New Lightning Logo Concept Design

I just came across this fan-created concept logo for the Tampa Bay Lightning while surfing the web.

It makes use of the skyline and a palm tree, which I like, only the Bolts can't do it because stinkin' Panther fans would cry foul and say it was stolen. (Though if you guys recall, you did steal the broken stick thing from the Sharks. Don't know if you remember that bit.)

Anyway, kudos for the sharp work by the artist, but it's not my favorite because of the wordmark in it, but I could see it as a shoulder patch or on a hat or something. What do you think?

No Islanders Jerseys Until September

Today we've got news on the New York Islanders and when we can expect to see a new uniform for them. You might remember about a month ago I posted what appeared to be a cell phone photo of the new Isles unis. Only time will tell whether those are legitimate designs. One would hope they aren't though. They were quite awful to look at.

Newsday's Isles beat writer Greg Logan posted some news regarding the team's new Reebok duds.

Many of you keep asking about the unveiling of the Islanders’ new jerseys. Three teams were permitted to display theirs at the recent NHL draft, but the rest of the league will put them on for the first time in September. Reebok won’t be able to deliver a full complement of uniforms until then. The exact date is uncertain, but the Islanders anticipate unveiling their jersey either just before they leave for training camp on Sept. 13 or just after they return on Sept. 22.

You can read his full post here.

I'm trying to keep my bases covered league-wide so if you guys notice I'm blatantly leaving any teams out, let me know. Though I'm trying to post as much information as I can as I find it. That said, if you've seen any uniform or logo news worth posting, please tell me about it. I'd be happy to spread the word.

Sharks Unveil New Logo!

It's here and it's real. The leak proved right. This is the new logo of the San Jose Sharks.

For my money, it's a huge improvement on a good logo that needed a little help. While I don't love the hockey stick in the logo, I understand the team didn't want to completely revamp their image, merely improve upon what they already had. At the press conference, the Sharks only unveiled the new logo set, no uniforms have been shown at this point.

The club also unveiled a bunch of secondary marks including the new shoulder patch and shield, seen above. All of these logos and more can be seen on the the Sharks new web site.

We've had a few weeks to ponder it thanks to the leak, but now that it's official, what are your thoughts? Did the Sharks make the right choice by updating what they had? Or would they have been better off revamping the look altogether? Comment below.

Oodles Of Rbk EDGE Jersey Concepts

All right now, I know this is exciting stuff but please try to contain yourselves. A great reader to whom I'm enormously appreciative sent links my way for the jersey artwork you see below. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE IT WITH ACTUAL OFFICIAL DESIGNS. These are merely the work of an artistically-inclined hockey fan pondering on the future of the NHL's aesthetics.

To enlarge an image below, just click on it. The designer of these went through the painstaking task of creating three different design schemes for 17 different teams, one of which doesn't even exist. It's worth noting that the NHL has said there will be no third jerseys this year during the transition to the new Reebok sweaters. Though I don't know who created them, these designs are just for fun. I'd implore you to avoid the urge to post a comment about how they aren't real, lest you lack the reading skills of a third-grader. (In which case nothing I write would matter.)

For your pleasure, I'll go through each of them one-by-one.

CONCEPTS #1
Not much to speak of with regard to the Canadiens designs. It's basically what they wear now with more curvy lines. The Penguins designs are interesting, if for no other reason than the alternate is a throwback to the days when the club wore blue. The Rangers concepts update the name running across the front while keeping Statue of Liberty logo on an alternate jersey. Personally I'm of the opinion it would make a great crest on a jersey worn night in and night out. But it's not my call. What's interesting to note here is the jersey number placed on the bottom corner of the front of the alternate.

Then there's the Bruins concepts wherein we realize this must be the musings of a fan as the Bruins have already unveiled their jerseys which look nothing like this. I'm a little creeped out by what appears to be a lion head on the alternate. (Don't try and tell me that's a bear.) Beneath that is a series of Sabres jerseys with a fun throwback as an alternate. Don't count on seeing that on the backs of Buffalo players anytime soon.

