We're taking a brief break from the Waddell Brothers' Winter Classic series this weekend. In its place, Matt McElroy imagines the 2016 Winter Classic — in L.A. of all places — between the Kings and Canucks. Let's set aside the logistics of an ice surface in southern California. What about the looks he's created?
Matt McElroy
I've got a great new series to debut today. It takes Winter Classic Weekends to their next logical step. The Brothers Waddell — Chance and Jake — have designed Winter Classic/retro-style uniforms for all 30 NHL franchises... whether they have the history to support it or not. Some are seriously good, some are just fun.
Now rather than doing one big dump of 30 jerseys (where many would simply get overlooked), I'd like to roll them out over the coming winter two at a time. Today we start with the Penguins and Kings. Again, retro style jerseys with no specific ties to the team's past. Just something unique and interesting.
Remember, Chance and Jake have designs for all 30 teams so we have 28 to go. How will I decide which two to post next? I won't. You will. The first two were picked at random. The next two will be picked by the first commenters on this post. Comment with the two teams you'd like to see next. First come, first served. Check back next Saturday morning to see them!
Chris
Brian was first, so Rangers and Islanders are what we'll get next Saturday. And just like this week, first to comment gets to choose the next two teams.
Bill Grafner wants a Winter Classic to take place in California and he's designed a logo and pinpointed jerseys he'd like to see used. Here's what he has to say about it.
This is the hopes that maybe to apologize for a lockout, maybe we can get two winter classics next year. One on the East Coast and than a night game here in L.A. Temps at night should be great for a game and if Vegas can host an outdoor game so can we. I choose the sharks because of the fact that the Seals were also an expansion six team and the great rivalry between Southern California and Northern California.
I know some will say the Ducks but I feel the expansion six is a stronger toe in for a Winter Classic. I choose the California Seal logo and put it on the original Sharks colors for the fans to relate and a throwback to the original Sharks jersey. I went with the gold for the Kings because that was the jersey they wore for the Miracle on Manchester.
I know the Winter classic is supposed to be dark jerseys at home, but the Miracle means a lot to fans here and we already had the forum blue in games versus the Canucks and as a throwback jersey so this is a better jersey for a winter classic. Also, then the Sharks can be in teal not white or cream color.
I also included a fun Winter Classic Logo. I know it may be a bit busy but that is how we do it here in L.A.
Bill Grafner
The last time this logo graced a hockey jersey was 1996. But 16 years on, concept artists keep trying out because there's just something about it. Today, Justin Cox has a purple and black Kings sweater that's never been tried before and it's a beauty. Of course that's just one opinion of it. What's yours?
Chris
Justin read some of your feedback and offers up this revised version of his Kings jersey.
Justin Cox
Andrew Bourne is back with the next team in his NHL makeover series. What are you thoughts on his monochromatic yet rather retro redo for the L.A. Kings?
Andrew Bourne
This is so silly it almost seems like it should've been posted on a Friday. But then again, if the Panthers think Florida can host a Winter Classic, why couldn't California? Nevill Carney pits the Kings against the Sharks, oddly, instead of the Ducks. But if this really happened, wouldn't we expect much older jerseys? Like the Kings in forum blue and gold? And the Sharks wearing, well, Seals jerseys?
Nevill Carney
Inspired by Ross Taylor's series of brand-blended concepts, Ty Hill set out to merge a couple of 1967 expansion clubs. Is this what would happen if the Philadelphia Flyers and Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings mated? I don't know but it's definitely a Freak Out Friday.
Chris
Ty read through your comments and took a stab at some revisions.
Ty Hill 