May 11, 2008 11:20 pm US/Eastern
Knock-Off Gear Grows As Pens Continue In Playoffs
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
The National Hockey League says they are now working with local law enforcement agents to check out the growing number of counterfeit jerseys and shirts on the streets.
Officials say as the Penguins get closer to the Stanley Cup, the number of knock-offs available for fans for purchase is on the rise.
According to experts, in legitimate Pens gear, you should be able to find a hologram sticker or hangtag and a sewn in label identifying the merchandise as "official" and authorized by the NHL.
Meanwhile, some fans say having an authentic jersey isn't what's important to them. Instead, it's the look of wearing a team jersey that really matters.
"I think anyway that anyone can get a jersey, I think is okay," said fan, Stacy Kountz. "They're expensive, and for a lot of people who are hockey fans and they can't afford it, and they want something, as long as they don't care if it's authentic."
Critics of the knock-offs say if you look closely you will see a difference in the quality. And the NHL says anyone caught selling knock-offs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
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