CONCEPTS #2
First off, the team on top, the Kansas City Scouts, haven't existed for the better part of three decades. Let's not let that stop us though. With all this talk about KC becoming an NHL market in the near future, who wouldn't wonder? But I doubt seriously they'd go back to that old gem. It is interesting to look at though. The Stars are rumored to be foregoing the traditional crest for the word "DALLAS" across the front of the road jerseys. Is this the NBA now? Let's not have any cheating refs, at least. As for the other two designs, I'm partial to the green.

I like the minor upgrades made to the Maple Leafs logo but the design could use some work. We'll waive straight stripes in place of curvy ones for the Stars yet not the traditional Leafs? The silver is a nice touch, however, on the alternate. A twist on the stick-in-rink Canucks logo doesn't improve it in my eyes. But I do like the colors. And as for the Senators design, it's basically an Rbk EDGE twist on the current sweaters. The Sens should be getting a new logo though, so I wouldn't count on seeing this on the ice.

CONCEPT #3
The hockey world seems to be taken with this Sharks logo thought to have been leaked by the club itself. Personally, I'm skeptical but that's my nature. And while I don't love it, I'm a big fan of that color scheme. I wouldn't mind seeing players wearing something like that. The white and blue Lightning jerseys I've posted before. The black one is kind of cool and I wouldn't mind a design like that on my team. The logo is growing on me a little. But the team hasn't made an official announcement yet so take it for what it's worth.

The Blues design is cool. I like the light blue alternate and even the name written across the chest doesn't bother me that much. The Avalanche concepts are very sharp. They should be so lucky as to be wearing something like that this fall. My praise, however, falls short on sight of the alternate. No, no, no. I applaud the effort, but still... no. As for the Hurricanes design. In my mind, it would be hands-down best in the league. It's the best concept I've seen so far this summer for any team!

CONCEPT #4
The Red Wings designs are simple enough. Perhaps a little too simple. And the maroon and red of the alternate clash in a way that hurts my brain. I like the Islanders concepts as well. The slanted bars on the alternate are especially cool and I don't think any Isles fans would complain if their team went with something in this neighborhood.

And there you have it. Now that you've got my opinion on all 17 designs, tell me yours! Comment below!

No Big Changes In Store For Avs

Any Avs fans looking for jersey info? A reader just pointed me the way of this post which seems to indicate we shouldn't expect any big changes for the Colorado Avalanche when they unveil their new Rbk EDGE uniforms. A retailer called Altitude Authentics put the following in an email.

The Avs jersey will not be drastically different, same logos and looks. The main difference will be the material of the jersey. We will have these in stock sometime in mid September.

As with anything, take it how you will. Of course we haven't gotten any word from the team yet, so all we know is what retailers say they've heard.

As it happens, I also recently came across a fan-made design to share with you. But don't expect to see anything in this vein if the quote there proves to be true. This looks nothing like what they currently wear and more like (as a few readers might point out) the 2007 all-star jersey with some colors swapped out. Take it for what it is.

While we're on the topic, I also ran across this design for the Chicago Blackhawks. Once again its the all-star uniform template with some colors and logos changed. But if nothing else, it's something to stare at for a spell while we await official announcements league-wide.

Briefly I'd like to once again extend my thanks to the readers who have been sending in information. It's been extremely helpful and the more I know, the more I can post. So if you've seen any cool (or uncool as the case may be) designs, feel free to send them my way. I'd love to see them.

Canucks Fans, Prepare Yourselves

A link to this blog was recently posted on the Vancouver Canucks' message board. Most of you over there seem to like the site. A handful of you are skeptical as to where I procure my information, specifically the bit about the August 1 unveiling date for your team. I don't blame you.

First, I should tell you I was hesitant about putting that date in the countdown. It comes from a retailer who spoke in an article printed in the Vancouver Sun. Consult this post for further details on that. Second, all of the information I post here is secondhand. I don't intend to pass myself off as an authority on the subject, merely an information-gathering resource. I surf the web and find a lot of nonsense and I try to parse it for factuality. Obviously things will slip through the cracks but then take from this what you want.

In the meantime, everything I post I try to explain. Whether it's artwork designed by a fan or rumors or an official announcement from a team, you can trust me when I tell you I'm not going to make anything up out of thin air. What would be the point? Still, take everything I post here with a grain of salt. As I keep saying, until teams make official announcements, all we have is speculation.

Now then, as a thank-you to whoever noticed the site and decided it was worth mentioning, I have a treat for you. Well, actually that depends on how you respond to this little gem.

