Flames Bringing Vintage Back

Olli Jokinen #21The Calgary Flames have officially stated their third jersey intentions for the 2010-11 campaign. And it's all about bringing retro back.

The Flames made the announcement via Facebook today. Here's an excerpt:

The Calgary Flames announced today their third jersey for the 2010-2011 season will be the Flames Vintage jersey. In celebration of the Flames 30th Anniversary season this vintage jersey was worn five times in games versus the other five Canadian teams.

The new third jersey for the 2010-2011 season will feature Vintage jersey striping and colours on the new innovative fabrics and cut that was introduced by Reebok for the 2007-2008 season. The Edge Uniform System was introduced to better complement today’s game and to help improve player performance.

The third jersey will be worn up to 15 games next season.

The release also mentioned that tonight was the final time the Flames would wear the vintage jersey this season. After the game, the jerseys were handed out to a couple dozen lucky fans, selected at random.

So, what's changing? The biggest thing is that it will be a Reebok Edge jersey next season. It wasn't for the five games in which it was worn this season. Also, Olli Jokinen won't be wearing it, it's probably safe to say. But most importantly, Flames and throwback jersey fans alike will get to see more of it!

Now if only they could put that flaming "A" on the front, that would really take us back.

The Flames have also posted an article on their website about the third jersey. It has no new information. However, there is this cool locker room photo.

Calgary Flames vintage locker room

The only thing disappointing about this announcement is we won't be anticipating a big unveiling of a fresh new jersey design. In fact, it flies in the face of what Flames president and CEO Ken King said some time ago. That being they were in the process of designing a black third jersey with a brand new logo.

He said it would've been "a different look" for the Flames, and I always think that's cool to see. But it looks like they'll be putting that off for a while. Maybe we'll get a look at some of the prototypes one day. Fingers crossed.

Coyotes Go Green for Charity

I'm glad that news came today, otherwise this next bit of info would've been by itself at the top of Icethetics for a while. And that would have been sad.

Coyotes go green!The Phoenix Coyotes will be auctioning off another set of special edition, autographed practice jerseys — this time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

I know I mocked them the last time they did something like this, and it didn't go over well. But this time I'm keeping my mouth shut. Is it silly? Yes. Is it for a good cause? Yes. Let it be.

Here's what the Yotes say about the auction:

Each Coyotes player has autographed a one-of-a-kind St. Patrick’s Day jersey with his name and number on the back. The jerseys will be available for bidding beginning at 9 AM Thursday, March 11. The auction will close at 10 PM on Tuesday, March 23.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Coyotes Charities, which is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout Arizona communities by supporting non-profit organizations that promote healthcare, education, cultural arts and sports-related programs for children.

Also take note of the number on the front in a little four-leaf clover, leaving no stone unturned for the leprechaun coyote (he's even gold!).

Bryzgalov's leprechaun jerseyNow I can't let you go without seeing the back of these bad boys. It's got the little leprechaun hat and everything.

The good news for Bryz and his teammates is that they won't actually have to wear these in public. They're simply being customized, autographed, and sold to the highest bidder.

And if you want a shot at being one of those bidders, you can find all you need to know at auction.nhl.com. They even have a Sean Burke #1 "alumni jersey" on offer. Interesting.

All right, that about wraps it up, but I do have one more link for you. If you'd like to see the full jersey design, MVPToday.com has you covered. Though beware their green is not quite the green seen in these photos.

Thanks to Dan for letting us know about this.

Making Up for the Week

Being sick is not fun. I'm certainly glad to be back. The good news is that the season has started so most of you probably haven't even missed me.

All right, so since I haven't updated the site in a week, there's a lot to catch up on. I'll try not to overlook anything, but it's inevitable. We'll start with your favorite — third jersey news.

First, another rendering of the Colorado Avalanche's forthcoming third jersey has surfaced.

Avalanche's new third jerseyWhile surfing the web, Icethetics reader Colin stumbled across this graphic, which gives us a better look at the Avs' new alternate. It's not a bad looking jersey, though I am surprised they chose not to try something new.

It's a blue version of the burgundy third introduced in 2001, in service until the Age of Reebok in 2007.

The main difference is the addition of a burgundy shoulder yoke and the lack of any striping around the base of the sweater. The primary logo will still appear on the shoulders.

Still no word yet on when the team plans to launch the new sweater or even make official mention of it in any way. All information about it so far has been coming through the media.

That brings us to the Florida Panthers, who are in kind of the same boat. After a summer of silence, I'm now getting mixed reports on whether they will even have a third this season.

