Tonight marks the first of 12 times this season the Predators take to the ice wearing their new third jerseys, unveiled during Preds Fest in September. The alternate sweater holds a look that has its roots in an Original Six style, yet keeps a feeling that is distinctly Nashville. The sweater features a vintage-inspired lace-up front, a subtle checkerboard pattern lining the bottom of the jersey, and a bolder and more simplified color scheme. This new color scheme is evident in the Pred-head logo, including colors such as Nashville steel, navy blue, silver, white, and a glowing eye, all changes from its predecessor.

Preds 2009-10 Third Jersey Schedule

Nov. 27 - St. Louis Nov. 28 - Florida Dec. 5 - Minnesota Dec. 12 - Detroit Dec. 26 - Chicago Jan. 2 - Anaheim Jan. 9 - Anaheim Jan. 30 - Atlanta Feb. 6 - San Jose March 20 - Columbus March 27 - Detroit April 10 - St. Louis

The Predators original mustard Third Jersey – both revered and reviled by fans around the League for its eye-catching design – hasn’t been seen since the 2007-08 season, when the League converted to the RBK Edge jersey technology. In the five years the mustard jersey was in use, the Predators put up 38-19-12 record while donning the brightly-colored sweaters – including a blistering 21-3-2 mark in the last two seasons of its existence. This new third jersey will certainly have big sleeves to fill.

With a classic-meets-retro feel, fans have certainly been impressed with the hard work that has been done and the measures that have been taken to ensure the success of the Predators next alternate jersey. While it may not have the chutzpah of the previous incarnation, this new jersey is sure to find ways to excite and delight all on its own.

What they are saying about Nashville’s new Third Jersey…

Owner David Freeman
Obviously I like it – I guess I designed 99 percent of it. It is a very old school jersey. It came from three of the original six teams; the elements of the Maple Leafs, the Blackhawks, and the Red Wings are in the jersey. It has the checkerboard pattern gives it a touch of Tennessee. Hopefully everybody likes the design.

Head Coach Barry Trotz
I really like it. I think it’s got a lot of the classic old-school look, but at the same time it has an edge to it. I like that it’s bold.

I really like the laces and I like the fact that they kept it simple.

The old third jersey was completely different. I was one of the few people who actually liked the old jersey because it was totally different. Mustard wasn’t my favorite color but it made a statement and it made it unique. Our new jersey is bold, edgy, urban, and has that old school look.

Goaltender Pekka Rinne
I think it looks really cool. They did a good job with the checker pattern at the bottom. I like the color – just solid. The Preds logo looks cool with the different colors. I think it’s really nice – we’re really excited to wear it. I like the new one much better compared to the yellow one. Guys were complaining that the last one was a really thick and heavy material. Also the colors are a little better with the new jersey.

Forward Jordin Tootoo
I thought they turned out great. For a third jersey it is pretty plain – the colors are great. It’s going to be an honor wearing that jersey and I’m looking forward to it. I like the classic, plain style. It’s not too flashy which is the kind of team we are. The mustard color of the last one wasn’t my favorite color so this jersey is a new stepping stone in the Predators era and it’s great the team has picked a jersey like that.

Forward Wade Belak
It’s awesome. Tonight is a day I’ve had circled on my calendar. They look nice – it’s a lot better than the mustard ones they wore a few years ago. The old style is nice and it looks classy with the lace-up. There’s not a lot of history with this team but it definitely gives it an old school feeling.