NEW MINOR LEAGUE LOGOS

The Icethetics Season Preview continues. All week, I'm getting you caught up with what's new in the world of hockey as it pertains to the right side of your brain.

Logos come and go — a lot like fashions. I find this especially true for the minor leagues. So it's time to get caught up on the new logos unveiled in 2008 — beginning with the AHL.

Not only did they get a new logo, but the Iowa Stars have a new name this season. They are now the Iowa Chops — much to the dismay of hockey fans everywhere. And they unveiled their new logo on July 9.

It pretty much speaks for itself. On, now, to the ECHL.

As part of their 15th anniversary celebration, the Charlotte Checkers unveiled a new logo midway through last season, on January 11 — delivering a great update to a previously childish look.

Don't mess with that bear.

The South Carolina Stingrays also got a new logo — which was unveiled on June 4 — and I'd bet money the same design firm that did the Checkers had a hand in this one. It even borrows from the same color palette.

Notice how much better these hockey logos look without hockey sticks? These are identities these teams can build on for a long time to come. Speaking of identity, the Stingrays also took the liberty of unveiling the other logos that go with their new branding.

One more ECHL club is getting a new logo. This summer the Texas Wildcatters relocated to California. The Ontario Reign unveiled their new logo on March 17 — before the corpse was even cold.

We'll finish things up with the Canadian Hockey League. The Prince George Cougars of the WHL got a much-needed update to their look with an unveiling on August 20.

The Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL will don a new logo to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

This is one case where I prefer the original. Consult the team's web site for more information.

Almost forgot one. The St. John's Fog Devils of the QMJHL are no more. The club is now simply the Montreal Juniors — or Club de hockey junior de Montréal.

A simple name with an even simpler logo. Thanks to Matt for catching that one for me.

If you think I missed anything, shoot me an email and I'll be sure to add it. Otherwise, that does it for the this edition of the Icethetics Season Preview. Tomorrow, we're looking at new logos around the NHL. Don't miss it!