Have you ever wondered why referees wear striped shirts, or teams have to wear contrasting colours? Then this is for you. Contrasting Colours in NHL Uniforms Hockey uniforms were very simple in the early days. Since most players also played football in the summertime, they simply borrowed these pants for hockey games, then added a turtleneck sweater to stay warm along with some knee high socks. With only a combined total of fourteen players involved there was little need for decidedly differing uniforms, it was easy for players to know who played for who. Explore everything hockey with THW’s Hockeypedia...