Land Of 10,000 Concepts

Yeah and I have about that many concepts for the Minnesota Wild tonight. After I posted the news about what their new third jersey will look like, my inbox was inundated with fan created designs. So naturally I have a bunch to share.

The one on the left is an odd combination of Wild and North Stars that doesn't completely suck. Sure, it's weird and you'll never see it on a jersey, but look at that thing. Crazy. Of course on the right is a simple green sweater from Jacob at We're Revolting!

Here's an interesting one.

I think MINN is just weird but then I'm not from there so I don't get to have a say. What do you think of a wheat-colored design?

Here's an odd set, taking a page out of the Dallas Stars' book. Funny how that works.

Still got a few more to share. The one on the left could work as a couple of options for a third jersey or a completely new home and away set.

On the right is a wheat-colored version of the current red home sweater. And we'll finish things off on the same tack, only going the green route instead.

The last one just has a different striping pattern.

My thanks go out to everyone who's been submitting artwork. You guys are the reason I continue to have content for this blog on a daily basis. Keep them coming. I tend to post the best stuff sooner rather than later so really put your heart into it!

Possible News About Wild Third Jersey?

I got an email from a reader named Jerry about possible new third jersey designs for the Minnesota Wild. Apparently the team held a fan appreciation day in St. Paul on Thursday and there were staff members walking around doing surveys with fans about new alternate sweaters.

Jerry said they had about six to eight designs to choose from and that they were not allowed to take pictures — probably because of sites like this one. Anyway, I asked him to describe the designs for you guys. Here's what he said.

OK, I'll try my best to remember

Two designs were just text: Minnesota and Minn, each had the North Star symbol for the dot in "i," the colors were green or wheat (single color).

One design had the letter "M" in the same font of the Boston Red Sox's "B" with the Wild colors orbiting the M, the color was red or green (the same for the following).

One was super-stretch "W" with Wild background etch in the "W."

The remaining two were morphing the Wild logo into "M" and "W."

That's what I can think off right now,

hope this can help!

If anyone would like to design concepts based on these descriptions, I'd love to post them. I'd also appreciate if anyone else who might have attended could confirm these descriptions.

And if you've got any tips or possible news on third jerseys, you can email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Just To Freak You Out XXXIII

Hell has frozen over!

Indeed, the Freak Out Friday has returned. After two weeks off, it's been resurrected. All the talk last month about the league returning to the third jersey program next season has died down, but folks are still trying to come up with the best solution to this alternate sweater issue. The ones that fail tend to end up here.

See what I mean? What happened with the D there? And don't get me wrong, I like that blue for my Bolts, but I can't imagine having that written on the front of the jersey. There's more.

Same goes for the other team that joined the league the same year as Tampa Bay.

I know these are designs based on previously discussed rumors, but I always thought they were too horrible to actually see.

I've got some other stuff too — like a new alternate logo for the Blue Jackets.

And a sweater to boot.

But my favorite pair of sweaters for this week's Freak Out are based on the Minnesota Wild and the previous NHL club that occupied the state.

And finally, I know you guys hated the guitar thing, but someone else made this one and I thought it was kind of interesting.

So keep the crazy artwork coming in each week if you want me to be able to continue this series. I'm counting on you! Yes, you! And that's that for this week. Hopefully I'll return next Friday with a brand new batch of insanity.

Third Jersey Ideas

I haven't written a concept art post since the weekend so I think we're due. But it's going to be a short one. One reader came up with 13 different jersey designs he'd like to see implemented for various teams at some point in the future.

I told you it'd be short, but we've got 13 different teams covered. Hope you enjoy it.

We've got a Freak Out Friday post coming tomorrow and hopefully some more concepts for the weekend. I've been keeping pretty busy with the Goalie Mask Tournament. Voter turnout is great so far. Keep 'em coming!

Just To Freak You Out XXXI

I began the last Freak Out post with a similar image, so this is not a repeat. Look closely.

Yes, the duck is wearing himself on his own jersey. This is like some sort of weird fractal, right?

