The Sabres, Revisited

Following Matt's rebrand this week, many of you have been hard at work on your ideas for what sort of logo and uniforms the Sabres should really have. Reaction was mixed with many people looking for something completely new...

...while others enjoyed the update on a timeless symbol. And there's more where that came from.

By the way, you've seen other work from this designer. He's quite talented. Here are the jersey designs that go with his logo.

I've got another, more unique logo to share.

It has jersey designs as well.

In addition, I have more unrelated sweater concepts.

Interesting image. And this I believe is similar to concepts we've seen before, but it does tend to be one of the favorites.

I've got a big project in the works here at Icethetics. This goes out to all of the talented artists and designers who submit artwork on a regular basis: How would you like to brand an entire league? (And it's not the NHL.) Details to come.

Maple Leaf Sweater Concepts

Maple Leafs fans, yesterday I promised you some concept art and I'm making good on it. I've gotten half a dozen different jersey designs over the past few weeks and today I'm happy to share them with you.

The first one here is a take on Minnesota's home sweater crest. It's cool even if it's somewhat unoriginal.

But if originality is what you're looking for, see the graphic on the right. It's probably a little too awkward to make for a solid design what with the unbalanced logo, no striping on the white and too much striping on the blue. But maybe I'm just being critical.

These two are cool if Toronto were to add black to the color scheme. But obviously as a Lightning fan I would be somewhat opposed to that.

And finally, on the current jersey design is an interesting logo I've been waiting to see someone make — the CN Tower in the veins of the leaf.

It's not perfect but how cool is that?

You know what tomorrow is. Yes indeed, another Freak Out Friday is nearly upon us. Stay tuned for that.

Sens, Wild Sweater Art

Remember that video I posted over the weekend teasing the new Senators jersey designs from capn89? — a guy named Paul, actually. Anyway, the final designs are done and ready for posting.

You can't deny the awesomeness of those. I personally love the third jersey. There's even a set of three with lots of crazy stripes.

I have some more stuff you need to think back for. About a month ago I posted a bit about what the new Wild third jersey might look like. A reader submitted a few designs based off of what was seen at the event.

And just for good measure, there's even this one.

Short post today, I know, but you've got wallpapers too. Maple Leafs fans, I've got some great stuff for you tomorrow. And don't forget, this Friday brings another edition of the Freak Out series — not to mention the new iPhone 3G. I think it's about time for me to upgrade my $15 cell phone. Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me over the weekend. It'll be because I'll have a new toy.

New Logos For Windy City & Big D

You know I had another Sabres concept logo to post today but considering the reaction in the comments to yesterday's post, I think I'll hold off.

Instead, I've got concept logos for other teams out west. Well, I don't know, Chicago's west of something, right? We're starting with the Blackhawks and you know I'm always up for a good 'Hawks logo. Take in this one.

Here's how it looks on a jersey.

It's really quite something. It might be a little too intricate to make a good hockey logo, but then you could say that about the current Blackhawks logo. Anyway I enjoyed it and I figured you guys might too.

But moving on now to Dallas. I have a few Stars concept designs.

And on a jersey, it may look something like this.

These designs are of a lesser quality, but you get the idea.

And finally, one more logo from the same artist as above — I think an alternate incarnation of the tertiary from that logo set.

I know I didn't have much to say today but it was another one of those long days. Started work at 3:30 AM. Finished at 5 PM. Not exactly my idea of fun, but I'll live. Enjoy your night. Wallpapers tomorrow!

UPDATE (7/15 2:15 AM): As has been mentioned in the comments, the Stars logo above is actually the logo of the Texas Stars, a new AHL franchise set to begin play in 2009 as a Dallas affiliate — and not original concept art.

Rebranding The Sabres

As promised, today brings the unveiling of the 11th design in Matt's Rebranding The NHL series — the Buffalo Sabres.

And naturally, he's designed uniforms to go with these logos.

To me it seems like the best Sabres logo always revolves around the same basic theme — the original logo from the team's inception. Sometimes you just can't improve upon what came first. Or at least it's just difficult to come up with something entirely new.

Anyway, as soon as Matt tells me what team he's rebranding next, I'll tell you. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the new Sabres artwork. Leave a comment!

