IceHL Logo Map

/


View IceHL Map 2011-2012 in a larger map

It's not much, but this map gives you a look at how the teams are spread out. Oddly, before making this map, it never occurred to me how close the Blue Crabs and Sentinels actually are, geographically. Also that both Texan teams use three shades of green and red as an accent. We might need to do something about both of those issues next summer. We're probably going to expand the league by two teams as well. I think northern California and Pennsylvania will be on the short list for sure. 

Don't forget to pan around the map to see the Huskies all the way up in Anchorage.

And for what it's worth, I've placed each of the map markers on the arena where a hockey team in each given market might theoretically play — or actually does, in many cases. Regina and Anchorage probably wouldn't survive in a major league.

On Sunday afternoon I'll be notifying those who were selected to own teams this sesason. Once everyone is confirmed, I'll make an announcement here on the site. Good luck to everyone who entered!

Wanted: 17 New IceHL GMs!

/

Before you read this, I recommend scrolling down to read last week's IceHL update.

I'm now in the process of getting the 2011-12 IceHL fantasy hockey season off the ground. Last week, I got in touch with the team owners from our inaugural season in 2010-11 to see who would be returning. As it happens only 12 of the 20 are sticking around. But we're also adding in the other 10 IceHL teams that weren't used last year.

We use ESPN's fantasy hockey league website to operate the IceHL. It only permits 20 teams per league. Since there 30 IceHL teams, we'll be opening up two separate leagues this season, split up by conference, with 15 teams each. That means we'll need 17 new owners for 2011. (Really, only 16 because I'll be taking on a team this season.)

Now let's talk about what it takes to become one of the lucky 16.

Dedication

Managing an IceHL team isn't about how much experience you have playing fantasy hockey. It's about how much you're willing to commit to participating and keeping the league competitive and fun. If you're worried you'll lose interest halfway into the season, please sit this one out and give someone else a shot.

Applying for a team

Last year, more than a hundred people applied to own one of 20 teams. I anticipate a similar turnout this year. So if you're not serious about it, please don't apply. Save the space for someone who is.

You may apply for a team by posting a comment below with the following information:

  • Your first name and last initial (ex.: Chris S.), no pseudonyms
  • Your email address (if you enter it into the box that says "author email," it will only be seen by me and no other users; if you include it in the body of the comment, everyone will see it)
  • In the body of your comment, please note your experience playing fantasy hockey and list your preferred IceHL team choices, in order, from the list below. Please pick no more than 10. (If no teams on your list are available, one will be assigned at random.) Also please note whether you designed any of the winning IceHL logos.

You have until the end of this weekend to apply. I need all of the owners decided quickly so we can start making league decisions together. That will include a live chat with all of the owners.

Selecting owners and teams

Last season, owners were selected entirely at random. I think that was the fairest way to handle it and we'll do the same thing this year. Just be aware that demonstrating your dedication and commitment to fantasy hockey will increase your odds. I'm looking for people who aren't going to lose interest halfway through the season.

Keep in mind, however, that simply being awarded a team doesn't guarantee you'll keep it. If any owner becomes inattentive or doesn't respond to communications and emails, I reserve the right to replace him/her with or without notice. Sorry, but I want to keep this league exciting and competitive.

Available teams

Here are a list of all 30 teams. You may select from any of those that do not already have owners.

Alaska Huskies Owner: Steve S.
2011 Champion		 Atlanta Arsenal
Baltimore Blue Crabs Boston Colonials
Boulder Beasts Calgary Cavalry Owner: Joshua S.
California Wave Owner: Jon W. Chicago Hitmen
Dallas Outlaws Detroit Motorheads
Edmonton Kodiaks Owner: Ed P. Hamilton Steelcats
Houston Hellcats Owner: James L. Milwaukee Lagers
Minnesota Mammoths Montreal Olympiques Owner: Chris S.
New Orleans Gators New York Guardians
North Carolina Nighthawks Portland Pioneers
Quebec Armada Owner: Curtis L. Regina Renegades
Salt Lake City Scorpions Owner: Kyle G. Saskatoon Sharpshooters Owner: Brian H.
Seattle Aviators St. Louis Archers Owner: Ryan L.
Tampa Bay Barracudas Owner: Chris S.
(commissioner)		 Vancouver Lumberjacks Owner: James W.
Washington Sentinels Owner: Simon C. Winnipeg Winterhawks Owner: Daniel R.

