Islanders GM's son asks dad to rig jersey contest after design loses

New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche revealed his son's jersey design was not among the final eight in the team's fan contest for the 2027 alternate jersey, prompting the boy to jokingly ask his father to "rig it." Darche said his two sons ultimately supported the winning navy jersey featuring a broadside lighthouse logo. He did not submit his own design to keep the contest fan-centric, adding his wife would agree he is "not a fashion person." The contest drew over 80,000 submissions, with the winner narrowly beating a navy and cream design. President of business operations Kelly Cheeseman said runner-up designs may inspire future merchandise or other jerseys.