Last week was AHL Week. This week will be focused on the rest of the minor leagues — since we're still without any actual NHL hockey. Today we begin with the OHL's Sarnia Sting and a three-sweater concept from the prolific and talented Dylan Alexander.
Dylan Alexander
Scott Markiewicz is back with another AHL concept this week. His take on the Oklahoma City Barons has the club keeping its old Oilers color scheme but with a new striping pattern. It's not bad, but I'm definitely a fan of their new third jersey.
As an AHL Week bonus, we have this Grand Rapids Griffins concept from Nevill Carney. He originally created it last year as a New Year's 2012 proposal.
Now normally, I end theme weeks on Thursday so that we can properly observe Freak Out Friday. However, this week we do have an AHL-themed Freak Out so check back tomorrow for that.
AHL Week continues today with a pair of concepts by regular contributor Justin Nahhas. His Houston Aeros design are inspired by both parent club Minnesota Wild and the team's own short-lived former logo — a sort of modernized war plane. It's not bad but you can't really beat their current logo.
This Manchester Monarchs design also pays homage to the parent club, the Los Angeles Kings. Interestingly, their existing uniforms look a bit more like something from the Anaheim Ducks' closet. Think these are a step up?
As we embark on another week without NHL hockey, I thought I'd turn the Concepts page's attention to the AHL this week. Plus, we haven't done a theme week in a while. Today, we get a couple of looks for the Connecticut Whale, starting with this Hartford-inspired throwback set from Trevor Richards.
But since I don't see the Whale changing their logo anytime soon, what about this one from Scott Markiewicz?
Minor League Week wraps up with a retro Milwaukee Admirals concept from Justin Nahhas. The logo used in this design dates back to 1973 when the Ads joined the United States Hockey League. By the way, this team has a lineage which goes all the way back to 1940. Fascinating to think how long some minor league franchises have been around even as we watch so many more come and go every season.
Justin Nahhas
Scott Markiewicz describes his Portland Pirates update as a more classic look for the AHL franchise. It's a sharp design and certainly beats the Panthers-style jerseys they wear now. I especially like the throwback third.
Scott Markiewicz
Minor League Week picks up with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers today. Torin Kowalenko's new look for the Hurricanes affiliate brings back the blue the team wore during its ECHL days.
Torin Kowalenko 