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.)

Updates Imminent

Apologies for the lack of posts. This is getting pretty bad. Every time I try to upload photos, I'm getting an error message from Blogger, the service I use to maintain this blog. Obviously, the majority of the posts — especially the concept art — are reliant upon the image upload feature working. This is why we have nothing new today. And it's not just affecting me, by the way. But trust me, as soon as I can get images uploaded again, I will be all over it. Keep checking back. Thanks for understanding!

Blades Rough Up Sea Wolves

Not that you asked, but I enjoyed first regular season ECHL game tonight. I tried to get really into it, but the Everblades are just not my team. The Lightning will always be my team. But it was still a great game. The Blades tore through Mississippi with a 6-1 win.

I felt a little strange about it though, considering Sea Wolves goalie Morgan Cey is a Lightning prospect. He looked like crap, basically.

Anyway, I took a bunch of photos, so I'll run through a couple of them since you're here and reading this.

The Seminole Indian Tribe sponsored a bunch of blinking necklaces that were handed out as freebies when you walked in the door. It gave the arena a very interesting look during the the pre-game ceremonies.

The 2007-08 team was introduced to fans attending the opening night game. I don't really know any of them. Although I did meet captain Ernie Hartlieb and Steve Czech. They were interviewed on the television show that I work on.

Also, during the ceremony, the Everblades retired a couple of jersey numbers — the first in team history. All in all, these ceremonies honoring retired players and such lasted forever. The game was supposed to start at 7:30 PM. The puck didn't drop until after 8:30.

But when it did, it was fun to watch. I think I've been spoiled by the quality of NHL hockey in watching the Lightning over the last 15 years, but it was still entertaining hockey at Germain Arena, nonetheless.

I definitely plan on checking out more games as the season goes on. Well worth it, if you ask me. But I still miss going to Lightning games.

Hockey Game Tonight!

You guys won't see any posts until way late tonight and I want to apologize in advance for that. I have a hockey game to go to! The Florida Everblades and Mississippi Sea Wolves right here in Fort Myers! It's opening night for the Blades and I didn't want to miss it. Expect to see another jersey review as well as the Freak Out Friday post some time later. Thanks for your patience, but I know you understand. It's hockey!

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?

Concepts On The Way

Sorry guys, I was trying to get you a concept art post today, but Blogger doesn't seem to want to cooperate with image uploading at the moment. As soon as they get that little problem fixed, I'll be able to bring you today's concepts — and they're pretty good ones, too.

In the meantime, if you haven't done so yet, go vote on the best vintage NHL logo or the best primary AHL logo. You could even go rate the new Rbk EDGE uniforms and read the reviews.

Anyway, I'm hoping to have a post up before I call it a night. Thanks for your patience!

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.

AHL Logo Tournament Starts!

For those of you interested, the AHL Tournament of Logos has begun. You can vote starting today in the preliminary round bout between the Iowa Stars and the Lake Erie Monsters.

Other polls will be posted on a daily basis over there at the Tournament of Hockey Logos blog. Hope you enjoy it!

The AHL logo champion will be determined on November 23. At that point, the ECHL Tournament of Logos will start.

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.