great things about hockey sweaters is that CCM did allow the sale of blanks for customizing any way the fans wanted, with whatever player name and number (or even their own name and number) they wanted. That's unique to the NHL. Why on earth would they try to stop that? As great as they are, not every Wings fan wants a Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom or Hasek sweater. Some of us might want a Filppula. Or Lebda. Or even Kopecky. I'm sure those wouldn't be among the 5-6 "standard" player sweaters from each team made available to the public.

I suggest that if you're as passionate about this as you seem to be, you're best bet is to purchase a blank jersey, whether it be a replica or an authentic and have the jersey lettered with the player you want. Make sure the place that is lettering the jersey is using official lettering from Stalh's.

That's what I suggested and I am glad to see your shop is one that does the customizing to the standards of the NHL. Should I decide to get that Filppula sweater I've been wanting ( ) I'll be sure to keep you in mind.

[joey_corleone 0]

Joey,

I may have an answer to your questions as to why this has started within the past year or so.

Fisrt, let me start by saying that I am a part owner of the Harper Sport Shop in St Clair Shores, mi and has had an open account with CCM for over 50 years, and have sold NHL jerseys for as long as I can remember.

Here is how this all works; when CCM was its own entity it allowed retail, brick and mortar order stores to sell both replica (the lighter-weight jersey without the fight-strap and double elbows and shoulders) and authentic (same exact jersey as game-worn by the players) jerseys. Also, they allowed retail stores to order both blank jerseys and jerseys with players names already sewn on. This made it really easy for retail stores to service the customer by being able to offer a jersey in any size with any name the customer wanted on the back. Personally, we would exclusively order blank jerseys and sell both the blanks and also have some jerseys "customized" with players names on them. We order our lettering directly from Stalh's, which is located in St Clair Shores and has the official liscense to supply the lettering to ALL 30 NHL teams along with retail stores. Which is great for me because the jerseys we letter are lettered with the exact same lettering they use to letter NHL Teams.

Since CCM was purchased by Reebok several things have changed. One, Reebok originally wanted to stop selling blank jerseys all together. Which means only certain players from each team would be available since there are too many players on an NHL team to offer all of them. Reebok also holds the liscense for half of the NBA and all of the NFL and you'll notice that you CANNOT by blank NBA or NFL jerseys, this makes it much harder for retailers to stock them and therefore most NBA and NFL purchases are made through the leagues respective Web Sites. Secondly, when I first saw the replica jerseys last year Reebok was going to make them with a SCREENED logo. Not the embroidered logo that you find on the old replicas and the current authentics. Retailers all went nuts and Reebok changed their mind and decided to put the embroidered logos back on (albeit at $10 more cost then they originally had offered them).

My guess is that Hockeytown Authentics and Joe Louis are getting their jerseys directly lettered from Reebok and it is Reebk who is using a cheaper and "inaccurate" number size. There is NO WAY that Hockeytown and Joe Louis are buying blank jerseys and sending them out to be lettered.

The problem is not Hockeytown or Joe Louis, its more Reebok than anyone. They've changed quite a bit with CCM since they've bought them and I'll tell you that most retailers don't think its a good thing.

I suggest that if you're as passionate about this as you seem to be, you're best bet is to purchase a blank jersey, whether it be a replica or an authentic and have the jersey lettered with the player you want. Make sure the place that is lettering the jersey is using official lettering from Stalh's.

Not to seem like this is a gratuitous plug, but like I said, my store sells hundreds of jerseys a year, we have both the replicas and the authentics, we use the official NHL lettering and we can letter the jersey with any name or player you'd like. Turn-around is about a week to 10 days for the lettering if the jersey is in stock (which it usually is).

Hope, that helps and I'll try to answer any other question you might have.

Brilliant post!!! Thanks so much for your well thought out, educated, and intelligent reply. This is all I really wanted -- a straight answer from somebody that actually knows. If this is in fact the case, then shame on Rebok, and shame on the NHL for going with them. I heard Chelios has already been complaining about the new jerseys retaining moisture.

Sepster - I'm not the one who had the original problem but thanks for that wonderful response!

