HF&P, Part 16: New York Rangers

That's right, two posts in one day, here as part of the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series. Like I said, I have tons of great new artwork from around the net but not enough days to post it all before the tournament begins.

Oh yes, it's the New York Rangers and it's a sight to behold. If I were redesigning the Rangers' uniforms, this is almost exactly what I would have come up with. I love the lettering on these jerseys. It's just what the Rangers need to give them a contemporary look. I've never liked their current logo. It's just too — pardon me — old-fashioned.

Anyway, that's all I have for New York today. Short post. Hope you enjoyed it.

Once again, though, kudos to the designer! Whoever that may be.

Up next: the San Jose Sharks.

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).

HF&P, Part 13: Carolina Hurricanes

Well, the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series is winding down now as we're just a mere two weeks out from the opening of the NHL Tournament of Logos. It's pretty exciting. But unfortunately, that also means the NHL season is ending. It's down to Ottawa and Anaheim in a true battle of the best. If you're wondering, I'm pulling for the Ducks to take home Lord Stanley.

Correct me if I'm wrong friends, but I believe we've seen this designer's work before. This is a very simple design not a far cry from what the Hurricanes currently wear. All that's been done really is the hurricane flags worn horizontally around the waist have moved vertically to the sides under the arms.

This design also uses the front right shoulder numbers being worn by the Buffalo Sabres this season. I doubt that will become a league-wide mandate.

At this point I'd typically take the opportunity to point out flaws or suggest improvements, but I really can't. I like the Hurricanes' logos — both primary and secondary — and can't see a reason to change the color scheme or jersey design. It's a keeper. Now we just wait and see what the 'Canes actually have planned for next season.

Up next: the Pittsburgh Penguins.

HF&P, Part 12: Columbus Blue Jackets

All right so today brings a good example of what happens when a hockey fan gets a hold of Photoshop and doesn't know how to use it. By the way, I use the term Photoshop generically here.

Really I think someone just got a hold of Microsoft Paint. Basically the designer was just trying to see what a jersey might look like with the secondary logo as the crest, which was announced by Doug MacLean before he got fired. Thing is, we've already seen that. It was called the Blue Jackets' third jersey.

The jersey in the middle there is what Columbus wore as alternate this season. I'm a big fan of it. I've also heard rumblings of a slight change in the color scheme. I don't know what, though. We'll just have to wait it out and see.

Now, lastly I should just apologize for mocking the obvious lack of talent in the designer of today's uniforms but come on as I am no better. At least this person took the time to open Paint for three seconds. I'm just sitting here at my keyboard looking on and making snide comments.

But that's fun too.

Next up: the Carolina Hurricanes.

HF&P, Part 11: Dallas Stars

The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series pushes forward with a pair of designs a couple artists came up with for the Dallas Stars.

This is probably the most expected version of the new uniforms for Dallas. But personally I'd like to see a change in the logo. Nothing drastic, just an update. They have great colors but I feel like they could use a better logo.

And when I say that I do not mean what you see here to the right. I believe this design was rather ill-conceived. While it would be a welcome change to see a new crest on the Stars' sweaters, certainly this is not the way to go. This is the secondary logo and should stay that way.

Also worth noting in this design is the jersey number located on the front right shoulder. As I've discussed, the Sabres introduced that this season but it doesn't appear yet that the NHL plans to adopt it league-wide.

As far as that goes, I'm guessing the designer of this one also did the Flyers (yesterday). This is relevant only in as much as this person created a secondary logo for Philly. Why not come up with a new one for Dallas while you're at it? I was impressed by the Liberty Bell.

Anyway, we'll find out just exactly what's going down for next season at some point this summer. I can't wait.

Coming tomorrow: the Columbus Blue Jackets.

HF&P, Part 10: Philadelphia Flyers

I know, I'm a bad blogger, I promised this post yesterday, but I had a pretty nasty stomach virus that had me in bed all day. I know, no excuse. Now without further ado, "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" continues into the double digits with the Broadstreet Bullies.

