Detailed Jersey Set Notes
1991-1994
Comments:
At least one set of gold jerseys were produced by CCM during these years. The jerseys were Ultrafil with two color sewn twill numbers (black on gold for the sleeves and black on white for the back). The names were also two color sewn twill (black on white) on a nameplate. A CCM logo was present on the back hem, however it was very small (about 1/3" x 1") per NCAA regulations of that era. The WCHA logo was embroidered in black on the right chest. The neckline was two color, black and white.
Most of these jerseys were raffled and I have seen a few with fans over the years at games. The jersey shown
became part of the collection through a former equipment manager of another WCHA team from that era. It was originally worn by Geoff Sarjeant and is a goalie cut as noted by the "GC" handwritten in the neck tagging.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck Tags (Goalie)
CCM on Back Hem
Fight Strap
WCHA Logo
Back Numbers
Sleeve Numbers
Nameplate
1991-1994
Comments:
This set was manufactured by CCM. This is not obvious to the casual observer because the large CCM
logo in a white-white-white sequence located on the back hem was covered with a black patch.
Although I do not know exactly why this was done, I have seen jerseys from several other WCHA teams
used in the same years that also had the CCM logo covered. The jersey material is Maska Ultrafil,
a tighly woven nylon knit.
The neck is two color - a wide white band on the outside, and a narrower gold band on the inside.
Fight straps were used in these jerseys, one peice velcro with two metal snaps.
All the numbers and cresting are done in two-color twill.
The back numbers (12") and the crest are white on gold, and the arm numbers (4.25") are gold on black.
Although I eventually purchased this jersey from a dealer, I have no doubts about its authenticity
because I was acutally offered the chance to buy it right from the team in 1995 when I bought my first ever
"gamer". I had no interest in this one at the time however because it was not the current style.
I was lucky enough to get a second chance at this one 4 years later, how often does that happen?
This jersey is an easy match to a media day photo of MTU captain Jeff Hill due to the way the
bottom of the "C" curves in. In 2000 I met Jeff at the MTU Hockey Alumni reunion and he signed
the jersey on the inside behind the crest.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck Tag
CCM Cover
CCM (Inside)
WCHA Logo
Sleeve Numbers
Back Numbers
Captain's "C"
Media Day Candid
Autograph
1993-1994 Variations
Comments:
This set of jerseys is still somewhat of a mystery. Due to lack of photos from road games in most
publications, it is unclear if this was a completely new set of jerseys, or they could simply be
"filler" jerseys that were added to the 1991 set for the 1993-94 season.
The photo at the left was taken on media day prior to the start of the 1993-94 season and was
published in the 1993-94 yearbook as well. The picture clearly shows that there were changes in these
two sets of jerseys although they do look nearly idential at first glance. If you click on the photo to
the left it will open in a new window and you can then get a closer look at the changes.
The standing players are wearing the original jerseys from the 1991 set (including the #5
show above with the "C" which can be seen on the right in the back row) and the kneeling players have
the newer jerseys with the following changes noted:
1) Script "Huskies" Crest - Now more detailed allowing for the jersey material to show through in
several areas which were previously filled with the gold outline color (inside of "U", center of "s",
and between the letters "i-e-s")
2) Change in Numbers - Numbers were now more slender and shaped in a new way. The photo highlights
a number "2" from each jersey. In the older set the top and bottom of the two are connected with a diagonal where as the newer style has a horizontal mid-section much like an upside-down "5".
3) Moved WCHA Logo - On the original set, the WCHA was positioned much higher, above the bottom
of the neck line which causes it to drape off the shoulder. In the newer set it was lowered to just above
the cresting to allow it to appear level when worn.
4) Nameplate & Hem Logos - Although not shown in this photo, two other major changes included a
CCM embroidered logo on the back hem which was greatly reduced in size and the addition of nameplates.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck Tag
CCM Logo
WCHA logo
Fight strap
Sleeve Numbers
Back Numbers
Nameplate
Media Day Candid
1993-1994 Throwback
US Hockey Hall of Fame
Comments:
This set of jerseys was produced for the first game of the 1993-94 NCAA Division I hockey season. The game was played at the University of Minnesota (October 15, 1993) for the US Hockey Hall of Fame celebration. There was also a set of Minnesota throwback jerseys made up for this game.
(Front View and
Back View) The Tech jerseys were manufactured by Bauer and designed to replicate those worn in the 1930's. Like others worn at this time, the jerseys were Bauer ProWear polyester knit. They had one piece velcro fight straps with two snaps and a very large Bauer patch on the back hem. The back numbers and "Michigan Tech" crest were done in black twill and the neck was solid black as well. Most of these jerseys entered the hobby through a dealer (numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7GI, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30). However a couple of the remaining jerseys were raffled by the team.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Back hem logo
Back numbers
Sleeve numbers
1993-1994
Comments:
The "Piano Dog" era of Huskies jerseys began in late 1993. For such groundbreaking jerseys, very little is known about them, when they were worn, or where they went. Although they are similiar to home jerseys that were used in future seasons, they can be easily distinguished from other sets by the three color neck. I have not seen one of these jerseys since the 1993-94 season.
