Reworking Logos

It's time once again for some concept art. Today we're looking at reworking various team logos. Some with good results, others not so much.

We'll start with an alternate logo concept for the New Jersey Devils. It bares some similarity to an idea created by Matt for his Rebranding the NHL series. Only this one is graphically simpler.

So that's pretty cool. We've also got an Edmonton Oilers logo here.

Nice, effective, but a complete disregard for the team's logo history and not modern enough to warrant it (like the gear logo on the old third jersey).

Got something new for the Blues as well.

Interesting turning the note into a hockey stick but the secondary is just to intricate to form a great logo. Nice idea, though.

That's a simple concept but one that need never see the light of day. I think to some extent, incorporating the state or provincial outline works but not in every instance.

We'll finish things off with some new looks for the two teams currently battling for Lord Stanley's Cup. By the way, is it just me, or does it seem like they're dragging this series out with all the days off in between games?

A simple flash to the past there. And with the Penguins celebrating 40 years in the NHL, one reader submitted a unique commemorative logo paying heed to the club's history.

Overall, a decent, if not above average, batch of concept art for you today. By the way, I've got a new series I'm kicking off on Wednesday. Tune in then to see what that's all about. (Just remember, I like alliteration.)

Third Jersey Ideas

I haven't written a concept art post since the weekend so I think we're due. But it's going to be a short one. One reader came up with 13 different jersey designs he'd like to see implemented for various teams at some point in the future.

I told you it'd be short, but we've got 13 different teams covered. Hope you enjoy it.

We've got a Freak Out Friday post coming tomorrow and hopefully some more concepts for the weekend. I've been keeping pretty busy with the Goalie Mask Tournament. Voter turnout is great so far. Keep 'em coming!

Just To Freak You Out XXX

LIVE FROM VANCOUVER!

Unfortunately I didn't have time last night to post the 30th Freak Out installment. So here it is a little belated. And I've got to start out with something just downright ridiculous. As you know the Quest For The Worst ended this week with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks' third jersey logo taking the cake. It faced the Boston Bruins' secondary logo from the '70s and '80s. Imagine those two logos getting together.

Pretty horrific, eh? (When in Canada...)

Anyway, we've got all American team artwork for this Freak Out post today, by the way. We continue on with the ultimate American team — the Rangers. Where do they play again? Could it be the... "big apple"?

It's the logo I'd envision for a team made up entirely of elementary school teachers. And skylines across jerseys never seem to work.

And they have a better Statue of Liberty logo than that. See previous.

Up next: the St. Louis Blues who happen to be in town tonight facing the Canucks. Couple of really freaky concepts here.

Yet another yellow jersey.

And a sweater which uses old colors and an even older logo.

I'll finish things off with a logo that I debated posting here. On the one hand it's an abstract, unique design. On the other hand, it's abstract... very abstract.

Very abstract.

And so ends another episode of the Freak Out series — live from Vancouver. I've got a couple more days left here in town. We went up to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain today. Best day of the trip by far!

Live From Vancouver!

I landed in Vancouver a few hours ago. I'm pretty sure I never want to leave. Anyone know if anybody's hiring or any good apartments? Anyway, I wrote this post up while I was on the plane just so I'd have something for you guys tonight. I'm pretty beat. Seven hours on a plane isn't something I'd want to do on a regular basis.

So it's all about concept third jerseys, as it happens. With the rumors swirling over what all the new sweaters might look like, many of you have sent in your work. Let's look.

First up, the St. Louis Blues have discussed plans to introduce a navy sweater with a new logo incorporating the Gateway Arch. Well I've been sent a handful of various attempts at such a design.

That one's simple enough. Oddly, these next two are based off the Vancouver Canucks striping pattern.

Both of those are quite unique. This one as well.

One of my favorites is this one. I like how silver replaces the yellow. That's what a third jersey should be if you ask me.

I'm not so sure about all the text on it, however. But this isn't all about the Blues. We've got the Thrashers and Hurricanes too.

Also the Minnesota Wild.

When I first read it, I didn't like the idea, but that particular jersey design doesn't look half bad.

This last design isn't based on rumor so much as just wishful thinking by a Senators fan.

That's all I've got for tonight. I'll try to get something posted tomorrow afternoon, but the likelihood is it won't be until after the game tomorrow if at all. Going to see the Canucks and Predators down the street at GM Place.

Note: The time stamps will be Pacific time as long as I'm in Vancouver.

Rumors On Alternates

I've gotten several emails about a message board post propagating rumors about the new crop of third jerseys to be introduced for the 2008-09 season. With few reports being confirmed by the actual teams, I thought these might at least be interesting enough to discuss here. They may even produce some new ideas for concept art.

Atlanta Thrashers
Word is the new sweaters will incorporate more maroon like the original dark jerseys. I don't know if this means the sweater itself will be maroon or rather navy more along the lines of that original jersey.

Boston Bruins
We've actually seen the black jerseys already which will feature the BRUINS version of the secondary logo found on the shoulders of the current jerseys. The jersey features the primary logo on the shoulders. Of the two "finalists" we saw, one includes a gold stripe around the bottom while the other does not.

