HF&P, Part 14: Pittsburgh Penguins

I know my "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series has been waning as of late, but as of today it's back and better than ever. The reason: I am now armed with tons of new fan artwork. Some of it is pretty awesome. Some of it is pretty dreadful. Today we'll be getting a concoction of both as we take a look at the Pittsburgh Penguins.

By the way, if you don't know what this series is about, check out the original post and some of the others in the series.



First off, I've hated the yellow ever since they upgraded to gold. No sense in going back. If you don't know what I mean, the color in the jersey to the right is a perfect example. But as I've mentioned before, this artist is very nostalgic and gives all his uniform renderings that touch. Replace that yellow and I think these are very good representations of what we'd all like to see for the Pens come the fall.

Second, I love the blue third jersey! I know the league has been talking about dumping that program for the new season while everyone adjusts to the sweeping uniform changes, but I love that blue jersey. I love the creativity and the designer's sense of nostalgia. One thing: The logo has never had a blue triangle. Switch it back to gold but keep the jersey blue. Awesome.

You didn't think I was done yet did you? This design is nothing new — as indicated by the 2004 copyright — and they feature the old jersey design. Still, I thought they warranted comment since they're just that cool. I think it's a really neat design that isn't seen in the NHL but should be. Not only that, I'm afraid of that penguin. It's just a very cool modernized version of the penguin they currently use in their logo. I miss the triangle, though. I'm sure they could work one in.

Anyway, that's what some fans see in the future for Pittsburgh uniforms. We won't know for sure, one way or the other, until the summer when the teams start unveiling their new duds. Keep it here for info on that, by the way, as it becomes available.

Next up: the New York Islanders (and you're going to laugh your ass off when you see it).

Rumor: New Bruins Logo Coming Friday

I don't care much for rumors since anyone can create one and no one has to take responsibility for it so I generally tend to shy away from them. Still, I've heard from several places and have referenced before in this blog that the Boston Bruins will be getting a new logo and uniforms this summer.

Now I'm getting rumblings of an unveiling date set for June 1. Well, that's this Friday so the good news is we don't have to wait long to see if the rumor is true.

That being said, I'm not adding it to the sidebar countdown but I did feel like making everyone aware of the possibility. Keep an eye on the B's web site along with NHL.com this week to see what happens.

I don't have any particulars on the new look — just that the spoked B is out and a new, fierce-looking bear is in. I'm assuming they're keeping the colors. If this does pan out, the Bruins will become the first Original Six team to make a major logo change in the last 50 years.

HF&P, Part 13: Carolina Hurricanes

Well, the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series is winding down now as we're just a mere two weeks out from the opening of the NHL Tournament of Logos. It's pretty exciting. But unfortunately, that also means the NHL season is ending. It's down to Ottawa and Anaheim in a true battle of the best. If you're wondering, I'm pulling for the Ducks to take home Lord Stanley.



Correct me if I'm wrong friends, but I believe we've seen this designer's work before. This is a very simple design not a far cry from what the Hurricanes currently wear. All that's been done really is the hurricane flags worn horizontally around the waist have moved vertically to the sides under the arms.

This design also uses the front right shoulder numbers being worn by the Buffalo Sabres this season. I doubt that will become a league-wide mandate.

At this point I'd typically take the opportunity to point out flaws or suggest improvements, but I really can't. I like the Hurricanes' logos — both primary and secondary — and can't see a reason to change the color scheme or jersey design. It's a keeper. Now we just wait and see what the 'Canes actually have planned for next season.

Up next: the Pittsburgh Penguins.

HF&P, Part 12: Columbus Blue Jackets

All right so today brings a good example of what happens when a hockey fan gets a hold of Photoshop and doesn't know how to use it. By the way, I use the term Photoshop generically here.




Really I think someone just got a hold of Microsoft Paint. Basically the designer was just trying to see what a jersey might look like with the secondary logo as the crest, which was announced by Doug MacLean before he got fired. Thing is, we've already seen that. It was called the Blue Jackets' third jersey.

