Isles, Thrashers Confirm Thirds!

It's true. In roundabout ways, the Islanders and Thrashers have both confirmed third jerseys for 2008-09.

Evidently a customer service rep with the Isles has been in "contanct" with the team store. He says no release date has been set but it will be available for purchase before the season begins. He also says the there will be an announcement made on the team's web site at some point.

He posted all of this on the Isles' official message board and even though you have to be a member to read it, fellow blogger Sean was happy to oblige.

By the way, you should read his latest post at Puck Daddy. It's all about us.

Onto the Thrashers, now. They're much more about beating around the bush. In an email to fans, the club says "fans will have the opportunity to see a new look for the Thrashers" on July 26.

So let the countdowns begin. Here's the email that was sent. The pertinent information is highlighted.

Thanks to Taylor for that one.

It's been a rather prolific week for me — three posts a day and all — but I'm afraid that streak will soon end. I'm not sure how much updating I'll be doing over the weekend while I'm on a mini-vacation in Orlando. I'll try to keep an eye on things though and get any important info posted quickly.

Four New Sweater Designs

Icethetics reader Paul (aka capn89) has been redesigning NHL uniforms league wide and he's sent in another batch for your enjoyment. Most recently you saw him take a stab at the Senators. Today we've got four new teams — beginning with Columbus.

I'm not sure how well a red third jersey works in theory for a team named the Blue Jackets, but looking at it, you can't help but like it.

His Islanders jerseys are sharp!

He's used a Liberty Bell logo on the shoulders of the Flyers jerseys.

Notice how the home sweater is orange. I think most Philly fans tend to prefer that to black. And finally, we have the Capitals.

That secondary logo just looks killer on the front of the third jersey. Let's hope the team's smart enough to actually make one for this season.

By the way, tomorrow I'll have more details on the new logo design contest I'm launching. Imagine a league with 30 teams — each team has a name and color scheme — but none of them have logos! Designers, this one's for you. You'll be able to brand a team from the ground up!

Wallpaper Wednesday V

Today's edition brings us seven new wallpapers to choose from. But before I get to those, I wanted to address something about artwork submission. I don't want to call anyone out, but you guys can't be sending me stuff to post that doesn't belong to you. It's not fair to the artist. I know sometimes you might find great artwork on another web site that you want to share with everyone here. That's fine and I'm willing to make an exception so long as you attribute the source so I can link back.

Now onto today's wallpapers. We'll begin with one for Bruin Marc Savard.

I like this one a lot — which is why I'm posting it first. Not to be outdone, a couple of Flyers fans put together some cool designs.

Above is Daniel Briere. Below, Joffrey Lupul.

And we can't leave out the league's rising stars including Minnesota's Marian Gaborik...

...as well as Washington's Alex Ovechkin.

I think we'll finish out the post with a couple of logo-based backgrounds.

If you're not a fan of the Islanders, what about the Hurricanes?

One last thing. A couple weeks ago I posted some beautiful Ducks-themed wallpapers that originated at a site called AllDucksGraphics.com. If you're a Ducks fan — and even if you're not — you will definitely want to check it out. Well worth the time.

Design Tweaks

If you've been paying any attention at all over the last few days, you've certainly notice that I've been doing a lot of tweaking to the design of the blog. I'm interested in some feedback. Let me know if you guys think I'm heading in the right direction.

I'm also introducing new logo graphics for the various polls and tournaments. I've debuted the new design with the two polls currently posted for the QMJHL Tournament of Logos. Have a look and tell me what you think.

It's been a lot of work for me this weekend but I still felt like finding the time to put together a concept post for you. We're starting with a new artist with work labeled under King Creative Design. First, check out the Islanders logo he's come up with.

Outstanding, if you ask me.

He's also got a cool new mark for the Stars and even a set of jerseys to go with it.

I'm a fan I hope to receive more from this guy to share with you all.

But moving on, here's an interesting Maple Leafs logo that turned up in my inbox.

And as you know, I've always got room for a new Blackhawks logo.

Obviously it's a tweak of the current logo. I wouldn't say it's better, but it's no worse really. Just something to look at.

I'm not sure if I do it enough, so let me take the time here to express my appreciation to all the talented artists who submit their work for me to post. You guys make this blog what it is. Anyway, that's it for today. Gotta get back to work on the site design now.