A Bunch Of Concept Logos

I get a lot of emails with concept jerseys but most of them make use of the team's actual logo. But sometimes people send in new ideas for logos. That's what this post is about.

We're going to kick things off with the Buffalo Sabres. Lots of complaints have been lodged over the Sabres' new logo. There is even an entire site dedicated to the subject. Just as interesting is the now-famous design of John Slabyk. His work is nothing short of brilliant. But then someone emailed me this. And it rivals Slabyk's work on a different level.

The logo is very abstract but very unique because of it. The colors are a bit muted and I think that is actually a plus. But I feel like this is a very sharp logo. I'm curious to know what you all think of it. Please comment.

But that's not all. You probably know by now I'm not a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings logo. I get the whole tradition/Original Six thing, but all right already. The Bruins are an original and their logos kick ass. They do. I'm not necessarily saying this is the answer for the Wings, but here's an idea.

I think the addition of black to the color scheme adds a lot to the uniform. The monochromatic red/white combo rubs me the wrong way — though I completely associate it with a scary good team. A little change never hurt anyone (except for the Islanders in the mid-'90s).

While still on the topic of the NHL's mainstays, you also probably know I'm not terribly keen on the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo. People like to say stuff like, "you don't mess with tradition" and the Leafs logo has been around forever. But the fact is, while the Leafs have been around forever, the current incarnation of logo has only existed since the 1970s. Anyway, what do you make of this?

I like the incorporation of the CN Tower, but I think this is more worthy of a secondary logo. I could see it as a shoulder patch, but not a primary for the Leafs. Thoughts?

Next we have the New York Islanders. I'm always talking about how a lighthouse would serve as a good logo element for the Islanders. Here's a rather simplistic version of that idea.

One of the most controversial notions I hold is the idea that the Chicago Blackhawks do not, in fact, have the best logo in all of professional sports. (Stop throwing rocks at me.) Here's what someone came up with to alter the Hawks' logo.

I see the differences and they make sense, but for my money, it's a lateral move. No better, no worse. Anybody else have an opinion on the logo?

One day I'd like to hear a real explanation as for why people think this logo is one of the best out there. There are too many colors in it and it's just so jumbled. A lot of you guys say simplicity rules all. That doesn't apply here. If you can educate me, leave a comment. I read them all.

Blackhawks Jersey News

Much like what the Penguins have done, the Chicago Blackhawks have promulgated information regarding their new Rbk EDGE uniforms for this fall via a Q&A column on their web site.

GM Dale Tallon answered 10 fan questions on the web site, one of which referred to the new jerseys.

What changes will there be in the new style jersey, if any at all, and when will the Hawks show off the new jersey?
— Dave, Northern Illinois

September 14 we'll show it off. Everything is pretty well status quo as far as the look. It's just different fabrics and a different fit. It's a tighter fit — more aerodynamic, more modern fabrics that are moisture wicking to improve comfort level so players will be able to stay cool for a longer period of time. But the overall jersey will look the same.

So it confirms the date we already have in the sidebar countdown and indicates no real changes — I'm guessing, along the sames lines as the Red Wings and Rangers.

Enjoy the news, Hawks fans. You'll get to see your new jersey two weeks from tomorrow. I will of course have photos here.

Poll: Blackhawks vs Oilers

	vs
Chicago BLACKHAWKS		Edmonton OILERS

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

UPDATE (9/2 2:45 PM): Closed the comments. My apologies. That was getting a little out of hand. Just vote for the logo you think is better (for whatever reason you choose) and save the political arguments. Enjoy your weekend!

Poll opening date Aug 29 @ 4:27 AM

Poll closing date Sep 5 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W2B | CHIvEDM

Result: Flames vs Blackhawks

Chicago
BLACKHAWKS
57% 7,054 votes

Calgary
FLAMES
43% 5,351 votes

12,405 total votes

Chicago Blackhawks
Advancing to Quarterfinals to face Blue Jackets or Oilers

Calgary Flames
Eliminated

Click here to see the original poll

Poll opening date Aug 15 @ 4:24 AM

Poll closing date Aug 22 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W1B | CHIvCGY

Hawks Unis Coming September 14?

I can't completely vouch for its veracity and its not exactly official word from the team, but according to an administrator on the Chicago Blackhawks official message board, the club will unveil its new Rbk EDGE uniforms at a press conference on Friday, September 14.

I've added that date to the sidebar countdown. Thanks to Wade for the heads-up!

