More Habs Anyone?

On Thursday, I ran an Atlanta-themed concept post. Tonight, it's all about the Montreal Canadiens. I have several concepts I feel like sharing.

Last week I posted a bunch of third jersey artwork which included a half blue, half red Habs sweater. I wondered aloud what such a thing might look like on a player. And because you guys are just awesome like that, someone took to Photoshop and here is the result.

I'm thinking that's probably a no. But as far as a blue Canadiens jersey goes, we shouldn't toss out the idea altogether should we? The AHL's Hamilton Bulldogs handled a similar jersey effectively — as proven by the club's mascot.

Here's what that would look like in Rbk EDGE template form. They could do a lot worse. That's all I'm saying.

Though there is one element here that doesn't work well. The white stripe across the middle makes it difficult to put contrasting numbers on the back. The cure for that is running a red stripe in its place.

I'm posting both of these graphics to show different possibilities for the shade of blue. Personally, I'm more a fan of the darker blue.

Overall, I think blue would be a good direction for the Habs if a third jersey is in their future. I never cared much for the white ones they used to sport. What do you guys think? Post your comments below.

Just To Freak You Out XV

We were a little thin in terms of new Freak Out art this week, so forgive me if today's post is a little light. Still, nothing pleases me more than trying to freak you guys out with some crazy concept art.

As many of you know, the NHL unveiled the 2008 All-Star Game sweaters this week. Reader reaction here was not great. In fact, I got some very Freak Out-worthy concepts based off of those jerseys.

John sent those in along with a few others. You'll be able to find them in the Concepts Gallery this weekend.

We'll keep things moving with the Pittsburgh Penguins next. Each concept here imagines a drastic change. For instance, the first example suggests renaming the team the Pirates — a club that once existed in Pittsburgh during the early years of the NHL.

And the second suggests that the team keep the name but move to Russia.

That silly penguin even looks Russian.

And then, this goes out to all the folks from Quebec. It just doesn't look right. At all.

We'll keep things in the Western Conference now. With all the vanity in the world these days, you had to see this coming.

It seems even the Chicago Blackhawks' Indian head wanted a facelift. Either that or he got the Botox. And don't think I'm ignoring the Bears reference in there.

Next we'll head to Detroit where I'm quite concerned.

I think the grey jersey is an interesting choice, but I don't think an octopus will ever be anything but scary on a Red Wings concept. That tradition should stay off the sweater. Having said that, as a logo itself, it's not bad. But I'm still very, very concerned.

And finally, with Christmas just 39 days away, I thought I'd start my decorating now.

Ho ho ho!

If you've made or run across any concepts you think might be worth posting for Freak Out Friday, don't be shy. Send them along! You can email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

This One's All Atlanta

As the title implies, this post will stick to an Atlanta-based theme. We'll start with the team currently in that town — the Thrashers.

A reader emailed in this concept which calls for a return to the days of going heavy on the dark blue and maroon. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a bad look. I just prefer the light blue jerseys. One of the best in the league, if you want my opinion — which I'm sure many of you don't.

I bet the asymmetry of that blue jersey is causing aneurysms for a good number of you. I think it's a winner. Not really feeling the sleeves on the white jersey, however. I know what's being attempted, but it just isn't working. Thoughts?

Now let's take a blast from the past with the Atlanta Flames.

You might notice Jarome Iginla's name on the back of these sweaters. Try to ignore the Calgary connection. I really am trying to write an Atlanta post. The one on the left is a little plain but I like the city name down the sleeve. The crest is awkwardly large however. What I like is the one on the right which is oversized just right — if that makes any sense.

I think this is a really cool idea. The giant logo basically becomes the jersey design. I think it provides a really cool effect. Not sure how great it would look on the ice, however. But by itself there, I'm a fan.

And finally, we'll top things off with the 2008 NHL All-Star Game which is being hosted by the great city of Atlanta. The jerseys for that game were recently unveiled to the general disappointment of a lot of the readers here. One fan emailed in a couple of concepts for the big game. They're not bad, but they do borrow heavily from the Philadelphia Flyers.

Oh, and before a handful of you start needlessly jumping up and down on the designer, let me point out that we know a design like this prohibits the use of a "C" or "A" on the chest. And I do think the all-star and team logos should be left on the shoulders. Other than that, I think they work. Perhaps we'll see something similar in the future.

Until then, we have what we have.

Concepts In The Stars

Every so often, I get emailed a concept design that just looks simply amazing. Let me share the most recent piece I'd categorize that way.

