Couple Of Quick Concepts

Hmm. That may be misleading. I don't know how "quick" the concepts are, necessarily, but you should get through this post quickly. I'm keeping it short.

First, a New York Islanders logo I think is awesome!

I may stand alone in loving it, but so be it. My only suggestion for improvement would be to rid it of the text. Maybe save that for a secondary mark or something. But I like the lighthouse tack. I know certain "Islanders fans" are opposed to it, and being a Lightning fan, I'm sure I don't have the proper standing to say, but I just can't help myself.

And speaking of the Lightning...

You had to see that coming. First off, wow! That is an amazing looking sweater. That's how you make blue work as a Bolts jersey color. Save this and make it a third jersey. Don't want to wear it out by wearing it every night! I'd buy this one too.

That's all for today. Short and sweet. I'll attempt to have some more up tomorrow.

Double Up!

We're doubling up on the concept art tonight. Check it out! We begin in Buffalo with the Sabres.

On the left appears to be a recolored Canucks jersey. Not sure why the artists decided to put upside down buffaloes on the shoulders. But I'm sure the traditionalists will enjoy seeing the '70s logo element on this jersey. Unfortunately, the "slug" is still there.

On the right is an element we've seen before. I posted the crest you see here in a Freak Out post from a few weeks ago. I wondered what it would look like on a jersey. Wonder no more. Unfortunately, this concept is based on the new Oilers jersey. And a yellow collar? That's pretty nutty. This might've been worthy of the Freak Out series itself!

Speaking of freaky Sabres artwork, check out this Maple Leafs concept.

That's just weird, isn't it? Although the splash of color for the Leafs isn't completely unwelcome if my opinion counts for anything (and it doesn't). A simpler solution to the Toronto simplicity problem could be below.

I kind of like that outlined leaf. Not sure about the collar here or the shoulder piping.

But going back to New York now, I've got a pair of Islanders designs.

Pretty cool logo. Anyone think this jersey could work as an alternate at some point in the future? It does have a very distinct Oilers feel to it, but that could be fixed by swapping the orange and blue.

And finally, a little something out of the ordinary.

For as much as folks hated the "fish sticks," this is a much better-looking jersey than the current one — at least so says I. However I did like the old lighthouse logo more for the shoulder patch. I just really like that color combination more than anything. In fact, while we're at it, why not go with the lighthouse logo across the chest?

Anyway, what do you guys think of all these? Let me know below with your comments.

Photographic Tinkering

Amidst all the artwork I get on a daily basis, I occasionally get digitally retouched photos that I would consider to be cool concept art. So that's what this post is about.

We all know the Vancouver Canucks made an odd move by not including the dark blue of the logo in the jersey. Just as the green from the jersey isn't included in the logo. Here's something I hadn't noticed.

Despite there being black in the Coyotes logo, there's no black in the jersey. This concept was designed, I'm guessing, to give us an idea of what Phoenix would look like with a little black in their sweaters.

If you ask me, there's a third jersey right there. The dark one, at least. It's weird on the sleeves, though. Doesn't really work with the striping. But I don't mind it at the bottom of the jersey. Same as how it looks pretty sharp on the shoulders as well.

Overall, a winner. Nice work by the artist.

Uh-oh. I'm about to talk about the Canucks. Somebody's gonna have something to say about that. Anyway, this one here simply suggests a higher contrast shoulder logo for the home sweaters. The original '70s logo did have a white rink on the dark jersey, but the new one seems to come in only one form.

A little unusual but it doesn't really bother me. I could live with it either way. Though it sure stands out more in white. Just an observation.

And this one isn't so much about redesigning jerseys or logos as much as somebody spent a lot of time on it and I can't see denying them.

Of course we know Vesa Toskala minds the net for the Toronto Maple Leafs. But what if he did so for the New Jersey Devils?

Thing is almost flawless. We can play that Sunday comics game with it. Can you spot the differences. Or more appropriately, can you spot the missed changes. I have to tell you, there aren't many. And I've been staring at it for a while.

Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed that. Kudos go out to the artists. It's one thing to draw elements on a blank jersey template. It's another to doctor up photographs like this.

Remember, if you've got anything you think might be worthy of posting, please email it to me. I'd love to take a look.

Out West!

We're heading out west for some concept art this morning. I figure we'll start at the coast and work our way east.

