New Blackhawks Jersey Design Concept

We haven't been hearing much about the Chicago Blackhawks lately, but I came across this design on the 'Hawks official message board. Have a look.

Now, have a real good look. I mean get out your fine-tooth comb and really go over that puppy because I have my doubts as to the veracity of this image. It sure does look like a Blackhawks Rbk EDGE jersey, but the first thing that caught my eye was that familiar horizontal striping pattern on the sleeves and bottom of the sweater. Remember this?

Now compare it to the Bruins jersey to the left. Dead on. So I'm sorry if I got anybody's hopes up. It is just a very good Photshop job based on the B's road Reebok sweaters. Wondering what tipped me off? The stripes on the Blackhawks' white jerseys go black-red-black whereas the ones in this image go red-black-red.

Anyway, I'm continually impressed by the work people put into these jersey designs. You gotta think I'm pretty interested in the subject on account of writing this blog but I'm not sure I'd really go to the extent of coming up with my own design concept. Kudos to the folks that do, though. They give me something to write about.

The Blackhawks have yet to give word of plans for any sort of formal or official announcement, so until we hear something, it's a cool idea to muse on. Any Chicago fans reading? What do you think?

No Big Changes In Store For Avs

Any Avs fans looking for jersey info? A reader just pointed me the way of this post which seems to indicate we shouldn't expect any big changes for the Colorado Avalanche when they unveil their new Rbk EDGE uniforms. A retailer called Altitude Authentics put the following in an email.

The Avs jersey will not be drastically different, same logos and looks. The main difference will be the material of the jersey. We will have these in stock sometime in mid September.

As with anything, take it how you will. Of course we haven't gotten any word from the team yet, so all we know is what retailers say they've heard.

As it happens, I also recently came across a fan-made design to share with you. But don't expect to see anything in this vein if the quote there proves to be true. This looks nothing like what they currently wear and more like (as a few readers might point out) the 2007 all-star jersey with some colors swapped out. Take it for what it is.

While we're on the topic, I also ran across this design for the Chicago Blackhawks. Once again its the all-star uniform template with some colors and logos changed. But if nothing else, it's something to stare at for a spell while we await official announcements league-wide.

Briefly I'd like to once again extend my thanks to the readers who have been sending in information. It's been extremely helpful and the more I know, the more I can post. So if you've seen any cool (or uncool as the case may be) designs, feel free to send them my way. I'd love to see them.

Blackhawks vs Avalanche

	vs
BLACKHAWKS		AVALANCHE
2-9		7-0

The Aesthetics
I hate to say it, but look at the records, this may be a really easy one. But the tournament is winding down for the Blackhawks. Just two more matches left after today. So let's get to it. As I discussed with a reader in the comments a few days ago, I counted eight different colors in the Blackhawks logo. It desperately needs a more defined color scheme. The Avalanche logo, on the other hand, is one of those all-around sports logo classics.
Avalanche

The Nickname
I don't care how tough Chief Blackhawk thinks he is, even an Avalanche would do him in.
Avalanche

The Analysis
You could say both logos do a decent job of being logos. As much as I complain about the Blackhawks logo, there are no words or hockey paraphernalia in it. I just can't get past the colors and overall design. There are bigger and better things you can do with a name like Blackhawks. The Avalanche logo has great colors a cool design and subtle elements like the puck at the bottom end of the avalanche itself. I'm also a fan of the bigfoot secondary logo but I know this competition isn't about those.
Avalanche

WINNER

3-0

 

Canucks vs Blackhawks

	vs
CANUCKS		BLACKHAWKS
3-5		2-8

The Aesthetics
I like the proportions and shapes of these logos but I think the winner in this category is plain to see. With cool colors a simple, unique design, the Canucks take it.
Canucks

The Nickname
Chief Blackhawk and his savage ways. A Canuck wouldn't stand a chance.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
In this category, the first thing I look at is whether the logo properly fits the team's name. Here, the Canucks logo features an orca. Not quite what I had in mind. I then look to see if the logo in any way references the team's home city. There's a case to be made that the whale references the Pacific northwest region while the "C" could not only stand for Canucks, but Canada as well. In fact, three of the six Canadian teams have logos built from the letter "C." It might be a stretch to give the Canucks this point, but there's just too much going on in the Blackhawks logo.
Canucks

WINNER

2-1

 

Kings vs Blackhawks

	vs
KINGS		BLACKHAWKS
2-5		2-7

The Aesthetics
Both logos have a lot of detail but one thing I really like is their unique outlines. Imagine seeing just shadows of the logos. It's a good sign when you can place it based solely on that. More on that another day. Still, though, its the Kings with the obviously better looking logo. Defined and unique colors along with those subtle hockey sticks in the crown tip the scales in their favor.
Kings

The Nickname
I believe it was the King who ran the Indians and Chief Blackhawk out of town. He was a bastard.
Kings