Buffalo Sabres
This isn't really news, but the Sabres will supposedly return to the blue vintage sweaters like the ones they wore last year. We've heard that there's the possibility of some slight alterations, but I wouldn't expect much.

Carolina Hurricanes
Rumor has it the new 'Canes third will be black with the secondary logo on the front. You know the one with the tropical storm flag blowing in the wind. Sounds pretty good. I'd like to see a mock up. One would also expect to see the primary logo on the shoulders.

Chicago Blackhawks
Supposedly, the 'Hawks will resurrect the black sweater they've been wearing as a third jersey for years. No surprises here but I can't say I wouldn't be disappointed if they didn't attempt to make a few tweaks to it.

Dallas Stars
Interestingly, rumor suggests that the new Stars alternate will be a white version of the current black one. You know, with DALLAS written across the front. I'm a fan of one jersey like that. But let's not start in with turning the NHL into the NBA.

Edmonton Oilers
We're being told it's a vintage design with laces at the collar. That sounds absolutely amazing, especially when compared with the travesty visited upon the Oil this season. But this could just be wishful thinking.

Los Angeles Kings
We're speculating that the Kings will return to the purple sweater from last season with the coat of arms logo. Of course the author of the rumors being discussed here suggested the jersey may be black. We'll have to see, but my money's on purple.

Minnesota Wild
You'd think they can't go wrong with a green sweater, but then word is it will have MINNESOTA plastered across the front a la the New York Rangers or Colorado Avalanche. That may not sound impressive, but the Wild have a history of creating vintage-looking thirds that are really killer. I'll hold my judgment until I see it.

New York Islanders
Evidently we should expect a vintage design. Something I'm surprised they didn't go with when unveiling their new Rbk EDGE sweaters over the summer. I'm not really disappointed the orange won't be making a comeback.

Ottawa Senators
I hope this rumor isn't true. Apparently they're going with a gold sweater — you read that right — with SENS written across the front. I don't know if this is more in the vein of the Stars or Rangers. Time will tell. But just let it not be gold. I wouldn't even wish that on the Stars.

Philadelphia Flyers
The team has already told us to expect an orange sweater. What they didn't mention is whether it will be an altered version of the current design or a vintage throwback. Rumor suggests the latter.

Phoenix Coyotes
Opting for a new alternate logo, it sounds like they may be going with a full-body coyote on the front of a black sweater. I think a black jersey will go well with the brick/sand color combination. This one I'm looking forward to seeing.

Pittsburgh Penguins
The team has all but confirmed already that they'll go with the same design they wore for the Winter Classic two months ago. You can't really go wrong with that one. Vintage quality at its finest.

San Jose Sharks
We're likely looking at a black version of the current uniforms. I know a lot of folks dislike the orange. I personally don't mind it. However, how cool would it be if they went with a black/grey/white jersey with some teal piping/lining? And I'll go ahead and put my vote in for the full-body shark like you see on the shoulders of the current sweaters.

St. Louis Blues
We know all about St. Louis already from the team higher-ups. They're talking about a navy sweater with a brand new logo featuring the Gateway Arch. In fact, I have some great concepts to share later with this logo alteration in mind.

Tampa Bay Lightning
The rumors I'm reading scare me because, as a Lightning fan, I'd hate to see this happen. Supposedly the new third will be navy (so far so good) with BOLTS written across the front (there's where you lose me). Sounds an awful like what's going on with the Senators. Read above.

Toronto Maple Leafs
Likely a white vintage design will make its way onto the backs of Leaf players. Probably with the old leaf logo as well. This wouldn't surprise me and sure wouldn't disappoint. Looking forward to it, as a matter of fact.

Vancouver Canucks
It's rumored that a vintage design — I'm guessing blue — is in the works. I like the stick-in-the-rink jerseys as much as anybody, but I would not be surprised to see a completely new design with the newly introduced Johnny Canuck logo. It's a chance that's too good to pass up for a team in the midst of a serious identity crisis.

By the way, that leaves 11 teams without third jersey rumors here. In case you're wondering, those teams not accounted for are the Devils, Rangers, Canadiens, Panthers, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Predators, Flames, Avalanche, and Ducks (who frankly, could really use one).

That's all I've got for you tonight. I've got concept art based on the rumors for the Wild, Blues, Flyers and others, but I'll save that for later on. I'll try to get it posted this week while I'm on my trip.

In the meantime, allow your imaginations to run wild and, you know, feel free to play around in Photoshop and send me whatever you come up with. I can post it here and who knows, maybe you'll even guess correct.

Just To Freak You Out XXVIII

This is the 28th installment of the Freak Out series and the 1,002nd post of the blog. It's Friday, everybody! And you know what that means.

I feel this needs no explanation.

Yes, it's that bad of an idea. And believe it or not, it gets worse.

I don't know how anyone could consider corporate sponsorships which manifest on the uniforms.

Anyway, there's also some third jersey fun to freak you out. If you're the Blues, I'll tell you what you don't do. You don't wear a yellow jersey.

The Blues.

And for the Canadiens, I like the red sweater with the blue shoulders, but I'm not sure the white one is the way to go here.