The Anaheim Ducks concept suggests workinng green back into the color scheme. I think that would be a wise move, but maybe something a little brighter would be in order. I do like the "D" logo on the chest as well. Definitely an improvement.

Another designer has also suggested that the Sharks try out black sweaters — be it on a full-time or part-time basis. This isn't half bad. The orange works very nice in this concept. Pretty sharp.

Here's a new design created for the Dallas Stars.

It's so weird looking. You really have to stare at it a minute. The stripes around the bottom are odd. Looks like they're going to eat me. Anyway, we'll finish things off in Tennessee with the Nashville Predators.

Also weird, but not quite enough to freak me out. I sort of hope that thing in the bottom left corner isn't meant to be a logo of any sort. That would freak me out. Anyway, not a terrible jersey, but also not one I'd be a fan of.

If you've got thoughts on any of these, feel free to leave them below.

Just To Freak You Out XI

Finally! I know I failed you guys yesterday in that Freak Out Friday never came to pass. But perhaps you'll allow me to get away with a Freak Out Saturday. The Everblades game aside, yesterday was a very busy day for me. Not to mention Blogger has been having issues with image uploading, an important piece of this puzzle. Anyway, here goes.

We'll kick things off with the team whose logo was named the champion here at NHLToL — the Montreal Canadiens. Some very strange artwork has made its way to my inbox — and now to your computer screen.

The concept on the left makes use of a little-known logo that the Habs wore back in 1910, prior to the formation of the NHL. As you can see it's on a Thrashers home jersey, which is weird, for more reasons than the light blue. The one on on the right is just as intriguing if not more so. It's a half maple leaf, half fleur-de-lis. And check out the Flames-influenced shoulder patches. The 100-year logo at the bottom is what puts it over the top. Well, then there's that logo of course. And the team name above it.

There just aren't any words for that. Nightmares.

Speaking of nightmares, the Nashville Predators have been trying to get more folks in the building this season so as to avoid something like this from happening.

Somebody really wants a hockey team in Hamilton? Raise your hand if you think that's going to happen. Now keep your hand up if you think they'd wear a jersey like this. Put your hand down. You're looking at a computer screen.

Before I leave Canada, I just got this one emailed to me today. It may be a little harsh that I'm sticking it in the Freak Out post, but it scares me just a little.

I realize I suggested attempting to work Alberta into the logo, but I'm not sure this is the winner. I do like the wordmark part (not as a primary!), but the province is weighing the whole thing down on the left side.

Wow I just had a weird visual. Imagine going on one of those insane diet pills. Maybe they get the formula wrong and you only lose weight on your right side. Sorry, just freaked myself out there. What's going on with me tonight?

Anyway, I know the new Washington Capitals secondary logo has been a big hit, but here's exactly how not to use it.

That's so bad I almost want to see what it would look like on a player. Damn.

Since we're on the subject of really bad, we'll top things off tonight with my team.

I was seriously considering posting this and trying to make you guys guess what team this logo concept was designed for, but I'm not sure you'd ever figure it out. I think the secondary logo is meant to resemble the state flag of Florida. Hmm. But as for the primary, I have no clue what's going on there. However, I have woken up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat with this as the last visual in my brain.

As we inch ever closer to Halloween, the freak-outs seem to be getting more freaky. Thanks to everyone who's sent in work!

And if you have any of your own or have spotted anything crazy out there on the web, feel free to email it to me at nhllogos@gmail.com and I may make it part of next week's Freak Out Friday. (And I plan to actually post it on Friday this time.)

Kids, Design An AHL Jersey!

I know this site is meant to be about the NHL, but this is really cool for any kids interested in jersey designs. It's a cross-post from ToHL.

Here's a cool contest that a reader pointed out to me. The Worcester Sharks are now accepting submissions from kids ages 14 and under to design a St. Patrick's Day-themed jersey that will actually be worn in a game! It sounds like a fun little gimmick.

Here's a direct link to the Sharks' official site where you can get the full scoop on what's going on. Now's your chance to design a jersey that could actually be worn on AHL ice!

So basically, if you or someone you know is of the proper age group, get a design put together and submit it to the Sharks. And, being a reader of this blog, you might also want to send a copy to me as well as I can post it right here for everyone to see. I'm really interested in seeing what the kids come up with. Email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Here's the template the team is offering.

