In honor of the Predators' forthcoming gold home jersey — a first in the NHL in decades — here are some yellowish uniforms designed by our Icethetics concept artists.
Still anticipating a Winnipeg Jets post before the team officially unveils their new logo and uniforms, but oddly, not a lot of concepts coming in at this point. You know how to reach me!
Not to rub it in, but once again, if all is going to plan, I should be docked in Jamaica right about now. Anyway. I don't keep a tally of what teams get the most love from our concept artists. But if I did, I'd wager the Ducks must be right at or near the top of such a list. I guess there's just something about the Ducks brand that makes everyone want to rebrand them. So today I present some of the many attempts at fixing the look of Anaheim hockey.
Has there been another NHL team since the '90s expansion with such an automatically identifiable color scheme? When you see that combination of eggplant and jade, you instantly know what it represents. The next closest thing might be the black, silver and blue of the Lightning — and even that's going away now. But I digress. Another set of concepts will auto-publish on Friday morning if I've set up everything properly.
Enjoy these new concepts for a handful of teams competing in the 2011 playoffs. More to come, of course.
My personal favorites are Brian's Ducks and Glen's Rangers designs at the top. And I do think the Canucks shoulder start moving toward Colin's concept. But I don't see any of those things happening very soon.
It's a day reserved for drinking and wearing green. There's nothing I can do to help you with the drinking part, but maybe you'll like some of these green concept jerseys.
Of course don't forget that the New Jersey Devils will crack out their 1980s throwback sweater — a swell mix of red and green — for one night only this season. That'll be tomorrow when they host the Capitals (they're in Ottawa tonight). They Devils wore them for the first time since 1992 last season on St. Patrick's Day.
Saw someone mention in the comments a desire for a green Quebec concept, then realized I had one filed away for a rainy day. Let it rain!
Happy St. Patrick's Day from Icethetics!
Concept art took a bit of a backseat this week as I prepared the re-launch of the new jersey galleries. I think it's one of the best features of Icethetics. Today's new batch of artwork is all about the Anaheim Ducks.
Hadn't thought of turning the webbed D into an A before. That's interesting. But what if the Ducks brought back the purple instead of playing up the orange?
This last one by Mike is your typical cookie cutter third jersey as of late. Stick your logo in a circle, wrap the team name around it, and add some retro striping. How hard can it be?
Hey, looks like it's time again for our monthly concept post. Really sorry about that, but as I've said, the blog and logo tournaments come first because that's what most people seem to be interested in — though I recognize there's a core group here that just can't get enough concept art. This one's for you.
Today's theme deals with the future — our designers taking a stab in the dark at what could be. Bookmark this page. We'll see how close they get.
 Brian Brideau |
First up, Brian sent in this concept based on a description I wrote of the Anaheim Ducks' new third jersey. Based on what I saw, it's pretty darn close. There are some minor dissimilarities, but for the most part, he's got it.
The Ducks will sport their new alternate sweater for the first time on Nov. 26 against the Blackhawks. That's probably the first time we'll get to see it legitimately. |
 Jayde Garrow |
The other day, the Hartford Wolf Pack announced Howard Baldwin is taking over business operations and his first act will be changing the team's name to the Connecticut Whale at midseason. So Jayde took a stab at a possible logo. Very nice tribute to the classic Hartford Whalers mark and very simple. |
 Stephen Griesmer |
Yesterday, it was announced the newest ECHL team will be named the Chicago Express. Logos were unveiled but jerseys are still under wraps. Here's one idea from Stephen for home, road and alternate sweaters. The team doesn't begin play until the 2011-12 season. |
 Mike Wytrykus |
The next two aren't really future jerseys — but I suppose they could be, right? Mike's rendition of a throwback-inspired Red Wings jersey is, well, inspired. This is one example of a jersey that in no way takes away from the team's long history. In fact, it plays it up. Count me a fan. |
 Sean Ryan Cooley |
And lastly, Sean tried his hand a rebrand for the Panthers. As I told him, I feel like the colors don't work together that well, but I like the direction and the logo designs are solid. I think the Panthers have one of the best logos in hockey, but they're certainly working toward something simpler as evidence by last year's third jersey. |
Until next time... (which I do hope to be sooner than a month from now.)
Has it really been seven weeks since the last concept post? Unacceptable. Yes, there have been a lot of blog and tournament updates. And yes, I've been busy lately. But seven weeks is a long time. So I'm going to try some new things to keep the concepts flowing.
Since getting this page updated is lower on my list of website priorities due to the time/effort required, I'm going to start adding new concept art to our brand new Facebook page on a regular basis to keep everyone satisfied. However, I will continue to save some items to be showcased here on the site.
