Welcome to The Win Column’s Flames Fit Check, your monthly destination for Calgary Flames pregame fashion. This edition is a little different than usual. We’ll be ranking the top 5 fits of the year. Now, not by any means am I really qualified to give any opinions on fashion, but that’s the best part about the internet—I don’t have to be qualified. That being said, we’ll also crown a Unfashionable Mention of the year, my personal favourite placement in the rankings.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Nikita Zadorov
Nikita Zadorov has been no stranger to this series since its inaugural edition in October. While Zadorov has stepped up big for the Flames on the ice, his style draws attention league wide. This beautiful double-breasted cream coloured suit paired with a copper patterned tie and light blue shirt give off a nice contrast with the jacket and pants while the buckled shoes finish off the fit.
I’m not sure why but this oozes Russian Bond villain fresh off his helicopter in Miami to conduct a lucrative black market business deal. The only thing missing from pulling off the full Russian Mobster ensemble is the socks and short leg. Florida’s still hot in November though, have to let your ankles breathe.
Zadorov had numerous pregame fits that could’ve taken the number one spot on this list. Although his is something we don’t see too often, an almost white suit gives off Colonel Sanders vibes unless it’s paired correctly. Even after months of speculation, Zadorov’s suit guy remains just as secret as the Colonel’s mix of herbs and spices.
2. Nikita Zadorov
Back-to-back for good reason. The checkered brown is very professional and that vest makes the whole fit. The black tie is simple and allows for the eye to latch onto the lines within the suit pattern. Great execution worthy of a chef’s kiss.
Zadorov came back with another piece rarely seen nowadays: the vest. The pattern going in a different direction than the jacket lapel makes it stand out, but subtly. Much more professional than say a solid black or cream vest. This guy just doesn’t miss.
It’s not the most exciting of Zadorov’s pregame fits but just like number one, it’s well-executed and just plain stylish.
3. Mikael Backlund, Rasmus Andersson
Two of what seems like 4,000 Swedes on the Flames roster take home the number three spot. Some stylish Movember facial hair for the dapper countrymen wraps up a pair of great suits.
Mikael with the double-breasted checker, and Rusmus with the single checker. A yin and yang of sorts.
Mikael’s suit brings in a really cool deep green/blue colour that pairs nicely with his watch and tie.
Rasmus goes for the more casual look—no tie and a loose collar.
One with a short slicked back look, clean moustache and a tie. The other with the flowing hair, untrimmed beard and an unbuttered approach.
The same idea, but with each guy’s unique style. These fit’s reflect each players personality really well.
4. Nikita Zadorov
Zadorov’s third and final appearance on the year’s top five is one of the most unique looks we’ve seen thus far.
Blue suit with copper pin stripes and a burnt orange tie give off a Willy Wonka on wall street feel—I say that in the best way possible. An extremely well-tailored suit as always, just enough cuff from the shirt peeking out of the jacket sleeve to bring that contrast through the whole outfit.
The buttons are a great pop and the double breasted jacket is a great choice with the pinstripes. Another home run from Calgary’s favourite Russian.
5. Milan Lucic
Lucic makes the top five of the year with his Disco Dwayne Johnson ensaumble from October. Lucic isn’t afraid to wander outside the boundaries of business casual, evidently. Purple jacket that punches you in the face quicker than the man wearing it and the rolled sleeves say, “I don’t mess around.”
The chain over the turtle neck adds some pop to the simple undershirt and buckled shoes make yet another appearance in the top 5. Lucic has improved his play as of late with Huberdeau and Kadri, and I’m sure his new year’s resolution is to do whatever he can to stay on that line.
Unfashionable Mention – Jacob Markstrom
This one shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
Markstrom’s “Sock monkey vacuum salesman” look takes home the prize for worst of the worst in 2022.
This is just a whirlwind of problems. Old couch cushions for a jacket, and boat shoes ruin a perfectly good attempt at a reasonable outfit. This style seen in October was foreshadowing for the “I suck at hockey” stretch Jacob saw earlier in the year.
The franchise goaltender has bounced back lately both with pregame fits, and in more importantly in the crease thankfully. As one of my favourite Flames, I hate to bash the guy, but that’s what the unfashionable mention is for.
Jacob Markstrom the seafaring lawyer is gone and it seems the Flames have found Jacob Markstrom the goalie once again.
Stay tuned in 2023 for even bigger and more ignorant fashion takes from yours truly.
All photos from @NHLFlames.