The jersey in the middle there is what Columbus wore as alternate this season. I'm a big fan of it. I've also heard rumblings of a slight change in the color scheme. I don't know what, though. We'll just have to wait it out and see.

Now, lastly I should just apologize for mocking the obvious lack of talent in the designer of today's uniforms but come on as I am no better. At least this person took the time to open Paint for three seconds. I'm just sitting here at my keyboard looking on and making snide comments.

But that's fun too.

Next up: the Carolina Hurricanes.

HF&P, Part 11: Dallas Stars

The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series pushes forward with a pair of designs a couple artists came up with for the Dallas Stars.



This is probably the most expected version of the new uniforms for Dallas. But personally I'd like to see a change in the logo. Nothing drastic, just an update. They have great colors but I feel like they could use a better logo.

And when I say that I do not mean what you see here to the right. I believe this design was rather ill-conceived. While it would be a welcome change to see a new crest on the Stars' sweaters, certainly this is not the way to go. This is the secondary logo and should stay that way.

Also worth noting in this design is the jersey number located on the front right shoulder. As I've discussed, the Sabres introduced that this season but it doesn't appear yet that the NHL plans to adopt it league-wide.

As far as that goes, I'm guessing the designer of this one also did the Flyers (yesterday). This is relevant only in as much as this person created a secondary logo for Philly. Why not come up with a new one for Dallas while you're at it? I was impressed by the Liberty Bell.

Anyway, we'll find out just exactly what's going down for next season at some point this summer. I can't wait.

Coming tomorrow: the Columbus Blue Jackets.

HF&P, Part 10: Philadelphia Flyers

I know, I'm a bad blogger, I promised this post yesterday, but I had a pretty nasty stomach virus that had me in bed all day. I know, no excuse. Now without further ado, "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" continues into the double digits with the Broadstreet Bullies.



It's not a bad design. Rather simplistic when compared to some of the others we've seen. But I like it. I'd gotten used to the Flyers wearing black but I think a return to orange would be welcomed. Like others, this design also makes use of the front shoulder number on the jersey a la the Buffalo Sabres' new duds this season.

Now the coolest thing about this design is on the shoulders. Check out that secondary logo. I've always said the Liberty Bell would make a great secondary for the Flyers. I think it's really cool. I hope one day we can really see it on their uniforms.

Hope you enjoyed today's post in the HF&P series. It's been fun. And there's still so much more to come in the next 18 days before the tournament begins. How excited are you right now?!

Coming tomorrow: the Dallas Stars.

HF&P, Part 9: Calgary Flames

Another day, another "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" post. Today's faux uniform art comes from a fan of the Calgary Flames.



We can tell by the layout of this graphic that it's the same artist who loves all the old style jerseys and logos. As you can see, we lose the black but for an alternate design. On the other hand, I do like what is added to the shoulders. I've never really loved empty shoulders on most uniforms.

Ultimately this design is very similar to what the Flames currently wear with just a few minor changes including an '80s throwback. Personally, however, I like the black in the Flames color scheme and think it needs to stay. But there you have it — what can be done for Calgary's Rbk EDGE jerseys come the fall.

Coming tomorrow: the Philadelphia Flyers.

Flashback: Sabres & Ducks

Okay, people, we're down to just a few weeks before the tournament begins but that doesn't mean this site is useless until then — as has been made obvious with the Hockey Fans & Photoshop series. But getting away from that briefly I wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Last year, all of us hockey fans waited and wondered about what we might see in terms of new logos and uniforms for the coming season.

Both the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks — switching to a new moniker — got complete design makeovers. Brand new logos, even brand new colors! Some loved them and some hated them. Personally, I didn't like either new logo very much, but that's what we got. (That might give away a little bit about how the Tournament may go.)