I remember last year when talk of the new sweaters came out, there was mention of the replicas have screen-printed logos instead of embroidered logos and it caused a huge uproar. One of the things I personally liked about the quality of a CCM replica is that simply looking at them side by side you really couldn't notice a difference, even with the logos. To even think of losing that embroidered crest on the front made me sick. I was glad to hear Reebok changed their minds on that one. I would gladly pay $10 more for an embroidered crest, because without it I wouldn't even pay $50 for a replica.

But they got us with that silly size tag on the front, which screams "REPLICA!"

I had a feeling it had to be something with Reebok and not HA or the team itself. But, you have to wonder - Reebok doesn't make replica NBA or NFL jerseys with inaccurate lettering or number sizes, why would they do it for hockey sweaters? And one of the great things about hockey sweaters is that CCM did allow the sale of blanks for customizing any way the fans wanted, with whatever player name and number (or even their own name and number) they wanted. That's unique to the NHL. Why on earth would they try to stop that? As great as they are, not every Wings fan wants a Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom or Hasek sweater. Some of us might want a Filppula. Or Lebda. Or even Kopecky. I'm sure those wouldn't be among the 5-6 "standard" player sweaters from each team made available to the public.

That's what I suggested and I am glad to see your shop is one that does the customizing to the standards of the NHL. Should I decide to get that Filppula sweater I've been wanting ( ) I'll be sure to keep you in mind.

Regarding what you said above about stopping the unique sweaters...yes it's true not everybody wants a jersey of a big name star. Actually, in my family we have a running joke and game...we actually try to obtain and look out for the rarest classic wings jerseys. It's fun for us to name off random players that played here when we were growing up. Like, at the game we always have somebody we declare the winner on the evening haha... For instance, somebody wearing a Dave Lewis jersey #52, or #16 Chabot will just have us high fiving, laughing, and having a great time. My last birthday, my brothers got me a #25 Mark Habscheid and I wear it proudly lol ...we countered by getting my one brother Alan Bester, and my other brother #27 Schnepps haha

[Sepster 0]

And one of the great things about hockey sweaters is that CCM did allow the sale of blanks for customizing any way the fans wanted, with whatever player name and number (or even their own name and number) they wanted. That's unique to the NHL. Why on earth would they try to stop that?

The one and only reason is that the NBA and NFL Player Associations have deals where every jersey has to be sold with a name on it. That way the player whose name appears on the jersey gets a cut of every jersey sold with his name. Thats the reason why Kobe Bryant swtiched #'s the other year. His jersey was no longer the hottest selling (I believe it was either LeBron or Wade at the time) and he wanted to kick start his jersey sales. His choices were to either switch teams or switch numbers.

As I mentioned before Stalh's is the official supplier of lettering for the NHL and they pay the NHLPA a certain fee (no idea what amount it is) that allows them to sell the official lettering in any name that is ordered, therefore Reebok still is allowed to sell blank jerseys because the NHLPA still gets a cut when that blank jersey is lettered.

Stalh's has continually tried to negotiate a similar deal with both the NBA and NFL, but haven't been able to get one done.

[joshy207 156]

The booths at Joe Louis have been selling replica jerseys with non-authentic letters and numbers for YEARS. Only their authentic jerseys have the official lettering style. I always thought it was a poor way to help sell the (more expensive) "real" jerseys. As Septser said, any retail shop can get authentic lettering from Stahls' and sew it on. I think it's shameful that the Wings would sell their own jerseys with different lettering and numbering. It looks extremely cheap on their part--and those jerseys are more expensive at the Joe than you'd pay at Harper, Perani's, B&R, or any other local hockey shop for a replica jersey with the real lettering. This situation pre-dates Reebok's involvement in hockey, and it's pitiful.

Sepster-- You guys run a nice store. I repped for Itech in the late 90s and called on you a couple times with my boss, and my brother now reps for DR, Blademaster and Jaybird among other companies and still calls on you.

[WingNut 25 5]

My advice dude: stop whining, buy a new replica and send it to SportsK to get the legit customization done.

