The Cool Factor: The Hartford Whalers

If you're not a serious hockey fan, chances are you've never heard of the Hartford Whalers. Originally known as the New England Whalers, the team was formed in November 1971 and played its inaugural season in the World Hockey Association in 1972. It later changed its name after joining the National Hockey League in 1979 when the rival leagues merged. Then in 1997, the Whalers relocated to North Carolina, ultimately settling in Raleigh, and became the Carolina Hurricanes.

When the Whalers changed their name to the Carolina Hurricanes, they lost an incredibly cool team identity. I know you're thinking, "Wait, did I read that right? Did The Style Ref really just say whales are cool?" Just work with me here.

This whale is anything but ordinary. The combination of colors, the logo's sharp, modern feel and the whale mascot (affectionately know as "Pucky the Whale") make this team's brand palatable for fans of all ages and backgrounds. Not many current teams have a brand this fun, cool and aesthetically pleasing. In fact, a few of them could learn a thing or two from the Whalers.

There's more to this logo than meets the eye:
The Hartford Whalers logo combines a green "W"
with a blue whale's tail to create the letter "H"
in the negative (white) space.

"Pucky the Whale" was the team's official mascot. He now serves as the
mascot for the Connecticut Whale, an AHL team based in Hartford.

You don't have to be from Connecticut or even a hockey fan to appreciate the Whalers' signature style. It's original, playful and classic, which are all qualities that most people would categorize as "cool."

Even though the Whalers became history over a decade ago, die-hard hockey fans still collect and trade Whalers gear to keep the team's spirit alive. They also celebrate the team's distinct, colorful look. This loyalty breeds high demand for Whalers wear and there's no shortage of merchandise available to satisfy nostalgic fans. The Hartford Whalers might be long gone, but we'll always have memories and of course, Pucky the Whale.

Check out some of TSR's favorites for Whalers fans:

Hartford Whalers Classic Full Zip Hooded Sweatshirt

Hartford Whalers Navy Fitted Hat

Hartford Whalers '47 Brand Green 'Pucky The Whale' Retro Logo Scrum Tee

Mitchell & Ness Hartford Whalers Power Play Zip-Front Hooded Sweatshirt

Mitchell & Ness Hartford Whalers Ladies Comeback Premium T-Shirt

Old Time Hockey Hartford Whalers Heathered T-Shirt

Hartford Whalers Mitchell & Ness Vintage Duffle Bag

Hartford Whalers iPad 2 Hard Case Cover

Do you think the Hartford Whalers have the cool factor?

XO,

The Style Ref

Rulebook: Vintage is Always In

Rule #5: History matters in sports and vintage fanwear takes it out of the record books and into our closets. For sports fans, old becomes new again with throwback cuts and designs that remind us of the past. However, just because it looks old doesn't mean it's vintage, so it's important to choose items that look authentic and stylish. TSR has you covered with some no-fail, high-quality vintage picks for fans who know that no matter what decade it is, team loyalty is always in fashion.

New York Jets Vintage Collection Reebok Snapback Hat Cap

Chicago Bulls Graduate Sweatshirt

New York University College Style Retro Varsity Jacket

Dallas Cowboys 1960 V-Neck Tee

Vintage Florida Gators Cufflinks

Philadelphia Phillies Vintage Twill Jacket

Los Angeles Dodgers Women's Extra Point T-Shirt

Hartford Whalers Mitchell & Ness Vintage Duffle Bag

Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach Cardigan

Miami Heat Downtown Track Jacket

Do you have any vintage team apparel in your closet? Tell TSR in the comments!

XO,

The Style Ref

Going Green

If you have Irish heritage or simply enjoy the, er...historical significance of St. Patrick's Day, you might be tempted to go green for your team on March 17. No matter what your favorite team's colors are, everyone gets a makeover as the world comes together on one magical day to celebrate the "wearing of the green." Every league gets in on the action, so check out TSR's top picks to make your fellow fans (and rivals) green with envy!

 Washington Capitals Burnout Tank, New Jersey Devils Vintage Hoodie,
Nashville Predators St. Patrick's Flag T-Shirt, Boston Bruins St. Patrick's Knit Hat,  Vancouver Canucks St. Patty's Day Hat

Chicago Bulls Hoodie, New York Knicks Jeremy Lin T-Shirt, Boston Celtics Kelly Green Track Jacket,
NBA Socks, Toronto Raptors Two Tone St. Patrick's Day Hat

 Detroit Tigers T-Shirt, St. Louis Cardinals Four Leaf Luck T-Shirt,  Chicago Cubs Socks, Boston Red Sox Hat, New York Yankees Drawstring Backpack

 Indianapolis Colts St. Patrick's Day T-Shirt, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fortune Tank Top,  Oakland Raiders Ladies Boxer Shorts, Chicago Bears Shamrock Pajama Pants,  Miami Dolphins Hat

 Oregon Ducks Shamrock T-Shirt, Notre Dame Ladies Track Hoodie,  Georgia Bulldogs Boxer Shorts, Michigan State St. Patrick's Day Socks, Florida State St. Patrick's Day Hat 
What are you "going green" in this St. Patrick's Day?

XO,

The Style Ref

Oh, the Linsanity

If you haven't heard of the NBA's newest phenom Jeremy Lin, you probably don't watch television, don't use the Internet and have a tendency to cover your eyes and ears in public places. Even social outcasts are no match for "Linsanity," the contagious excitement about one special player that's sweeping professional basketball fans worldwide.