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.

Red, White & Blue

I don't plan on blowing anything up tonight. It's not really my thing. Instead, you guessed it... concept art. And what NHL team is quintessentially red, white and blue? If you're Canadian, you might say Montreal, but then they're actually bleu, blanc et rouge, aren't they?

No, I'm speaking of the New York Rangers. And one reader has submitted some rather unconventional designs.

Doesn't really scream New York Rangers to me, but I see where he was going.

Another red, white and blue team is the Washington Capitals but that's a recent development after they spent more than a decade in navy and bronze (which I always loved, by the way).

That's a rather simple design and, if I do say so, not entirely worthy of this club. I've also been sent a peculiar design for a blue third jersey.

I'm not sure where they eagle came from, but it just feels unoriginal. It's a simple design but not in the good way.

And finally, I hate to leave out our Canadian friends, so with the next all-star weekend being held in Montreal, enjoy this set of concept jerseys for the big game.

American folk: Enjoy the fireworks tonight. Try not to blow off any appendages and we'll consider it a success. Canadian folk: Carry on as usual with your Friday night.

Reworking NHL Uniforms II

I'm sure many of your remember a new series we started last week from an artist under the moniker capn89. He's been redesigning the uniforms of each team league-wide, doing so without drastic changes to the colors or logos. It's been amazing work and while he began the series in alphabetical order, we're going to step out of that pattern for today's post.

We're starting with the Hurricanes.

Again, he's only making slight adjustments, mainly to the striping and design patterns on the sweaters, but in some cases that can make all the difference. Next up, my personal favorite as you well know, the Blackhawks.

It's amazing how the addition of a shoulder yoke suddenly changes my mind completely about these uniforms. For some reason it even makes the logo look better! I might be going crazy though. Finally, we have the Panthers.

And just for good measure, he wanted to see what the Cats would look like without the red.

I'll keep these posts coming as long as he continues to submit his artwork. I expect to have a post tomorrow but with it being the 4th of July, I may be out so don't hold me to that.

Sabres Unveil New Logo!

The following entry contains material copied from an existing web page. It has been posted here for informational purposes should that page disappear in the future.

On September 16, 2006, the Buffalo Sabres officially unveiled a new logo and uniforms. The logo had been leaked online months earlier and was met with much criticism. The original article about the unveiling on the team's official website no longer exists. This article was written by cityhockeyfever at ArmchairGM.

Buffalo Sabres Unveil New Logo and Uniforms

Sabres new logo at center iceThe Buffalo Sabres already had their fans excited about the prospects of going deep into the playoffs next spring, but they will do it in fashionable style on the ice during the upcoming 2006-2007 National Hockey League season.

Earlier today, the Sabres officially unveiled a new logo and uniforms to a large crowd that gathered inside HSBC Arena in Buffalo for the first open practice of training camp. As part of a "Game On" league-wide ticket drive, Sabres fans also had the opportunity to purchase season tickets and individual game tickets at the arena. WGRZ-TV provided a live webcast of the festivities, including the moment when the players stepped out onto the ice for the first time. The new logo with a team name wordmark was painted on the HSBC Arena ice surface earlier this week.

Paul Gaustad #28During this summer, hockey fans got an unexpected preview of the new logo as it leaked out onto the internet and then shown by various media outlets. Not all embraced the new logo and one Sabres fan even created the web site Fix The Logo to protest its use. Drew Celestino as the webmaster of the site has collected at least 29,000 signatures on his online petition.

As a result of much buzz around the city and the hockey community, the Sabres somewhat quieted fans in agreement with Celestino's protest of the new logo by announcing on July 27th the original road jersey would become the new alternate for 15 games this season. It is the blue base color jersey with the familiar blue circular logo in gold trim with a white bison and crossed swords.

Confirmation was made about the new primary logo at this point after all the talk had surfaced about whether it would officially be the new brand. Last seen in 1996 prior to the team moving into HSBC Arena (at the time of its opening, it was called Marine Midland Arena) and having the previous red, silver, white and black color scheme, the first game this season that the original blue jersey will worn is on October 14th against the New York Rangers. The retro jersey was also on display by a handful of players wearing it this morning during the open practice.