As part of my ongoing search to locate one of these jerseys, an interesting story was shared with me in 2017 by the Head Coach during that era, Bob Mancini:
"I do remember the jersey as we put a lot of time into the design of the Husky and while I do not have a lot of artistic ability, I was very involved in the new design and have been proud of that for over twenty years. The tri-color collar, if I remember correctly was a suggestion from the jersey company (Bauer). I also remember that they were manufactured in Quebec. For whatever reason we ordered 30 jerseys...I think the WCHA had a sponsorship deal to receive that number. I sent in a list of numbers and names and for the numbers that we didn't have players to fill, I wrote "Blank" next to the number we wanted...instead of receiving those numbers with no name, we received the 4 extra jerseys with the name 'Blank' on the back of each...I often wondered where those jerseys went to and wish I had one as it has made for a great story over the years."
More than 25 years later, these original "Piano Dog" jerseys still generate more questions than answers. I hope at some point in my life I'll at least get to see photos of one just to confirm that they actually still exist.
The Origins of "Piano Dog"
Per the January 7-8, 1994 game program: "Michigan Tech has revealed its much awaited new Husky logo, which will be used in conjunction with its athletic teams. The logo, designed by Bob Slater of MTU Communications Services, was first debuted on MTU's new white hockey jerseys at the Great Lakes invitational on Dec 29 [1993] when the Huskies played Michigan State. The Huskies will wear those jerseys again this weekend to show their home fans, but will then put them away and wear them only for special occasions."
1994-1995
Comments:
This second set of Bauer home whites is nearly identical to the 1993-94 jerseys.
The WCHA logo was added as embroidery on the right chest in silver and the prior three color neck was now comprised of three overlapping layers of fabric (two white and one gold).
With the previous set used only half a season and never seen since, it raises the question - Did Bauer take the original "Piano Dog" jerseys back and alter the necks? The multi-color neck on the 1993-94 set appeared to be huge. Is this why there are multiple layers of white ouside the gold to help fill in the neck and make the opening smaller? Or did Bauer make a new set using the same body template which still had the enlarged neck opening like the orginal design?
If the original Piano Dog jerseys are still intact, where are they? Why have they never been seen? If the team got a different set of whites, why were the original whites not sold to the jersey dealer like the US HHOF throwbacks? Clearly the team no longer had a use for them.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Back hem
Back numbers
WCHA logo
Sleeve logo
Sleeve numbers
Nameplate
1994-1995
Comments:
Starting in 1994 the script "Huskies" crest was replaced with the new "Husky Head" logo. Like the home jerseys, this set featured the twill MTU near both elbows.
Bauer was now the manufacturer and other than the general material type for the body of the jersey nearly everything was changed from the previous set. The crest was constructed of three color twill with embroidered details. The numbers will also three color twill, gold on black on white. Sleeve numbers were 4.25" and the back numbers were 12.25". Names were two color twill (3.25" gold on white) on nameplates. The WCHA logo was embroidered in silver on the right chest and a small BAUER patch was on the back hem,
outlined in silver. BAUER ProWear and size tags were located in the neck and the fight straps were velcro with two nylon snaps.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck Tags
Neck Tags (Goalie)
Collar Size
Bauer Logo (Hem)
WCHA Logo
Sleeve
Back Numbers
1994 GLI Throwback
Comments:
These jerseys were used during the 30th Great Lakes Invitational (December 1994). They were manufactured by Aaron Sportswear and featured lace-up black/white necks. The two-color white on black numbers and black names on nameplates which matched the jersey material, were all sewn down. A GLI 30th Anniversary patch was featured on the right chest. The Aaron Sportswear logo was embroidered on the back hem. I have never seen one of the game worn MTU jerseys in person or in the possession of any collector. Although each team in the GLI that year wore a set of throwback jerseys I have seen ONLY TWO jerseys (one each from U of Mich and Mich State) from any of the four teams. Very rare to say the least.
Close-up Detail Images:
See Prototype Below
See Prototype Below
1994 GLI Aaron Prototype
Comments:
This Aaron mesh jersey is one of two prototypes produced for Michigan Tech to use in the 1994 Great Lakes Invitational Tournament. (The GLI is played annually at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.) In planning for the 30th anniversary GLI, the local CCM Pro Sales Rep, and a Red Wings marketing manager, tossed around the idea of having throwback jerseys styled after those worn by the teams thirty years earlier and giving them to the players as gifts. (Traditionally, participants in the GLI tournament, have received a non-monetary gift from the tournament organizers.) The idea was well received and prototypes were requested.