If you want to apply, just make sure you follow the instructions outlined above. Good luck!

Another Season of IceHL Hockey!

/

A unique kind of life was breathed into the IceHL last season when 20 readers took part in an online fantasy hockey league using IceHL teams. And we're doing it again this year. Only bigger and better.

If you wanted a shot at operating an IceHL team last year and didn't get it, you have another chance. In the coming weeks, I'm going to be looking for some new owners to take over our available teams. Half of the 2010-11 GMs have already committed to 2011-12. And I'm very excited to have them back.

But it's time to grow. Our league can only carry 20 teams. But the IceHL is made up of 30. So this season I will be adding a second league, splitting the IceHL into two groups of 15 teams each. Hence the need for a handful of new owners. If you're big into fantasy hockey, we'd love to have you.

To be clear, I'm not asking for volunteers just yet. I'm just letting you know of some opportunities which will come up soon. I'm first giving all 20 of last year's owners first dibs on returning to their teams. Once I know who's coming back and who isn't, we'll fill all of the available teams.

At that time I'll be getting in touch with anyone who was in the running for a team last year but didn't end up getting it for whatever reason. Then I'll open it up to the rest of the group. Only serious fantasy hockey players need apply. We want to keep the leagues competitive and exciting. That's difficult to do if you're the sort of person who loses interest after a few weeks.

If you're new to this page, here's a little background. The IceHL a fantasy hockey league built from the ground up by Icethetics readers, who voted on every aspect from cities to nicknames to logos. Everything was decided by the community. It was an amazingly fun project to oversee but it's not quite over yet. We've never gotten around to voting on uniform designs. That is a goal I've set for Icethetics for the winter. More details to come on that.

Hopefully you all are as excited as I am about another season of IceHL hockey. And if you're so inclined, I hope you get to join us! (Yes, "us"... I'll be managing my own IceHL team this fall for the first time.)

IceHL Logo Winner!

/

After a week of voting, it has been determined that IceHL artist Ross Taylor's design will officially become the IceHL league logo! Congrats to Ross. Look for his work at the IceHL League Office page at ESPN.

Based on the response to this contest, I'm worried about moving ahead with jersey designs. Let me know in the comments if you plan on submitting artwork and for how many teams. If it seems like there is a decent response, I'll consider moving forward. You may use anything from Adobe Illustrator to Microsoft Paint for your artwork, but the quality standards will still be set very high. There's no point to this if the entries look like junk. (Sorry.)

If we do move forward, I will explain the process for getting the logos to be used in your artwork. Until then, there's no need to ask.

IceHL Logo Submissions

/

Tonight was the deadline to submit your IceHL logos. Unfortunately, it seems I may have been right about the project being over as we only received four eligible submissions in two weeks. And not to offend any of the entrants, but only two are actually up to par with the quality of the team logos we have.

This is disappointing and I'm a little surprised. Still, I said I'd post the entries, and so I will. You can rate each thumbs-up or thumbs-down. The artwork receiving the best feedback will become the new league logo for the IceHL.

I'll take a look at the ratings next weekend and wherever we stand by then will determine the winner.

The IceHL: Rebirth

/

The sputtering engine that was the IceHL project is revving into high gear again!

It's been nearly a year since the last update, so for those unfamiliar with it, the IceHL (or Icethetics Hockey League) was created from the ground up by Icethetics readers, who made hundreds of nominations and cast thousands of votes along the way. You picked the cities, you named the teams, and you designed the logos. You're pretty awesome, actually.