Obviously, we're talking about the Dallas Stars today. And while I'm a fan of their new uniforms and the simplicity seen there, I would be among the last to object an overhaul. For instance, I feel a green jersey is exactly the way for this team to go. And while I don't think the logo seen here is perfect, it's a step in the right direction. I really like the secondary logo, though.

Anyway, this is what I like. Sharp graphics and folks getting creative. It almost makes me want to do a concept contest of some sort. The winner would get nothing but bragging rights, but I bet we'd see some amazing work along the way. Let me know in the comments if that sounds like something you guys would be interested in.

Continuing with today's theme now.

This is a nice set. I like the idea of using the bull/consellation logo on the shoulders of the black jersey. The red seems a bit out of place though.

And finally, here's a nice way to improve on the road sweater.

Just a little more color makes the jersey seem a lot less ... white. A bit more interesting to look at, to be sure.

Overall, I like what all of the artists have done here. Top notch work.

More On The Sabres, Pens Topic

Since we're on the subject of the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins today, I thought I'd share a few concept designs I thought were especially cool.

I'd consider the Sabres to be one of the best-looking teams in the league if they wore something a little like this. For one thing, the logo actually has sabres in lieu of a buffalo. Always a welcome change of pace if you ask me — you know, the whole thing about having a logo that actually represents the name of your team.

That being said, it should have a buffalo logo on the shoulder. My vote is for the white one you see in the vintage logo. Wrap a red outline around that buffalo and stick it to the shoulders and you've nearly got your winner. The other big change I'd make is to change the circle behind the swords to red. Either that or make the dark sweater red instead of black. Too much blending in there.

With those changes, I'd almost buy one myself and I'm not just saying that.

As for the Pittsburgh Penguins, this would be an improvement. This logo needs a bit of work, but it's got a ferocity lacking in the skating penguin. It's even got a nice shoulder patch with that hint of vintage. Any thoughts on this?

Or perhaps we could inject a little more of a retro feel.

Not only does this design reintroduce the blue sweater, but the designer even went so far as to add the city crest to the shoulders — taking a page out of Calgary's book. But actually, I don't hate it. My only hope is that the gradient thing is just for this graphic and wouldn't have any part of an actual jerseys.

We can dream, can't we? Anyway, leave your thoughts below. I'd like to see what the consensus is on all of this. It's pretty drastic compared to a lot of the work I post on a regular basis. And as always, my thanks to the artists.

Just To Freak You Out XIV

It's the end of another work week and we all know what that means — Freak Out Friday! A series, which by the way, has become very popular. So as long as you guys keep sending in crazy crap, I'll keep posting it every week. I'll start things off tonight in New York.

I felt I couldn't properly begin a Freak Out Friday without involving the Buffalo Sabres somehow.

See? This is what happens. What is that anyway? Somebody call Paul Bunyan. We found his ox. Yay.

Easily the most maligned logo in the NHL, imagine the "Buffaslug" on what's been one of the most maligned jerseys here at NHLToL. How much do you guys love this concept right here?

Not that much? Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse. Anyway, while we're on the subject of the Atlanta Thrashers, see if you can endure this monstrosity.

I know that wasn't easy, but don't worry, it's over now. Let's not let this happen again, all right?

Gradients on jerseys is a personal pet peeve of mine. Who was it that thought these looked good?

Oh yeah, those guys did.

Have you ever tried to use red, blue and black together? Here's why you don't.

And here's another reason.

Finally, I'll leave you this evening with one simple concept and a profound statement.

Only you can prevent forest fires.

Until the next time, try not to freak out too much.

Connecticut Day

One last post for today. It's Connecticut Day over at the Tournament of Hockey Logos blog. Reason being the state's two AHL franchises are going head to head in the AHL Tournament of Logos today. Head over and vote!

Meanwhile, I figured I'd draw in The Nutmeg State's NHL connection — the Hartford Whalers. Got some concept art, of course.

It's a peek at what the Whalers might've looked like had they made it to the Rbk EDGE era — and hired the same designer as the Calgary Flames. Notice the shield from the state flag on the shoulders.

I do like the designer's choice of thin lines on this jersey. I bet it would look killer on the ice. Too bad we'll never find out.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed Connecticut Day. Perhaps one day soon will be Pennsylvania Day. I've got a ton of Flyers/Penguins artwork.

