Fixing the Cats' Thirds

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Hope you're enjoying your morning. I've got some new concept art for you as part of the re-launch of the Icethetics concept format. From now on, I expect to have more frequent posts with fewer items.

Today, three artists take a look at what the Florida Panthers' probably should've done with their new third jersey this season. Dark blue has been done. And just because you add a new color to your arsenal doesn't make it acceptable.

Peter Cabral

This is probably closest to what the Panthers should've done — and it's the closest to what they actually did. It keeps the rounded shoulder yoke intact as well as the new logos. The only major change is to the color of the sweater itself — and they need to bring back the red.

One other neat change is the gold. It works really well with those shades of blue and red. But you may prefer the current yellow. For an idea of what that might look like, look no further...
Chris Fraterrigo

That's the true Panthers gold. But personally, I think either way you go, red is definitely the winner here. The point of the alternate uniform is to show off some colors your home crowd isn't used to seeing. They skirted that with the powder blue splashed about.

I'm not saying Florida has a bad third jersey, because that couldn't be farther from the truth. I just feel like they missed an opportunity to return to their roots a little. The Cats wore red for years. As a matter of fact, their first blue sweater was a third.
Glen Cuthbert

This last one may be the best version. While it's differences are slight, they are significant in their simplicity. First, drop the gold. Just because it's a third sweater doesn't mean it requires a third color. Red and blue work perfectly and separate the sweater from the home and road jerseys.

Second, the circle around the new panther head is not important and while to some it may elicit the feel of old-time hockey, all it really does is paint itself as a Penguins/Wild/Blues copycat. Still, it may need a white stroke to help it stand out a bit more on its own.

Everything else works. The striping is great as well as the shoulder yoke and new logos. There's nothing else I'd change.

And that wraps up the first edition of the new concept format. Hope you enjoyed it and I hope you enjoyed all your awesome Christmas presents this morning!

Strauss NHL Rebrand III

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The new concept series in which designer Elliott Strauss takes on the immense task of creating the ideal look of the NHL now continues. 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. Part II, saw updates for the Oilers, Red Wings and Thrashers. This time it's the Penguins, Maple Leafs and Stars.

The bold text below are Elliott's own descriptions.

Pittsburgh Penguins

The logos are all new. I tried to create a dramatic-looking penguin on Pittsburgh's signature triangle. Vegas gold is gone and yellow is back.

An igloo is featured as a patch logo and the jerseys pay tribute to the sweaters from the early '90s. The alternate brings in elements from the mid-00s triangles and also the new triangle featured in my logos.

Certainly a menacing penguin and the classic design is hard to beat. However, it does leave a little to wonder about in terms of logistics.

I like the idea of a yellow third, but is it dark enough that the opposing team could wear white? And while the two-tone jersey numbers may look cool, they don't quite meet their practical responsibility which is legibility — not to mention the nightmare for the person in charge of customizing each sweater.

Despite that critique, though, I am a fan of this look for the most part. By switching to Vegas gold, the Penguins weren't giving themselves the shinier look you'd imagine but rather desaturating their color scheme. It looks horrible and needs a change.

One thing I do like about the Penguins' current design is how they've stepped out of the box with the third jersey in using an entirely new color scheme. Even the Panthers only changed one color. The Pens went all the way.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The jerseys aren't much to speak of in terms of changes but I did come up with a new logo package. The leaf is spiky and help forms a T. The shoulder patch is a portion of the iconic CN tower behind a blue version of the Canadian flag.

This will probably end up being one of Elliott's most controversial designs if for no other reason than the sweeping logo changes.

However, the simplicity is hard to argue with and while it breaks from tradition in a big way, I don't think it's for the worse.

The one change I'd make is to dull the corners of the leaf — make them not so sharp. Then when you squint at it, it kind of looks like the Toronto Arenas shield.

Maybe it's just me.

Finishing up in the south with some not-so-sweeping changes in Dallas.

Dallas Stars

Since they seem to be more inclined toward black these days, I left black as the primary jersey color and switched up the logo a little bit. The chest mark is simply a star on top of Texas.

For the striping, I tried to make it in such a way that the gold looks best with the two colors — I'm not sure about a specific thought process.

The alternate eliminates the black and has stripes similar to their current uniforms.

I think Elliott was definitely going for a look that evokes the Stars' early days in Dallas. Apart from the sleeve stripes, it's almost a dead ringer.

I like the green third. It's something Dallas has struggled with in the Age of Reebok. I still think their best jersey was the green one with a giant star that was once an alternate.

Unfortunately, the Edge stifles that sort of creativity. Am I bitter? Never.

I'm aiming to get Part 4 posted within the next week. It will feature my Tampa Bay Lightning among others.

Strauss NHL Rebrand II

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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.