However, various sources have me convinced there will in fact be a new sweater in the Cats' arsenal this fall. For one thing, it's available for pre-order on some web sites.

According to the latest round of rumors, the Panthers are set to unveil the new alternate sweater sometime this month, with its on-ice and store shelf debut scheduled for November. I'll keep an eye and ear out for any new information.

It's all speculation of course, but my guess is they'll be red and feature the stick-breaking panther logo on the front, as seen above. Technically, I live in the Panthers' market so I may even see something on TV.

I suppose the biggest newsmaker of the week would have to be Buffalo Sabres when managing partner Larry Quinn went on the radio and told everyone the club is scrapping their jerseys once again.

Charlie at Sabres Not Slugs has a report, which includes a link to the WGR 550 audio interview in question. In it, Quinn confirms that new uniforms are on the way in 2010.

"We have the 40th anniversary next fall," Quinn says. "We will have a permanent uniform change and a new third jersey."

Of course the word "permanent" is used loosely in Buffalo of a team enduring its fourth uniform in as many decades. However, Quinn assures us that fans will not be disappointed this time around and that a return to the classic look is indeed coming.

He says it "probably won't be [released] until next summer." Icethetics will have coverage.

He doesn't say specifically what they'll look like — whether we should expect versions of the current third or something more like the true vintage worn at the 2008 Winter Classic — but it's a safe bet that the slug is on its way out the door.

As a side note, I would guess that the Canucks might have a similar plan in pushing the 40th anniversary celebration back a year so that they can call it the 40th season (damn lockout). Wonder if they too will make a "permanent" uniform change. So many similarities between Buffalo and Vancouver.

So much news to cover still. Although this may barely pass as news, it's a win for all of you who loathe the Age of Reebok. Slowly their fist of stone is being chipped away. Both the Flames and Senators have done away with the socks whose stripes don't go all the way around the calves.

Senators get new socks

Icethetics reader Ryan has provided this side-by-side comparison (right) of Jason Spezza last year to this year.

Notice they've even changed the design of the stripes. I thought last year's worked better because of the similarity to the stripes in the "O" patch on the shoulder.

As you can see, real stripes are back in. This leaves just a single team wearing those other socks — my team, the Lightning. Oh well, it works for them. (What else can I really say?)

And since we're on the topic of socks, my previous report on the Calgary Flames came merely from a video game — NHL 10 to be precise.

It's time to take a look at the real things in action. Look no further — here are the Flames in preseason action against the Islanders.

Flames get new socks as well

Yes, that is Theo Fleury. Poor guy. (Well, not really.) He's also got that laughable 30th anniversary patch on his shoulder there.

But despite all the bad Calgary Flames news, there's some good as well. The 2009-10 NHL season opened this past Thursday with the Flames taking to the ice against the Canucks looking like they haven't in 15 years!

It was the debut of their new retro jersey — which only sees action in four more games this season — one of which is tomorrow. Now this is a hockey jersey!

They're not just celebrating a goal — they're happy about their jerseys too

I like they there were no compromises with either the socks or pants. Flames fans, as I said, you have four more chances to see these in person. If I were you, I wouldn't miss them.

I'm sure there are things I've missed, but I will get to them this week. This should hold you over for now.

Icethetics Season Preview, Part 3

We're midway through the Icethetics Season Preview and after yesterday's three-section post, I'm going to make Part 3 short and sweet. It's a recap of the new logos that will be seen around the NHL this season.

Part 3: New NHL Logos

At least six NHL clubs will have new logos in their arsenal beginning with this 2009-10 season, presented here in alphabetical order.

Boston Bruins (special)

The Boston Bruins will face the Philadelphia Flyers in the Winter Classic on New Year's Day 2010. The NHL's annual outdoor game typically sees its participants dig into their history for special vintage uniforms. And the Bs had a long history to dig into.

For this year's big game, the Bruins pulled elements from five of the different looks they've had over the last 85 years. This logo comes from the sweaters worn 60 years ago to commemorate the franchise's 25th anniversary.

The logo will be used on the jersey as well as other Winter Classic-related merchandise. No plans have been announced to make the jersey the new third beginning in 2010-11, but it's not out of the question. The Penguins and Blackhawks have both given their Winter Classic threads an upgrade.

Buffalo Sabres (vintage)

While nothing has been made official just yet, everything is beginning to point to the notion that the Buffalo Sabres will retreat from the slug and give that classic 1970s primary mark another go. (I'll have details on this from Larry Quinn soon.)

Retro is in right now in the NHL and it seems like a vast majority of the teams are looking backward to move their uniforms forward. Sabres fans have been begging for a return to the team's original look. Their wish may soon come true.