So I'm taking some time out this holiday weekend to post a handful of new work. Most of the concepts sent in tend to be a slight re-imagining of a team's uniform. Usually some stripes are rearranged or colors changed. But every so often, an especially creative concept appears. That's today's topic.
 Peter Debay |
Peter has an interesting take on the look of the Vancouver Canucks. Interesting choice of colors and type. Gives the sweater a very classic feel. |
 Ryan Haslett |
Ryan is one of our most prolific designers, and here I've got three of my favorites. (I know there's only one rating, by the way, so just make it an average.) First, awesome Canucks jersey. Forgot the Johnny Canuck V logo, go Johnny Canuck all the way! I also like this Avalanche concept. Great callback to the old Colorado Rockies logo in the burgundy and blue. And green is just what the doctor ordered for the Ducks. Heck, I'd settle for orange if they'd just use the webbed D on the front! |
 Matthew Duke |
This post is about creativity and sometimes that can yield a somewhat disappointing result. I like where Matthew is going with the uniform designs, but that ATL logo was not well-liked as a 10th anniversary mark, and it's sure not any better here. But at least it gets us thinking about things for the Thrashers. |
 Vin Maccioli |
Here's a cool one. Vin offers up a unique alternate sweater with a very retro feel. It may not work for the Red Wings on a regular basis, but maybe as a one-off specialty thing instead. And yes, I'm also posting this one as a tribute to my Bolts' new GM — Stevie Y! I'm expecting great things from him. |
 Jake Slavik |
The last concept is a little Winter Classic 2011 bonus. And with all respect to Jake, this is pretty far out. He's combined so many different eras of the Penguins and Capitals that it's become kind of a jumble. On the other hand, it does help us see what was good and what was bad about these clubs' past uniforms. For example, Weagle good, funky striping not. And sadly, he's left the gold out of the Penguins' jersey entirely. Despite the blue sweaters in the Pens' early years, the penguin logo was never without gold. |
I'm shooting for concept updates on a weekly basis, but that may be too much to ask for. Just know that I'm doing the best I can. I'm assuming things will quiet down on the news front as the summer goes on, which will allow more time for concept posts.
In today's brand new concept post, we take a look at what's in store for the 2010-11 season. The following designs are what Icethetics artists came up with based on descriptions in the initial JerseyWatch 2010 post.
 A.J. Bloomquist |
One concept that caused a stir after the JerseyWatch post went live was this one by A.J. He posted his work on Sabres' message board months ago. The crest, a script similar to what was described to me, is taken from the old logo of the Buffalo Bisons of the AHL. A.J. submitted a clean version of his concept so we could all get a good look at it. And who wouldn't love to see Buffalo paying tribute to their town's hockey history on their 40th anniversary? |
 Jeff Wozniak |
Similarly, Jeff sent in his understanding of the rumored new script crest. But this veers pretty far from what I was originally told — which is that it's basically a baseball-type script with the 1970s logo positioned in the tail. Still, that was just a preliminary concept and things can change. So Jeff may be right on the scent. |
 Doug Graham |
The Penguins are also big news right now. Word from Reebok is they're launching a new alternate sweater for 2010, not to mention all the rumors that the Pens will see action in their second Winter Classic in four years. Doug's concept is based on the rumor that the Penguins will dig up another blue jersey from their past. He could be on the right track with this. I could see them making it the home jersey one day. |
 Tony Galiffo |
The Blue Jackets will allegedly be debuting a new third jersey in the fall. The team has said it will feature a cannon as its primary emblem. So Tony's incorporated that as well as his own little tribute to the old Cleveland Barons, who wore large patches shaped like Ohio on their sleeves. |
 Michael Lapsley |
Michael tackled a couple of JerseyWatch rumors. The Maple Leafs will be putting stripes and shoulder patches back on their mostly-plain jerseys next season. This is more than likely what we should expect to see — unless the Leafs design a brand new shoulder patch. |
 Michael Lapsley |
And the Ducks are on the list to add a new third jersey in 2010. Absolutely no details have circulated as of yet, but Michael's thinking they go with an orange sweater with the webbed D front and center on the chest. He's done some nice work but I kind of hope he's wrong. I'd like to see the Ducks introduce a new logo with this alternate sweater. Maybe something that actually resembles a duck wouldn't be too much to ask? |
Our NHL rebrand series continues with Part 7 this weekend!
California seems like an odd place for hockey, doesn't it? Though I guess it's no stranger than Florida. But today we visit the Golden State, which also tends to see the sunshine year-round. What do our illustrious concept designers have in store for SoCal?
