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.

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

Atlanta Thrashers Unveil Logo

The following entry contains material copied from web pages which no longer exist.

Thrashers Unveil Logo Tonight

April 23, 1998

The Atlanta Thrashers will unveil their little brown songbird with an attitude tonight. The NHL team, which opens play in the fall of 1999, will release its five-color logo in the atrium at CNN Center. It depicts the Georgia state bird, although it's one with a slightly nasty attitude.

Ceremonies begin at 5:45 p.m., with the actual logo unveiling scheduled for 6:15, and will be shown on the team's Internet site (www.atlantathrashers.com).

Excerpt from article published in Atlanta Journal-Constitution (page C5)

Atlanta Thrashers Unveil Logo Live on the Internet

April 23, 1998

The Atlanta Thrashers, Atlanta's National Hockey League (NHL) expansion franchise have unveiled their official team logo simultaneously from CNN Center in Atlanta and live on the internet, announced team President Harvey Schiller. The cyberlaunch, an NHL first, took place via the team's web site at www.atlantathrashers.com.

Summary of article published on Thrashers' official website

Atlanta Thrashers Unveil Logo

April 24, 1998

ATLANTA (AP) — The brown thrasher is a tiny bird that forages in leaves and has been known to flee from a fight. Needless to say, that's not the impression suggested from the logo unveiled Thursday by the Atlanta Thrashers, who will join the NHL in 1999.

The Thrashers' logo is a fierce-looking bird with a scowl on its face, a tornado-like whirlwind for a body and a hockey stick brandished menacingly from its tail feathers.

Ted Turner came up with the name for his new NHL team after learning that the state bird of Georgia is the brown thrasher, a creature that measures about a foot from the tip of its beak to the end of its tail feathers.

AP wire report

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Reference posted 3/21/10

Nordiques Become Avalanche

The following entry contains material collected from various news services.

Colorado Avalanche to Debut

Adrian Dater
August 10, 1995

The story that wouldn't die — what the name, logo and colors of Colorado's new National Hockey League team would be — finally does today.

After almost three months of speculation, rumors, polls and focus groups, the franchise will be named officially and logos unveiled at 11 a.m. at the Westin Tabor Center.

By now, most know the team will be called the Avalanche. And after several apparent flip-flops over the first name, the team will be known officially as the Colorado Avalanche.

Excerpt from article published in Denver Post (page D2)

Denver enters second ice age with Avalanche

August 11, 1995

DENVER — Since nobody could manufacture drama for the occasion, Shawn Hunter tried humor instead.

Nice try, but most of the sports world knew what would take place Thursday at a downtown hotel, as Comsat Video Enterprises finally announced the name of its National Hockey League franchise — just 60 days before the first regular-season game.

Along with the nickname, Hunter unveiled the Avalanche's appealing logo, which includes the colors of burgundy, silver, blue and black. Burgundy, as Hunter put it, "will be the next great color in sports."

Excerpt from article published in Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph (page C1)

Joe Sakic poses with new logoNordiques Become Avalanche

August 11, 1995

DENVER (AP) — Colorado's new pro hockey team disclosed its new name Thursday — the Colorado Avalanche — and publicly displayed the team's burgundy, blue, and silver logo for the first time.

Officials of the NHL team revealed the team name and logo in a video played for reporters. The logo is an A with a silver snowstreak through its left side. The colors are burgundy, blue and silver with a black hockey puck.

The announcement followed weeks of market research by the new owners, Comsat Video Enterprises. Among the names discarded were Black Bears, Cougars, Ice and Storm.

"The name was something we always thought we'd wait with and do right," said vice president of marketing, Shawn Hunter. "You have to remember, this franchise is still just two months old."

The team is the third Colorado sports organization to have the nickname "Avalanche." A professional paint-ball team in Denver also calls itself the Avalanche, as does Vail's junior A-league hockey team. The Colorado Rockies have a minor-league affiliate in Salem, Va., named the Avalanche.

Denver's new hockey team used to be the Quebec Nordiques. It moved here in May when the former owner couldn't work out a new lease with Quebec officials.

AP wire report; AP photo as published in Spokane Spokesman-Review (page C2)

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Reference posted 3/21/10

Wild Unveil Name, Logos

The following entry contains material collected from various news services.

Come and meet Minnesota Wild

January 25, 1998

Nice touch, the new Minnesota franchise calling a news conference to unveil its new name — Wild — and logo and including Neal Broten in the ceremony. If anyone has done more for hockey in Minnesota than Broten, name him.

But on to the logo, described as iron range red, forest green, harvest gold and Minnesota wheat. Was Minnesota wheat in your box of Crayolas? The Wild, by the way, beat out the Polars, Voyageurs and Blue Ox in fan balloting.

Excerpt from article published in Deseret News

Wild shows its new colors

John Millea
November 19, 1999

When Minnesota's NHL expansion franchise announced in January 1998 that it would be called the Wild, the obvious question was, "What's a 'Wild?'" The team's response: "Whatever you want it to be."

The Wild's home sweater, unveiled Thursday at the Roseville Skating Center, is dominated by the head of a beast that might be a bear. Or maybe it's a mountain lion? A wolf? A very angry gopher? Who really knows?

And again, that's precisely the point.

"It's a wild picture," chief executive officer Jac Sperling explained. "People will see what they want to see. It's intended to be a wild animal."

Excerpt from article published in Star Tribune

Wild look has some teeth in it

November 19, 1999

It might be the head of a bear, or maybe a cougar. Whatever it is, the reaction to the Minnesota Wild's new icon is better than the last time they tried it.

The National Hockey League's newest expansion team introduced its home sweater just in time for the holiday shopping season. With a brass band blaring and Neal Broten, the North Stars' favorite star, skating at the Roseville Skating Center on Thursday, team officials showed off the...

Excerpt from article published in St. Paul Pioneer Press (page 1D)

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Reference posted 3/21/10