This week, the long-dormant project is taking on a life of its own as a true fantasy league. Over 100 of you wanted to join, but 20 lucky readers were awarded IceHL teams to manage throughout the 2010-11 season. Because the IceHL has so many fans who will want to follow along, this fantasy league is not being kept private.

For raw stats and standings, check out the IceHL League Office at ESPN.com. For in-depth analysis from the perspective of the IceHL GMs, look no further than the Fantasy tab right here at Icethetics.info.

Design Contest

The return of the IceHL project means it's time for another design contest. But we're going to ease back into things as we're all a little rusty at this. So what do we need?

The IceHL needs a league identity. The NHL has its shield, the AHL has the red and blue skater and the ECHL has the speeding puck. Now the IceHL needs its own branding. And once again, we look to the awesome designers that hang out here at Icethetics.

If you have an idea and would like to submit an IceHL logo, here's what you need:

  • A primary logo for the IceHL (note the uppercase "I" and "HL" and lowercase "ce")
  • If your primary logo is complex, include a simplified secondary logo (optional)
  • A wordmark that can work as a banner across the top of the IceHL page here at Icethetics.info
  • Colors: Try to stick to the Icethetics color scheme of orange, blue and navy. But if that doesn't work for you, it's not a dealbreaker. Just be creative!

That's it. Just two or three logos and we'll call it a brand. I'll accept submissions for the next two weeks.

Submission deadline: Sunday, October 17 at 6:00 PM

Then voting will begin that Monday. Readers will be able to rate the 15 best entries will for one week. (If there are more than 15 submissions, I'll narrow it down.) Then the three highest-rated logos go head to head to determine the final winner. That winner will have the opportunity to own a team in the next IceHL fantasy league, plus another small prize if I can scrounge something up.

But before you submit your work, you should read the submission guidelines. They're important. Your work will not be considered if you violate them:

  • DO NOT STEAL ARTWORK! I'm not messing around. Artwork copied or adapted from trademarked logos will disqualify you from any future Icethetics contest. Don't do it!
  • Do not use a white background for your artwork. But make sure your logos include a white outline as needed.
  • Submit vector art if possible. I prefer PDF files. Otherwise, your must provide high resolution JPEG or PNG files.
  • Credit yourself! Include your name/pseudonym within the actual graphic itself as well as in your email. Very important. Can't use artwork that isn't attributed.
  • By submitting your own original artwork to any Icethetics email address, you grant permission of its use both online and in print by Icethetics.info and myself. Your work will not be taken advantage of in any way but I have to be able to promote the project.
  • Your work is your own, but if you use a watermark, it will be disqualified.
  • Email your submission(s) to icethetics@gmail.com.

Remember, this is for an IceHL league logo only. Assuming this all goes well, upcoming logo design contest will include divisional logos and possibly the design of an Icethetics championship trophy!

I'm also going to start accepting jersey designs for IceHL teams (with more relaxed rules and regs) so start formulating ideas. I'll post more details in the next week or two.

No New Division This Week

/

I'm holding off on releasing a new division this week because I'm concerned not enough of you are interested in designing jerseys for the IceHL project. With less than a week remaining to submit uniforms for the Southeast Division, I've received only one eligible entry.

This is troubling and it makes me question whether we should bring the IceHL project to an early end and start on something fresh. I'm eager to hear your feedback on this, but not in a poll. Leave a thought-out comment below and let me know how you feel.

End the IceHL and start something new? Or be patient and extend the deadline on the Southeast Division uniform submissions? Your call.

Uniforms: Southeast Division

/

First, read about how the Uniform Design Process will work. 

Download the Southeast Division Package (download no longer available)

If you would like to design and submit a jersey for any Southeast Division team, download the package above. You'll find the primary and secondary (and tertiary, if applicable) logos for all five teams (.png with alpha) as well as the uniform templates (.psd) which you must use to submit your work.

There are two versions of the IceHL Uniform Template, one with the standard V neck, one with a laced collar. You may use either or both when submitting your artwork.