The Analysis
The logos are appropriate for their teams. That's always a good start. The Kings logo, however, goes a step further in reference their home city with the suns on either side of the crown. Nothing really there in the Blackhawks logo. And it has too many colors.
Kings

WINNER

3-0

 

Blackhawks vs Wild

	vs
BLACKHAWKS		WILD
2-6		5-0

The Aesthetics
More times than I'd like to admit I've explained the problems inherent with the Blackhawks logo. And all the reasons I love the Wild logo. But all you really have to do is look at the two of them right next to each other to know who deserves this point. Creativity gets the Wild this point.
Wild

The Nickname
You're nuts if you don't think Chief Blackhawk knows his way around the Wild.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
What you see is what you get when it comes to these teams' names. The logos are appropriate symbols for the names but one clearly does it better than the other. Simplify the Indian head, already! You can do it, Chicago! I believe in you. Meanwhile, like I said yesterday, the Wild logo more than goes out of its way to fit in so many little bits that you can look at it a million times and see something new every time. That's what a logo really should be.
Wild

WINNER

2-1

 

Ducks vs Blackhawks

	vs
DUCKS		BLACKHAWKS
0-6		2-5

The Aesthetics
While the Ducks logo is pretty much nothing more than a wordmark, at least it has a defined color scheme. Which is more than can be said about the Blackhawks logo. Aside from poor, cluttered design, the colors in the feather and face appear nowhere else on the uniform. Can it be true? Do the Ducks get their first point of the tournament here against the Blackhawks?
Ducks

The Nickname
I don't know if the Indians ate Duck, but I suppose if they did, one would be in danger around Chief Blackhawk.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
I truly wish for the Ducks' sake that the webbed "D" was the logo — by itself. It would give the team a much better overall performance. Of that I'm sure. But with all the other letters (nonsense) in this logo, it's difficult. But things aren't that much better for the Blackhawks logo. The clutter hurts my eyes. More than the letters. At the very least, the Ducks logo references its home town even if it is blatant. A win for the Ducks. Bet you never thought you'd see the day.
Ducks

WINNER

2-1

 

Blackhawks vs Coyotes

	vs
BLACKHAWKS		COYOTES
2-4		2-2

The Aesthetics
Looking at these two logos side-by-side, the Coyotes logo is much cleaner. There's a lot going on in the Blackhawks logo, half of which I don't understand. There also isn't a clearly defined color scheme in this logo. There's no question what the Coyotes colors are. An easy point.
Coyotes

The Nickname
Coyotes beware when Chief Blackhawk is wielding a tomahawk.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
What I like about both logos is their ability to just be symbols of their teams. Though I suppose a lay person might thing Indians when they see the Blackhawks logo, the designers got a tough assignment with the name itself. I really hope one day the Blackhawks update their logo, though. Even if its just something they where on their shoulder. I don't dislike the Indian head, but would prefer something cleaner and more defined the color category. I say all this so that you know this isn't a throwaway point. They could've gotten it. However, the Coyotes have already done those things. Remember the team's original logo the year they moved to Phoenix? They've come a long way. And the colors say desert and that's what I mean by representation of the home town.
Coyotes

WINNER

2-1

 

Red Wings vs Blackhawks

	vs
RED WINGS		BLACKHAWKS
1-4		1-4

The Aesthetics
That is an awful lot of red up there. Both logos have a lot of unnecessary detail that stems back from the Dark Ages. Yes, these are both Original Six clubs but there still should be logo accountability to some extent. The other five should borrow a page from the Bruins book and liven things up a little. (Yes, even the Canadiens could use some sprucing.) The Blackhawks logo takes the point because it doesn't blend into the background.
Blackhawks

The Nickname
Chief Black Hawk would've possibly had a bow an arrow. And if he was a good shot, he could take out a bird, even one of the Red-Winged variety. Damn, that was a stretch.
Blackhawks

The Analysis
This point is all Wings. While I commend both logos on decent portrayal of the team name — with a red wing and an Indian — it's the Red Wings logo that goes the extra mile (pun) with the wheel attached to the wing. The wheel, of course, symbolizes Detroit's history as the Motor City. So they won't go away empty-handed here.
Red Wings

WINNER

2-1

 

Blues vs Blackhawks

	vs
BLUES		BLACKHAWKS
3-1		1-3

The Aesthetics
The simple design and straightforward color scheme of the Blues logo starkly contrasts the Blackhawks. We know that Blackhawks colors are red, black and white from their uniforms, but then why does the logo also have green, yellow, blue, orange and tan? The world may never know. Clean up your act, Blackhawks logo.
Blues

The Nickname
A Blackhawk indian could do a rain dance. Can the Blues man do that?
Blackhawks

The Analysis
Both teams have appropriate logos though neither goes out of its way to represent its home city graphically. Ultimately its the simplicity and clean, sleek look of the Blues logo that wins it the point.
Blues

WINNER

2-1