[joey_corleone 0]

The booths at Joe Louis have been selling replica jerseys with non-authentic letters and numbers for YEARS. Only their authentic jerseys have the official lettering style. I always thought it was a poor way to help sell the (more expensive) "real" jerseys. As Septser said, any retail shop can get authentic lettering from Stahls' and sew it on. I think it's shameful that the Wings would sell their own jerseys with different lettering and numbering. It looks extremely cheap on their part--and those jerseys are more expensive at the Joe than you'd pay at Harper, Perani's, B&R, or any other local hockey shop for a replica jersey with the real lettering. This situation pre-dates Reebok's involvement in hockey, and it's pitiful.

Sepster-- You guys run a nice store. I repped for Itech in the late 90s and called on you a couple times with my boss, and my brother now reps for DR, Blademaster and Jaybird among other companies and still calls on you.

Maybe a big part of the issue is that growing up, we never got jersey's from the JLA because they were always way more money. I always had them from places like Perani's, or B&R, or Eastside Sports. Perhaps I never even noticed the ones at JLA were wrong until now, because now other places like hockeytown authentics are selling the same ones.

I will definitely be buying any future jerseys from local shops and verify they use the letters from the company mentioned. In addition, I still refuse to ever buy a jersey from hockeytown authentics or anything for that matter until they, reebok, or both get their act together. Even if they order jerseys from reebok, they are still selling and endorsing garbage jerseys in a store that is supposed to be official redwings merchandise. Thats my view on it.

[OsGOD 3]

Yeah i just refuse to buy from HA because their workers are Lazy Morons... but that is a whole other issue.

[19 C 0]

Hockeytown Authentics is a joke. They can be so rude there!

Another thing that pisses me off is how many people have jerseys with NAME PLATES! The Wings do NOT have name plates on their jerseys.

do NOT order from nhl.com if you want an authenic Wings jersey. They put name plates on theirs too

CRAZY!!!

[OsGOD 3]

Hockeytown Authentics is a joke. They can be so rude there!

Another thing that pisses me off is how many people have jerseys with NAME PLATES! The Wings do NOT have name plates on their jerseys.

do NOT order from nhl.com if you want an authenic Wings jersey. They put name plates on theirs too

CRAZY!!!

Ahhh yes you are correct. Which is one of the reasons i got with sportsK online or FanaticU brick and mortar... The nameplates don't even seem to use the same fabric as the jersey. I have honestly never bought a Wings jersey from NHL.com... I couldn't justify spending $165 + shipping for a 1 color lettering... Especially when down the street i can get it for no more than $130.

[joey_corleone 0]

Ahhh yes you are correct. Which is one of the reasons i got with sportsK online or FanaticU brick and mortar... The nameplates don't even seem to use the same fabric as the jersey. I have honestly never bought a Wings jersey from NHL.com... I couldn't justify spending $165 + shipping for a 1 color lettering... Especially when down the street i can get it for no more than $130.

It's like my brother says: It's pretty sad when I could probably go buy a replica wings jersey with proper letting and numbering from some fool on the street in Alberta, but I can't buy one from the Redwings

[The Enforcer 13]

You guys aren't paying $330 for a jersey......................come on....It better come with a season pass

[OsGOD 3]

You guys aren't paying $330 for a jersey......................come on....It better come with a season pass

the season pass would add another $4,600 to that price to sit in the upper bowl haha.

The last time i ever bought anything jersey wise from the Joe was in '92 when i got my #28 Sir Dallas jersey. Too many other places cheaper around me to get them now.

[19 C 0]

Does anyone else think that Wings jerseys with nameplates look sooooo wrong?

Yet, the Joe is full of them!

[OsGOD 3]

It's like my brother says: It's pretty sad when I could probably go buy a replica wings jersey with proper letting and numbering from some fool on the street in Alberta, but I can't buy one from the Redwings

Oh and his name is Cleaves around these parts... he has what appears as Hot dog cart on the street, but when you get up close will notice its actually a mini assembly line in there... you tell him the name and number and he will get that sucker kicked on in 5 mins top

[wingslogo19 281]

Its hard to buy jersey's in Canada because a lot of the places don't ship to Canada. I wouldn't by a jersey from NHL.com.. But do you know of any stores that will ship to canada and the prices being somewhat reasonable?