Ice Hockey Jerseys Guide

Difference between Replica, Semi-Pro and Authentic Jerseys.

Do you know the difference between a Replica, Semi-Pro or Authentic hockey jersey? If not, you could be buying a really expensive fake jersey that has been listed as 'Authentic'.

There's one idiot in particular that lists his Replica and Semi Pro jerseys as '100% Authentic'. One thing that really, really, REALLY annoys me is when these sellers try and pass off their Replicas/Semi Pros as Authentic/Game jerseys.

And what's even worse is that people ACTUALLY FALL FOR IT and pay top price for a jersey which is falsely advertised!

This guide is for those of you who are smart enough not to be conned, but who can't really tell the difference. For example...

Here above are two Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys. They both may look the same, but in fact, they are completely different. This is because one is a Semi-Pro Jersey and one is an AUTHENTIC jersey.

So what is the difference between the styles of jersey? It seems like a puzzle, but once you know what the differences are, you too can tell INSTANTLY if the advertised jersey is Replica, Semi-Pro or Authentic.

Here's the 101 Guide in deciphering jerseys. Note how the detail differs in each of the pictures.

Replica/FAKE.	Semi Pro	Authentic / Game Issue / Game Worn

Other brand 100% polyester single/double knit. This fabric is a lightweight version of CCM's Authentic On-Ice Air-Knit® game jerseys	CCM/KOHO patented Air-Knit® 100% polyester double knit. This fabric is a mid-weight version of CCM's Authentic On-Ice Air-Knit® game jerseys	CCM/KOHO/Reebok patented Pro- HEAVY Weight Air-Knit® 100% polyester.

A replica is a cheaply produced copy of a jersey. 9 times out of 10, they are NOT made by CCM/Koho/Reebok, they look cheap, they feel cheap and furthermore some aren't even the right colour or style! They definitely DO NOT have the Authentic detailing (platinum shield, fight straps etc ...)	Most people have Semi-Pro jerseys without realising it; i.e. they think they have replica jerseys. Semi-pro jerseys are the most accessible and widely purchased of all jerseys. However, even though they are made by CCM/Koho, they are NOT the same ones worn by the players on the ice. These jerseys are made by the officially licensed makers: CCM/Koho (CCM and Koho are the same company). Replica Jerseys are made by Starter and Pro Player.	These are the EXACT jerseys worn on the ice by the players. These are the HEAVY-WEIGHT, DOUBLE STITCHED, ON-THE-ICE jerseys for the NHL teams and is the EXACT ones worn by your favourite NHL team. These are actually really hard to find, and furthermore, they cost an absolute fortune!

No visible logos on the reverse of the neck or hem.	CCM / KOHO woven patch on the back of the neck.	REEBOK / CCM / KOHO woven patch EMBROIDERED into the back of the neck.

Usually no NHL logo. (Pro Player and Starter jerseys will have conference logos on them)	NHL PUCK LOGO (not NHL Platinum Shield). Be very wary of jerseys that have no NHL logo at all!	NHL PLATINUM SHIELD LOGO (not NHL Puck)

Elbows and shoulders are NOT reinforced. some are reinforced - but done very badly.	Elbows and shoulders are NOT reinforced. Single layered jersey.	Double padded elbows and shoulders AND Reinforced stitching on all seams and hems, underarm gussets

Other brand name embroidered patch featured on lower left sleeve	CCM/KOHO® embroidered patch featured on lower left sleeve	AUTHENTIC JERSEYS DO NOT HAVE SLEEVE LOGOS.

