Tampa Bay Lightning new brand now incorporates old features

A press release went out this afternoon (one of several) to announce the official 2011-2012 jersey system for the Tampa Bay Lightning was presented to the NHL.  Yes, the new logo is there, yes, it's primarily white and blue...

BUT....

The Lightning’s blue and white primary and secondary logos will not change. Black will be used in the uniform system to outline the white Lightning bolt adorning the side of the pants and it will trim the player numbers on the upper arms and back of the home and road jerseys. Gloves will also feature some black in their design. All other aspects of the jersey systems will remain.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, black is back and so is the bolt-on-the-pants.  It's not as large a compromise as some would like, but it's something.  The full press release is below the jump.

TAMPA BAY PRESENTS FINAL 2011-12 JERSEY SYSTEMS TO NHL

Incorporates Lightning Bolt on Pants and the Reintroduction of Black as a Trim Color, Paying Homage to the Team’s History and Heritage

TAMPA BAY - The Tampa Bay Lightning submitted its final approved jersey systems to the National Hockey League today and have elected to reintroduce the color black into the home and road jerseys as a trim color, along with a white lightning bolt along the side of the pants each player wears, chief executive officer Tod Leiweke announced today. The lightning bolt replaces a white stripe that had been in the original uniform design.

"After our multiple announcements in the past weeks we listened, as we always will, to feedback from our stakeholders," said Leiweke. "While we have received overwhelmingly positive response regarding the direction Jeff Vinik is taking this franchise, we did hear from some fans regarding the traditions of black and a bolt on our pants. Thus, after consultation with the NHL and our design team, we are adding black as a third accent color and an elegant white bolt to our pant.

"While we are committed to pushing our franchise to new heights, we will forever honor the 2004 Stanley Cup and the other traditions and great efforts of those before us. The addition of the lightning bolt and the incorporation of black trim is an opportunity to send a message to Phil Esposito and the other pioneers that Lightning history will always be a part of who we are."

Home

Away

The Lightning’s blue and white primary and secondary logos will not change. Black will be used in the uniform system to outline the white Lightning bolt adorning the side of the pants and it will trim the player numbers on the upper arms and back of the home and road jerseys. Gloves will also feature some black in their design. All other aspects of the jersey systems will remain.

The team also announced that it intends on continuing to wear its current third jersey at select home games in future years.