Hockey fans might remember the controversy surrounding the launch of the pink NHL jerseys for women about a year ago. Women everywhere were up in arms over the fact Reebok CCM Hockey did not offer the women’s cut jersey in the traditional team colors, instead, going with one color: Pink. For women, it was like “Here is your pink jersey, sit down and cheer NOW!”

The truth is, many women embraced the pink look because they like pink, they like hockey: it’s a win, win situation. But just as many women felt slighted because they prefer to support their team wearing team specific colors in a female friendly jersey.

The debate over the pink jersey had me telephone Reebok in Montreal to inquire about the possibility of team color women’s cut jerseys on the horizon. The answer was no.

At the time, the logical solution was to offer women a choice: pink AND team color women’s jerseys.

Fast forward to Tuesday Sept. 25th2007. I innocently checked my inbox and discovered an email from the NHL “introducing the new Edge Jersey!” complete with the 2007 NHL Fall catalog. “Oooh…I wonder, I just wonder…”I mumbled to myself as I clicked away until arriving at the women’s section of the Vancouver Canucks page. OMG!!!! They did it! The women’s cut jersey in the team colours. We have a choice now, and it feels pretty good.

Speaking of feeling good, hockey fans who like hockey fights are probably enjoying the jabs, upper cuts, haymakers, yard sales and subsequent brawls this pre-season. Fighting is on the rise in the NHL, making pundits wonder if the Anaheim Ducks’ rough, tough and intimidating style of play from last year’s cup winning season has anything to do with it. I am not sure if this is the standard copy cat move by teams in the hunt for the cup, as we have seen in the past, but if your home team’s pugilist suddenly grooms his facial hair and lid a la the Ducks’ George Parros, then I’d say we’ve got ourselves a trend happening. Bring on the mutton chops!!

A quick reminder for hockey fans everywhere: The Anaheim Ducks and the LA Kings open the season in London this weekend at the fabulous O2 Arena. Catch it if you can!!!

Start times: 12pm Eastern Time for the following two games:

Saturday Sept. 29th, 2007 Ducks vs. Kings    CBC, HD NET   local FSW

Sunday    Sept.30th, 2007  Kings vs. Ducks   VERSUS

Cheerio!