Possible New Lightning Logo?

If you thought the San Jose Sharks logo I just posted was bad, you ain't seen nothing yet. This gem was posted on the same web site and I just saw it on Boltsmag and needed to post it here.

It's not the best I've ever seen. The city is still there. See that one there labeled "secondary mark" underneath? Love that one! Put it on the front of the jersey! Anyway, there's no official word from the team yet so this may or may not be the real deal. I suppose we'll find out for sure sometime this summer.

Leave your comments below and let us all know what you think.

UPDATE (6:44 PM): According to Tampa Trib Lightning beat writer Erik Erlendsson, the Lightning will unveil their new logo and uniforms at a "fan festival" on August 25. This is the first I'm hearing of an actual date. Incidentally, Erik wrote that he knows of the leaked logos I posted earlier and seems to believe they are in fact the real deal. When asked, the Lightning would neither confirm nor deny their veracity. Regardless, we should know for sure 43 days from now.

Possible New Sharks Logo?

A reader pointed me to this image of a potential new design for the San Jose Sharks logo. As I reported the other day, the Sharks will be unveiling a new logo on July 24.

Now if you want my opinion, take it with a grain of salt. It's a cool update on the current logo, but I think its just an artistically-inclined fan having a little fun on the internet. The way I understand it, the team is going with a complete redesign. It's rumored the new logo will feature an entire shark as opposed to just the front end. Now having said that, anything is possible and we won't know for certain for another 11 days, so check back here then.

In the meantime, feel free to leave your comments. What do you think it will look like? What do you think it should look like? What do you think of this design?

UPDATE (4:55 PM): Just came across this version of the Sharks logo. It actually shows the entire shark as I mentioned earlier. But its a wordmark, so it probably wouldn't be the crest.

What do you think of it? Great? Not great? Personally, I'm a little indifferent. It's an improvement on their current logo but I think they can do better.

NHL Concept Logos, Part 1

I've been scouring the web over the last couple of weeks in search of logos designed by fans for their favorite teams. Logos that are cool — or not cool as the case may be — but will never see the front of an NHL jersey.

As is the case with most of these logos, I can't remember where I found them so if you designed any of them, feel free to let me know via a comment. And for the record, great work! Anyway, let's dive right in.

This is a logo designed for the Tampa Bay Lightning. As you can plainly see, the designer makes use of a lightning bolt as the "B" in "TB" for — you guessed it — Tampa Bay. As I've said, I've never been a huge fan of clearly obvious letters in logos, but this one isn't horrible. Still not my favorite though. I feel like there's a way to do it well that's subtle. Look at the New Jersey Devils logo. It features a very subtle "NJ" — so subtle you kind of have to stare at it to see it. That's what I like in a logo. But that didn't stop someone from coming up with a few concept logos for the Devils. I'll have those tomorrow in Part 2.

Until then, I have an Edmonton Oilers logo to share. Basically, the artist has kept the oil drop from the original logo and set it inside a gear — a little like the team's third jersey logo. It's nice, but as far as the colors go, I'm more a fan of the silver and blue in said alternate logo. But who am I to complain? Any Oilers fans out there reading this? What do you think?

Now our feature presentation. It's been widely rumored as of late that the Toronto Maple Leafs have plans to alter and adjust their logo for the new season. Reports have suggested that only minor changes to the leaf silhouette will take place but that the logo will remain in large part much the way it is now.

So turn your attention to the right. The top logo is basically the maple leaf from the Canadian flag turned blue with "Toronto Maple Leafs" written inside. Next we have a maple leaf within a circle — a logo which seems oddly familiar yet for some reason I can't quite place it. NHL All-Star Game logo? Olympics logo? If you recognize it, let me know.

And finally, we're treated to this gem on the bottom. If you want radical, this one is for you. I have no idea what's going on there. It scares me a little. I mean it's way too intricate to ever seen on a uniform which is why I'm not truly worried — but, still, it's weird. In a way I like it and in a way I don't. That's all I have to say on the matter.

And finally, check out this blast from the past. Someone came up with this design for the Minnesota North Stars about 11 years too late. Personally, I never liked the old North Stars logo — I say that knowing that I could be stoned to death for such a remark. It was just too — lame.

Not that this one is much better. But it has a little more something to it, at least.

So there you have it. Six concept logos for your Wednesday. Mull those over and get back to me in the comments. What do you like? What do you dislike? What would you like to cram down my throat? — all right, easy does it. I'm just sharing what I've found. Which reminds me, if you find any cool concept logos around the web or have any on your hard drive, let me know about them in the comments.

Stay tuned for Part 2 tomorrow — or whenever I feel like posting it.

HF&P, Part 15: New York Islanders

It occurs to me that I'm really running out of time if I want to get the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series completed by the time the tournament starts. It's only nine days away! That being said, I'm going to be a little ambitious leading up to it by giving you two posts a day! That's right, I said two.