CCM produced a Michigan Tech prototype, as did Aaron Sportswear, a local jersey manufacturer, who had provided jerseys to the Univ of Michigan and Michigan State in the past. (Co-hosts MTU and U of MI are in the GLI every year along with MSU and a 4th team which is selected each year by invitation.) Ultimately, it was decided that Aaron Sportswear would provide the jerseys for the 1994 tournament. (Aaron Sportswear also provided jerseys in 1999 for the GLI's 35th anniversary.) Although neither of the jerseys shown here were ever game worn, the story behind them makes them a very unique and welcomed addition to our collection.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Back hem logo
GLI 30th patch
Front numbers
Back numbers
Sleeve numbers
1994 GLI CCM Prototype
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Back hem logo
GLI 30th patch
Front numbers
Back numbers
Sleeve numbers
1995-1999
Comments:
In 1995, the road jerseys were also updated, matching the home jerseys.
The most noteable change to the exterior of the jerseys was the movement of
the "MTU" from the elbows to a more traditional location on each shoulder.
The crest, numbering, names, striping, fight straps, and body material were all identical
to the previous set. Subtle changes to the Bauer patch on the back hem (slightly shorter),
the WCHA logo (now done in gold), and the neck (now much narrower gold band,
making the opening bigger) are the only other ways to seperate this set from the previous one.
The jersey shown for the front view was worn by Jason Prokopetz as captain. After he graduated,
the "C" was removed but the glue residue remains.
NOTE: During the 1995-96 season,
color coordinating patches were worn to celebrate the 75th season of MTU hockey. At the end of
the season, all of the patches from the home, road, and alternate jerseys were removed.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck Tags
Bauer Logo (hem)
"C" Outline
Shoulder Patch
WCHA Logo
Sleeve
Back Numbers
Collar Size
Nameplate
1995-1997
Comments:
Gold jerseys returned in 1995 for MTU's 75th season of hockey.
Styled after the recently departed jerseys with the script Huskies on the front,
this new version of the old standard was used as an alternate/3rd style.
The jerseys were Bauer ProWear poly knit with two color twill (black on white) numbers,
names (on nameplates), and script Huskies crests. The necks were solid black.
As with all of their jerseys during 1995-96, these jerseys had 75th anniversary patches
on the right chest just below the silver WCHA embroidered logo.
However, because the jerseys would be used another season, the 75th patches on the gold,
as well as the other two sets of jerseys, were removed after Tech ended their season
by losing to the University of Minnesota in the championship game of the WCHA Final Five Playoffs.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Back hem Bauer logo
WCHA logo
MTU hockey 75th patch
Nameplate
Back numbers
Sleeve numbers
Game photo (Jason Wright)
1995-1998
Comments:
This was the first set of home jerseys with the "MTU" shoulder patches. This set of jerseys can also
be identified by the single thickness gold neck. Also the BAUER patch embroidered on the back hem,
was outlined with silver only. The previous set had a two color gold/silver outline around the patch.
NOTE: During the 1995-96 season, color coordinating patches
were worn to celebrate the 75th season of MTU hockey. At the end of
the season, all of the patches from the home, road, and alternate jerseys were removed.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Hem logo
Shoulder patch
WCHA logo
Back Numbers
Sleeve numbers
Nameplate
1997-2001
Comments:
In 1997 the gold third jerseys were replaced with this nearly identical set.
The Flying B Bauer logo was added to the left chest, the Bauer logo on the back hem
was now directly embroidered in block letters, and the addition of the large black
and blue Bauer sizing tag in the neck were the only changes.
Other aspects of the jersey such as the WCHA logo embroidered in silver on the right chest,
striping patterns, and solid black neck, remained unchaged from the previous set.
In a bit of irony, the jersey shown at left was worn by Andy Lewis during 1997-98,
as well as Matt Lewis 1998-00, (no relation) who both wore #3 during their time at MTU.
Close-up Detail Images:
Neck tagging
Back hem Bauer logo
"B" logo on front
Cresting
Back numbers
Sleeve numbers
Fight strap
Nameplate
1998-2000
Comments:
Although the overall design of the jerseys is identical to the previous sets, there are a few
items both on the outside and the inside of the jersey that will help you tell the two apart.
This set of jerseys featured the "Flying B" BAUER logo on the left chest. The BAUER logo on
the back hem was redesigned from a patch to directly embroidered, single color, black angled,
block letters. On the inside, the BAUER ProWear tag was still present, and an additional tag,
much larger in size, was also sewn into the neck which had the size information on it.
Close-up Detail Images:
Std neck tag
Goalie neck tag
Hem logo
Shoulder patch
WCHA logo
Back numbers
Sleeve numbers
Bauer logo
Nameplate
1999 GLI Throwback
Comments:
Again for 1999, Michigan Tech wore throwback jerseys for the Great Lakes Invitational.
The jerseys were a very large knit with lace up necks. The numbers (arms, back, and front) were two color
sewn twill. Names were also two color twill sewn on plates made of jersey material. A GLI 35th patch was
placed on the right chest. I can not find any jersey manufacturer identified on the outside of the jersey
based on the photos I have seen, but I assume they were made by Aaron Sportswear.
Close-up Detail Images:
Circa 1996-2000 Gemini Prototype