Poll: Flames vs Blackhawks

	vs
Calgary FLAMES		Chicago BLACKHAWKS

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date Aug 15 @ 4:24 AM

Poll closing date Aug 22 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W1B | CGYvCHI

Blackhawks Fan Art For Your Viewing Pleasure

I've got some Chicago Blackhawks concept designs to share. Let's dive right in.

Here's a set of 'Hawks jerseys in the new Rbk EDGE style. They're pretty sharp — and safe, as they're in keeping with the current design.

I like the black alternate jersey with the old logo. It's a rather nice set that I think most Blackhawks fans would have a hard time complaining about.

Personally, I've never been one to believe that Chicago has one of the best uniforms in sports (as is widely believed) and I don't think it would hurt if they went with a complete overhaul. And yes, I'm prepared to take the beating I've got coming to me for uttering such filth in an open forum.

Anyway, if someone can point out what features of this uniform make it so good, I'd be all ears. If not, then I don't know. Just enjoy these fan designs.

And these too.

I think these designs are pretty cool, mixing the old with the new. The stripes are different, but not all bad. Would Blackhawks fans object to something along these lines?

What do you guys think? Am I full of shit about the Blackhawks logo? Is it really as good as everyone says? Would you like me to stop talking about it?

Time To Get Your Blackhawks On

All right, if you've been reading my nonsense in the tournament matches, I have good news and bad news. The good news is, today was the last day of that. Reader voting starts Sunday. The bad news is somebody else, it turns out, thinks the Chicago Blackhawks could use a logo upgrade. (See, I'm not the only person who doesn't think it's the best in all of sports.)

Now I'm not saying this design is totally the way to go. I think it's a good start, but also that it could use a little work. Sneak a peek.

Don't freak out! It's just fan-created concept art. It's not a real 'Hawks logo by any stretch.

But that, I'm a little more impressed by. I still think a team's logo should be dominated by its primary colors (here: red, black and white), but this wouldn't be all bad. Well, at least as far as I'm concerned, it wouldn't. What do you guys think? Should I take the advice of John Tortorella and shut my yap on this subject or could we have something here? While you consider, check out these jersey designs.

Oh, and just to freak you out a bit, somebody emailed me this concept.

Now lay it on me. I can take it.

Flames vs Blackhawks

	vs
FLAMES		BLACKHAWKS
12-1		2-11

The Aesthetics
Both of these teams wrap up their schedule today. Let's see how they fair. You probably already know who I like better for this category. And if you don't, it's the Flames. What's going on in the Blackhawks logo? Do they have a defined color scheme? Is there a way to find it in the logo? No? Meanwhile, the flaming "C" is cool, especially in black.
Flames

The Nickname
Humans have never been able to really control fire, not even Chief Blackhawk himself. A few Flames get out of control here and there and suddenly the entire state of California is under a wildfire watch.
Flames

The Analysis
Many have argued that I'm insane because I don't agree with "many other sports fans" who consider the Blackhawks logo to be one of the best ever. Thing is, I'm insane for so many reasons, and that's not any of them. It's a good solid logo as far as that goes. But as for what makes it one of the best in all of sports, I am at a loss. It looks to me like a well-drawn Indian head that was scribbled on at one point — and then left that way. But, as I've said before, who am I to say? You guys will get to decide once and for all. Voting starts on August 12. Mark your calendars! In the interim, it's a season finale sweep for the Flames.
Flames

WINNER

3-0

 

Blackhawks vs Blue Jackets

	vs
BLACKHAWKS		BLUE JACKETS
2-10		9-1

The Aesthetics
I should start out by saying that despite how many people apparently think the Blackhawks have the best logo in sports, I don't see it. And I don't really like it. I think improvements could be made. I'd also question what makes it the best. On the other hand, the Blue Jackets logo is pretty killer. We should count how many NHL logos have the letter "C" in them.
Blue Jackets

The Nickname
The Blue Jackets in the Union Army would have surely been able to take Chief Blackhawk and his band. Maybe they did.
Blue Jackets

The Analysis
Try not to jump up and down on my head, but i just think that the Blue Jackets logo makes a better symbol for its team. Let the harrassment begin. At least the Blue Jackets logo has a defined color scheme. There's way to much going on in the Blackhawks logo. Let's tone down the colors a little. That's all I'm saying. And the Jackets logo has an Ohio flag that forms a "C" for Columbus.
Blue Jackets

WINNER

3-0