There's no real reason why I couldn't continue this series into the tournament except for that I just don't feel like it. On the other hand, if I do come across new artwork, I'll be sure to pass it along. Now, on with it already.

Now before you say anything, I warned you last time that you would laugh your ass off on this design. That being said, changes like this fascinate me and therefore I love it. Of course it would send hockey's ultra-traditionalists into a tailspin. Maybe that's why this sport has never really gone mainstream — the traditionalists won't allow it.

That's disappointing, isn't it?

Anyway, there you have it. One fan's nostalgic throwback in the Rbk EDGE template. It's a beautiful thing. It's basically the same as the '90s logo that failed after just a season with the aqua color replaced by gray. So anyway, I don't hate it but I give it no chance of actually making it onto the backs of an Islander players.

So speaking of getting all radical and crazy, I came across the coolest web site the other day. Somebody came up with a whole slew of concept logos for NHL teams. I'm going to put them all in one big post on Tuesday, but thought I'd give you a little preview today. Just look at that thing. I don't even know what pee wee team should have that lighthouse on their sweaters.

These works of art are nothing short of sheer genius. I mean, the "NY" cleverly placed within an anchor! Does it really get any better than this?

Okay, I'll stop now. While the Islanders have no intention — at least not publicly — of changing their logo, these logos are still fun. And they've been around several years, as indicated by the copyright date.

So I hope you enjoyed that at least a little bit. Just something to laugh at on your Sunday afternoon.

Up next: the New York Rangers — and that's coming later today in the second of two posts.

HF&P, Part 14: Pittsburgh Penguins

I know my "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series has been waning as of late, but as of today it's back and better than ever. The reason: I am now armed with tons of new fan artwork. Some of it is pretty awesome. Some of it is pretty dreadful. Today we'll be getting a concoction of both as we take a look at the Pittsburgh Penguins.

By the way, if you don't know what this series is about, check out the original post and some of the others in the series.

First off, I've hated the yellow ever since they upgraded to gold. No sense in going back. If you don't know what I mean, the color in the jersey to the right is a perfect example. But as I've mentioned before, this artist is very nostalgic and gives all his uniform renderings that touch. Replace that yellow and I think these are very good representations of what we'd all like to see for the Pens come the fall.

Second, I love the blue third jersey! I know the league has been talking about dumping that program for the new season while everyone adjusts to the sweeping uniform changes, but I love that blue jersey. I love the creativity and the designer's sense of nostalgia. One thing: The logo has never had a blue triangle. Switch it back to gold but keep the jersey blue. Awesome.

You didn't think I was done yet did you? This design is nothing new — as indicated by the 2004 copyright — and they feature the old jersey design. Still, I thought they warranted comment since they're just that cool. I think it's a really neat design that isn't seen in the NHL but should be. Not only that, I'm afraid of that penguin. It's just a very cool modernized version of the penguin they currently use in their logo. I miss the triangle, though. I'm sure they could work one in.

Anyway, that's what some fans see in the future for Pittsburgh uniforms. We won't know for sure, one way or the other, until the summer when the teams start unveiling their new duds. Keep it here for info on that, by the way, as it becomes available.

Next up: the New York Islanders (and you're going to laugh your ass off when you see it).

Flashback: Sabres & Ducks

Okay, people, we're down to just a few weeks before the tournament begins but that doesn't mean this site is useless until then — as has been made obvious with the Hockey Fans & Photoshop series. But getting away from that briefly I wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Last year, all of us hockey fans waited and wondered about what we might see in terms of new logos and uniforms for the coming season.

Both the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks — switching to a new moniker — got complete design makeovers. Brand new logos, even brand new colors! Some loved them and some hated them. Personally, I didn't like either new logo very much, but that's what we got. (That might give away a little bit about how the Tournament may go.)

Anyway, this relic here seen to the right is that lovely "leaked" image we were all treated to while waiting to see what the new Sabres logo might look like. The team had previously announced a return to its traditional blue and gold colors and even promised to wear the old '70s uniform for a handful of games in the new season. But as for the primary logo — fans hated it! They called it the Buffaslug, mocking the creature's lack of legs.

The whole "Confidential Until Sept. 2006" made for a pretty interesting sell as well. Still, most people were sure it was a fake. The NHL would never go for such a lame logo. But wait, this is the NHL we're talking about.

Which brings us to our other topic of discussion. No longer a minion of the Disney Corporation, the team wanted to lose that last link going from Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to — quite simply — the Anaheim Ducks. And I liked the name change. What I didn't like was the new logo put forth.

The fuzzy cell phone camera image you see to the left was apparently taken by someone who wants us to think there were better options available to the Ducks. Of the two, I prefer the top logo, so naturally the one on the bottom is what the team chose. I know it would've led to endless tirades about the "Anaheim Mallards" and yes it does look a little like a baseball logo (for some reason) but still — what have they got now? It's not even a real logo. And at least the top one features a better color scheme — not that I really have anything against the orange and gold. It works too.

