IceHL Podcast: Episode 1

Today marks the start of a new era in the IceHL with the launch of The IceHL Podcast!

This podcast is no longer available from SoundCloud.
Please click here to download the MP3 version (46 MB).

Recorded 9/16/12

Preliminary discussions to create an IceHL-centric podcast began in August. Ideas were thrown around, demos were made, co-hosts were found, and finally, after nearly a month of work behind the scenes, we bring you our first episode.We hope that this is something you will all enjoy.

Due to the lockout, there isn't yet a specific timetable for releasing future episodes, but when the season gets back on track, we hope to be weekly. Our next episodes will be recorded soon with post-draft analyses for both IceHL WEST and IceHL EAST.

On behalf of my co-host and Minnesota Mammoths GM Matt Riegler, we hope you guys enjoy the show. A huge thanks to Chris for believing in the idea and letting us run with it. We've finally reached the finish line, but this is only the beginning of a much larger race!

—Tony Pomposelli

The music in this episode was produced and performed by Kevin MacLeod and his works are available at Incompetech.

Also in this episode, the hosts discuss the IceHL Keepers. Here's a look at those lists.

IceHL EAST

IceHL WEST

Enjoy the podcast!

IceHL JDC: Northwest Narwhals

Time to pick jerseys! Choose up to 4 of your favorite Northwest Narwhals jersey designs. All 16 sets are listed in random order; the VOTE button is at the bottom of the page. The jersey set that collects the most votes wins.

Results will be revealed after voting closes and will remain hidden until that time. (Notes: The 3-letter codes are meant to help distinguish each design and keep anonymity of designers. Also, don't worry if a design lacks polish. If necessary, the winning design will be cleaned up before it's declared "official.")

Choose up to 4 jersey sets. Click on images to enlarge. Voting ends September 7.

The comments will be open to allow for discussion of the merits of each design. All I ask it that you keep it civil. Attacks will not be tolerated. That's all. Happy voting!

Not all submissions are included in voting. Those that did not meet the set requirements have been discarded. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

The Northwest Narwhals jersey designs will be posted on Wednesday. The winning designs for our expansion teams will be unveiled in the IceHL 2012 Yearbook, due out in September.

IceHL JDC: Hartford Mariners

Time to pick jerseys! Choose up to 4 of your favorite Hartford Mariners jersey designs. All 15 sets are listed in random order; the VOTE button is at the bottom of the page. The jersey set that collects the most votes wins.

Results will be revealed after voting closes and will remain hidden until that time. (Notes: The 3-letter codes are meant to help distinguish each design and keep anonymity of designers. Also, don't worry if a design lacks polish. If necessary, the winning design will be cleaned up before it's declared "official.")

Choose up to 4 jersey sets. Click on images to enlarge. Voting ends September 5.

The comments will be open to allow for discussion of the merits of each design. All I ask it that you keep it civil. Attacks will not be tolerated. That's all. Happy voting!

Not all submissions are included in voting. Those that did not meet the set requirements have been discarded. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

The Northwest Narwhals jersey designs will be posted on Wednesday. The winning designs for our expansion teams will be unveiled in the IceHL 2012 Yearbook, due out in September.

The IceHL Needs 7 New GMs!

The IceHL fantasy hockey league is gearing up for the 2012-13 season! And before we get started, we're going to need some new general managers in the house!

Unlike in years past, you will not be using the comments of this post to apply to be a GM. Instead, I've set up an application page with a form for you to fill out. All applications will be considered. Applications are now closed.

About the fantasy league

If you're not familiar with the IceHL fantasy league, here's a quick recap. The IceHL is actually made up of two separate ESPN fantasy leagues — the IceHL EAST and the IceHL WEST. The leagues are comprised of teams created for the IceHL Projcet's Eastern and Western Conferences.

There are 16 teams in each fantasy league. This season, we're currently seeking 7 GMs for the following teams.

IceHL EAST: Hartford Mariners (expansion) and Milwaukee Lagers.

IceHL WEST: Calgary Cavalry, Northwest Narwhals (expansion), Regina Renegades, Saskatoon Sharpshooters and Vancouver Lumberjacks.

For more information, here are the ESPN league offices for IceHL EAST and IceHL WEST.

NOTE: Obviously, there's the potential for another lockout this season in the NHL, which would severely impact the ability to run an IceHL fantasy league. In the event of an NHL lockout, any GMs selected for this season will be carried over to the next available season.

IceHL Jersey Contest: Expansion

I'm now accepting entries for the expansion teams in the IceHL Jersey Design Contest.

First, if you want more information about the IceHL Project, download the IceHL 2011 Yearbook, which is now available through Icethetics.info. You can also scan through previous posts in this section to catch up on everything we've done so far.

Entering the Jersey Design Contest

There are three rules:

• Design 2 jerseys (light and dark) using team colors and logos only. You may not alter the colors or logos.
• Assemble your final design on the PNG template provided and submit it to icethetics@gmail.com.
• Include your first and last name and email address in the graphic where designated as well as in your submission email. (Your real name will not be displayed during voting and your email will never be displayed.)

IceHL Jersey Design Kit - Expansion version (.zip/244 KB)

Be sure to use the template PNG file provided in the Design Kit. It is built to be compatible with just about any graphics software out there from Microsoft Paint to Adobe Photoshop. (For beginners: PNG is the file type required. Please do not submit a JPG or any other type of file. For experts: Please avoid using color profiles.)

Recommended link: Paint Users Paradise at SportsLogos.net

To assist you in your designs, feel free to implement aspects of existing hockey uniform templates. There are hundreds available at at the link above. The copy and paste functions are your friends in this case and make designing a great jersey so much easier. But feel free to experiment on your own too.

The template includes the front and back of a jersey as well as gear like socks and pants. All you have to do is design the jerseys. Designing the gear is up to you. I'd also request that you include a full alphabet and number set as seen in the Design Kit sample. You may choose to leave out any of the elements, but keep in mind that if you do, I reserve the right to design those elements myself.

Last thing. Simply submitting your jersey design doesn't guarantee it will be included in the voting process. If it doesn't meet a certain level of quality, I'll give you the opportunity to try again as long as you meet the deadline. But rest assured, I plan to accept far more than I reject — as you saw with the last two divisions.

Part 7: Expansion Teams

We're continuing with the Expansion Teams. The Design Kit contains the primary and secondary logos for both teams. You may only use those logo graphics for this project. Do not use them for any other reason without permission.

• Northwest Narwhals
• Hartford Mariners

Since these teams have yet to see action in the fantasy league, you may use any name and number you choose to customize your jerseys.

Remember, when you design your jerseys, stick to the official team colors and logos. You may sample the colors in the logo graphics using an eyedropper or similar tool in your chosen graphics software. (In previous divisions, the design kits have included an RGB color guide. This one does not.)

One last note about your jersey designs. Do something creative and original. Don't copy existing jersey designs. We want IceHL teams to stand out and be unique!

Deadline: Sunday, August 19

You have about three weeks to design and submit your work. Good luck to everyone!