IX: Oddball Parade

As most of you noticed, I took the past week off. Plenty of stuff to talk about but not enough time to write updates. So I made a change. The Concepts section is now the Icethetics home page — rather than the blog. The blog is still there but now you'll find it in tab bar at the top of the page.

Over the past week while I was away, a fair amount of concept art came in — some worthy of posting, some not (for various reasons). But for the most part, it was all pretty odd. Tonight, we're taking a look at it.

We'll start with the Canucks in a combination I don't think we've ever seen here before.

Tristan Parfect

Last week I posted a Vancouver concept after which I mentioned the Canucks had never before worn a red jersey. Naturally, I was inundated with emails telling me how wrong I was. So I should explain. That mid-90s third jersey you're all referring to — I consider it orange and black, not red. Fine line? Maybe. Let's move on.

The New Jersey Devils announced over the summer that they're planning a special green-infused throwback jersey for St. Patrick's Day 2010. But what could be more fitting than the Boston Bruins going green for St. Patty's?

mcskilz

That same artist also delivered a pretty shocking concept for a Rangers third.

mcskilz

You know, I used to like that Lady Liberty logo. Yikes.

I know none of us can really imagine the Red Wings making a major uniform overhaul, but consider these for a moment.

Paul Chamberlain

Then quickly wipe them from your memory.

I also have an announcement coming tomorrow relating to a new concept art series that's starting soon. Remember the old days of Matt (aka GhettoFarmBoy) and his incredible NHL rebrands? If you don't, I highly recommend catching up. (Hint: No, he's not back... yet.)

Check back tomorrow for details on this new series.

Concept Collection VIII

You've been patient (most of you). My inbox has seen a lot of concept art over the past few weeks and I'm thrilled to finally be posting it! (Seriously, if someone can help me figure out a way to make Icethetics my only job, we'll all be a lot happier. A lot.)

All right, I've got 14 items to get to tonight, so let's not waste time. We'll begin with the Colorado Avalanche, whose brand new third jersey has recently been leaked (see the blog for more info on that).

A lot of readers have bemoaned a lack of creativity, I believe having to do with the fact that it's simply a revision of the Avs' previous third. This first concept certainly avoids drawing on past designs while simultaneously reminding us the Nordique spirit will never die.

BD

The other team soon releasing a brand new third will be the Florida Panthers. Rumor would have us believe it may look a little something like this.

Ryan Haslett

It's a return to red, which I'm sure longtime Cats fans will appreciate, and it borrows very heavily from the Wild's home uni — easily one of the best in the NHL.

Seeing all these new third jerseys the last couple of years makes me wonder who got it right and who didn't. Some teams don't have one and could really use it. Obviously, the Penguins, Wild, Sabres and Blues got it right.

I've been hoping the Rangers would one day return to the Lady Liberty jersey which at one point was my favorite in the league. Here's a re-envisioning of that.

nyr1583

The Capitals would do well to add a blue jersey. Many have suggested the Weagle take center stage, but why not a red version of the primary logo? How would it all look on a Lethbridge Hurricanes sweater?

Ryan Haslett

The Canucks dropped the ball with their third last year. It was what we all expected, but that should be their home sweater, and not an alternate. Here's one idea for an alternate with yet another brand new logo.

Matt Marczel

Now that Whalers merchandise is making its way back onto store shelves, maybe the Hurricanes could pay tribute on one St. Patrick's Day sometime.

Matt Marczel

Maybe even the Red Wings could get in on the third jersey action — even though they've never been one to follow that crowd.

Matt Marczel

The Dallas Stars dropped the ball worse than anyone two years in a row — bad home and road sweaters followed by a shockingly worse third. Since we're talking nostalgia and vintage these days, why not a trip down memory lane the heart of Texas?

Matthew Duke

Lastly, the Ducks. It seems like every concept post at some point feels the need to help out those poor Anaheim Ducks. Nobody was sad to see the "Mighty" go away, but nor were they glad to see the artistic carnage that would ensue on the sweaters to follow.

mcskilz

I'm not saying gold is the way to go necessarily, but maybe stepping outside the box isn't a bad thing. Anyway, the colors are great, but the logo could use a lift.

Jake Niehl

Hey, an actual duck. Go figure.

I enjoy ending a concept post with a little something to freak you out, if at all possible. Tonight is no exception. The Sabres and Canucks have their 40th anniversaries coming up next season. Let's get started by putting an actual saber on the Sabres' jersey.

J.B.

And hell, why not just run the gamut of past logos and colors for the Canucks? You know they never did have a red jersey.

J.B.

A little something to frighten Panthers fans. As we near Halloween, perhaps this could be a costume.

Jules

And lastly, one of the most ridiculous Atlanta Thrashers concepts ever to grace these pages.

mcskilz

Show your mcskilz! To the first person who can legitimately make the rest of the numerals out of that simple Thrash logo — bragging rights for life!

Hope the wait was worth it. I'm really trying to keep this updated. And since I know it's what you guys want, I'll make a special effort to have something new hear at least once a week — though it likely won't be in the quantity you see tonight.

Keep those concepts coming! Email them to icethetics@gmail.com.