Hartford Whalers

1982-83

In 1982, the Whalers joined the Philadelphia Flyers in wearing long pants. The new design, dubbed Cooperalls, was supposed to make for a lighter uniform. It made players faster all right -- especially when they were upended and slid on the ice. The league quickly recognized the hazard the long pants created and outlawed them after the 1982-83 season. The team reverted back to its previous short pants and socks the following season.