 Matt McElroy |
Matt thinks the Kings could be well-served by a permanent transition to the third jersey. Here he's added a white version for our enjoyment. Me? I'm a fan of the purple. So many readers find black jerseys to be boring. Imagine if they had no other color in them. Well actually, you don't have to. I'm looking at you early '90s Kings. |
 Ryan Haslett |
But wait, Ryan has another idea for a white version of that third. Is this a popular concept? Are we so nostalgic for the Gretzky years that we'd want to abandon one of the best-looking identities in the NHL? The purple works. At least I think so. |
 Chris Fraterrigo |
I've often theorized that one of the things that could save the Ducks' current/dreadful identity is a bit of green. But this is not what I had in mind. While this designer has the home and road crests right, I worry the overload of green — and an ugly green at that — might not be the best plan. Back to the drawing board. |
While the Kings are no doubt dominating the conversation in the comments, the designer of the Ducks concept took another pass he wanted to share.
 Chris Fraterrigo |
The Ducks' biggest problem isn't their colors. Though orange and green would be a unique color combination in the NHL, let's be honest, so is orange and gold. The biggest problem is the wordmark passing as a logo on the chest of every Duck. Shameful. At least this is a real logo. And the use of orange in a manner beyond mere piping is also pleasing. Well done, Chris. Hope to see more. |
It's Sunday morning and that means I just officially tied the knot! Though nothing's really changed. My new wife and I have been together for a long time. This was just a formality, really. Anyway, I'm certain we'll be enjoying ourselves today.
This is the third of five auto-published concept posts — each with it's own theme. We've covered Freak Out Friday and Rebranding. Today our subject is rebranding once again but in the form of Part 5 of Elliott Strauss' NHL rebranding project, featuring the Ducks, Blackhawks and Flyers. Elliott's descriptions appear in bold text.
 Elliott Strauss |
Anaheim DucksThis features a new color scheme with a dark shade of green and a brighter orange. The logos are simplified, getting rid of white outlines around the D and the inner webbing. The jerseys have a modern, wavy feel. The Anaheim Ducks are probably one of the teams most in need of a rebrand. Unfortunately, aside from adding a welcome green to the palette, Elliott hasn't really fixed the main probably — the primary logo. While the D is a refreshing change of pace, I'd really like to see some kind of duck mascot. Logos aside, the jerseys are very distinctive — just what the doctor ordered when you're talking about a rebrand. Let's hope one day the Ducks do move in this direction — even if it's only on a third jersey. |
 Elliott Strauss |
Chicago BlackhawksI tweaked the logos by dropping all the excess colors in the feathers. The tertiary color is now an orange-yellow. The jerseys are really just an attempt at consistent striping. The simplicity in this design actually wins points in my book. While many of you would say the Chicago Blackhawks' logos and uniforms are perfect as is, I would disagree (as you well know). This simplification of the color palette is a welcome improvement. But while we're at it, I say the Hawks revert back to the old vintage logo found on the Winter Classic and alternate jerseys. |
 Elliott Strauss |
Philadelphia FlyersOriginally this had striping wrapping all the way around the chest, but I simplified things while making the design a little more modern. The logo is NOT the sharp-winged logo that Flyers fans insist on. I figured that since they use the curved wings on all merchandise, it might as well be on the jerseys too. The secondary is the old Zephyr X-line hat logo, I believe. As mentioned in yesterday's post, Elliott is correct about the F logo on the Zephyr hat. Other than that, he's kept things pretty straightforward and simple. The one element I really like is the orange numbers on the black third jersey. That is a Halloween jersey if ever I saw one. The striping on the front of the home and road sweaters is a nice change of pace too, yet doesn't lose the classic feel that goes along with the Flyers. |
That's actually all I have from Elliott at the moment. I'm anticipating he will send along the other half of the league in the next few weeks. Until then, we have two more auto-posts left before I get back from Las Vegas!
This is the last new concept post until I head out west so I'm making the Western Conference today's theme.
