How Boston’s college ties shaped the Bruins’ Varsity Sweater

Boston’s new Hometown Remix uniform draws on the college hockey connections of its NHL players. Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman discussed those ties in a feature published by the Bruins on Monday.

The club calls the brown design its Varsity Sweater. Its lettering arches across the chest, with striping and a secondary crest drawn from collegiate styling. A detail inside the hem refers to the Freedom Trail, a motif Swayman has also included on his mask.

Bruins president Cam Neely said the strength of Boston’s college community surprised him when he arrived in the city. That history helped shape the uniform project, led by marketing executive Andrea Mazzarelli.

McAvoy recalled his time at Boston University and the sense of belonging that comes with playing there. On a return visit to Agganis Arena, he said the surroundings still felt familiar.

Swayman described a similar connection with Maine, where he played before his NHL career. The two teammates also described the rivalries that continue in the Boston dressing room during the college season.

For Neely, seeing the jersey with the rest of the equipment brought the design together. The uniform is Boston’s entry in the NHL’s 32-club Hometown Remix collection for 2026-27.