We've seen so many throwback designs for the Maple Leafs and Red Wings as part of the Winter Classic Weekends series. Despite that, they all seem to be different and unique. You'd think at some point they'd have to all start running together. Torin Kowalenko adds a great pair of looks to the pile with his set. I could definitely see something like it on open-air ice next January.
On this Winter Classic Weekend, we look beyond 2013. If the pattern we've seen over the years persists, it won't be long before the New York Rangers are back in action on the outdoor ice — and with hosting duties, to boot. If the Broadway Blueshirts were to, say, host the Islanders at Yankee Stadium, perhaps their uniforms could pay tribute to the sport normally housed there — baseball. Basically, Colin May shows us what it might be like if the Rangers were to adopt Yankees pinstripes. It's a cool look, but definitely the wrong sport.
Colin May
Ross Taylor is tossing NHL history into a blender for a three-week series here on the Icethetics Concepts page. Last week, it was Minnesota and a mix between the North Stars and Wild. Today he sets his sights on Colorado with the Rockalanche — a combination of the Rockies, who played from 1976 to 1982 before becoming the Devils, and, of course, the Avalanche.
Sure, it's strange, but my goal with this series of posts is to demonstrate that the Freak Out Friday label doesn't have to be a bad thing. There are some very talented artists with some very interesting ideas. I hope we continue to see more of them.
Ross Taylor
This idea is not going away. At least not until it comes to fruition in reality. Over the years, we've seen countless concept artists put the Washington Capitals' excellent "Weagle" logo on a blue jersey, but few have hit the mark that I think Justin Wiltron has here. It's a very cool look with a little bit of a throwback feel. And for as much stick as the Caps got during their Blue & Bronze Age, I thought the blue jerseys looked great. Bring the blue back to D.C.!
Justin Wiltron
Look familiar? Prolific concept artist Brian Brideau took inspiration from Jean-Sebastien Giguere when designing this Avalanche jersey. It was the Colorado netminder's mask that provided the basic idea. Goalie coach Francois Allaire's son was the man behind the mask design, according to Denver Post writer Adrian Dater.
Brian Brideau
A few days ago, we learned the Buffalo Sabres retired their third jersey and have no plans to rejoin that club for the foreseeable future. Apparently, the new owner wants to build the brand and the best way to do so is by foregoing extraneous jerseys. However, before all that, there were rumors of the Sabres potentially swapping their royal blue alternate sweater for a black one. Mat Ware demonstrates what such a jersey might've looked like. With the Sabres' new owner so intent on establishing a brand with staying power, we can probably count on never seeing anything like this for real — at least while he's at the helm.
Mat Ware
If you came by earlier today, you saw a different concept in this space. Unfortunately, I've had to remove it at the request of the designer. Very disappointing.
In its place now sits this Blue Jackets concept from the very prolific Avi Stein. Last month, in a video posted on the team's website, we caught a glimpse of an unused logo that was produced as part of Columbus' third jersey development in 2010. Avi decided to put it on a jersey. It looks great! I almost like it better than their home jersey.
Avi Stein 