Anyway, this relic here seen to the right is that lovely "leaked" image we were all treated to while waiting to see what the new Sabres logo might look like. The team had previously announced a return to its traditional blue and gold colors and even promised to wear the old '70s uniform for a handful of games in the new season. But as for the primary logo — fans hated it! They called it the Buffaslug, mocking the creature's lack of legs.

The whole "Confidential Until Sept. 2006" made for a pretty interesting sell as well. Still, most people were sure it was a fake. The NHL would never go for such a lame logo. But wait, this is the NHL we're talking about.

Which brings us to our other topic of discussion. No longer a minion of the Disney Corporation, the team wanted to lose that last link going from Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to — quite simply — the Anaheim Ducks. And I liked the name change. What I didn't like was the new logo put forth.

The fuzzy cell phone camera image you see to the left was apparently taken by someone who wants us to think there were better options available to the Ducks. Of the two, I prefer the top logo, so naturally the one on the bottom is what the team chose. I know it would've led to endless tirades about the "Anaheim Mallards" and yes it does look a little like a baseball logo (for some reason) but still — what have they got now? It's not even a real logo. And at least the top one features a better color scheme — not that I really have anything against the orange and gold. It works too.

As far as options go, these two also surfaced. The one on the right is the Atlanta Thrashers logo, so even though I like it, let's move on. The one on the left is nice but also prominently features a mallard along with a rather dull color scheme. So I don't know what to say. I guess they just didn't have any really good graphic design firms on the case. Which reminds me — somebody from the NHL really really needs to listen to this guy. The Sabres especially would be much better off.

All right, that's all the ranting I have for you tonight. It was a brief look back at last year as we await the massive slew of new designs expected for the 2007-08 season. Stay with us. More Hockey Fans & Photoshop tomorrow!

HF&P, Part 8: Boston Bruins

Oh yes, there's more where that came from. The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series takes a look at another "Original Six" team that will transform itself for the fall of 2007.



Yes, the boys from Beantown may be looking a little something like this next season. Although, I have my doubts. Retail sources of mine are the impression that the Bruins will undergo some rather sweeping changes to its logo and uniform for the beginning of the Rbk EDGE era. But since I have no proof, this design isn't a bad thought.

The image quality isn't the best but it's a decent look. It keeps with the theory that Reebok would like the jerseys to be tucked in and therefore does away with the stripes across the waist, instead opting for vertical stripes up the sides. I don't hate it. But then I also don't love it.

I also find it strange that all of these fan-made designs keep the same striping and color layout as the all-star jerseys. I was under the impression those were just what they were. We'll see this summer, though, when teams start unveiling their uniforms.

And just as a reminder, none of the work here is my own so I can't take any credit. Various designers have been having a little fun with Photoshop in recent months and I just felt like gathering as much as I could find in one place. If you're a designer of any of these jerseys or others, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can design some exclusively for this blog or just write about your work if you want. We'd be happy to hear from you.

Coming tomorrow: the Calgary Flames.

HF&P, Part 7: Washington Capitals II

This is the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series and continues with an unusually massive post. First of all, I know I already did a Washington Capitals post. But in about a month the Washington Capitals will unveil the new uniforms they've been talking about at a draft day party. The graphic to the right is meant to promote the event — open to season ticket holders and fans in D.C. I obviously won't be there but I'll be keeping a look out online that day. I can't wait to see what they come up with.

But in preparation for that, I've been scouring the net for other fan-made designs. Just before the HF&P Caps post came one of a similar nature featuring this design. Those are fine but there are many more — just that I've come across.



I really liked the all-star jerseys from when the game was held in Minnesota. So I think these jerseys would be great for the Caps. Not so much the logo. That might make a good secondary logo for the shoulder, but how about a "DC" instead of a "W"? But the colors work well along with the 18 stars that don the shoulders and waist.

In keeping with this general color theme we get this rendering. The lettering is a bit out of style but then so is the logo. Seems one fan thinks this would be what the uniforms might look like if the Capitals returned to their '70s logo with the new Rbk EDGE uniforms. But this one only has 12 stars and is therefore inferior.

