Collection 35: The Atlannipeg Transition

Since it's not likely many more Atlanta Thrashers concepts will make their way to my inbox now, I thought I'd share some of the ones I've been hanging onto. But within the same post, I'll also transition to some Winnipeg works of art. And while a name still has yet to be announced for that team — Jets appears to be the favorite of our designers.

This is probably the last you'll hear from me until June 21. I'll be on vacation until then. However, I have prepared several concepts posts to auto-publish while I'm away. Check back on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and next Sunday for new stuff.

And as a side note, your comments on these posts may not be approved until I return. I'll be at sea during my trip and therefore likely without Internet access. But we'll see how that goes.

Collection 22: The Resurrection

Over the weekend, we saw what some Icethetics concept artists think the Quebec Nordiques should/would look like if they existed today. Now, we're expanding beyond that and resurrected some other past teams.

We recently saw a couple of posts worth of Jets concepts, but here's another great look.

Do you recognize Ohio's first NHL franchise? The Cleveland Barons only existed for a few years, but they always come up when we talk about the teams of the past.

They're the Devils now, but what if the Scouts never left Kansas City?

All right, this team was never a member of the NHL, but a league that preceded it. Any guesses? Ten points to the first person that gets it right.

We'll wrap up this two-part series with the man that started it all. Dallas sent in the first of the Nordiques concepts I posted over the weekend. This team is the Quebec Aces. Seems like someone really wants pro hockey back in Quebec City.

Collection 16: Winnipeg Jets Redux

As I said Friday, we've got another round of Winnipeg Jets concepts today. The trouble with the Coyotes is getting folks in Manitoba pretty excited. And whether or not the Jets name will be resurrected, it's looking more and more like Winnipeg will have a team again soon. Today we start another super-sized post with several different designs by Mike Ivall.

And now we'll revisit a couple of Jets concepts previously posted on Icethetics.

Now that we've seen all these different ideas for the Jets, what if Winnipeg gets a new team and they're not the Jets? What should they be called? What rumors have you heard? What should their colors be? Comment with your ideas or email in some concept art.

Collection 15: Bring Back the Jets!

With all the talk about the Coyotes heading back to Winnipeg heating up this week — and by that I mean Gary Bettman not ruling out for the first time — I put out the call for everyone to send in their best Jets concepts. To accommodate great response, I'm super-sizing today's post beyond the usual five. Hope you enjoy it!

I do have to say one thing now. If you're a Phoenix hockey fan, please accept my apology for what must appear to be cheering in the streets over the notion of you guys losing your team. No one wants to see a hockey fan say goodbye to his club. But if they must go, there are a whole lot of people in Winnipeg who will be ecstatic. This post is dedicated to them.

Also, keep an eye out this weekend for another set of Jets concepts. We'll be revisting some past designs that have been posted here on Icethetics. Plus, I'm sure there will be some stragglers with new artwork now that this post is up.

Collection 14: Tex on a Tear

Thought this was a fun story. A lot of readers send in concept art and I love it when someone new comes along because it usually means a new perspective. Somewhat surprisingly, newcomer Tex Fischer was a huge hit with his Senators concept on Sunday. Not to offend, but I'm not sure why it was such a standout considering the entire group was made up of variations on a theme. Regardless, it was a hit. And Tex has been on a tear since. Today's post is dedicated to him.

That last one should serve as the segue into our next set of concepts. I put out the word for Winnipeg Jets concepts this week and have already gotten a lot of excellent entries. Looking forward to sharing them.

Dreaming of the Jets

Though the city of Glendale just promised millions to support the Phoenix Coyotes franchise, nothing is final and no sale has yet been completed. And despite inching closer to a deal that would keep the team in its present home, we can't help but wonder if the team isn't destined to return from whence it came. So here are some Winnipeg Jets concepts that have been submitted for your enjoyment.

Also, we're debuting a new feature. You can now rate each concept, 1 to 5 stars.

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Dallas Hicks	While I often receive classic Winnipeg Jets concepts, typically the designer is merely copying the old design onto a Reebok Edge jersey template. Nothing we haven't seen before. Dallas, on the other hand, has gone a step further by creating a new brand — which would be likely in the unlikely event of the team moving back to Manitoba. That being said, he has incorporated the jet in the original logo into his design. And I like how the jet's exhaust forms the shape of a J and a hockey stick all at the same time.
Dallas Hicks	But wait, there's more! Dallas also came up with these. They're not necessarily from the same set, just different color options for the same basic concept. I'd be pulling for the two-tone blue/gold look, personally, as it's time to stop dressing every team in blue and red — even if it is traditional.
Connor Hanley	Connor's concept is more about striping and uniform design than original logos. He's borrowed the Houston Aeros short-lived primary mark (2002-2006) for the home and road while sticking with the classic Jets jet on the alternate. But it's the striping on these jerseys that are the most interesting and unique. My favorite is the blue one. NHL teams just don't look like that anymore. And that's a shame.
Jake Slavik	Jake has gone in a whole new direction too. His Winnipeg Jets are blue and silver, and flaunt their hopeful hometown. Of course we'd have to do some work on the numbers and nameplate on the back. Those would be all but unreadable from the nosebleeds. Forget TV. But I like the direction he's going with the colors.
Matt McElroy	But perhaps not all hope is lost. What if Coyotes fans get their way and keep their team. Obviously the ideal situation. Matt's trying this quasi-throwback look as a possible light alternate jersey.
Usman Shabbar	And now for something completely different. Imagine crossing the Coyotes with the Blackhawks. What do you get? Maybe something like Usman's design here. It's an interesting look, but I'm not sure it's something we'd ever really see in the NHL.

If you'd like to submit your suggestions for the possible future Winnipeg Jets team, you know where to send them. Or if you're passionate about Coyotes remaining the Coyotes, let's have some of those concepts too!