The logo will continue to appear this season at center ice in the HSBC Arena and on tons of merchandise along with the team's official web site and other electronic and social media.

Calgary Flames (vintage)

After scrapping plans to release a brand new black third jersey complete with a fancy new logo, the Calgary Flames jumped on the throwback bandwagon. In fact, forget the black jersey — black is nowhere to be found on the new vintage threads the team is trotting out for their 30th anniversary season.

The club will wear a red jersey that's nearly identical to what was originally worn when the Flames moved from Atlanta to Calgary in 1980. Front and center will be that classic, white-hot flaming C.

No word yet on whether this vintage jersey and logo will be sticking around beyond the five games its scheduled for this season or if that previously designed black third will ever see the light of day.

Florida Panthers (alternate)

After 15 years in the NHL, the leaping cat logo most associated with the Florida Panthers is disappearing. While nothing has been announced officially, this legless feline has been popping up all over the place — everywhere but the jerseys, that is.

The Panthers are also one of a handful of teams expected to release a third jersey this season. They, along with the Colorado Avalanche, have yet to do so. It's not clear yet what to expect for the alternate sweater, but it wouldn't surprise me if this new logo somehow figures in.

For now, you can find it all over the team's electronic media outlets as well as publications and merchandise. And I haven't seen it yet, but it'll will probably be painted at center ice as well.

Minnesota Wild (third jersey)

So far this summer, two teams have unveiled third jerseys and both have involved new logos. The Minnesota Wild's new green duds feature a script rather than a typical logo. But that M will be making its way onto all sorts of Wild gear this year.

The logo is an encapsulation of the history of classic Minnesota hockey. From the simple M to the shooting star which dots the I that, no doubt, calls back to the Minnesota North Stars.

It's not my favorite thing for the front of a jersey, but it has a lot of meaning and the Wild still have the best primary mark in the entire league if you ask me.

Nashville Predators (third jersey)

The launch of their third sweater brought two new logos into existence for the Nashville Predators. However neither is entirely new. The one you see here is a simplified and recolored version of the Preds' primary mark.

A mix of black, grey and shades of blue join a brand new color in the team's identity — the red in the eye. I certainly prefer the simpler version of what is surely the most detailed primary logo in the NHL.

The other logo, found on the shoulders of the new jersey, is an adaptation of the current secondary mark which depicts the skull of a saber-toothed tiger. It's now encircled within the same checkerboard pattern found on the uniform itself.

I might've been more impressed with a completely new logo, but then we do know Nashville's track record in this category (see the old mustard jersey). Still, they're at least moving in the right direction by simplifying a complicated set of logos.

I'm not anticipating any other new logos around the NHL. The Colorado Avalanche have yet to unveil their third jersey, but it's expected to feature text across the front with the primary logo on the shoulders — nothing new.

And that wraps up Part 3. We're back tomorrow with Part 4. Can you guess the topic?

Icethetics Season Preview, Part 1

The NHL season kicks off in less than two weeks! It's a very exciting time. But before the season begins, Icethetics is here to catch you up on all the new logos and jerseys that have been unveiled over the summer.

Part 1: New Event & Anniversary Logos

We're starting small this week with new anniversary and event logos from around pro hockey.

Winter Classic 2010 (NHL)

Arguably, the biggest event of the NHL season has become the Winter Classic. The outdoor game played annually on New Year's Day has become a staple of the league drawing huge crowds to freezing open-air venues.

This year, the Boston Bruins will host the Philadelphia Flyers at Fenway Park. The logo offers the look and feel of famous ball park and the winter — complete with the Green Monster.

The timeless design fits in line with those of the previous Winter Classic events, held in Buffalo and Chicago. Bridgestone, this year's primary event sponsor, has had its logo worked into the design.

NHL Premiere Europe 2009

Just like last year, the NHL will send four clubs to play four games in Europe to kick off the season. The Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers will face off at Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland on October 2 and 3.

During that same weekend, the Detroit Red Wings will face the St. Louis Blues at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden. This is the second consecutive season the NHL Premiere series will take place in Stockholm. The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins played there to open last year's campaign.

Both the Winter Classic and Premiere series are entering their third year as major events on the NHL calendar.

Calgary Flames 30th Anniversary (NHL)

A handful of NHL teams are celebrating major anniversaries during the 2009-10 season. The Calgary Flames released this logo in honor of 30 years in Alberta, although the franchise originally existed in Atlanta for eight seasons.