Strauss NHL Rebrand I

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We're kicking off a new concept series today here at Icethetics. Designer Elliott Strauss has been on a mission to rebrand the NHL for the better. Some teams need sweeping changes, others not so much. For the 10-part series, Elliott set out with the following goals:

  • Get rid of Reebok EDGE motifs like useless piping (Panthers), piping that randomly stops (Flames), unmatching home/away templates (Wild/Thrashers), awful-looking templates (Sens third), and teams with the same template.
  • Come up with some brand new modern designs and make sure every team has a distinct identity.
  • Pay attention to detail with fluid identities that feature striping that both makes sense and is consistent.
  • Keep tradition when necessary.

I think Elliott is on the right track, for the most part here (though I may disagree with the need to make home and roads always match). Distinct identities, attention to detail and tradition are all important aspects to NHL uniforms. Let's see how they stack up!

All bold text in this post is in Elliott's own words. Artwork MAY NOT be reproduced without permission.

Washington Capitals

The colors stay the same, but the logo is new as I took the U.S. Capitol dome and combined it with a red star and circle — my version of the pre-Ovechkin primary.

Uniforms are a little top heavy but pants stripes help balance it out. The alternate is somewhat similar to the Capitals' current home, thought I thought the Weagle logo made a better crest.

A great start to this series. The only change I would make is to swap the home and third jerseys. To me, the Caps will always be red despite their late-90s identity crisis.

That Weagle as a crest is an incredible look that Washington needs to take advantage of one of these days.

Phoenix Coyotes

The sand color is darker here throughout the Coyotes identity.

With the jerseys, I wanted to move away from the extreme traditional look a little. Notice that the stripe on the bottom of the hem forms the same design between the jersey base and the pants as is on the arms. For that reason, the pants color had to change.

The road uniform is sand — just something different.  The crest of the alternate is based on an old patch they had when they still wore purple and green.

Another inspired concept here. I think the only missed opportunity was the sweater numbers. The rest of the design really works — even the non-white road sweater.

Florida Panthers

I took the Panthers' logos and updated them to be smoother and more intense.

The uniforms play heavily on the claw motif — even slight claw marks on the numbers.

The alternate relies on the contrast between navy and red.

The Panthers have had great uniforms since their inception in 1993 — at least until the Age of Reebok. What Elliott's done brings them back into the 21st century.

The jerseys are sharp and so are the logos. Very nice work as we wrap up this series debut.

Elliott Strauss is a talented artist whose work has been seen previously as finalists for both the USF Ice Bulls and KractIce logo projects here at Icethetics.

We'll certainly see more from him over the next several weeks.

In next week's edition of the Strauss NHL Rebrand, prepare for teh Oilers, Red Wings and Thrashers.

IX: Oddball Parade

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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.

Concept Collection VIII

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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.

Concept Collection VII

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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.

Concept Collection VI

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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.)

USF Ice Bulls Entries

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As promised, I'd like to share with you guys all of the USF Ice Bulls logo submissions that didn't quite make the cut. I'll start with the designs that were among the finalists as the team was making its final decision. You can currently see the final logo, designed by Gary Cekus, on IceBulls.org.

All of the following logos and creative artwork are posted on Icethetics with the permission of the designer. Reproduction or use of this artwork in any way without the consent of the designer is expressly prohibited.

FINALISTS

The first runner-up was created by an Icethetics regular, Mike Ivall. In fact, two of Mike's designs were featured in the previous concept post.

Mike Ivall

Another top contender came from Anthony Lamberty. I prefer the version with the downturned head with the USF lettermark.

Anthony Lamberty

Cale Putnam's concept had some potential. I particularly liked the image of a puck with a horn going through it.

Cale Putnam

These are just a fraction of the great entries Icethetics received. I'll share more of them later tonight. And not to worry, eventually, I will get around to posting ALL of them.

It's Back!

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Since my return to Icethetics, it seems like I've brought back every feature but one. Arguably, your favorite one! I get emails all the time asking where the concept art went. Well it went to Twitter, but many of you have said that you want it back on the blog.

It's time to revitalize this stagnant Concepts section here at Icethetics. My goal is to get at least one new post a week on this page and ramp it up as more artwork comes in. Let's start with one of our most prolific contributors, Mike Ivall.

Calgary Flames concept by Ivall

It's a kind of merging of the Flames' old third jersey logo and the classic Flaming C. The jersey designs are very interesting as well, almost evoking a sense of fire and flames — though I don't want to make too much of a case in favor of the Edge design.

Wild fans, this one's for you. Untvar has come up with several different ideas for the forthcoming alternate sweater. Take a look and tell us what you think. Each one is labeled.

Minnesota Wild alternate concepts by Untvar

Personally I prefer the shade of green in A but I'm also partial to the striping on E. Not caring much for the North Stars-inspired designs but to each his own.

That's what I've got for now. I'm going to comb through my inbox and try to find some artwork I haven't yet posted — including all those Ducks concepts I asked for a few weeks ago! In addition, the Ice Bulls will be announcing their final decision on their new logo tomorrow so I'll be posting all of the submissions I received that didn't make the cut.

It'll all be right here in the newly reinvigorated Concepts section!