A Bunch Of Concept Logos

I get a lot of emails with concept jerseys but most of them make use of the team's actual logo. But sometimes people send in new ideas for logos. That's what this post is about.

We're going to kick things off with the Buffalo Sabres. Lots of complaints have been lodged over the Sabres' new logo. There is even an entire site dedicated to the subject. Just as interesting is the now-famous design of John Slabyk. His work is nothing short of brilliant. But then someone emailed me this. And it rivals Slabyk's work on a different level.

The logo is very abstract but very unique because of it. The colors are a bit muted and I think that is actually a plus. But I feel like this is a very sharp logo. I'm curious to know what you all think of it. Please comment.

But that's not all. You probably know by now I'm not a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings logo. I get the whole tradition/Original Six thing, but all right already. The Bruins are an original and their logos kick ass. They do. I'm not necessarily saying this is the answer for the Wings, but here's an idea.

I think the addition of black to the color scheme adds a lot to the uniform. The monochromatic red/white combo rubs me the wrong way — though I completely associate it with a scary good team. A little change never hurt anyone (except for the Islanders in the mid-'90s).

While still on the topic of the NHL's mainstays, you also probably know I'm not terribly keen on the Toronto Maple Leafs' logo. People like to say stuff like, "you don't mess with tradition" and the Leafs logo has been around forever. But the fact is, while the Leafs have been around forever, the current incarnation of logo has only existed since the 1970s. Anyway, what do you make of this?

I like the incorporation of the CN Tower, but I think this is more worthy of a secondary logo. I could see it as a shoulder patch, but not a primary for the Leafs. Thoughts?

Next we have the New York Islanders. I'm always talking about how a lighthouse would serve as a good logo element for the Islanders. Here's a rather simplistic version of that idea.

One of the most controversial notions I hold is the idea that the Chicago Blackhawks do not, in fact, have the best logo in all of professional sports. (Stop throwing rocks at me.) Here's what someone came up with to alter the Hawks' logo.

I see the differences and they make sense, but for my money, it's a lateral move. No better, no worse. Anybody else have an opinion on the logo?

One day I'd like to hear a real explanation as for why people think this logo is one of the best out there. There are too many colors in it and it's just so jumbled. A lot of you guys say simplicity rules all. That doesn't apply here. If you can educate me, leave a comment. I read them all.

Result: Canadiens vs Islanders

Montreal
CANADIENS
78% 8,100 votes

New York
ISLANDERS
22% 2,307 votes

10,407 total votes

Montreal Canadiens
Advancing to Quarterfinals to face Pittsburgh Penguins

New York Islanders
Eliminated

Click here to see the original poll

Poll opening date Aug 16 @ 4:38 AM

Poll closing date Aug 23 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #E1C | MTLvNYI

All About The Isles

The New York Islanders unveiled their new Rbk EDGE jerseys to little fanfare last week. Some fans liked them. Some were indifferent. And some were none too happy with the striping and patchwork essence of the sweaters.

This design is very simple and screams Islander hockey to me, no question. I'm not sure what those semi-stripes are protruding from the collar, but I kind of like them. The best thing about it for me is the lighthouse logo on the left shoulder. I really think the Isles should've kept that or something like it after their late-'90s uniform disaster. Fact is, it wasn't all bad.

That's probably the best I've got to offer, but there's still more. One fan adapted this Los Angeles Kings concept with Islanders colors.

I think it needs a little work around the shoulders, but overall, it would be an improvement on the official jersey modeled by Rick DiPietro and Brendan Witt last week.

The last conept I have to offer comes from the same artist who created the designs I posted earlier today. And yes, it makes use of the lighthouse logo — as a primary crest. It might be going a little too far, but I figured it was worth a look.

Isles fans, any thoughts on these? Are the new Rbk EDGE jerseys that bad or am I making too much of that? Leave your comments below.

Islanders Unveil New Uniforms!

Today, the New York Islanders made their new Rbk EDGE uniforms official. We got a first look from Newsday yesterday.

Here is Isles goalie Rick DiPietro donning the blue home threads for the cameras.

We've also got Brendan Witt posing in the jersey alongside a surf board. I'm not really sure what I should be looking at here. Jersey or surf board? That reminds me, did any of you watch "John From Cincinnati" on HBO this summer? I know it's not hockey related but the surf board reminded me. Weird show but it was awesome.

Anyway, moving right along here. If you needed a reminder of what the road jersey looks like. See left.

By the way, I'm adding these photos and more to the great big Rbk EDGE uniform photo gallery. If you've got any photos that I don't that warrant being in this gallery, feel free to send them along. The more the merrier, I always say.

Finally, huge thanks to all the people who sent in pictures and links to me. You guys are awesome and you're why this site works so well! Thank you!

Poll: Canadiens vs Islanders

	vs
Montreal CANADIENS		New York ISLANDERS

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date Aug 16 @ 4:38 AM

Poll closing date Aug 23 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #E1C | MTLvNYI

Newsday Makes Isles Unis Official

I'm still trying to gather more information, but apparently, Newsday posted a photo yesterday of Rick DiPietro in the New York Islanders' new road jersey.

Even though it doesn't come from the team directly, it's safe to say we can confirm this as the real deal. I'm adding it to the sidebar, making the Isles the ninth team to show off their new duds. If you guys find anymore info or photos, please let me know.

Thanks to the guys that emailed me initially on this photo.

Oh, and yikes. What is going on there? The weird stripes around the shoulders... the sleeves in a different color. I'd definitely like to see some more angles of that jersey. Thoughts?