Martin Biron #43The third logo in team history resembles a modern-looking gold buffalo leaping from left to right, but without legs. Celestino and other non-supporters of the new logo describe it as a slug or hair toupee in resemblance. It is outlined in a deeper blue than the original blue color the Sabres wore from 1970 to 1996 and also in white and silver. A modified version of the secondary logo from the previous uniform was originally to be scrapped, but instead has been retained in the new navy blue and brighter gold colors with silver accenting.

The new home uniform has its base color in navy blue to make it more eye-appealing on television. Thin silver striping runs horizontally around the lower shoulders and also vertically below the armpits to the waist. The new road white uniform has the same silver striping, but the sleeves and within its boundaries along the sides of the jersey are in navy blue. But a unique first for NHL team jerseys is the implementation of a small player uniform number on the front. It is seen on the upper right chest in a different font that either of the previous two uniforms.

The Sabres and Reebok International jointly worked on the design of the new logo and uniforms. A limited amount of jerseys sporting the new look were made available this morning.

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The following video was posted on YouTube by KayKay024 from the night of the logo and uniform unveiling in Buffalo.

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Other coverage following the unveiling included hockey blogger James Mirtle posting his list of the worst hockey logos of all time and Paul Lukas at UniWatch writing about leaked sports logos.

Ducks Change Name, Uniforms

The following entry contains material copied from a web page that no longer exists. It has been posted here for informational purposes only.

On June 23, 2006, the Anaheim Ducks officially unveiled their new name, logo and uniforms. Here is the press release posted on the team's official website.

Anaheim Ducks Officially Take Flight

Ducks unveil new uniformsANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks today unveiled the club’s new logo and jerseys at a press conference held at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim. At the same time, the club officially changed its name from the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, to the Anaheim Ducks.

“We’re both proud and excited to bring hockey fans in Southern California a new look and new name,” said Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli. “We think the new logo and jersey portray the same passion and energy our players and fans bring to the building every night.”

The new look and identity of the Ducks were a collaborative effort, mixing opinions of fans as well as Ducks players, ownership and management. After sports branding firm, Frederick & Froberg Design Office developed dozens of concepts in an exploratory design phase, all parties involved unanimously decided to go beyond simply altering the original concept of an aggressive duck character.

In shaping the new design, the focus was sharpened to create an overall image that expressed excitement, speed and a competitive edge. In addition, a classic color palette of black and metallic gold was developed, with an accent of orange as a metaphorical link to the teams’ Orange County home.

“As area residents, we felt it important the jerseys in some way represent our home,” added owner Susan Samueli. “And, we believe this new look serves as a fantastic way to update the franchise’s growing tradition.”

The result is a strong, typographic mark anchored by a stylized “D” that echoes the image of a duck’s foot or footprint. The custom typography has a powerful forward momentum and is made up of metallic gold letters with orange drop-shadows and a black holding shape. The new uniforms are an evolution of the earlier sweater design but with gold, white and orange sweeping stripes influenced by the curves of the “D” in the Ducks’ logo.

The overall look is a distinctive departure from the original design, introducing a more sophisticated, powerful and timeless identity.

“I really love the new look and thank the Samuelis for giving me a chance to have input on the design,” said Ducks winger Teemu Selanne. “I can’t wait to hit the ice with it this fall.”

ABOUT THE DUCKS

Since their inception in 1993, the Anaheim Ducks have earned four trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including a trip to the Finals in 2003 and the Western Conference Finals this past season.

Just over a year ago, on June 20, 2005, the Ducks’ franchise was purchased by Orange County residents Henry and Susan Samueli. In the Samueli’s first year of ownership, the Ducks went on to break franchise records for overall wins (43) and standings points (98). Entering the 2006 Playoffs as the Western Conference’s sixth seed, the Ducks upset the third-seeded Calgary Flames in a thrilling seven-game series and went on to sweep the Colorado Avalanche before losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Finals.

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Reference Posted 3/20/10
Original URL: http://www.anaheimducks.com/press/release/topstory.php?dir=200604&id=1364