I kid of course, but frankly, that is a red I would rather not see on the ice — ever. But credit to the designer for trying. It's more than I've come up with.

This is another design I thought was rather unique. It ignores the new Reebok jerseys but I still like the idea. A little blast from the past featuring some more contemporary elements. The road jerseys are cool with the arm number set within a star. I'm not sure how I feel about the gold color, though. Keep the bronze and just dabble in the dark red. I also like the use of stars down the right sleeve on the home sweaters. It's a cool design but like all of the others, it will never hit the ice.

And neither will this one.

Coming tomorrow: the Boston Bruins.

HF&P, Part 6: Ottawa Senators

The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" trudges along, today with the Ottawa Senators fake new uniforms.



Actually, not bad. We appear to have a decent artist all over this conjecturing. I do like the use of the Peace Tower logo but what's with incorporating elements of your rival's emblem? Personally I prefer the more stylized Spartan head.

Yesterday, we talked about people taking issue with horizontal stripes mysteriously not working on the new Rbk EDGE jerseys. But look, it does. Oh my. I know there's special stretchy material on the sides and under the arms but that does inhibit dyes from working.

I like the lettering and numbering used in this design, but ultimately I'd like to see something different for Ottawa — not that this isn't a good idea. But there's nothing that exciting here. No sweeping changes like in other designs that I've posted.

In fact, if you want to see sweeping changes and fan artwork that will blow your mind, you definitely will want to come back tomorrow and get a glimpse of what some people think is coming for the Washington Capitals. We'll have lots of images and lots to say. Be sure to come back.

HF&P, Part 5: Montreal Canadiens

The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series continues with Les Habitants. Le Tricolore. Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. The Habs.



When it was announced that the new uniform changes would be league-wide, ultra-traditionalists freaked. They went crazy talking about how the horizontal stripes would have to go and that was the worst thing that could ever happen. Personally I think global starvation is the worst thing that could happen, but whatever.

This design tries to show that horizontral stripes can work on the new uniforms. Well, this is a bad example. Don't cut the stripes off in midstream guys, seriously. Anyway, this design also assumes the front-shoulder numbers will be adopted league-wide though there is not yet evidence to prove that theory.

All in all, I would say it's not that bad. It's better than the graphic you see here to the right. This isn't that much different, but it shows how too much stripage can hurt rather than help. We don't like that.

Once again before I go I want to acknowledge the work of the designers behind these renderings. Again, it's not my work, I'm just re-posting what I've come across. If any of the designers would like to get in touch, drop a line via the comments. I'd love you hear from you regarding your work.

Coming tomorrow: the Ottawa Senators.

HF&P, Part 4: Los Angeles Kings

As part of my continuing coverage of "Hockey Fans & Photoshop," today we get a glimpse at one fan's renderings of possible Los Angeles Kings uniforms for the new season. Don't ask, it won't happen. These aren't official league-approved designs. They're just the result of artistically-inclined hockey fans in need of a creative outlet.

Check it.



So there it is. First of all, you're not seeing things. There is no color. And that I do not understand. This particular designer seems to really like throwback uniforms. That's cool but I think the addition of purple to the Kings' black and silver was as welcome change back in the late '90s. Seeing these uniforms without the purple bothers me.

On the other hand, I'm a fan of the alternate jersey design. Remember the '96 third jersey the Kings wore briefly? Well I liked them. A lot. Right down to the creepy looking king head. I wouldn't even mind seeing that as a primary logo. But it's not my call and I guess that's a good thing.

Coming tomorrow: the Montreal Canadiens.

HF&P, Part 3: St. Louis Blues

In case you missed Tuesday's post, I've started a new post series here on the blog in the weeks leading up to the opening of the tournament. HF&P stands for "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" and has to do with the fact that this series features potential uniform designs consistent with the new Rbk EDGE unis to be used next season. No NHL team has yet officially unveiled their uniforms, but hey, fans can dream right? None of it is my own work, merely re-posting of other people's handiwork that I found around the net.



