Collection 15: Bring Back the Jets!

With all the talk about the Coyotes heading back to Winnipeg heating up this week — and by that I mean Gary Bettman not ruling out for the first time — I put out the call for everyone to send in their best Jets concepts. To accommodate great response, I'm super-sizing today's post beyond the usual five. Hope you enjoy it!

I do have to say one thing now. If you're a Phoenix hockey fan, please accept my apology for what must appear to be cheering in the streets over the notion of you guys losing your team. No one wants to see a hockey fan say goodbye to his club. But if they must go, there are a whole lot of people in Winnipeg who will be ecstatic. This post is dedicated to them.

Also, keep an eye out this weekend for another set of Jets concepts. We'll be revisting some past designs that have been posted here on Icethetics. Plus, I'm sure there will be some stragglers with new artwork now that this post is up.

Collection 14: Tex on a Tear

Thought this was a fun story. A lot of readers send in concept art and I love it when someone new comes along because it usually means a new perspective. Somewhat surprisingly, newcomer Tex Fischer was a huge hit with his Senators concept on Sunday. Not to offend, but I'm not sure why it was such a standout considering the entire group was made up of variations on a theme. Regardless, it was a hit. And Tex has been on a tear since. Today's post is dedicated to him.

That last one should serve as the segue into our next set of concepts. I put out the word for Winnipeg Jets concepts this week and have already gotten a lot of excellent entries. Looking forward to sharing them.

Dreaming of the Jets

Though the city of Glendale just promised millions to support the Phoenix Coyotes franchise, nothing is final and no sale has yet been completed. And despite inching closer to a deal that would keep the team in its present home, we can't help but wonder if the team isn't destined to return from whence it came. So here are some Winnipeg Jets concepts that have been submitted for your enjoyment.

Also, we're debuting a new feature. You can now rate each concept, 1 to 5 stars.

---

Dallas Hicks	While I often receive classic Winnipeg Jets concepts, typically the designer is merely copying the old design onto a Reebok Edge jersey template. Nothing we haven't seen before. Dallas, on the other hand, has gone a step further by creating a new brand — which would be likely in the unlikely event of the team moving back to Manitoba. That being said, he has incorporated the jet in the original logo into his design. And I like how the jet's exhaust forms the shape of a J and a hockey stick all at the same time.
Dallas Hicks	But wait, there's more! Dallas also came up with these. They're not necessarily from the same set, just different color options for the same basic concept. I'd be pulling for the two-tone blue/gold look, personally, as it's time to stop dressing every team in blue and red — even if it is traditional.
Connor Hanley	Connor's concept is more about striping and uniform design than original logos. He's borrowed the Houston Aeros short-lived primary mark (2002-2006) for the home and road while sticking with the classic Jets jet on the alternate. But it's the striping on these jerseys that are the most interesting and unique. My favorite is the blue one. NHL teams just don't look like that anymore. And that's a shame.
Jake Slavik	Jake has gone in a whole new direction too. His Winnipeg Jets are blue and silver, and flaunt their hopeful hometown. Of course we'd have to do some work on the numbers and nameplate on the back. Those would be all but unreadable from the nosebleeds. Forget TV. But I like the direction he's going with the colors.
Matt McElroy	But perhaps not all hope is lost. What if Coyotes fans get their way and keep their team. Obviously the ideal situation. Matt's trying this quasi-throwback look as a possible light alternate jersey.
Usman Shabbar	And now for something completely different. Imagine crossing the Coyotes with the Blackhawks. What do you get? Maybe something like Usman's design here. It's an interesting look, but I'm not sure it's something we'd ever really see in the NHL.

If you'd like to submit your suggestions for the possible future Winnipeg Jets team, you know where to send them. Or if you're passionate about Coyotes remaining the Coyotes, let's have some of those concepts too!