The old cliche, "the best of times, the worst of times" could clearly refer to the 1960's. On the one hand, the decade gave us arguably the greatest music ever recorded and some of the best television shows ever produced. On the other hand, the 60's also gave us three high-profile assassinations and the Vietnam war.

But we're not here to talk politics -- we're here to talk hockey uniforms...

Much of the decade saw the continuation of the "Original Six." Their uniforms were classically understated and conservative, with designs that have stood the test of time, with five out of the six logos still being used today (the Maple Leafs' logo being the only one with a significant change). However, in 1967, the hockey world would see something radical...

The NHL expanded from six teams to 12 for the 1967-68 season. The new franchises begat new designs in uniforms, and new colors to boot. Whereas the "Original Six" sported jerseys of red, blue, black and gold, the new teams introduced the hockey world to orange, green, sky blue and purple. Hockey uniforms would never be the same again.

To witness the evolution of NHL uniforms through the 1960's, click on a year to the left.