Today we get a glimpse at a potential design for the St. Louis Blues. This designer is a lot like me in that we feel like change is good. Style and design are fluid things that are constantly changing with the times. I like the idea of toying with the old secondary logo. In my opinion, it better personifies the team nickname than the musical note with a wing attached. Still, its interesting. My only change would be adding that dark shade of blue that the team currently dons. We like the two-tone Blues.

For those of you wondering, these are obviously not official NHL designs. To say their fake would be a misnomer. They're real inasmuch as you can see them. But I'm afraid they haven't been commissioned by the league. The way you can tell is that Gary Bettman has said that the NHL will temporarily drop the third jersey program while the teams adjust to the completely new uniforms. Also the secondary logo in the graphic isn't very clean.

Anyway, kudos to the designer, as always. And feel free to make yourself known if you wish. I'd love to have you on the blog to talk about your work. Speaking of which, this graphic to the right comes from a separate designer who is incorporating the front shoulder number being used by the Buffalo Sabres this season. It uses the all-star uniform design with the current Blues color scheme.

By the way, I open the floor to anyone who has worked on jersey designs in their spare time. I'd love to hear from you and I'm sure the few readers here would too. It's great work. We're all looking forward to the unveiling of all the new designs this summer.

Coming tomorrow: the Los Angeles Kings.

HF&P, Part 2: Washington Capitals

In case you missed yesterday's post, HF&P stands for "Hockey Fans & Photoshop." It has a lot to do with the fact that this series of posts features potential uniform designs consistent with the new Rbk EDGE unis to be used next season. No NHL team has yet officially unveiled their uniforms, but hey, fans can dream right?

By the way, I didn't do any of these designs so don't let me take any credit. I'm just re-posting someone else's handiwork that I found kind of cool.



Today's graphic is for the Washington Capitals. The Caps previously announced plans to return to a red, white and blue color scheme so this fan took it a step further and came up with a new logo — a modernized version of the old '70s logo. The graphic features an "alternate" design and as one reader pointed out yesterday, the league has said it will be shelving "third jerseys" for a while as the teams adjust to the sweeping uniform changes.

If it makes any difference, I really like the "DC" star logo. Put a graphic design firm on that to touch it up and we may have something there.

Coming tomorrow: the St. Louis Blues.

Hockey Fans & Photoshop, Part 1: TBL

I'm sure that by now, everyone who's interested has seen the fan-made artwork, predicting the potential new looks for teams all over the NHL next season. The introduction of the Rbk EDGE uniforms has propeled that, and just in case you haven't seen it, I'm going to re-post all of the images here over the next few weeks in a series I like to call — "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" — so I hope you enjoy it. And if you've already seen them, well good for you.

Without further ado, I present to you — the Tampa Bay Lightning, of course. I have to get things started with my team, you know.



I'm a big fan. I thoroughly hate the current Lightning uniform and this rendition is miles away from that. I would like a new logo, however. The whole lightning bolt in a circle just isn't doing it for me.

Hey, while I'm thinking of it, I've got something for you. See that goofball pencil sketch to the right? That pathetic chicken scratch was my feeble attempt at showing what could be done with the logo. Ignore the hockey stick in the background though, I don't think it really works. But notice how I worked in the "T" and the "B" all subtle-like? Yeah, clever, I know.

Anyway, maybe something a little different is what my Bolts need for better aesthetics. I won't buy a jersey until we get a good one. New logo, new uniforms, and I'd even add another color. I like the blue, black and silver — but what about tossing in a dark green or a yellow or something. Liven that sucker up! That's what I say!

But who cares what I say right? More tomorrow.

FanFic Canucks Jerseys

Okay, people, we're down to less than a month before the tournament begins but that doesn't mean this site is useless until then. Everyday (hopefully), over the next several weeks I'll be posting information regarding new logos and uniforms. So keep checking back. You know you want to.