Mailbag: Some Radical Jersey Concepts

Um... it's a slow day so I apologize in advance, but this is pretty much all I have to offer. Forgive the image and design quality, but I was emailed this fan art. I'll try to find some good stuff before I call it a night.

For those who haven't deduced it, this is a radical concept for the Toroto Maple Leafs. It's interesting. Can't think of much to say beyond that. It looks like it makes use of the leaf on the Canadian flag in place of the team's logo. I like the extra silver, but on the whole, what do you guys think?

The next one is another radical concept for the New York Islanders.

Many of the Isles concepts we've seen have incorporated a lighthouse in some way and I'm a big fan of that. I don't think we need to lose the classic crest from the jersey, but could it hurt to add a secondary on the shoulder?

This next design is pretty far out as well.

If you hadn't guessed, that would be a concept for the Dallas Stars. You've got a starry night scene set in the forest inside the outline of the state of Texas. It's a very interesting concept but Texas doesn't seem to me like a forest state. Those trees make this feel more like the Minnesota Wild logo.

Why don't we take a look at less-radical idea. I kind of like the notion of the Stars going with "DALLAS" written across the crest on the road jersey. These are backwards if that's the case, but it's interesting to look at nonetheless. What do you think of the green jersey in the middle? Too North Stars or should Dallas adopt something in that vein veering from the black?

Anyway, hopefully I'll have more to offer later. I know this isn't spectacular artwork, but still worthy of looking at I thought.

Islanders vs Maple Leafs

	vs
ISLANDERS		MAPLE LEAFS
2-11		1-12

The Aesthetics
A real battle of the titans here on the final day of the tournament. More text-filled logos in this match. Unfortunately, the Islanders logo commits the other sin of incorporating and blatant hockey stick and puck combo. I'm not impressed. This one will go to the Maple Leafs logo.
Maple Leafs

The Nickname
A Maple Leaf logo is thin and flimsy. An Islander could easily crush one under his fishing boots.
Islanders

The Analysis
To put it plainly, I believe a logo should serve as a symbol for a team therefore making redundant the use of the team name in said logo. I get tradition and all that and quite frankly can't see either of these logos being drastically changed. The Islanders tried that once and fans revolted. Still, I have to pick a winner. I'm going with the Maple Leafs because the leaf logo is iconic. There is no need for all the text. Shame it'll only be their second win in my tournament. Time for you guys to decide which logo is best. Come back on Sunday and start making your voices heard!
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Fan-Created Canucks, Isles Jersey Designs

I know I've sort of been beating a dead horse with these two teams, but I've got a couple more fan concepts for the Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders. These Canucks uniforms seem to be based off of speculation regarding the new sweaters that we have yet to see. Word on the street is Vancouver is keeping the orca logo but reverting it to the traditional blue and green colors.

Supposedly, the new Canucks jerseys will be officially unveiled later this month. But with no official date from the team at this time, it's difficult to say when we'll actually see them. And from what I understand Vancouver fans everywhere are on pins and needles waiting for word. (Guys, as soon as I know, you'll know.)

Then, from the same artist is this uniform set for the Isles. It appears to be based off that alleged cell phone photo that is now everywhere.

I'm still on the fence about it. It could work, but I think simpler is better in this case.

Remember, if you have any artwork of your own or which hasn't been posted on this blog, feel free to send it along and I'll try to post it at some point. You can submit questions, comments and fan art at nhllogos@gmail.com.

An Abundance Of Islanders Art

Every so often I find myself with just so many images for one team I feel like getting them all posted in one shot. Today that team is the New York Islanders. Remember that Atlanta Thrashers artwork I posted on Friday? Well, I've got more from that same artist (who's apparently been posting his awesome work over at the SportsLogos.net message board.

If you ask me, that's a pretty nice set of logos. Isles fans?

This is the uniform set that goes with those logos and they're just as cool. I really like the lighthouse as a primary element. I don't think you can lose the "NY" altogether because that's just one of those things that's always been there and it really does look good.

The Islanders tried out a lighthouse logo back in the mid-'90s when they switched to the fisherman logo. But nobody liked the fisherman, so they reverted back. I don't know why they didn't keep some version of the lighthouse, though.

In fact, this next design makes use of that lighthouse. Before you look, though, just know that it is a design based off the dreaded all-star jersey template.

I like that its a Mike Bossy jersey. Good stuff. The only problem is, those logos don't really go well together. The waviness of this lighthouse logo just went better with those mid-'90s jerseys. I'm curious to know what Islanders fans thought of those — and this jersey design. Though I think the designer is trying to subliminally mess with your sense of nostalgia by placing Bossy's name on the back.

I'm just about done here. This is another example of a lighthouse-based logo. It doesn't necessarily have to be the primary mark, but I think it would make a good secondary logo. Put it on the shoulder patch or something. This one isn't extremely well-balanced for a sports logo, but I had it so I thought I'd post it.

One last thing and then I'll leave you and the Islanders alone for a while.

Sorry I don't have a larger size, but a reader emailed this logo to me. It's got some neat elements but I'm not sure what it would be for. Perhaps a seal logo for hats and t-shirts and the like.

To sum up, it's a lot of cool fan artwork and absolutely nothing official from the team. Sorry to disappoint, but nobody has been saying anything official these days and I still want to keep posting new stuff on the blog. So the only way is to post fan designs in the interim while we wait. As always, I'll be sure to let you know when something official is announced. Until then, enjoy the fan artwork, and feel free to submit any of your own.