Last week someone asked to see a Vancouver-Ottawa Heritage Classic concept. I live to serve. As does Ryan Haslett, who created this neat set. I doubt this is what we'll get from the Canucks, but he's probably in the right area for the Senators.
I warned you it might come to this. Given the recent popularity of the handmade concepts from Morgo Uxbridge, I thought I'd dig up a little something from my childhood. If you want to know how far back my love of hockey jerseys goes — well, here you go.
The drawing wasn't dated, but I'd say I was in the neighborhood of 11 or 12 when it was made. Not that I was an artist by any stretch. And please don't ask me why it says "REX" on the back. I couldn't possibly tell you what was in my head 20 years ago. But at least you can see I was always a fan of the Whalers' superb logo and uniforms.
And about those "victory stripes" under the arms... it's not an homage. Growing up a Lightning fan and seeing them on our jerseys, I just assumed it to be a standard feature on all hockey sweaters. Didn't realize until years later that it was something special only Tampa did.
Speaking of the Lightning, my brother Mark is six years younger than me and, I believe, drew this around the same time as the one I made above. That would put him at about 5 or 6 years old so you can understand the crudeness. He's since become a very talented artist in his own right. But my brothers and I were fascinated with the Bolts' storm jersey when it was released in 1996. We thought it was way cool compared to the boring stripes of the primary jerseys. But what did we know?
What do you guys think? There's more where this came from. I just unearthed my take on the NYI fisherman jersey as well as a mash-up Mark did of the Hurricanes and Predators in 1998, when they were there new teams on the block.
By the way, feel free to say you hate this and I won't post anything more. I just thought it was funny digging up this old stuff. And hey, if you have anything like this to share, please send it along.
Yesterday we got a look at a female version of a Montreal hockey team. Today, we stick to the same city but switch back to the NHL. Laurent Elbaz tweaks the typically untouchable Habs sweaters. I'm intrigued, but before I'm sold, something will need to be done to make the number legible on the back of the white sweater — that's why they dumped the blue stripes ages ago.
Laurent Elbaz
Women's hockey will be the focus of the next six Wednesdays. Nick Burton presents his WNHL series, wherein he imagines a female pro hockey league and its Original Six franchises. This week we feature the Montreal Royals.
Nick writes: "Montréal Royals/Royals de Montréal — The Royals take their colour scheme from the Canadiens but darkened to make the team unique. The team name Royals is derived from the city name itself, which translates to Mount Royal."
Nick Burton
With the Ducks already confirming a "Mighty" throwback is in the works for this their 20th anniversary season, Matt McElroy lays out the intriguing possibilities that lie ahead. First, there's the classic. Can't go wrong with a little eggplant and jade. Though I might quarrel with the modern-day striping.
Then there's the white alternate worn between 1997 and 2000. Another solid look with unique sleeve striping that sets it apart from other hockey sweaters.
And of course there's the trusty black number that the club used as a third jersey during their final three seasons as the Mighty Ducks. Turned out to be a harbinger of things to come as the new Ducks have worn black ever since. Any of these three strike you as a good option for throwback fever this season in Anaheim?
Matt McElroy
Rob Sulava has solved the Vancouver Canucks. I'll grant this isn't something no one's ever thought of, but it is a beautiful demonstration of how good the Canucks could look if they really wanted to. And they wouldn't even have to pay for any new logos. Smashing work.
Rob Sulava
Our Seattle Sunday series seems to be going quite well. So I'll keep it going as long as I have content to fill it. As we all wait for what is surely to be the next city to join the NHL, Bryan Dyck has a different take from the last two weeks. It's a sharp and colorful set that — despite a similar color scheme — is still miles away from Seattle's neighbor to the north in Vancouver. I might vote for a little more distinctive crest, but the colors are spot on. (And we still need a new name.)
Bryan Dyck 