PENGUINS/AHL UNVEIL NEW Rbk EDGE SWEATERS

2007-08 Alternative EDGE Jersey

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ unveiled their new Rbk EDGE Uniforms, as well as their alternate home sweater for 2007-2008, on Wednesday.  All three sweaters are on display in the Penguins Team Store (670 North River Street, Waterfront Complex).

The Penguins, along with all 28 other American Hockey League clubs, are utilizing the Rbk EDGE Uniform System for their home and away jerseys beginning this season.  Featuring technologically advanced materials and fabrics that are more breathable and more resistant to water absorption and that offer greater range of movement, the Rbk EDGE Uniform System provides comfort and improved compatibility with equipment while helping to enhance player performance. Highlights include:

* Four lighter fabrics incorporated in the jersey, pants and socks to keep players drier while also adding increased durability to the uniform

* The jerseys’ stretch fabric in the collar features Rbk’s innovative Playdry™ moisture management technology to maximize comfort, breathability and temperature control

* The stretch mesh in areas including the underarms and back provides additional range of motion and increased ventilation

* 4Way Stretch Pique features Rbk’s latest innovation, Bead Away™ water repellent technology, offering freedom of movement while retaining 76 percent less moisture than current AHL jerseys

* X-trafil is incorporated into high-abrasion areas such as the shoulders and elbows to provide increased durability

This league-wide uniform innovation was established by Reebok with the National Hockey League earlier this year with performance and safety at the forefront of the design process. After more than two years of research and testing, the Rbk EDGE Uniform System will debut this fall in only two leagues worldwide: the NHL and the American Hockey League.

The Penguins’ alternate uniform will feature traditional fabrics and fit, and will again honor a professional team from the game’s past. 

This year’s jersey is modeled after that worn by the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets, who played in the United States Amateur Hockey Association from 1915 until 1925, and captured USAHA titles in 1924 and 1925.  The team was sold following that second championship, renamed the Pirates and became the first Pittsburgh club to play in the National Hockey League.  The Pirates moved to Philadelphia for the 1930-31 season, playing as the Quakers for one season before ceasing operations.

The Penguins are currently taking pre-orders for the Rbk EDGE home and away sweaters at the Penguins team store or by phone at 570-208-7367. 

The team’s third jerseys will not be sold this season, but will be available at team auctions and raffles throughout the year.

The Penguins open their ninth regular season on Wednesday, October 3 against the Hershey Bears at the Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza.  Season ticket packages, mini-plans and flex-books for the 2007-2008 season are on sale now, and available by contacting the Penguins’ ticketing office at 570-208-7367.