Custom hockey jerseys and team apparel in Canada is serious business. Whether you’re outfitting a beer league squad, a minor hockey association, a rep team, or a tournament — the gear your team wears on and off the ice says everything about your organization.
At Kode Garment we produce custom hockey jerseys using tackle twill decoration — the same method used for professional team crests, names, and numbers — alongside the full range of team apparel your hockey program needs off the ice. Based in Newmarket, Ontario, we serve hockey teams, associations, and leagues across Canada with embroidery, DTF printing, screen printing, patches, and tackle twill decoration.
This guide covers everything hockey teams need to know about ordering custom jerseys and team apparel in Canada — decoration methods, timelines, sizing, and how to build a complete branded program for your organization.
Custom Hockey Jerseys — Decoration Methods
Choosing the right decoration method for your hockey jerseys affects the look, durability, and cost of your finished product. Here’s how the main methods compare:
Tackle Twill — the professional standard
Tackle twill is the decoration method used on professional hockey jerseys — NHL, AHL, and elite amateur programs all use tackle twill for crests, letters, and numbers. Fabric letters and numbers are cut from twill material and sewn directly onto the jersey — producing a raised, dimensional finish with crisp edges and exceptional durability.
At Kode Garment tackle twill is our primary jersey decoration method. The result is a jersey that looks and feels professional — the same construction you see on elite hockey teams across Canada.
What tackle twill is ideal for:
- Team crests and logos
- Player names and numbers
- Shoulder patches and sponsor logos
- Any application where a premium professional finish matters
- Beer leagues, rep teams, minor hockey, and tournament programs
Appliqué and twill is our core service for jersey decoration — dimensional fabric decoration that produces the kind of finish that makes your team look like they mean business when they step on the ice.
Embroidery — for premium crests and patches
Custom embroidery is ideal for smaller crest details, sponsor logos, and shoulder patches on hockey jerseys and team apparel. Embroidered crests produce a dense, dimensional finish — popular for premium team programs and association crests that need to represent the organization with authority.
Custom embroidered patches are also a popular option for hockey teams — a fully embroidered crest patch that can be sewn onto jerseys, warm-up jackets, and team bags. Iron-on and sew-on backing options available.
DTF printing — for team apparel and training gear
DTF printing is the ideal decoration method for the full range of team apparel your hockey program needs off the ice — hoodies, tees, warm-up gear, and training apparel. Full-colour team logos reproduce with vibrant accuracy on cotton, polyester, and performance blends — no minimums, fast turnaround.
Screen printing — for bulk team apparel
Screen printing is the most cost-effective method for large team apparel orders — tournament tees, association shirts, volunteer gear, and any bulk order with simple team branding in 1 to 3 colours.
What about sublimation?
Sublimation is a popular jersey decoration method that prints colour directly into the fabric — producing vibrant all-over designs. Kode Garment does not currently offer sublimation decoration. For fully sublimated jerseys we recommend working with a sublimation specialist — and we are happy to handle all your team’s off-ice apparel and supplementary jersey decoration needs.
The Complete Hockey Team Apparel Program
A jersey is just the beginning. A well-organized hockey team needs a complete branded apparel program — and Kode Garment is your production partner for everything beyond the ice surface.
On-ice gear:
- Game jerseys — tackle twill crests, names, numbers
- Practice jerseys — DTF or screen printed team logo
- Jersey patches — embroidered sponsor logos, association crests
Off-ice team apparel:
- Team hoodies — the most-worn piece in any hockey program
- Team tees — for travel, tournaments, and casual wear
- Warm-up jackets — embroidered team crest for a polished appearance
- Team hats — embroidered logo caps for players, coaches, and staff
- Track pants and joggers — branded bottom for complete matching sets
Tournament and association apparel:
- Volunteer tees — screen printed for large groups
- Staff and coaching gear — embroidered polos and jackets
- Tournament souvenir shirts — DTF printed event tees
- Association hoodies — for players across all age groups
Fan and family apparel:
- Parent and supporter hoodies — team logo DTF printed
- Youth sizes — matching gear for younger siblings and family members
- Toques and beanies — embroidered team logo for cold arena weather
Recommended Blanks for Hockey Team Apparel
Choosing the right blank for your team apparel matters as much as the decoration. Here are our top recommendations for hockey programs:
Team hoodies:
- Independent Trading Co. SS4500 — the most popular team hoodie blank in Canada. Style SS4500 offers consistent sizing, excellent decoration results, wide colour range. Available through Fabrik Apparel
- Bella+Canvas 3719 Sponge Fleece — 3719 is a premium soft hoodie for programs that want a retail-quality feel
- ATC Everyday Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt ATCF2500 — durable construction for programs that need something that holds up through a full hockey season – view ATCF2500 colour options here.
Team tees:
- Bella+Canvas 3001 — premium retail-quality tee for team merchandise programs
- ATC Essential Performance Tee — moisture-wicking performance tee ideal for training and warm-up use
Warm-up jackets and outerwear:
- Core 365 performance jackets — professional appearance for coaching staff and team management
- Independent Trading Co. full-zip hoodies — popular for player warm-up gear
All blanks available through Fabrik Apparel at wholesale pricing with domestic Canadian shipping.
Planning Your Hockey Jersey and Team Apparel Order
Step 1 — Decide your decoration method
For game jerseys — tackle twill for crests, names, and numbers. For practice jerseys and team apparel — DTF or screen printing. For premium crests and patches — embroidery.
