Duke Hockey chose to work with OT Sports on the jerseys because the North Carolina-based company is one the nation's top supplier of sports uniforms. Duke is impressed with the company's great customer service and the fact that the company currently outfits teams in the East Coast Hockey League, in NCAA Division I hockey, in the Arena Football League, and in minor league baseball. Furthermore, the company will work with Duke to sell the jerseys to fans, and help the team develop a third jersey for special occasions.

In designing the jerseys, the team sought a look that would represent Duke as it is: one of the finest institutions in the nation. In addition, the team wanted an attractive look that would impress fans and represent the team well on and off the ice. Therefore, the jerseys will feature the classic "Duke" gothic lettering on the chest and the university shield on each shoulder.

The shape of the university shield is patterned after the Duke family crest with the notched top inspired by the roof lines of the famed Gothic architecture found on Duke's West Campus. A triangle, the symbol of unity, is depicted within the borders of the shield, with the theme further emphasized by the repetition of three vertical bars representing education, religion, and health.

The Duke Hockey Team felt the shield represents much of what the team strives for on a day-to-day basis: unity, accountability, education, and good health. The team will sport the new uniforms beginning in 2003.

Duke Hockey Home Sweater

Duke Hockey Road Sweater

Dave Bradley (left) and Jesse Swanko sport the new sweaters (click to enlarge)