Also, I'll throw in an "If They Mated" logo, matching up the Kings and Sharks.

It may be a terrible idea, but it's extremely creative and I love that.

And for good measure, here's a plethora of concept art based on the notion of creating jerseys with two colors — split down the middle.

Everybody's covered and they're all worth a look, most notably the Bruins, Red Wings, Islanders, Rangers, Canucks and Capitals. That's some pretty intense craziness right there.

Have a great weekend, all!

Blues Third Jersey Coming This Fall

Good news for Blues fans hoping for a third jersey next season. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Bernie Miklasz wrote today that team has apparently confirmed it.

Blues Chairman Dave Checketts, honored at the Sold on St. Louis awards luncheon on Wednesday, announced that the Blues will introduce a navy-based third jersey next fall featuring a new logo incorporating the Blue Note and the Gateway Arch on the front.

So as soon as the design is available, which likely won't be until late this summer, I'll post photos.

This news had me thinking. We've heard a number of teams including the Flyers and Oilers reference possible third jerseys for next season. I'd like to keep a running list here on the blog of teams that have announced a new third jersey for 2008-09.

To make things easier on me, I'd like to get you guys involved if you're interested. Email me or write a comment on this post any time you see a reference to a potential new third jersey for next year. Cite a credible source too. I can't accept "my best friend's uncle's mother's cousin works in a pro shop and told me so" as a source.

This list now exists as a sidebar element. Enjoy!

UPDATE (2/17 5:20 AM): Just wanted to add that back in December, I posted concept art for the Blues in the form of a third jersey that incorporated the Blue Note and Gateway Arch on a navy sweater. You can find it at the bottom of this post if you're interested.

Random Selections

More new concept art! I'm on a roll this week! So Monday we did California and Tuesday was Vancouver. Today I decided to be completely random. And the teams that came out of the hat were the Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues. So we'll have fan-designed logos and uniforms for those three teams for now.

I really like the new retro-looking secondary Bruins logo. But you shouldn't do this to it.

If you think it doesn't get worse, you're wrong.

Moving away from scary things now, we have some fans' suggestions for the retooling of the Wild jerseys.

I have to say as much as I like what they have now, that one on the left is really sharp too. The green shoulders are great. I'm not sure how I feel about the circle logo on the white jersey. Feels to me like it's getting lost. And then for a complete change of pace, consider a green sweater with the circle logo.

For one thing, that's a terrible green. But I think last year's green jersey is far superior. There's not enough green in this league.

These next two sketches were designed for the St. Louis Blues on the idea of what the NHL really meant for the jerseys to look like on the players. Of course this is only feasible in cartoon land.

In any other land, it's disproportionate and anatomically impossible. Sharp work, though.

I think we'll do some more randomly chosen teams tomorrow. I've still got over a hundred items in my inbox that need to be posted. By the way, you guys are awesome for continuing to send stuff in. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

Just To Freak You Out XXV

Time for this week's Freak Out Friday post — which happens to be the 25th ever. You know you love it. By the way, you're going to start to notice a very specific theme. Just go with it. I'll begin with a little something to startle you.

Now something to downright disgust you.

Who would do that to the Blues logo? And why?

Beware of purple sweaters.

And scary Tim Burton penguins.

Also white sweaters, apparently.

And sweaters with trees on them.

Yellow ones as well.

There's so much to be wary about these days that you might hope to find solace in the Vancouver Canucks.

All hope is lost.

And any notion of a sensible design.

Finally, the fisherman you all love so much may not have worked for the Islanders, but if the Whalers every make a return, I think we've found their man.

Hope you guys enjoyed this episode. Stay tuned for a brand new one next week. Same bat time. Same bat channel. (Batman on the brain. Just watched Batman Begins again today.)

Just To Freak You Out XXIV

Can you believe yet another Friday is already upon us? I've had a long day (which began with me waking up at 1 AM) so forgive me if I make this a quick one. Just trying to freak you out a little.

Last week's theme was crazy logos. This week's theme is crazy jerseys. For instance, what if when the Quebec Nordiques moved to Denver, they opted not to change their name or logo — just their colors?

Yep, that would've happened. Good guess.

I think this next one was submitted as a Dallas Stars concept, but I don't really get it.

Are all Texans also banditos? On second thought, don't answer that.

This next one is a little disturbing.

Blood in the water.

I posted a concept Lightning logo a couple weeks ago. Here are the jerseys that go with it.

I'm still not a fan.

Giant hockey player... smash!

And what sort of person would I be if I didn't work in some Vancouver Canucks art? (Yes, arguably the most well-represented club on this blog much to the dismay of a handful of you.)

The weird thing is I sort of like the whales. Here's what I really don't like.

And finally, I've got this logo that serves as a great followup to last week's insane logo fusions.

There's why the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings will never merge. The logo just wouldn't work as you can plainly see.

So it turns out this post was a little longer than I planned. I impress myself. By the way, at some point this weekend I hope to update the Concepts Gallery as I have over 100 images waiting to be added. I'll let you know when I get it done.

Hope you enjoyed the 24th Freak Out post. See you again right here next week!