Reworking The Oil

The concept art has been flooding in over the last several days, so it's time to share a bunch. We'll begin with the team whose uniform finished second to last in the NHLToL's Uniform Ranking. The Edmonton Oilers.

Starting with my personal favorite, here. They're much busier in comparison to the current sweaters, but it would be a welcome improvement. Perhaps I speak for myself, though. Let me know. I just think that the Boston Bruins hit it right on the nose with their new sweaters. Why shouldn't other teams have a shot at something similar?

Especially the Oilers.

Another sharp design that was submitted seems to be based off of the Columbus Blue Jackets. See what we're getting at here? The Bruins and Jackets finished #1 and #6 respectively, in the Ranking. That has to say something.

Finally, it's not so much a jersey concept I wanted to share, but a logo.

I don't like it as a primary mark, but certainly something similar would be nice on the shoulder as a secondary. Of course you'd have to get past the whole Houston Oilers logo in there. But a little imagination would solve that problem.

So kudos to the artists on all these designs. Really top notch work! Keep it coming, everyone!

Johnny Canuck

Folks in Vancouver have been hard at work putting together concept art for their team. I'll share some of it with you now.

When the Canucks unveiled their new uniforms a few months ago, I was of the belief that they'd planned to introduce a completely new look and a brand that could last a very long time. Well, that's where this team seems to be really challenged. They need an identity and this logo — among the new marks unveiled this season by the club — could've have been just the thing. I really do hope it makes its way onto a jersey one day.

Even one just like this. Although it does stink of Whalerness. Maybe not so much with the silver or something. I don't know.

Or we could just go all out with the old Johnny Canuck logo.

Personally, I prefer that "V" logo. It's just killer. Oh, and where's the green? Perhaps you ought to just revert to the '80s colors.

That's a heck of a jersey. And 08 as a sweater number? Weird. This barely escaped the clutches of Freak Out Friday.

And lastly, there's this.

What say we just go nuts with the crest and wrap it completely around the sweater? That would be interesting if teams started experimenting with something like that. Remember those original Mighty Ducks third jerseys from the '90s? On second thought, maybe not such a great idea.

More later, perhaps.

Oh yeah! Don't forget to get your votes in on the Vintage Logo Tournament final if you haven't done so yet. It ends tonight!

Tomorrow I'll have lots of big announcements on TWO new tournaments beginning next week. That's right, two! Should be exciting! Be sure to check back.

Just To Freak You Out XIII

It's lucky number 13 tonight on Freak Out Friday. Hope you guys get weirded out by what I have to share here.

I don't quite know where to begin.

Wow, I don't know what you did to deserve that, but it must've been pretty bad. Now if you're thinking that looks somewhat familiar, consult a post from last month.

And the hits just keep coming. Flames, take a clue from the Thrashers. This is how you do it up if you really want your provincial/state flag on your jersey. The scary part is that half of it is what seems to be the Confederate flag. Yeah, 'cause rednecks and hicks just dig hockey.

All right so let's head up north where they can really claim the sport. Scary thought alert. Imagine the Rangers and Flyers swapping colors.

On second thought, don't. It's too horrible. Speaking of horrible, check out this Rangers jersey concept.

That's what scary is. I know the new EDGE jerseys are supposed to have larger crests, but somewhere a line's been crossed.

Anyway, let's head west. Here's a color combination that doesn't work on a jersey.

The Nashville Predators are a hockey team, not a figure skating team.

Right?

Yikes! That logo. And while we're on the topic of bad logos, consider the following.

Oilers fans, you think you've got it bad now with your half-a-stripe elbows and practice-jersey looks. What if this happened? Don't even think about it too much. Your head will explode.

We'll wrap things up in California now, if you don't mind. And sometimes you have to reintroduce a winner — like the 1996 Mighty Ducks third jersey. Only the Ducks have new colors now.

That is something.

What we're finishing the night off with might be hard to look at. Remember the old Lightning third jerseys from the mid-90s? They had the rain pouring down, lightning bolts down the arms and — the selling point — the wild waves of the bay around the bottom. Well Sharks live in the water.

The waves have been stolen. And so has what little dignity might've been left in the new Florida Panthers uniforms when an attempt to create a San Jose concept went horribly awry. This is what happens when folks have too much time on their hands.

Well I hope you all got freaked out enough on this Freak Out Friday. If not, accept my apologies. Better luck next week. Until then, I'm waiting to see what you guys have in store for me next in terms of crazy artwork. Email it along.