Fake / Replica Jerseys are sized Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large etc. Other brand neck label. Be wary of REPLICA brands of jersey (such as Starter and Pro Player) or brands with no neck tag.	Semi Pro / Replica Jerseys are sized Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large etc. CCM/KOHO® rink neck label. They usually say 'Official Licensed Jersey'. Be wary of any other REPLICA brands of jersey (such as Starter and Pro Player).	Authentic / Game Jerseys are sized 44, 48, 52, 56, 60 etc. NHL Centre Ice Collection neck label, CCM/KOHO/REEBOK Authentic On-Ice Game Jersey neck label. The label should say 'Authentic On Ice Apparel'. This one does not have a label because it is a GAME WORN NHL jersey! (Worn by Tomas Kaberle during 2005-2006)

No Fight Strap.	No Fight Strap.	Fight strap attached inside back of jersey.

Chest & shoulder logos (where applicable) feature a combination of screen printing and appliqué twill.	Chest & shoulder logos (where applicable) feature a combination of screen printing, embroidery and appliqué twill.	Chest & shoulder crests on Pro Size tackle twill with embroidery Z-stitched directly onto jersey. EVERYTHING IS SEWN INTO THESE JERSEYS!

NOTE:

Please, please, please be very aware of sellers claiming that they sell ‘Authentic’ jerseys.

One ditz in particular in the UK claims to sell ‘100% Authentic Jerseys’. But if you look carefully, they have the markings of a ‘Replica’ or a ‘Semi-Pro’ jersey. THESE ARE NOT ‘AUTHENTIC’!

Even WORSE is that some people try to pass off FAKES as Authentic! These fakes are so poor that I wouldn't even wipe my backside with them.

For example:


A Fake Jersey as found on eBay UK. Notice how it looks NOTHING like the actual jersey the Rangers use and that it looks cheap. It's not even the right layout!	This is an actual Semi-Pro jersey and looks almost exactly like the Authentic Game Worn series. All Semi-Pro jerseys come with CCM/Koho and NHL Hologram Tags. Toronto! only sells Semi Pro or Authentic jerseys and will clearly state which!

So ask the seller:

Does this jersey come with a Fight-strap? Double elbows? Double shoulders? Authentic neck-tag? NHL PLATINUM SHIELD?’

If the answer is ‘No’ to ANY of these questions, you can bet that it is not ‘Authentic’.

Ice Hockey Jersey Sizing Chart.

All Replica and Semi-Pro HOCKEY jerseys follow the standard measurements:

SMALL	Inches	Centimetres
Official Chest Size	40	101.6
Chest (Armpit to Armpit)	20	50.8
Length	29	73.7
Armspam	60	152.4
Armpit to Sleeve	21	53.3

MEDIUM
Official Chest Size	44	111.8
Chest (Armpit to Armpit)	22	55.9
Length	31	78.7
Armspam	63	160
Armpit to Sleeve	22	55.9

LARGE
Official Chest Size	48	121.9
Chest (Armpit to Armpit)	24	61
Length	33	83.8
Armspam	66	167.6
Armpit to Sleeve	23	58.4

X-LARGE
Official Chest Size	52	132.1
Chest (Armpit to Armpit)	26	66
Length	35	88.9
Armspam	69	175.3
Armpit to Sleeve	24	61

XX-LARGE
Official Chest Size	56	142.2
Chest (Armpit to Armpit)	23	58.4
Length	37	94
Armspam	72	182.9
Armpit to Sleeve	25	63.5

GOALIE CUT (GC)
Official Chest Size	60	152.4
Chest (Armpit to Armpit)	30	76.2
Length	37	93.98
Armspam	74	187.96
Armpit to Sleeve	25	63.5

What are the weird sizes on Authentic-Pro Hockey Jerseys?
The sizes relate to chest size. These jerseys tend to be pretty roomy, as they are meant to fit over hockey equipment. Generally, you should choose your size based on the chart below:

JERSEY CHEST/SIZE	EQUIVALENT SIZE

44	M
48	L

52	XL

56/58/60	XXL (or Goalie)

Ice Hockey Jerseys Guide

Difference between Replica, Semi-Pro and Authentic Jerseys.

Ice Hockey Jersey Sizing Chart.