A Sharks Logo ... Not San Jose!

Okay, before I say anything else, I need to mention that I was weary about posting this image. It's a photo of a shark logo that has been floating around the net as a potential new logo for the San Jose Sharks. First, look at it then read what I've written below.



Now from what I've read, most people aren't loving this logo and would rather not see the Sharks wearing it — ever. My belief is that there never was nor will be a chance of the Sharks wearing this anyway. But I am not omniscient or all-knowing believe it or not, and while anything is possible I'm saying I don't think it'll happen.

Why?

Because the logo belongs to this team. They're the Boston Ice Sharks, an amateur women's hockey team. That makes the odds of this being a San Jose concept very slim.

But having said that, don't chuck it out the window so fast. Word is that the new Sharks logo is supposed to feature a shark from head to tail, as opposed to just the front end sticking out of a triangle. Still, it's important to note that nothing official has been announced yet and it won't kill us all to wait three more days when the teams makes their announcement.

Also I want to point out that I'm not trying to shoot down possibilities, but rather put forth explanations for certain... rumors. I like the logo but I don't see the Sharks ever wearing it — on their chests. Could something similar find its way onto the shoulder patch? What do you think?

Flyers Jersey Concept Designs

Hope you're enjoying the tournament. In the last few days, the traffic here on this blog has skyrocketed, due in part, I believe, to links being posted on various message boards. I thank you all for dropping in and I hope the information regarding new jersey and logo designs for this fall that I've been providing is helpful.

Today we get a look at a fan-made concept for the new Philadelphia Flyers uniforms. These designs have the Rbk EDGE cut but use the same layout scheme as the all-star uniforms, which is why I know its fan art and nothing official from the team. I'm under the impression the Flyers will be going with black for their home jerseys this season. Take a gander.



If you were wondering what the home uniforms might look like in orange, check out the design below.



Once again, these were of course designed by a fan and despite the fact that the Flyers are taking pre-orders for the 2007-08 jerseys, we have yet to see what one will actually look like. As usual, keep it here for info on that as it becomes available.

Blues vs Stars

	vs
BLUES		STARS
4-5		3-4

The Aesthetics
Both logos are simple and strong if you can look past the wordmarks in the Stars logo. Unfortunately, for this point, I can't.
Blues

The Nickname
The all-consuming ball of fire we call a Star would have its way with anything on this planet. Even the Blues and those who sing them.
Stars

The Analysis
The Blues logo is a blue musical note. Very fitting. I did like the shoulder logo they wore in the '90s with the blue trumpets but I think most St. Louis fans would revolt over that one. As for the Stars, if you can go beyond the wordmarks, which I can for this point, you can't help but notice the the giant star is by itself — like the Lone Star State of Texas. The Blues logo really makes no references to the Gateway City.
Stars

WINNER

2-1

 

Capitals vs Sabres

	vs
CAPITALS		SABRES
4-4		4-3

The Aesthetics
The Capitals logo, as discussed is a wordmark with a hockey stick and a puck and that is the opposite of what's required to take this point. On top of that, the Sabres actually have a rather aesthetically strong logo.
Sabres

The Nickname
I can't really think of how to compare Capitals and Sabres, but let's say an army of Sabre-wielding anarchists stormed the Capital. They would probably overwhelm the lawmakers.
Sabres

The Analysis
Sabres fans everywhere have bemoaned the "Buffaslug" all year, begging for a change. I agree in that the team could do better, perhaps in merely placing an actual sabre in the logo would be an improvement. It's the reason why the team hasn't earned this point all tournament. That won't change today. Despite the Capitals logo being a glorified wordmark, the three stars representing Maryland, Virginia and the District will win me over in this match.
Capitals

WINNER

2-1

 

Predators vs Blue Jackets

	vs
PREDATORS		BLUE JACKETS
7-3		6-1

The Aesthetics
The top two logos in the Central Division are going head-to-head this afternoon. Both logos are rather detailed and have great colors, albeit the Predators' colors are aren't as common. For originality, this point goes the way of the Preds.
Predators

The Nickname
The Blue Jackets would be armed with bayonets so no Predator would have a chance unless it was impervious bullets and knives.
Blue Jackets

The Analysis
With the Ohio flag strewn across a silver star, there's no way the Blue Jackets logo can lose this point. I like the Predators logo and the reason behind it, but just looking at it, you wouldn't necessarily know the team was from Nashville. In fact, they could be from Hamilton and we wouldn't know the difference. All right, that's enough digs from me.
Blue Jackets

WINNER

2-1

 

Thrashers vs Maple Leafs

	vs
THRASHERS		MAPLE LEAFS
4-6		1-9

The Aesthetics
The Thrashers logo is so much better looking than the Maple Leafs. And I say that despite the hockey stick the bird is holding. What's worse is the team name completely spelled out in the Leafs logo. I've said before how the Maple Leafs can improve without scaring lifelong fans away. It is possible, believe it or not.
Thrashers

The Nickname
I've never heard of a Maple Leaf hurting a Thrasher. The Thrasher, on the other hand, has some nasty claws.
Thrashers

The Analysis
Neither logo is really strong in this category. Here's the thing, though. When you look at the two, which is easier to guess the home city of, if you didn't already know it? If we're ignoring the fact that Toronto is spelled out in the Maple Leafs logo, the maple leaf itself is a dead giveaway for Canada. It would be pretty impossible to guess where the Thrashers come from.
Maple Leafs

WINNER

2-1

 

Kings' New Uniforms Official

It's been brought to my attention that there is in fact another team that has unveiled their new Rbk EDGE jerseys. The Monday after draft day, I posted photos I came across of what appeared to be said uniforms. Turns out, the Kings actually did unveil them officially at the team's draft day party.

I know the image quality sucks, but you're looking at screengrabs from a video shot at the Kings draft party. They show Jack Johnson holding up the home jersey and Michael Cammalleri with the road sweater. For a better look at both jerseys, the photos I first posted were accurate.




Thanks to those of you who pointed this out to me. We now have five teams with OFFICIALLY unveiled jerseys for 2007-08. If you want to keep up with who's done what, there's now a tracker in the sidebar.