Step 2 — Collect player information early
For jersey orders you need:
- Player name (confirm spelling carefully — names are the most common error on jersey orders)
- Player number
- Size — use a proper size chart for the specific jersey blank you’ve chosen
- Any individual customization preferences
Collect this information in a spreadsheet and confirm it carefully before submitting your order. Errors in player names or numbers after production are expensive to fix.
Step 3 — Finalize your artwork
Your team crest needs to be in a vector file format (AI, EPS, or SVG) for tackle twill and embroidery. If you only have a low-resolution logo — your decorator can vectorize it for an artwork setup fee.
For tackle twill — simpler designs with clean shapes and defined colour areas produce the sharpest results. Highly detailed crests with fine lines and gradients are better suited to embroidery or DTF printing.
Step 4 — Order on time
Hockey jersey and team apparel programs have real deadlines — season openers, tournament dates, and league registration days. Here’s a general timeline guide:
- Game jerseys (tackle twill): Order 8 to 10 weeks before your first game
- Practice jerseys and team tees: Order 4 to 6 weeks before your season opener
- Tournament apparel: Order 6 to 8 weeks before tournament date
Step 5 — Plan for reorders
Save your roster information, artwork files, and sizing breakdown after your first order. New players join every season — a good decorator saves your specs so reorders are fast and consistent.
Beer League Hockey — What You Need to Know
Beer league hockey is one of the biggest custom jersey markets in Canada — and one of the most fun to work with. Here’s what beer league teams should know:
Start with the crest
Your team crest is the heart of your jersey program. Take the time to get it right — a well-designed crest on a quality tackle twill jersey elevates the whole experience. Work with a designer or bring us your concept and we’ll help translate it into a decoration-ready file.
Choose your colours carefully
Your jersey colours define your team identity for years. Choose colours that are available in your preferred jersey blank and confirm availability before committing to a design.
Player names and numbers
Most beer league teams include player names and numbers in tackle twill or embroidery. Collect your full roster before placing the order — adding or changing names after production starts is costly and time-consuming.
Budget for the full program
A beer league team that invests in matching hoodies, tees, and hats alongside their jerseys creates a team identity that goes beyond the rink. Budget for the full program — not just the jerseys.
Minor Hockey and Association Programs
Minor hockey associations and rep teams have specific requirements that differ from recreational programs:
Association-wide consistency
Multiple teams across multiple age groups need consistent decoration — same crest placement, same letter style, same number sizing. A decorator with documented repeat-order systems ensures every jersey across your association matches.
Sponsor logos
Association jerseys often carry sponsor logos as patches or embroidered crests on shoulders or sleeves. Plan sponsor patch placement during the design phase — retrofitting sponsor logos onto finished jerseys is expensive.
Age-appropriate sizing
Minor hockey programs need sizing from youth small through adult XL — confirm the size range available in your preferred jersey blank before committing to a design.
Annual reorder system
New players join every season. A documented reorder system — saved artwork, placement specs, and sizing information — makes annual jersey reorders fast and consistent. At Kode Garment we save all your specs after your first order.
Frequently Asked Questions — Custom Hockey Jerseys Canada
Does Kode Garment produce custom hockey jerseys? Yes. Kode Garment produces custom hockey jerseys using tackle twill decoration — the professional standard for team crests, player names, and numbers. We also offer embroidery and custom patches for jersey crests and sponsor logos. Contact us for a quote.
What is tackle twill decoration? Tackle twill uses fabric letters, numbers, and crests cut from twill material and sewn directly onto the jersey — producing a raised, dimensional finish that is the professional standard for hockey jerseys. It is more durable and premium than heat-pressed or printed alternatives.
Do you offer sublimation for hockey jerseys? Kode Garment does not currently offer sublimation decoration. For fully sublimated jerseys we recommend working with a sublimation specialist. We handle tackle twill, embroidery, DTF printing, and screen printing for all jersey and team apparel needs.
What is the minimum order for custom hockey jerseys? Contact us for minimum order requirements on tackle twill jersey decoration — minimums vary depending on the complexity of your crest and decoration requirements.
How long does production take for custom hockey jerseys? Game jerseys with tackle twill decoration typically require 4 to 6 weeks from artwork approval. Practice jerseys and team apparel — 4 to 6 weeks. Contact us to confirm timelines for your specific program.
Can you decorate jerseys we already own? No — if you have blank jerseys you’d like decorated with tackle twill crests, names, numbers, or embroidered patches we do not offer decoration services currently..
Do you ship hockey jerseys and team apparel across Canada? Yes. Kode Garment ships finished orders Canada-wide — from Vancouver to Nunavut to Halifax. Local pickup is available from our Newmarket, Ontario showroom by appointment.
What file format do I need for my team crest? A vector file (AI, EPS, or SVG) is required for tackle twill and embroidery. If you only have a low-resolution logo your decorator can vectorize it for an artwork setup fee.
Ready to Order Custom Hockey Jerseys and Team Apparel?
At Kode Garment we work with beer leagues, minor hockey associations, rep teams, and tournament organizers across Canada — producing custom jerseys with tackle twill decoration and the full range of team apparel your program needs.
Send us your team crest, your roster, your quantities, and your deadline. We’ll send you a clear quote within one business day.
📍 Based in Newmarket, Ontario · Shipping Canada-wide 📞 905-235-9444 · Toll free 1-877-788-5633 ✉️ info@kodegarment.com
See Our Appliqué and Twill Services →
Custom hockey jerseys Canada teams trust — tackle twill crests, player names, and numbers produced by Kode Garment in Newmarket, Ontario. We produce custom hockey jerseys for beer leagues, minor hockey associations, and rep teams across Canada alongside the complete range of team apparel your hockey program needs off the ice.
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