OAR's create-a-team hockey uniforms conjure memories of 'Red Machine'

Though Russia is officially banned from PyeongChang 2018 due to a widespread state-run doping program, clean athletes from Russia are permitted to compete under the "Olympic Athletes from Russia" banner.

Per IOC restrictions, the Russian flag won't fly in PyeongChang and Russian athletes aren't allowed to wear anything with Russian colors or imagery on it. This was most evident as they marched in the opening ceremony in drab gray jackets and blue jeans.

Apparently the message didn't reach the designers of OAR's hockey uniforms, which are primarily red with white text on the front:

Clearly intended to be nondescript attire, the red and white has the effect of conjuring memories of dominant USSR hockey teams of yesteryear:

The Soviets won nearly every world championship and Olympic tournament they contested from 1954 to 1991 - and did so in iconic uniforms emblazoned with CCCP, earning the team the nickname "The Red Machine."

Russia wore decidedly less frightening red and blue uniforms to all Olympics since the dissolution of the USSR - and failed to win gold at any of them.

Now back in red and white, the Russians seem to have their swagger back. After an uneasy tournament-opening loss in their white "away" uniforms, OAR stomped Slovenia 8-2 on Friday.

Stacked with KHL stars in a tournament devoid of NHLers, the Russians are considered favorites to take home gold. If they do, we might see the team back in intimidating red and white at Beijing 2022.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)