Stockton AHL team named Heat
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As part of the AHL's new Pacific Division, the Adirondack Flames will move to Stockton, California next fall, replacing the ECHL's Stockton Thunder. (The Thunder will move to Adirondack and already unveiled their new logo.)
Beginning next season, the A-Flames will be named the Stockton Heat — adopting the moniker the franchise previously used in Abbotsford from 2009 to 2014.
The team's new name, logo and uniforms were unveiled tonight during the Thunder's watch party as the team faced the Ontario Reign — another team being replaced by an AHL franchise in 2015-16.
Of the four new logos that have been unveiled related to the AHL's western transition — including the Reign, Thunder and San Diego Gulls — this is the first original design. The rest have been derivations so far.
However, the Heat's jerseys lack originality — being carbon copies of their NHL affiliate, the Calgary Flames. The only difference is the shoulder patches — the American flag on the right and California state flag on the left.
Lastly, if you're a font lover, you might like to know the typeface used in the logo is Norwester by Jamie Wilson. (It's a free download if you're interested.)
One team affected by this AHL transition is still awaiting new branding. The Sharks' affiliate is moving from Worcester to San Jose but the team's name as yet to be revealed. (Still hoping for Barracudas!)
The Oilers' AHL affiliate, moving from Oklahoma City, confirmed two weeks ago that it will adopt the ECHL identity as the Bakersfield Condors.
The Norfolk Admirals and Manchester Monarchs are shifting to the ECHL. I expect them to keep their logos but I have no confirmation of that yet.
Share your thoughts below on the new Stockton Heat!