Now, don't be fooled, Canucks fans. What you're looking at will only make its way onto the ice they day you ride a unicorn to games. But I thought it was an interesting design, with colors we haven't seen before. I came across it on the Miami Herald's Florida Panthers blog while looking up information I posted earlier today.

It's like a tougher version of Johnny Canuck inside the orca "C." The designer also placed the current orca logo on the shoulders (backwards on one side for some reason).

Once again, don't freak out. It's not something that's been leaked by the team (or I'd hope not). It's obviously artwork designed by a fan and clearly not the work of a graphics professional (no offense to the person who came up with the idea). Having said that, what do you think of it? Would you like to see something similar on jerseys for the fall?

Red Out For Panthers?

Posting speculation isn't something I love but often the source can change my mind. Miami Herald writer George Richards wrote in his Florida Panthers blog a brief description of what the team's new uniforms may look like. Apparently, team executive Michael Yormark said some interesting things around the time of the all-star game in Dallas.

The Panthers will also have a new look next season, the first real update since the team’s inception in 1993. Like each team in the league, Florida will only have two jerseys next year because of the Reebok redesign. The Panthers will get rid of their original red jersey at least for the time being.

“We’ve made changes,’’ Yormark said. “It’s a much more contemporary look. The look is going to be different from what we have now. We’re pretty excited about it.’’

The away jersey will still be white, but red will be the predominant secondary color; the home jersey remains blue, with yellow as the main accent. Yormark says horizontal stripes are out and vertical stripes are in. The leaping Panther logo on the chest will be larger and more dynamic.

Now I don't know what he means by "more dynamic," but the Panthers haven't publicly said anything about altering their logo in any way. So stay tuned with regard to that.

For a look at the full post and other writings by Richards, go here.

The Panthers have since announced the date for the unveiling as July 28 — this Saturday.

A Sharks Logo ... Not San Jose!

Okay, before I say anything else, I need to mention that I was weary about posting this image. It's a photo of a shark logo that has been floating around the net as a potential new logo for the San Jose Sharks. First, look at it then read what I've written below.

Now from what I've read, most people aren't loving this logo and would rather not see the Sharks wearing it — ever. My belief is that there never was nor will be a chance of the Sharks wearing this anyway. But I am not omniscient or all-knowing believe it or not, and while anything is possible I'm saying I don't think it'll happen.

Why?

Because the logo belongs to this team. They're the Boston Ice Sharks, an amateur women's hockey team. That makes the odds of this being a San Jose concept very slim.

But having said that, don't chuck it out the window so fast. Word is that the new Sharks logo is supposed to feature a shark from head to tail, as opposed to just the front end sticking out of a triangle. Still, it's important to note that nothing official has been announced yet and it won't kill us all to wait three more days when the teams makes their announcement.

Also I want to point out that I'm not trying to shoot down possibilities, but rather put forth explanations for certain... rumors. I like the logo but I don't see the Sharks ever wearing it — on their chests. Could something similar find its way onto the shoulder patch? What do you think?

Predators Unveil New Uniforms!

The Nashville Predators have joined the small club of teams who have unveiled their new uniforms in the Rbk EDGE style for the 2007-08 season. And here they are.

Vern Fiddler, David Legwand and Ryan Suter modeled the jerseys in front of the home crowd at a team rally in Nashville. As far as differences from what they used to wear, you'll notice that the white jerseys now feature the word "NASHVILLE" written above the crest. I understand you can peel it off and replace it with "HAMILTON." No, but seriously.

Hope you like them. The Preds are the fourth team to officially unveil the new duds. I'm going to start keeping a running list of who's unveiled what. Some of the teams that have yet to do so have announced dates for said unveilings. You can find countdowns at the top of the sidebar.

Lightning Jersey Concept Designs

In the weeks prior to the "possible leak" of what may be the new Tampa Bay Lightning logo, I came across the fan-made uniform design below.

The designer was attempting to redesign the Lightning's logo and uniforms without black. Personally, I think black is an integral part of any Lightning design, but that's just me — a lifelong fan of the team.

Just thought you'd all like to see it. Form your own opinions. As for me, I don't like the color combination but I am a fan of the Lightning bolts around the shoulders.