As far as options go, these two also surfaced. The one on the right is the Atlanta Thrashers logo, so even though I like it, let's move on. The one on the left is nice but also prominently features a mallard along with a rather dull color scheme. So I don't know what to say. I guess they just didn't have any really good graphic design firms on the case. Which reminds me — somebody from the NHL really really needs to listen to this guy. The Sabres especially would be much better off.

All right, that's all the ranting I have for you tonight. It was a brief look back at last year as we await the massive slew of new designs expected for the 2007-08 season. Stay with us. More Hockey Fans & Photoshop tomorrow!

HF&P, Part 2: Washington Capitals

In case you missed yesterday's post, HF&P stands for "Hockey Fans & Photoshop." It has a lot to do with the fact that this series of posts features potential uniform designs consistent with the new Rbk EDGE unis to be used next season. No NHL team has yet officially unveiled their uniforms, but hey, fans can dream right?

By the way, I didn't do any of these designs so don't let me take any credit. I'm just re-posting someone else's handiwork that I found kind of cool.

Today's graphic is for the Washington Capitals. The Caps previously announced plans to return to a red, white and blue color scheme so this fan took it a step further and came up with a new logo — a modernized version of the old '70s logo. The graphic features an "alternate" design and as one reader pointed out yesterday, the league has said it will be shelving "third jerseys" for a while as the teams adjust to the sweeping uniform changes.

If it makes any difference, I really like the "DC" star logo. Put a graphic design firm on that to touch it up and we may have something there.

Coming tomorrow: the St. Louis Blues.

Hockey Fans & Photoshop, Part 1: TBL

I'm sure that by now, everyone who's interested has seen the fan-made artwork, predicting the potential new looks for teams all over the NHL next season. The introduction of the Rbk EDGE uniforms has propeled that, and just in case you haven't seen it, I'm going to re-post all of the images here over the next few weeks in a series I like to call — "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" — so I hope you enjoy it. And if you've already seen them, well good for you.

Without further ado, I present to you — the Tampa Bay Lightning, of course. I have to get things started with my team, you know.

I'm a big fan. I thoroughly hate the current Lightning uniform and this rendition is miles away from that. I would like a new logo, however. The whole lightning bolt in a circle just isn't doing it for me.

Hey, while I'm thinking of it, I've got something for you. See that goofball pencil sketch to the right? That pathetic chicken scratch was my feeble attempt at showing what could be done with the logo. Ignore the hockey stick in the background though, I don't think it really works. But notice how I worked in the "T" and the "B" all subtle-like? Yeah, clever, I know.

Anyway, maybe something a little different is what my Bolts need for better aesthetics. I won't buy a jersey until we get a good one. New logo, new uniforms, and I'd even add another color. I like the blue, black and silver — but what about tossing in a dark green or a yellow or something. Liven that sucker up! That's what I say!

But who cares what I say right? More tomorrow.

FanFic Canucks Jerseys

Okay, people, we're down to less than a month before the tournament begins but that doesn't mean this site is useless until then. Everyday (hopefully), over the next several weeks I'll be posting information regarding new logos and uniforms. So keep checking back. You know you want to.

First, I have to start out by scolding myself for forgetting the name of the blog where I found this image. With regard to the coming announcement about new uniforms and logo adjustments, a Vancouver Canucks fan had a little fun with Photoshop.

Quite honestly, I don't hate the design they came up with. On the other hand, I'm fairly sure the final product won't be anything close to this. Plus, I've always been a fan of teams using different logos on their home and away jerseys. I want to say Atlanta was the first to do that when they entered the league, but Washington would've been pretty close. Currently, Ottawa does that as well. In the case of the Sens and Caps, though, the dark jerseys are former third jerseys that have been promoted.

Anyway, just wanted to share that tidbit with you tonight. Like I said, keep checking back for more every day.

FanFic Caps Unis Making Rounds

a Cathode Rays & Power Plays cross-post from May 3, 2007

First off, of course they're fake. Everybody keeps posing the ridiculous question: Are these real? Are you for real?

As is evidenced by the web address where the images are located, the handiwork comes by way of a graphic artist — from Baltimore, Maryland. (Clearly either a Caps fan, or friends with one.) If he's just hosting it on his site, I'll be very surprised.

Anyway, the design mixes the old with the new in that it keeps the dull (instead of bright) colors and elements of both the old logo and the current one. Note the "Capitals" script with the dome element above it. The grey star beneath it is interesting but it doesn't work on the white jersey. As I've said, I've never been a fan of NHL logos wherein the team name is blatantly spelled out. That's not what a primary logo should be.

That's all for now. Remember, the Washington Capitals unveil their actual new logo and uniforms on June 22.