Anyway, we've also got an odd Minnesota Wild concept that scares me.

There's a reason teams choose bright colors. I can't remember what that is at the moment.

Got some stuff for Toronto and Montreal.

Does that Leafs logo look familiar to anyone? I've always thought the Habs should try blue — but on the jersey, not the logo.

And then of course we've got a string of "If They Mated" concepts for some of the clubs that found new homes in the '90s.

The Hartford Hurricanes?

The Quebec Avalanche?

The Winnipeg Coyotes?

No, no and no. Lastly, I've got a little something to celebrate St. Patrick's Day albeit a bit after the fact.

He's got shamrocks on his shoulders! You guys absolutely slay me.

Just To Freak You Out XXX

LIVE FROM VANCOUVER!

Unfortunately I didn't have time last night to post the 30th Freak Out installment. So here it is a little belated. And I've got to start out with something just downright ridiculous. As you know the Quest For The Worst ended this week with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks' third jersey logo taking the cake. It faced the Boston Bruins' secondary logo from the '70s and '80s. Imagine those two logos getting together.

Pretty horrific, eh? (When in Canada...)

Anyway, we've got all American team artwork for this Freak Out post today, by the way. We continue on with the ultimate American team — the Rangers. Where do they play again? Could it be the... "big apple"?

It's the logo I'd envision for a team made up entirely of elementary school teachers. And skylines across jerseys never seem to work.

And they have a better Statue of Liberty logo than that. See previous.

Up next: the St. Louis Blues who happen to be in town tonight facing the Canucks. Couple of really freaky concepts here.

Yet another yellow jersey.

And a sweater which uses old colors and an even older logo.

I'll finish things off with a logo that I debated posting here. On the one hand it's an abstract, unique design. On the other hand, it's abstract... very abstract.

Very abstract.

And so ends another episode of the Freak Out series — live from Vancouver. I've got a couple more days left here in town. We went up to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain today. Best day of the trip by far!

Live From Vancouver!

I landed in Vancouver a few hours ago. I'm pretty sure I never want to leave. Anyone know if anybody's hiring or any good apartments? Anyway, I wrote this post up while I was on the plane just so I'd have something for you guys tonight. I'm pretty beat. Seven hours on a plane isn't something I'd want to do on a regular basis.

So it's all about concept third jerseys, as it happens. With the rumors swirling over what all the new sweaters might look like, many of you have sent in your work. Let's look.

First up, the St. Louis Blues have discussed plans to introduce a navy sweater with a new logo incorporating the Gateway Arch. Well I've been sent a handful of various attempts at such a design.

That one's simple enough. Oddly, these next two are based off the Vancouver Canucks striping pattern.

Both of those are quite unique. This one as well.

One of my favorites is this one. I like how silver replaces the yellow. That's what a third jersey should be if you ask me.

I'm not so sure about all the text on it, however. But this isn't all about the Blues. We've got the Thrashers and Hurricanes too.

Also the Minnesota Wild.

When I first read it, I didn't like the idea, but that particular jersey design doesn't look half bad.

This last design isn't based on rumor so much as just wishful thinking by a Senators fan.

That's all I've got for tonight. I'll try to get something posted tomorrow afternoon, but the likelihood is it won't be until after the game tomorrow if at all. Going to see the Canucks and Predators down the street at GM Place.

Note: The time stamps will be Pacific time as long as I'm in Vancouver.

Rumors On Alternates

I've gotten several emails about a message board post propagating rumors about the new crop of third jerseys to be introduced for the 2008-09 season. With few reports being confirmed by the actual teams, I thought these might at least be interesting enough to discuss here. They may even produce some new ideas for concept art.

Atlanta Thrashers
Word is the new sweaters will incorporate more maroon like the original dark jerseys. I don't know if this means the sweater itself will be maroon or rather navy more along the lines of that original jersey.

