0559: Freak Out Flashback II
Two Freak Out Fridays ago, I shared a couple of concepts from my childhood — proving that my fascination with this part of hockey goes back a very long way. But enough of you were amused by my scribblings that I thought I'd offer up another set. I wouldn't call this a concept, though, so much as a hand drawing of the Islanders' fisherman jersey. As a kid, I thought it was the coolest thing. Now? Well, let's just say my tastes have changed somewhat.
I'm sure you're wondering what in the world this is. My youngest brother Mark, who was eight years old at the time, was captivated by the two newest teams in the NHL — the Hurricanes and Predators. So much so that he created a Franken-jersey, mixing the two together. Unfortunately, he did it backwards because I would've been more interested the saber-toothed hurricane (Syfy movie idea!) than whatever this is. But cut him some slack. It was a lot of years ago.
Chris Smith& Mark Smith 
Reader Comments (9)
I have an Authentic Fisherman Jersey and every now and then I'll break it out of the closet and wear it to a game or even just because I want to and I get only compliments and how cool the jersey looks. But I do remember the backlash it received when it came out and if I had been an Islander fan I probably would have felt like they did then.
What are these? Post up real concepts, not some ugly childhood drawn items
There it is! I knew there'd be somebody eventually.
Coming soon: Panchod's website in which he posts whatever he wants. Thanks for being a fan!
@Tony Very, very respectable of you, and I understand. I too wish I had one of those things to wear (not just in games, in public too; I think jerseys are a medium of fashion sense!). And to be honest, the jersey, as well as, say, Burger King and Wild Wing aren't terrible by themselves, but rather, compared to other, better jerseys. By themselves, they're very unique, but on the ice, they seem out of place to most people. That's why I aspire to keep growing my newly-started collection. I envy you of having such a rare and unique jersey, and I hope you take good care of it! :)
And Chris, don't let him bring you down. I think this idea is marvelous, bringing back childhood memories and sharing them with your blog readers! I only wish I did this growing up. Heck, I wish I saw more games growing up, but seeing at least one game in the Pittsburgh Civic Arena is good enough for me. Anyway, you did a fantastic job on it. How were you able to make it so accurate, and how the heck did you get the details of the patch? Did you buy a jersey like it, or did you see it online, or what? I'm very curious.
I like your brother's drawing too. Frankenjerseys are interesting, I'd actually like to see more of this.
I actually own a jersey that is kind of a Frankenjersey. It isn't two teams together, however it is a 1992-2000 Toronto Maple Leafs jersey where half of it is the dark jersey and half of it is the light jersey. Sadly it is a child's size and I am a 6'3" 270lbs dude so it doesn't fit me at all, but it is kind of cool, because I have never seen another one of them in my life.
Chris thanks for sharing. I did this kind of thing when I was young too. Wish I had the guts to post them. I think it's cool that you put them in the concepts page. Isn't this what freak out Friday is about? I think you should post hand drawn stuff more often, even if it is only on Fridays. Let us not forget it's your site and don't let the trolls get you down.
I wish the Islanders would bring this back as their 3rd jersey, I have always loved the design and if the Islanders didn't have such a storied history their would not have been the backlash. Its time for people to stop being afraid and admit they love the Fisherman uniform. And Chris you are right if people are not happy with this web site they could always start their own. I am a big fan.
I love the hand drawn stuff, it's funny and the point is that a lot of the people on icethetics are fans of hockey jerseys since birth. Plus its freak out friday it's not like Chris is promoting the hand drawn revolution.
Side bar who picks the name "ponchod" out of all the names to troll with at least come up with something smart or witty.
If I could "thumbs up" comments I would thumbs up Matt's. if I could thumbs down comments... Panchod!