It's not a bad design. Rather simplistic when compared to some of the others we've seen. But I like it. I'd gotten used to the Flyers wearing black but I think a return to orange would be welcomed. Like others, this design also makes use of the front shoulder number on the jersey a la the Buffalo Sabres' new duds this season.

Now the coolest thing about this design is on the shoulders. Check out that secondary logo. I've always said the Liberty Bell would make a great secondary for the Flyers. I think it's really cool. I hope one day we can really see it on their uniforms.

Hope you enjoyed today's post in the HF&P series. It's been fun. And there's still so much more to come in the next 18 days before the tournament begins. How excited are you right now?!

Coming tomorrow: the Dallas Stars.

HF&P, Part 9: Calgary Flames

Another day, another "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" post. Today's faux uniform art comes from a fan of the Calgary Flames.

We can tell by the layout of this graphic that it's the same artist who loves all the old style jerseys and logos. As you can see, we lose the black but for an alternate design. On the other hand, I do like what is added to the shoulders. I've never really loved empty shoulders on most uniforms.

Ultimately this design is very similar to what the Flames currently wear with just a few minor changes including an '80s throwback. Personally, however, I like the black in the Flames color scheme and think it needs to stay. But there you have it — what can be done for Calgary's Rbk EDGE jerseys come the fall.

Coming tomorrow: the Philadelphia Flyers.

HF&P, Part 8: Boston Bruins

Oh yes, there's more where that came from. The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series takes a look at another "Original Six" team that will transform itself for the fall of 2007.

Yes, the boys from Beantown may be looking a little something like this next season. Although, I have my doubts. Retail sources of mine are the impression that the Bruins will undergo some rather sweeping changes to its logo and uniform for the beginning of the Rbk EDGE era. But since I have no proof, this design isn't a bad thought.

The image quality isn't the best but it's a decent look. It keeps with the theory that Reebok would like the jerseys to be tucked in and therefore does away with the stripes across the waist, instead opting for vertical stripes up the sides. I don't hate it. But then I also don't love it.

I also find it strange that all of these fan-made designs keep the same striping and color layout as the all-star jerseys. I was under the impression those were just what they were. We'll see this summer, though, when teams start unveiling their uniforms.

And just as a reminder, none of the work here is my own so I can't take any credit. Various designers have been having a little fun with Photoshop in recent months and I just felt like gathering as much as I could find in one place. If you're a designer of any of these jerseys or others, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can design some exclusively for this blog or just write about your work if you want. We'd be happy to hear from you.

Coming tomorrow: the Calgary Flames.

HF&P, Part 7: Washington Capitals II

This is the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series and continues with an unusually massive post. First of all, I know I already did a Washington Capitals post. But in about a month the Washington Capitals will unveil the new uniforms they've been talking about at a draft day party. The graphic to the right is meant to promote the event — open to season ticket holders and fans in D.C. I obviously won't be there but I'll be keeping a look out online that day. I can't wait to see what they come up with.

But in preparation for that, I've been scouring the net for other fan-made designs. Just before the HF&P Caps post came one of a similar nature featuring this design. Those are fine but there are many more — just that I've come across.

I really liked the all-star jerseys from when the game was held in Minnesota. So I think these jerseys would be great for the Caps. Not so much the logo. That might make a good secondary logo for the shoulder, but how about a "DC" instead of a "W"? But the colors work well along with the 18 stars that don the shoulders and waist.

In keeping with this general color theme we get this rendering. The lettering is a bit out of style but then so is the logo. Seems one fan thinks this would be what the uniforms might look like if the Capitals returned to their '70s logo with the new Rbk EDGE uniforms. But this one only has 12 stars and is therefore inferior.

I kid of course, but frankly, that is a red I would rather not see on the ice — ever. But credit to the designer for trying. It's more than I've come up with.

This is another design I thought was rather unique. It ignores the new Reebok jerseys but I still like the idea. A little blast from the past featuring some more contemporary elements. The road jerseys are cool with the arm number set within a star. I'm not sure how I feel about the gold color, though. Keep the bronze and just dabble in the dark red. I also like the use of stars down the right sleeve on the home sweaters. It's a cool design but like all of the others, it will never hit the ice.

And neither will this one.

Coming tomorrow: the Boston Bruins.