IceHL Uniform Template by Jason Usher. Logos provided for exclusive use in IceHL project. All other uses without the direct consent of the designer or Icethetics are strictly and expressly prohibited. 

GUIDELINES

All eligible entries will abide by the following guidelines.

  • Submit your artwork using the provided IceHL Uniform Template created by Jason Usher (sample seen to the right).
  • Design both a home and road uniform and submit them as two separate files. (Third/alternate jerseys will not be accepted at this time.) You may submit your artwork in one of the following formats: .pdf (preferred), .psd, .ai, .png, or .jpg.
  • Your home uniform must be a dark color while your road uniform must be white or a very light color. Use only colors found within either of the team's logos. (Sample for best results.)
  • You must design all parts of the uniform on the template, including the front, back and side of the jersey, socks, pants, all nameplate lettering and jersey numbering, and the full 3D figure.
  • Nameplate letters: Include the full alphabet. Jersey & shoulder numbers: Include all digits 0-9 as well as C and A for (captains).
  • You are restricted to using only the primary and secondary logos provided. However, you may create your own text-based crest/design if you wish.
  • Include a name and number (1-99) of your choice to be used on the back and shoulders of the jersey.
  • Be sure to include your name (how you wish to be credited) and email address within the image itself.

Failure to follow all of the above guidelines will result in disqualification. Icethetics reserves the right to disqualify any submission for any reason and change the above guidelines at any time.

The bottom layer of the provided Photoshop files will give you an idea of what the final product should look like. Email your submissions for any or all Southeast Division teams to icethetics@gmail.com no later than Sunday, October 11 for the following teams:

  • Atlanta Arsenal
  • Baltimore Blue Crabs
  • North Carolina Nighthawks
  • Tampa Bay Barracudas
  • Washington Sentinels

You may submit artwork for as few or as many teams as you'd like.

Email me if you have any questions about the submission process. Good luck to all!

Project IceHL: Uniform Designs

/

The time has finally come. All 30 IceHL logos have been determined and now we move on to the next phase, the one you've all been waiting for: jersey design!

HOW IT WORKS

Jersey design submissions will be accepted one division at a time, in a predetermined, random order. We'll begin with the Southeast Division, followed by the North, Central, South, Northeast and Pacific. For each division, entries will be accepted over a period of two weeks.

FAINT OF HEART NEED NOT APPLY

Unlike the logo design phase, a higher standard of quality will be required for the uniform designs. Basically, if you're still using Microsoft Paint, it's time to upgrade. Designers will be required to submit their jersey designs on a Photoshop template provided by Icethetics.

If you're stuck in the stone ages but have a great idea, my advice would to try and hook up with someone who can put your ideas into an acceptable digital format. Otherwise, you're going to have to sit this round out. Later on you'll understand why I'm being so strict for this part of the project. I have a very good reason.

HOME/ROAD/THIRD?

Only home and road jerseys will be accepted during this part of the process. Third jerseys may come later after we establish each team's identity. Just like in the NHL, road jerseys will be light and home jerseys will be dark. Further guidelines will be outlined in each division's submission post.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

Each week, there will be a post announcing the beginning of the submission period for each division. It will detail the entry guidelines as well as provide artwork. You will be able to download a ZIP file containing two versions of the IceHL uniform template (standard and laced collars) and the primary and secondary logos for each of the five teams in that division.

CHOOSING THE LOOK

At the end of the submission period, all qualifying designs will be posted on their individual team pages. Icethetics users will then rate each design on scale of 1 to 5 stars over another two-week period. The highest rated uniform set will be the winning design.

ADVANTAGE

The winning logo designers will have a special advantage in the uniform design rating process since they obviously have a unique perspective, having created the initial look for the team. For example, since Joey Light designed the winning Arsenal logo, if he submits a jersey design for the Arsenal, it will be placed at the top of the page. That's the extent of the advantage — prime placement on the rating page.

That's basically how this will work. Email or comment with any questions. Check back for the Southeast Division post today at 3 PM.