Rumor: New Bruins Logo Coming Friday

I don't care much for rumors since anyone can create one and no one has to take responsibility for it so I generally tend to shy away from them. Still, I've heard from several places and have referenced before in this blog that the Boston Bruins will be getting a new logo and uniforms this summer.

Now I'm getting rumblings of an unveiling date set for June 1. Well, that's this Friday so the good news is we don't have to wait long to see if the rumor is true.

That being said, I'm not adding it to the sidebar countdown but I did feel like making everyone aware of the possibility. Keep an eye on the B's web site along with NHL.com this week to see what happens.

I don't have any particulars on the new look — just that the spoked B is out and a new, fierce-looking bear is in. I'm assuming they're keeping the colors. If this does pan out, the Bruins will become the first Original Six team to make a major logo change in the last 50 years.

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.

Flashback: Sabres & Ducks

Okay, people, we're down to just a few weeks before the tournament begins but that doesn't mean this site is useless until then — as has been made obvious with the Hockey Fans & Photoshop series. But getting away from that briefly I wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Last year, all of us hockey fans waited and wondered about what we might see in terms of new logos and uniforms for the coming season.

Both the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks — switching to a new moniker — got complete design makeovers. Brand new logos, even brand new colors! Some loved them and some hated them. Personally, I didn't like either new logo very much, but that's what we got. (That might give away a little bit about how the Tournament may go.)

Anyway, this relic here seen to the right is that lovely "leaked" image we were all treated to while waiting to see what the new Sabres logo might look like. The team had previously announced a return to its traditional blue and gold colors and even promised to wear the old '70s uniform for a handful of games in the new season. But as for the primary logo — fans hated it! They called it the Buffaslug, mocking the creature's lack of legs.

The whole "Confidential Until Sept. 2006" made for a pretty interesting sell as well. Still, most people were sure it was a fake. The NHL would never go for such a lame logo. But wait, this is the NHL we're talking about.

Which brings us to our other topic of discussion. No longer a minion of the Disney Corporation, the team wanted to lose that last link going from Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to — quite simply — the Anaheim Ducks. And I liked the name change. What I didn't like was the new logo put forth.

The fuzzy cell phone camera image you see to the left was apparently taken by someone who wants us to think there were better options available to the Ducks. Of the two, I prefer the top logo, so naturally the one on the bottom is what the team chose. I know it would've led to endless tirades about the "Anaheim Mallards" and yes it does look a little like a baseball logo (for some reason) but still — what have they got now? It's not even a real logo. And at least the top one features a better color scheme — not that I really have anything against the orange and gold. It works too.

As far as options go, these two also surfaced. The one on the right is the Atlanta Thrashers logo, so even though I like it, let's move on. The one on the left is nice but also prominently features a mallard along with a rather dull color scheme. So I don't know what to say. I guess they just didn't have any really good graphic design firms on the case. Which reminds me — somebody from the NHL really really needs to listen to this guy. The Sabres especially would be much better off.

All right, that's all the ranting I have for you tonight. It was a brief look back at last year as we await the massive slew of new designs expected for the 2007-08 season. Stay with us. More Hockey Fans & Photoshop tomorrow!

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.

HF&P, Part 6: Ottawa Senators

The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" trudges along, today with the Ottawa Senators fake new uniforms.

Actually, not bad. We appear to have a decent artist all over this conjecturing. I do like the use of the Peace Tower logo but what's with incorporating elements of your rival's emblem? Personally I prefer the more stylized Spartan head.

Yesterday, we talked about people taking issue with horizontal stripes mysteriously not working on the new Rbk EDGE jerseys. But look, it does. Oh my. I know there's special stretchy material on the sides and under the arms but that does inhibit dyes from working.

I like the lettering and numbering used in this design, but ultimately I'd like to see something different for Ottawa — not that this isn't a good idea. But there's nothing that exciting here. No sweeping changes like in other designs that I've posted.

In fact, if you want to see sweeping changes and fan artwork that will blow your mind, you definitely will want to come back tomorrow and get a glimpse of what some people think is coming for the Washington Capitals. We'll have lots of images and lots to say. Be sure to come back.