Boston Bruins
We've actually seen the black jerseys already which will feature the BRUINS version of the secondary logo found on the shoulders of the current jerseys. The jersey features the primary logo on the shoulders. Of the two "finalists" we saw, one includes a gold stripe around the bottom while the other does not.

Buffalo Sabres
This isn't really news, but the Sabres will supposedly return to the blue vintage sweaters like the ones they wore last year. We've heard that there's the possibility of some slight alterations, but I wouldn't expect much.

Carolina Hurricanes
Rumor has it the new 'Canes third will be black with the secondary logo on the front. You know the one with the tropical storm flag blowing in the wind. Sounds pretty good. I'd like to see a mock up. One would also expect to see the primary logo on the shoulders.

Chicago Blackhawks
Supposedly, the 'Hawks will resurrect the black sweater they've been wearing as a third jersey for years. No surprises here but I can't say I wouldn't be disappointed if they didn't attempt to make a few tweaks to it.

Dallas Stars
Interestingly, rumor suggests that the new Stars alternate will be a white version of the current black one. You know, with DALLAS written across the front. I'm a fan of one jersey like that. But let's not start in with turning the NHL into the NBA.

Edmonton Oilers
We're being told it's a vintage design with laces at the collar. That sounds absolutely amazing, especially when compared with the travesty visited upon the Oil this season. But this could just be wishful thinking.

Los Angeles Kings
We're speculating that the Kings will return to the purple sweater from last season with the coat of arms logo. Of course the author of the rumors being discussed here suggested the jersey may be black. We'll have to see, but my money's on purple.

Minnesota Wild
You'd think they can't go wrong with a green sweater, but then word is it will have MINNESOTA plastered across the front a la the New York Rangers or Colorado Avalanche. That may not sound impressive, but the Wild have a history of creating vintage-looking thirds that are really killer. I'll hold my judgment until I see it.

New York Islanders
Evidently we should expect a vintage design. Something I'm surprised they didn't go with when unveiling their new Rbk EDGE sweaters over the summer. I'm not really disappointed the orange won't be making a comeback.

Ottawa Senators
I hope this rumor isn't true. Apparently they're going with a gold sweater — you read that right — with SENS written across the front. I don't know if this is more in the vein of the Stars or Rangers. Time will tell. But just let it not be gold. I wouldn't even wish that on the Stars.

Philadelphia Flyers
The team has already told us to expect an orange sweater. What they didn't mention is whether it will be an altered version of the current design or a vintage throwback. Rumor suggests the latter.

Phoenix Coyotes
Opting for a new alternate logo, it sounds like they may be going with a full-body coyote on the front of a black sweater. I think a black jersey will go well with the brick/sand color combination. This one I'm looking forward to seeing.

Pittsburgh Penguins
The team has all but confirmed already that they'll go with the same design they wore for the Winter Classic two months ago. You can't really go wrong with that one. Vintage quality at its finest.

San Jose Sharks
We're likely looking at a black version of the current uniforms. I know a lot of folks dislike the orange. I personally don't mind it. However, how cool would it be if they went with a black/grey/white jersey with some teal piping/lining? And I'll go ahead and put my vote in for the full-body shark like you see on the shoulders of the current sweaters.

St. Louis Blues
We know all about St. Louis already from the team higher-ups. They're talking about a navy sweater with a brand new logo featuring the Gateway Arch. In fact, I have some great concepts to share later with this logo alteration in mind.

Tampa Bay Lightning
The rumors I'm reading scare me because, as a Lightning fan, I'd hate to see this happen. Supposedly the new third will be navy (so far so good) with BOLTS written across the front (there's where you lose me). Sounds an awful like what's going on with the Senators. Read above.

Toronto Maple Leafs
Likely a white vintage design will make its way onto the backs of Leaf players. Probably with the old leaf logo as well. This wouldn't surprise me and sure wouldn't disappoint. Looking forward to it, as a matter of fact.

Vancouver Canucks
It's rumored that a vintage design — I'm guessing blue — is in the works. I like the stick-in-the-rink jerseys as much as anybody, but I would not be surprised to see a completely new design with the newly introduced Johnny Canuck logo. It's a chance that's too good to pass up for a team in the midst of a serious identity crisis.