First, I have to start out by scolding myself for forgetting the name of the blog where I found this image. With regard to the coming announcement about new uniforms and logo adjustments, a Vancouver Canucks fan had a little fun with Photoshop.

Quite honestly, I don't hate the design they came up with. On the other hand, I'm fairly sure the final product won't be anything close to this. Plus, I've always been a fan of teams using different logos on their home and away jerseys. I want to say Atlanta was the first to do that when they entered the league, but Washington would've been pretty close. Currently, Ottawa does that as well. In the case of the Sens and Caps, though, the dark jerseys are former third jerseys that have been promoted.

Anyway, just wanted to share that tidbit with you tonight. Like I said, keep checking back for more every day.

FanFic Caps Unis Making Rounds

a Cathode Rays & Power Plays cross-post from May 3, 2007

First off, of course they're fake. Everybody keeps posing the ridiculous question: Are these real? Are you for real?

As is evidenced by the web address where the images are located, the handiwork comes by way of a graphic artist — from Baltimore, Maryland. (Clearly either a Caps fan, or friends with one.) If he's just hosting it on his site, I'll be very surprised.

Anyway, the design mixes the old with the new in that it keeps the dull (instead of bright) colors and elements of both the old logo and the current one. Note the "Capitals" script with the dome element above it. The grey star beneath it is interesting but it doesn't work on the white jersey. As I've said, I've never been a fan of NHL logos wherein the team name is blatantly spelled out. That's not what a primary logo should be.

That's all for now. Remember, the Washington Capitals unveil their actual new logo and uniforms on June 22.

Retro Returning, Now For Canucks

a Cathode Rays & Power Plays cross-post from April 26, 2007

I know this news is a couple months old, but since I just posted about the Caps, I figured it was relevant.

The Vancouver Canucks will apparently be donning new threads come the fall as well. And just like Washington, the Canucks are planning a return to their original '70s colors of blue, green and white. No word on whether they'll be keeping the orca logo, going back to the original logo, or designing a completely new one all together.

Either way, we find out on August 1.

I found the original post at Canucks Hockey Blog.

You can catch a glimpse of Johnny Canuck painted on the side of Roberto Luongo's mask on nights when the local team wears its vintage blue, green and white uniforms. And the question begs: "Is the artwork on Luongo's mask a hint of things to come?"

The modern day Canucks' marketing machine has instructed its large army of merchandising retailers to stand by for an announcement on Aug. 1.

"Right now we're ordering next year's inventory blindly," says the owner of a sporting goods outlet in North Vancouver. "All we've been told is that the colours of the uniforms will be blue, green and white, but we don't know what the crest is going to look like. The current killer whale [or orca] jersey, as we understand it, will be kept in reserve and occasionally be used as a 'classic' uniform."

So far, I've learned of six teams that have definite plans to change their logos. I have a source in retail that would probably rather not be named. (Look at me trying to be all cryptic.) Aside from Vancouver and Washington, the other four teams that I know of which will see major- or minor-scale uniform and logo changes are the Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, and thankfully, the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We'll follow along this summer and see what happens.

Caps Unveiling New Logo June 22

Now that the tournament blog is officially open for business, let's get to the business. We have our first bit of news by way of the Washington Capitals. They are the first team to announce plans for a new logo and uniforms. The Caps made the official announcement of their intentions on their official site — WashingtonCaps.com.


The Caps' official site had this graphic as their splash page during the week following the announcement.

Like the Sabres and Canucks, the Caps are planning a return to the colors they wore originally when they entered the league in 1974. What's with everybody going back to '70s colors? I know style is cyclical, but come on already. You can read the team's press release below.

Washington Capitals to Unveil New Uniforms at June 22 Draft Day Party

April 23, 2007

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals will unveil their new uniforms at a special Draft Day Party on Friday, June 22, held at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Va. The event will be held in conjunction with the live broadcast on Versus of the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, which takes place that evening in Columbus, Ohio.

