The theme for today's concept art is the Conference Finals! Just four teams remain and here are some fan-made jersey revamps for them. (And a bonus.)
And as a bonus (so I can round out this post with five pieces), here we have the Red Wings, the last team to be eliminated from the playoffs.
Coming soon, we'll take a look at what we might see for the 2012 Winter Classic. Send along your concepts!
As I was considering themes for today's concept post, I started wondering which teams have gotten the least love on this page. So I took a look back, and as it turns out, there are five teams that have yet to be represented with concept art in 2011. We'll rectify that today.
Now these teams won't have to feel left out. Coming in a future concept post, some phenomenal redesigns for another often overlooked group — the minor leagues.
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.
It's Super Bowl Sunday so that means a super-sized concept post. (Also I haven't put up anything new since Wednesday, so I owe you.) Normally I'd make the big game the theme, but as there are no NHL franchises in Indiana or Louisiana, we'll have to settle for the Central Division.
 Matt Marczel |
Lately, I've been seeing a lot of great Blackhawks concept art. This one has to be one of my favorites. Matt has ditched white for "vintage white" and it's made all the difference. I love the color combination and the use of color in this uniform set. He's got home/road/third jersey, in that order, and I have to say the third may be the best. If that was ever a real NHL sweater, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. No question. Very nice work here, Matt! |
 Brad McPelican |
One thing you don't seen an awful lot of in hockey is striped shoulder yokes, the assumption being that it would look terrible. I think this design proves the opposite. I think Brad's design is a winner right up until the third jersey. I just don't think that trumpet logo ever worked for the Blues. Just wasn't meant to be. I think the Blue Note represents the club much better than a literal logo. So what about the third jersey then? |
 Mike Bell |
Mike has this to offer and I think he hit the nail on the head. Throwbacks work for some teams and not others. For example, it was bad news for the Flyers at the Winter Classic but good news for the Blackhawks at the Winter Classic. The Blues would look great in those vintage colors and stylings. All we need is that nameplate. |
 Ryan Haslett |
But if your idea of a third jersey is something completely different, Ryan has the answer. I didn't think I'd like a gold Blues jersey. This has changed my mind. Great colors and striping. That is a hockey sweater. |
 Jeff Kennedy |
One team that has struggled with their identity for the last decade — no, not the Canucks — is the Blue Jackets. I think they've finally settled on a good solid look. So that's a plus. What they don't have yet is a third jersey, so Jeff has taken it upon himself to put forth a couple ideas. They're certainly unique, but I'm not sure I'm sold on these. |
 Josh Gagnon |
So how about this one? Many of you will say you don't like the sweater number on the front, but it is presented in a unique way. However, I'm not sure the vintage white works with such bright shades of blue and red. Maybe something a bit muted. To be sure, the last thing the Jackets need is to introduce yet another new jersey logo. So we'll just wait and see if 2010-11 is the year the alternate uniform returns to Ohio's capital. |
 Ryan Haslett |
We can't leave out the winningest team in the Central Division. Ryan's made some minor changes to the Red Wings' unis. Not sure about the shoulder piping or the repetition of the winged wheel, but the rest of the striping works. |
 Matt McElroy |
We'll finish off the division with the Predators. Actually, Matt has given us simplified jerseys and primary logos for both the Preds and the Wild. It sort of works for the Wild, but the saber-toothed tiger just looks washed out. And the jerseys may be a little too simple. But let this final graphic today serve as a bit of foreshadowing to the next concept post. |
I'll have new artwork up in a day or two featuring the self-proclaimed State of Hockey.
We recently began a new concept series in which designer Elliott Strauss takes on the immense task of creating the ideal look of the NHL. All 30 teams will receive his rebranding treatment — some with big changes, others small changes — all, hopefully, for the better.
In Part I, Elliott took on the Capitals, Coyotes and Panthers. Today, it's the Oilers, Red Wings and Thrashers. We start with Edmonton.
The bold text below are Elliott's own descriptions.
Edmonton Oilers
I took a rarely used logo — the one from a shield with a gear and oil drop — and played with some elements to create a new primary mark.
Uniforms are simple, inspired by the old blue and gray alternates. The wordmark is featured on the alternate.
I think most Oilers fans would agree that the new Reebok Edge jerseys need to go no matter what, and that old blue/orange combo of the '80s and early '90s is impossible to avoid.
The more I think about it, the more I think that vintage design should be an alternate worn on special occasions throughout the season.
And any attempt at joining the Thrashers and Stars with text and numbers on the front of the sweater should be nipped in the bud. Still, overall these are solid designs.
Now the one you've all been waiting for.
Detroit Red Wings
No logo changes. The uniforms are new, but from the stands you probably would barely notice. You can't do too much with the Wings.
This is one instance where I have to disagree with Elliott. I've posted many Red Wings concepts over the years but most have been met with rejection and disdain.
I think that's a mental block. We can improve upon the Red Wings' logos and uniforms but we choose not to out of a misguided reverence to tradition.
It's undeniable Detroit has a signature look and is one of the most recognizable teams in the NHL, but the idea it can't be changed without ruining years of history is silly.
Still, it would be nice to one day see the Wings add a third jersey — just not their 2009 Winter Classic one.
Atlanta Thrashers
The cereal bowl logo is simplified, as is the color scheme, orange and maroon are no more. The jerseys are pretty modern and put a heavy emphasis on the bird head pattern.
The changing crest logos from home-away reference the franchises' original uniforms.
The Thrashers are suffering from a color overload so this simplification is welcome. I did prefer the baby blue jerseys as alternates but I was always a fan of the asymmetrical sleeves — though I know I'm in the minority among Icethetics readers.
Each team should have an element to its uniforms that stand out and separate it from the rest. Slightly altering striping patterns usually isn't enough to create a unique identity. That's one thing the Thrashers achieved with the ATLANTA text down the sleeve.
And they can't get rid of those maroon third jerseys fast enough for me. I think Elliott just about hit the nail on the head with this concept.
Coming up in Part III, the Maple Leafs get a major makeover.
As most of you noticed, I took the past week off. Plenty of stuff to talk about but not enough time to write updates. So I made a change. The Concepts section is now the Icethetics home page — rather than the blog. The blog is still there but now you'll find it in tab bar at the top of the page.
Over the past week while I was away, a fair amount of concept art came in — some worthy of posting, some not (for various reasons). But for the most part, it was all pretty odd. Tonight, we're taking a look at it.
We'll start with the Canucks in a combination I don't think we've ever seen here before.
Tristan Parfect
Last week I posted a Vancouver concept after which I mentioned the Canucks had never before worn a red jersey. Naturally, I was inundated with emails telling me how wrong I was. So I should explain. That mid-90s third jersey you're all referring to — I consider it orange and black, not red. Fine line? Maybe. Let's move on.
The New Jersey Devils announced over the summer that they're planning a special green-infused throwback jersey for St. Patrick's Day 2010. But what could be more fitting than the Boston Bruins going green for St. Patty's?
mcskilz
That same artist also delivered a pretty shocking concept for a Rangers third.
mcskilz
You know, I used to like that Lady Liberty logo. Yikes.
I know none of us can really imagine the Red Wings making a major uniform overhaul, but consider these for a moment.
Paul Chamberlain
Then quickly wipe them from your memory.
I also have an announcement coming tomorrow relating to a new concept art series that's starting soon. Remember the old days of Matt (aka GhettoFarmBoy) and his incredible NHL rebrands? If you don't, I highly recommend catching up. (Hint: No, he's not back... yet.)
Check back tomorrow for details on this new series.
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.