The design is unlike most we've come to expect for NHL team anniversary marks. It will be painted at center ice in the Saddledome in Calgary and worn as a patch on the Flames' jerseys throughout the season.

The Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres are each entering their 40th year but have not yet released any plans or logos to celebrate the event. In addition, the Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets are now 10 years old but like the Canucks and Sabres, no details or logos have been announced.

Other minor league teams have round-number anniversaries coming up this season but none have unveiled logos. The AHL's Norfolk Admirals are celebrating 10 years. In the ECHL, the Elmira Jackals are entering their 10th anniversary season.

Stockton Thunder 5th Anniversary (ECHL)

Additionally, the ECHL's Stockton Thunder are celebrating five years in California, though the franchise was actually founded almost 20 years ago, in 1990. The Thunder began life as the original Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL.

After two seasons, the club moved to Alabama where they became the Birmingham Bulls. In 2001, the team again relocated, becoming the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. A Kelly Cup championship wasn't enough to keep them there as California investors bought the team in 2005.

The 5th Anniversary logo simply features the Thunder's primary mark within a circle surrounded by the words "Fifth Anniversary 2005-2010."

The biggest annual events in most leagues aside from the playoffs, tend to be the all-star games, where the best players gather to show off their talent. The NHL no longer holds all-star games during the same year as the Winter Olympics, but the minors leagues still do.

AHL All-Star Classic 2010 (Portland, ME)

This season, the AHL All-Star Classic will be hosted by the Portland Pirates and sponsored by Time Warner Cable on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

The logo features the Pirates' primary logo set on top of a large yellow star with a banner that reads "All-Star Classic." To be honest, it's one of the less creative all-star logos in the last decade — in any league.

Portland previously hosted the All-Star Classic in 2003.

ECHL All-Star Game 2010 (Ontario, CA)

The Ontario Reign will play host to the 2010 ECHL All-Star Weekend. The big game will be sponsored by Reebok and played on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena.

The logo makes use of the shield element in the Reign's primary mark. Elements include mountains, stars and a stylized drawing of the arena where the event will take place. The text simply reads "All-Star" so as to be usable for the entire event and not just the game itself.

This is the second year the Ontario Reign have been a member of the ECHL. The club existed previous as the Texas Wildcatters.

That wraps up Part 1 of the 2009 Icethetics Season Preview. If I've missed any important anniversary or event logos, drop me a line and I'll be sure to add them. Part 2 goes live tomorrow.

Flames Go Retro for 30th!

This afternoon the Calgary Flames announced their 30th anniversary plans — which includes a special retro jersey to be worn during five regular season games in October, January and February.

First, the thing everybody wants to know about — the jersey!

Al MacInnisThe Flames will wear a vintage red jersey, modeled after what they wore for their inaugural season in Calgary — as seen on Al MacInnis in the picture to the right and Craig Conroy below.

The vintage sweater will be worn for five home games this season — once against each of Calgary's Canadian opponents, including opening night against the Canucks. See the complete schedule below.

• Thurs., October 1 - vs Canucks
• Tues., October 6 - vs Canadiens
• Sat., January 2 - vs Maple Leafs
• Sat., January 30 - vs Oilers
• Thurs., March 11 - vs Senators

The game on January 30 would've been interesting to see if either the Flames or Oilers had a white throwback. Alberta hockey fans would've been transported back to the 1980s for a night.

You can read more about this retro sweater on the Flames' web site.

Jim Peplinski and Craig Conroy unveil 30th anniversary logo and retro jersey

Now the obligatory commentary. I think this throwback jersey is a good thing. It's always nice to see teams celebrate important anniversaries with classic uniforms — so far nobody's done it better than the Canadiens.

Based on comments I've read, it sounds like most of you will be thrilled by the lack of black in this uniform — assuming they lose the black pants for these five games. And unlike what others have suggested, I don't think this uniform is that ugly — it's just very '80s. It was a different time in terms of uniform design. Certainly a lot more colorful than it is today.

Flames' 30th anniversary logoBut wait, there's more. As part of their announcement today, the Flames officially unveiled their 30th anniversary logo. It's basically the same as the supposed "leak" from a couple weeks ago.

They've made a few changes to the lettering to make it appear a little less medieval and they've made some adjustments to the skyline. Barely noticeable unless you really study the two images.

Anyway, the worst part is that, as is typical, this anniversary logo will be painted onto center ice at the Saddledome and used as a patch on the jerseys.

Since I'm assuming the flags will stay on the shoulders, this logo will probably have to go on the front — on the opposite side from where you find the captain's letters, of course.

The Flames have said that more plans for their 30th anniversary celebration will be announced throughout the season.