Inauthentic Threads: Could that Edmonton Oilers jersey be counterfeit?

National Post

15-06-2025

Chances are it takes up a cherished spot in your closet. Or better yet, hangs on the wall, proudly displayed for all to see until it's time to be taken down and donned for game day.
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That's right: Your Edmonton Oilers jersey.
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Or sweater, for the purists in our midst.
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Whether it's your own name or your favourite player's on the back, it marks you as part of the tribe, and flies your orange-and-blue flag vibrantly with every swing of the arm.
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In the crowd, you're part of the sea of orange. Or blue, depending on what generation of Cup-chasing crew led by a generational talent you began backing.
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No one will ever question your devotion to the team while wearing it. After all, they cost a small fortune to have the authentic gear worn by the real-life heroes out on the ice.
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At least, the one you bought cost a small fortune. So, it's got to be the real deal.
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Right?
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It turns out that isn't always the case. Especially if it was one of those too-good-to-be-true deals online.
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Data collected over the past year by InGame.com analyzed more than 45,000 online conversations involving counterfeit NHL merchandise and knock-off products. And some markets are hit harder than others.
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It turns out the two teams currently playing in the Stanley Cup Final are driving the discussion.
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The Florida Panthers top the charts with 3,419 online conversations about fake merchandise, with 11 per cent expressing frustration or disappointment.
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The Oilers, meanwhile, follow up in the second spot with 2,529 conversations, 12 per cent of which are negative.
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Staying in Alberta, the Calgary Flames rank fourth on the list with 2,156 conversations, 25 per cent of which are negative.
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1. Florida Panthers (3,419/11)
2. Edmonton Oilers (2,529/12)
3. New York Rangers (2,196/15)
4. Calgary Flames (2,156/25)
5. Boston Bruins (2,154/13)
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (1,956/13)
7. Montreal Canadiens (1,753/10)
8. Chicago Blackhawks (1,622/10)
9. Washington Capitals (1,531/15)
10. Detroit Red Wings (1,505/10)
11. Pittsburgh Penguins (1,464/15)
12. Dallas Stars (1,360/15)
13. New York Islanders (1,343/16)
14. Vegas Golden Knights (1,266/12)
15. Ottawa Senators (1,247/10)
16. Carolina Hurricanes (1,240/11)
17. New Jersey Devils (1,235/14)
18. Philadelphia Flyers (1,232/16)
19. Vancouver Canucks (1,229/14)
20. Colorado Avalanche (1,225/12)
21. Los Angeles Kings (1,205/9)
22. St. Louis Blues (1,177/14)
23. Buffalo Sabres (1,163/10)
24. Tampa Bay Lightning (1,118/10)
25. Columbus Blue Jackets (1,096/13)
26. Nashville Predators (1,086/11)
27. Minnesota Wild (1,068/13)
28. San Jose Sharks (1,026/15)
29. Winnipeg Jets (8,48/11)
30. Seattle Kraken (756/11)
31. Anaheim Ducks (719/20)
32. Arizona Coyotes (323/16)