 Mike Ivall |
We begin with Mike Ivall, a longtime Icethetics concept contributor. Today we're flashing back to his roots. That first image you see there is, I believe, his first ever concept submission. It was first posted on July 8, 2008 — a year and a half ago. Now he's sharing the fruits of his labor with us. You see that logo embroidered onto a red Blackhawks jersey, proof that perhaps it should one day take its place on an NHL uniform. And if you were wondering what the entire sweater looks like — including its new shoulder patches, just click here. It's really quite something to see an old Icethetics concept come to life that way. As always, great job Mike! |
 Ryan Haslett |
Sticking with the Blackhawks for a moment. If Mike's red jersey is too drastic a change, then maybe Ryan Haslett's is right on the money. I don't know what it is about the red, black and beige that screams old time Blackhawks hockey to me. I love this design and if it ever became a reality, I might be the first in line to get one — and I don't even like Chicago. Sometimes a jersey design just does something to you, though. |
 Ryan Haslett |
If you hadn't already noticed, the rest of this post belongs to Ryan. Knowing that the Predators are planning sweeping uniform changes for 2010, he's come up with a simplified uniform design for the Hawks' Central Division rivals. My only concern is that the gold used here may be a little too light. There's not enough contrast for it to be a standout uniform design. Fix that and you may just have a winner on your hands. I'd also consider reverting to the dark blue triangle on the white jersey. I just think it makes for a stronger design. |
 Ryan Haslett |
Ryan will get us finished up this afternoon way out west in Anaheim. His third jersey concept for the Ducks goes with the beige that slowly seems to be gaining popularity in the NHL as a vintage color — actually called Vintage White by the Boston Bruins. I like the beige and the orange. But I still think the Ducks need to drop the black in favor of a dark forest green. That would really give their identity a complete and unique feel. The one thing I'm not sure about is the use of a wordmark on the front. I think an alternate sweater in Anaheim would provide the ideal opportunity for an alternate logo that actually resembles a duck. An intimidating duck to be sure, but a duck all the same. |
That's it. The next time you see concept art on this page, it will appear as if by magic as I will be far, far away from my computer — and Florida! (Really though, don't forget. New auto-posts every morning at 9 from Friday until Tuesday. I've worked really hard all week to make sure that happens for you guys.)
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.
I have new artwork to share with you tonight from a number of artists.
We begin with Jake Niehl who has put together a new look for the Penguins. You do not want to mess with this flightless fowl.
Pittsburgh Penguins concept by Jake Niehl
Earlier this week we talked about the possibility of the Ducks placing the wordmark on their jerseys with the much less heinous "webbed D." Matt Marczel writes in with what that might look like...
Anaheim Ducks concept jerseys by Matt Marczel
...as does Jules.
Anaheim Ducks concept jersey by Jules
Both designers stuck with black jerseys but make it work much better than the Ducks currently do. But if you really want a change in Anaheim, check out this logo by Mike Notko.
Anaheim Ducks concept logo by Mike Notko
That is quite something.
Wojtek from Poland writes in with a very sharp new look for his country's national team.
Team Poland concept logos by Wojtek
Still wondering what's up for the 2010 Winter Classic? Look no further. DC Designs put together a rather smart brown uniform for the Bruins.
Boston Bruins Winter Classic concept jersey by DC Designs
And finally, tonight, we finish up with some artwork that harkens back to the days of Freak Out Friday. First, the Panthers — well, Cats?
Florida Panthers concept jersey by J.B.
Then the Stars...
Dallas Stars concept jersey by J.B.
...who I believe are on sale for $0.99 at your local grocer. Thanks to J.B. for freaking us out.
If you've got any great hockey logo and uniform concept art that you think needs to be shared to the world, you know how to get it to me. Until next time.
That post featuring all the non-winning entries from the USF Ice Bulls logo contest is and probably will continue to stand as the LONGEST concept post in the history of Icethetics. Now it's time to get some new stuff posted.
One of my favorite artists, who I haven't heard from in a while, is Aaron Masik. He came up with these alternate logo designs for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Carolina Hurricanes concept logos by Aaron Masik
Ask any Southeasterner, myself included. That windblown palm tree is the classic hurricane image.
Ryan Haslett sent in a handful of jersey redesigns. He's put the Ducks in orange and managed to keep them from looking anything like the Flyers. How? No white and more modern striping.
Anaheim Ducks concept jersey by Ryan Haslett
He's also given the Coyotes a little something to improve their alternates. I think the lack of that brick color helps make it more different to the home and road sweaters.
Phoenix Coyotes concept jersey by Ryan Haslett
This next one starts taking us into the realm of the weird. Imagine the Nordiques lived to see the days of third jerseys. Could they have gone with red or would that simply have given the good folks in Quebec another reason to revolt?
Quebec Nordiques concept jersey by Ryan Haslett
Since we're here, we might as well go full on freak out. Jeff Kennedy considers a re-envisioning of that ridiculous bug from a decade ago.
Columbus Blue Jackets concept logo by Jeff Kennedy
Keep the concept art coming in — even if especially if its freaky. I'd like to be able to offer up new concept posts every few days. Email your work in at icethetics@gmail.com and don't forget to include your name so you can be credited! (By the way, this is just for fun so you don't have to give up any rights or anything like that. Just a way to share interesting ideas with fellow design nuts.)