The new uniforms will mark a return to a red, white and blue color scheme — the colors the Capitals wore from their first season in 1974-75 through 1994-95. The Capitals are the first team in the NHL to announce their plans to unveil their new uniforms, which are produced by Reebok and feature the Rbk EDGE Uniform System technology that was introduced at the 2007 NHL All-Star Game in Dallas. The Capitals are the first team planning to have their new uniforms on hand at the NHL Entry Draft.

Further details about the event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tournament Introduction

Welcome to the NHL Tournament of Logos!

The NHL season is coming to an end and that leaves scores of hockey fans everywhere with a very dull offseason ahead of them. Sure it's summertime and that means vacation and beaches and such. But that doesn't change the fact that there will be no hockey until September.

So to cure our pain, I've come up with a solution. The NHL Tournament of Logos is a fierce battle which pits team logos and nicknames against one another to determine who is the best. It's good, because with the Stanley Cup playoffs ending, we need an outlet for that competitive edge we've all got going.

Whether your team got eliminated too soon or went all the way, this tournament will be worth following. It's a whole new mini-season while we wait for 2007-08. Individual team schedules have been posted so you can follow along with your favorites. Just click on your team's name in the sidebar standings. Also posted are the rules and regulations of the tournament since every competition needs its edicts. And when the Stanley Cup Finals are over, that is when the fun begins. At the moment, Game 7 of the Finals is scheduled for June 11. But anything can happen. The schedule can change and the series may not even go to seven games. Regardless, the tournament will begin on June 12.

Basically, here's the way it works. The tournament will be played in a blog format. Each day, three or four matches will be "posted" here on the blog. A match features two teams in a one-on-one battle. Each team plays every team in its own conference. To find out more about how that works, check out the rules post. For now, just enjoy the rest of the playoffs and come back here when its all over.

Also, keep checking back here for updates as I plan to follow very carefully any logo or uniform related news and forward it on. As you know, next season will feature the introduction of the new Rbk EDGE uniforms and many teams will be redesigning logos and looks as well. And be sure to get in on the action and discuss your feelings by clicking on the comments of any post. We're looking forward to an awesome competition!

Rules & Regulations

Any good competition has to have a set of rules and regulations to guide it. Even the NHL Tournament of Logos, if you can believe that. So before the tournament begins, get familiar with how it works right here.

Team Posts
Each team in the tournament will have its own page with information related to it. You can access a Team Post by clicking on the team's name in the sidebar standings. On each page, you will find a large-sized logo for the team, the team's tournament schedule, logos used by the team (both current and past), and links to news posts related to that team. In addition, several teams have plans to change/update their logos. If the date has been announced, it will be posted on their page. One more not, regarding the schedules. Don't expect to see the scores updated on each post as that would take me forever to update every day. You can use the Team Posts to follow along with your favorites and find out what days they have matches.


Tournament Play
There are 30 teams in the NHL — 15 in each conference. To limit the number of matches that would have to take place during the tournament, every team will only face the 14 other teams in their own conference once each. That's 14 matchups for each team — 210 total for the league. (And you have to admit, even that's a big number.) The regular season wil take place over the course of 60 days and each day, 3 or 4 matches will be played.

Three points will be awarded in each match so they will all have a final score of either 3-0 or 2-1 with a definite winner and loser. A team can earn a maximum of 42 points during the tournament (assuming it wins every match 3-0). (Note: Bonus points will be awarded at the end of the tournament, prior to the Championship Tournament.) Matches will be judged (by me) on three facets: 1) The Aesthetics, 2) The Nickname, and 3) The Analysis. This is where things start to fall apart. (As in, I'm the one judging. So much for rules, right.) If you want to know how each point is awarded, here is a rough breakdown.

The Aesthetics
This is where I just stare down both logos, side-by-side. Whichever one I think is more appealing to the eye wins the point. I'll also make comments on the logos and how they compare. Uniforms may come in to play here from time to time.