Jeremy Lin, the 23-year-old New York Knicks point guard, has quickly become the most famous Asian American basketball player in the game and his NBA career is just getting started. Lin had played only 55 minutes in the Knicks' first 23 games of the 2012 regular season, but all that changed on February 4 when he set career highs in a 99–92 Knicks victory over the New Jersey Nets. Lin went on to lead the Knicks to a 7-game winning streak and continues to impress, giving New York basketball fans a lot to look forward to this season.

The sudden onset of "Linsanity" ignited immediate consumer demand for Lin-loving fanwear and although he skyrocketed to fame only a few short weeks ago, there's already a broad variety to choose from. As evidence of his intense commercial appeal, Lin's already trademarking the very term that describes his incredible rise to media prominence.

Check out a few items for truly "Linsane" fans:

Adidas New York Knicks Jeremy Lin "Linsanity" 
Women's Triblend T-Shirt

LIN-Sanity T-Shirt

New Era LINsanity Mesh Flex Hat

Jeremy Lin "Linsanity" Women's Hooded Sweater

Linsanity Bracelet

New York Knicks Jeremy Lin "LIN-SANITY!"
Custom Novelty License Plate/Tag

What do you think of all this "Linsanity?"

XO,

The Style Ref

Presidential Fan Style

Throughout history, the President of the United States has been the ultimate representation of professionalism in American society. From Washington to Obama, these men embody commanding style not only in what they wear, but in their steadfast patriotism. While men's attire has changed over time due to fashion trends, one thing is for certain: professionalism should never come at the expense of team spirit whether you work in a cubicle or the oval office. In honor of President's Day, TSR has compiled all the items a loyal sports fan needs to represent his (or her) team in presidential fashion on the job.

Atlanta Braves Woven Silk Tie

Georgetown Hoyas Executive Cuff Links

Green Bay Packers Tie Clip

New York Rangers Silver Money Clip

Gametime New York Knicks President Series Watch

Baylor Bears Pewter Business Card Case

New Orleans Saints Debossed Black Leather Small Portfolio

Texas Rangers Leather Briefcase Bag

Classic, sophisticated, fan accessories add presidential flair to any power suit without sacrificing great style. Only a select few Americans get to be president, but incorporate a few of these key pieces into your career wardrobe and you can still look the part while supporting your favorite team. Sounds like a win-win!

Which of these items would you incorporate into your professional style?

XO,

The Style Ref

Home Field Advantage: Door Decor

As a self-proclaimed University of South Florida (USF) fan, TSR was looking for something team-oriented to display year round at home. It needed to be attractive, high quality and blend with existing decor. After a previous post on spirit wreaths, TSR ordered a custom wreath from Melody Helms, owner of Bonus Mom Boutique. We worked together on every detail to make it just right, but it was still a wonderful surprise when it finally came in the mail.

It arrived beautifully packaged...

 

...and after the wrapping came off, the finished product that emerged was so special and truly one of a kind. This beautiful wreath makes a unique addition to a fan's home and more importantly, serves as a constant reminder to visitors of who you root for!

Want your own fan wreath? Of course you do! The Bonus Mom Boutique has generously offered TSR readers a 15% discount on custom-made wreaths. All you have to do is mention The Style Ref when you place your order.

Check out The Bonus Mom Boutique on Etsy and Facebook. You can also e-mail bonusmomboutique@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

Are you going to order a spirit wreath in your favorite team? If you do, be sure to share a picture of it with TSR on Facebook or Twitter!

XO,

The Style Ref

And the BustedTees.com Giveaway Winners Are...

Thank you to everyone who participated in TSR's t-shirt giveaway with BustedTees.com! TSR randomly selected two winners: Theresa Sharkey and Ann Chew! Congratulations and thanks for reading The Style Ref! You'll receive a Facebook message soon with more information about claiming your shirt.

Stay tuned for more fun giveaways for the fashionable sports fan!

XO,

The Style Ref

Coach's Corner: Tom Hodges

Go to any pro or college basketball game in the country and you're likely to see male coaches wearing sharp suits and ties, dressed more for the boardroom than the basketball court. Professional dress is customary among basketball coaches because it helps command a greater sense of authority and respect from their players. However, one man is taking a more colorful approach to the traditional suit and tie. Meet Tom Hodges, head coach of the Morehead State women's basketball team.

Head Coach Tom Hodges,

Morehead State Women's Basketball Team

Taking a cue from pro golfer John Daly's infamous style, Coach Hodges is taking the term "fashion statement" to a whole new level. Hodges was the youngest women's head coach in Division I when he took the job in 2010 and although his team struggled in play, he found a way to get them noticed despite some tough losses.

Coach Hodges and his assistant devised an ingeniously simple marketing strategy to attract some much needed attention to the team - dress as outrageously as possible. Using Daly's loud style as inspiration, the self-described "conservative" coach contacted Daly's clothing sponsor, Loudmouth Golf, who was more than happy to send the willing rookie a few signature suits. With this momentous exchange, an unlikely media darling was born.

"To step out like this, is way outside my comfort zone, but I'm for the betterment of Morehead State and getting us a little piece of the spotlight, no matter what it takes," said Hodges.

Coach Hodges' work attire is certainly not understated. Let's review a few of his statement suits:

No, this isn't a joke. Well, maybe it is, but it takes courage and confidence to subject yourself to public ridicule game after game (and in this case, it has nothing to do with the score). You have to respect Coach Hodges' dedication and enthusiasm toward his team despite the fact that it's hard to look at him straight on in those loud, geometric patterns. It may not be a fashion win, but this coach proves that although the clothes do not make the man, they sure get people to notice who's wearing them.

What do you think of Coach Hodges' daring, courtside style?

XO,

The Style Ref