By the way, that leaves 11 teams without third jersey rumors here. In case you're wondering, those teams not accounted for are the Devils, Rangers, Canadiens, Panthers, Capitals, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Predators, Flames, Avalanche, and Ducks (who frankly, could really use one).

That's all I've got for you tonight. I've got concept art based on the rumors for the Wild, Blues, Flyers and others, but I'll save that for later on. I'll try to get it posted this week while I'm on my trip.

In the meantime, allow your imaginations to run wild and, you know, feel free to play around in Photoshop and send me whatever you come up with. I can post it here and who knows, maybe you'll even guess correct.

Just To Freak You Out XXVIII

This is the 28th installment of the Freak Out series and the 1,002nd post of the blog. It's Friday, everybody! And you know what that means.

I feel this needs no explanation.

Yes, it's that bad of an idea. And believe it or not, it gets worse.

I don't know how anyone could consider corporate sponsorships which manifest on the uniforms.

Anyway, there's also some third jersey fun to freak you out. If you're the Blues, I'll tell you what you don't do. You don't wear a yellow jersey.

The Blues.

And for the Canadiens, I like the red sweater with the blue shoulders, but I'm not sure the white one is the way to go here.

Also, I'll throw in an "If They Mated" logo, matching up the Kings and Sharks.

It may be a terrible idea, but it's extremely creative and I love that.

And for good measure, here's a plethora of concept art based on the notion of creating jerseys with two colors — split down the middle.

Everybody's covered and they're all worth a look, most notably the Bruins, Red Wings, Islanders, Rangers, Canucks and Capitals. That's some pretty intense craziness right there.

Have a great weekend, all!

1000 Posts!

That's right, this post I'm writing here is my 1,000th! I began this blog on May 9 and as of today, it now has a thousand posts. I'm very proud and as always, I'm more than appreciative of you guys for continuing to drop in. Obviously, you all are the reason I keep doing this. So as a thank you, I have some third jersey news.

Well, it's not so much news as concept art. It's all the ideas we've had for next season's new third jerseys... visualized! I'll begin with our friend Gary who's emailed in every other week or so since way back in October. He came up with designs for most of the teams we're expecting to see thirds from in the fall.

Vancouver's all right. Needs more of a forest green. Chicago, San Jose and Ottawa are pretty much what I'd expect. I like the 2D logo on the Sens jersey. Nice touch. We already know the Blues will have a new logo for their third. The desert scene didn't work out to well for the Coyotes last time so I doubt they'll try it again. And I like the idea of using the Hurricanes' secondary logo as the crest.

The Islanders and Lightning designs meet expectations, but the rest are a little out there if you ask me. I can't see the Kings bringing back the gold anytime soon. They'll probably stick with silver and black. The Stars sweater is interesting but could use some work. I like the green. Speaking of green, I can't imagine the Wild using that wordmark as a crest. I'd expect to see the bear head and a much cleaner design more along the lines of the current road jersey.

Among that list but not included in Gary's designs were Thrashers and Maple Leafs. Other readers came up with some good designs for them. First, a white version of Atlanta's home sweater.

It's nice but I can't see the Thrashers adding another white jersey — especially as an alternate. As for the Leafs, we've got a lot to consider.

When you think Toronto third, you automatically think vintage/retro/throwback. These fit that bill quite well.

Anyway, I also had a lot of submissions dealing in black. For instance, take the Senators jersey above, painted on Cory Stillman.

Also a black version of a jersey with the new Johnny Canuck logo.

And a black Stars sweater with the Texas state logo.

Personally, I'm more a fan of this green version.

And finally, we'll look at a team who hasn't said a word about a third jersey in the future, but one for which it could work unbelievably well — the Washington Capitals. Imagine a uniform set that looked like this.

Now those are some nicely designed jerseys.

Remember, if you've got some quality work you'd like me to post, send it along to nhllogos@gmail.com.