The Nickname
This one is usually pretty farcical. For example, the Rangers/Thrashers matchup may go something like this: "If the Thrasher is living in a national park, the park Ranger is protecting it and therefore has the upper hand." And then I would give the Rangers the point. Expect to see some pretty ridiculous explanations in this category.

The Analysis
This category will have a slightly more serious tone than the last two, where I really take a look at the team's name and logo and how it meshes with the club/organization and home city/location. The team that does a better job meshing and such gets the point.

Don't be surprised to see these change from game to game for the same team. A lot of this will probably depend on my general mood the day I write it. So we'll see what happens. At the very least, this tournament should serve as an amusing way to keep us hockey fans occupied during the offseason.


Bonus Points
At the conclusion of regular tournament play, and just prior to the beginning of the Championship Tournament. Bonus points will be awarded based on a series of questions. They won't be completely arbitrary, but I challenge anyone to find a real rhyme or reason to them. It'll just be a little something to stir the pot at the end of the tournament. The bonus points will be included in the final point totals which will determine the teams that will play in the Championship Tournament. The bonus point guidelines will not be announced until after the tournament, so don't ask what they are.


Championship Tournament
After regular tournament play has concluded, we'll need to decide on a Logo Champion. Only 14 of the 30 teams (7 from each conference) will advance to the Championship Tournament (or the playoffs). The top 2 seeded teams in each division will automatically advance. The 7th team in each conference, the "wild card," will be the team with the most points (or best record) of the 9 remaining teams.

Then, each team will play all 7 teams from the opposite conference (since they've already played all the teams within their own conference). Standings will be kept just like in the regular season portion of the tournament. The team with the most points (or best record) will be declared the Logo Champion be awarded the Stanley Cup Logo.

Tiebreaker
The easiest and most obvious tiebreaker is head-to-head. Since each team plays the others only once, if two teams are tied, the team that won during their regular season matchup gets the edge.


If there's anything I didn't cover here that you're still curious about, check the FAQs. There is a ton more information there. (Basically, I didn't want to cram everything into one post.) If you have questions about anything I didn't address, feel free to leave a comment here or on the FAQs and I'll do my best to get back with you.

Tournament FAQs

You asked. We're answering. Well, you didn't ask and it's just me here. But I'm nipping this in the bud. Should you have any questions beyond what I'm covering here, feel free to drop a line under the comments area and I'll get back with you.

I'll try to keep this short. Let's get to it.

Standings

If a team has only losses, how can it have points in the standings?
The tournament standings don't work like the NHL standings. Teams get points based on the scores of each match. A team can lose 2-1 and still get a point in the standings. (The winner would get 2.)


Schedule

Why don't you have a post with the full tournament schedule?
Too much work and I'm lazy like that. Individual team schedules allow you to follow your favorite teams. If you want to know every team that's playing on a given day, then come visit the blog on that day and find out.

Why does my team sometimes go for weeks without a match while other teams have matches for days in a row?
I used Microsoft Excel to come up with a completely random schedule. But this speaks to my laziness as well in that I didn't know how/care to try to even things out. What you have is a manageable schedule of three to four matches a day. With 30 teams, that means you have 14 matches over the course of 60 days. We were bound to have lots of spaced out matches. Try to deal.


Offseason Logo Changes

What happens if a team announces a new logo during the tournament?
It's simple, really. When a new logo is unveiled, it goes into effect the following day in the tournament. (I have to have time to make the graphics.) My plan is to have each day's matches posted in the morning and any announcement would likely come in the afternoon. (Ex.: The Washington Capitals are unveiling a new logo on June 22. If they had a match scheduled for June 22, it would be played with the old logo. The new logo would take effect on June 23, the day they actually have a match.) Follow that?


This post will continue to be updated with new questions for as long as I feel like updating it so keep checking back and be sure to ask a question if you've got one.