If you win, your design will be worn by the Sharks on March 16, 2008 in their game against the Hartford Wolf Pack. You also get free tickets for your entire class for that game. And you'll take part in a ceremonial puck drop at the beginning of the game. All of the jerseys will be auctioned off after the game to benefit Sharks Charities.

The deadline is December 21!

Good luck!

Some Simple Fixes

Here's the post I was trying unsuccessfully to bring you yesterday. In going through all the concept art you folks have sent, I've found some interesting stuff. These are some simple ways of fixing the Canucks' and Maple Leafs' jerseys — both of which have been met with distaste from fans.

For the Vancouver Canucks, the biggest complaint seems to be the city name above the crest. This concept suggests removing that and simply reverting to the striping pattern of the old days — just with the new logos. I can't say I hate it. Though I figure myself as an oddball in all of this as I really like Vancouver's new sweaters.

One new sweater set that struck me as a little too plain is that of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The lack of striping leaves us wanting more, I think.

This simple concept suggest striping at the waist and piping around the shoulders. While the shoulder piping has not impressed me much, I think it can work a jersey where not much is going on — perfect example.

I'd be curious to see what it would look like on the ice, but that curiosity will never be satisfied. In the meantime, we can only ponder what might have been and keep shouting our suggestions into the wind. Anyway, concepts are fun. What do you guys think of these?

Fan Art For Sabres, Devils

Got some good stuff to share today. We'll start with some improvements on a Buffalo Sabres concept logo I posted over the weekend.

The logo has been altered slightly and overall looks much better. The response to this over the weekend, however, has me concerned for a number of Sabres fans who won't even attempt to accept this logo in any way. I think this is better because it hides the fact that the buffalo has no legs — the primary reason for its being dubbed the "slug."

So I pose this question. A lot of people around the league have responded negatively to the use of the giant text on the front of the Vancouver Canucks' sweater. Would you guys (Sabres fans) still want to go back to the '70s logo if it meant having the name of your city floating above it?

Which element is more important to you? I'm curious to read your responses so please comment!

Next is a concept I came across recently for the New Jersey Devils. It toys with the idea of an alternate logo — though we all know Lou Lamoriello would never have it.

I think it's really cool but I'm not sure a change like this is required. I do think that black jersey would be interesting though, perhaps has an alternate in the future?

The same designer also came up with another logo concept.

The current one is definitely better.

Leave your reactions to these concept designs below if the spirit compels you. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

Rethinking The 'Hawks

I seemed to have inadvertantly caused quite a stir with my forward-thinking approach to NHL jerseys. Specifically, the fact that I'm not in love with the New York Rangers' jerseys. But that's all right, people will never agree on everything. That's what keeps things interesting.

Just the other day a reader emailed me this idea he had to make over the Chicago Blackhawks' sweater. Prepare to be offended, ultra-traditionalists.

Don't shoot the messenger. Please.

It's not that I think this is better than the current red one, because I don't. But what about a third jersey for the future? You know, just something extra.

No? I didn't think so. Worth a shot, though.

Redesigning Boston, Buffalo Unis

Good afternoon, everyone. First off, apologies on the late posts today (including the new poll), but you'll understand once I explain. See, my girlfriend and I bought a Nintendo Wii today.

Enough said. That should explain everything.

Now onto today's concept art. We'll start with the Boston Bruins, who I believe, already have perfect jerseys. However, I posted some pretty cool concept art a couple of months ago.

The other day I got an email from a reader who shows us what that idea might look like on a player.

I'm not completely repulsed by it. I like what they have now, but this isn't horrible. I sort of like that bear on the shoulder. Not so much with that spoked "B," however.

This concept is along the same lines. I like the idea of brown and yellow for a potential third jersey, but they'd definitely need to use the new secondary logo with it.

That's just my opinion. But I really do think they need that yellow third jersey hanging around for the future.

I don't know about the brown pants though. It might look good or it might be a big mistake. I'd have to see it on the ice first.

Anyway, here's something I really like for the Buffalo Sabres.

I think it needs a little sprucing up, but it's really sharp! I don't care for the horizontal stripes on this sweater, but that logo could work very well if the organization is insistent upon this particular type of bison.

It's a little too monochromatic the way it is now, but with a little color we just might have a winner.

Do you have an opinion on any of these designs? Well, you know what to do with it.