The Chicago Blackhawks are bringing back the iconic black alternate jersey to celebrate 100 years of hockey heritage, debuting on Black Friday and again on Sunday as part of a season-long rollout.

In total, the jersey will be worn seven times this season, including home games on January 9, January 23, January 30, and March 20, plus a road game on March 14 and early season showcases on Black Friday and the Sunday game against Nashville and Anaheim.

Danny Wirtz, the Blackhawks chairman and CEO, says the jersey embodies the franchise's grit, strength, and legacy, linking past eras to today’s team.

There has been some controversy over the jersey rollout timing and prior leaks, but fan nostalgia and demand are driving excitement for the comeback.

Fans are buzzing about the retro look and its significance to the Blackhawks’ branding and identity.

The retro return follows the centennial season’s gold-trimmed red jerseys, with speculation about stock and timing influenced by a leak involving Fanatics.

The team announced the comeback on X (formerly Twitter), tying the event to the 100th-anniversary celebrations for the 2025-26 campaign.

Team leadership frames the reintroduction as more than nostalgia, emphasizing fan involvement and continuity across generations of Blackhawks supporters.

The black jersey is seen as a bridge between Original Six heritage and the modern era, symbolizing resilience, excellence, and community pride.

The jersey originally wore from 1996-97 to 2008-09 and helped shape the franchise’s modern identity, with a classic look that includes white numbers with red outlines and red-and-white stripes.

The Blackhawks currently sit in a strong position in the standings, and the return of the black uniforms is expected to boost excitement around the season.

Fans can purchase the special edition jersey at the Blackhawks Store on Michigan Avenue, the Madhouse Team Store at the United Center, and CBHShop.com, with a note that online orders may not arrive in time for the Blackout games.

The black uniforms originated in the 1996-97 season, were worn through 2008-09, made a rare Stadium Series appearance in 2014, and return with the same iconic look.