New Unis Coming For Jackets...

...but we already knew this didn't we?



I saw this today on the Columbus Blue Jackets web site. They made the official announcement on June 1. You can read the press release below or simply go to their site.

Columbus Blue Jackets To Introduce New Uniforms For 2007-08 Season Prior To Start Of NHL Draft On Friday, June 22

June 1, 2007
BlueJackets.NHL.com

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Columbus Blue Jackets will introduce their new home and road uniforms prior to the start of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft at Nationwide Arena on Friday, June 22. The unveiling will include two Blue Jackets players and take place on the Entry Draft stage just prior to the start of the draft.

The Blue Jackets will join the other 29 NHL member clubs in wearing the Rbk Edge uniforms beginning with the 2007-08 season. Last January, the NHL and Reebok announced a partnership that has created the new technologically-advanced uniform system, which was worn by the Western and Eastern Conference All-Star Teams at last year's game in Dallas.

The Rbk Edge Uniform System was designed with performance and safety at the forefront. It is the culmination of more than two years of research and testing with active participation by NHL players, the NHL Players' Association and NHL team executives. The launch marks the first time in the history of major North American professional sports leagues that a league-wide uniform innovation has been established.

The 2007 NHL Entry Draft will be held at Nationwide Arena on Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23. The first round will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday with rounds 2-7 beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets are free for both days and are available at www.BlueJackets.com. Additional information on special events surrounding the draft will be announced in the coming days.

For information on Blue Jackets season tickets, mini-plans and group tickets for the 2007-08 National Hockey League season, call (614) 246-PUCK or (800) NHL-COLS.

HF&P, Part 21: Toronto Maple Leafs

They're calling it blasphemous — the idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be changing their logo for the 2007-08 season. I say, why not? More power to them. Anyway, they're the 21st entry in the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series here on the NHL Tournament of Logos blog leading up the start of the competition in less than a week.



What do you think? As you can see, it's more work from Mr. Nostalgia as we dig into the time capsule and retrieve these old relics. The "primary" logo is of course currently used on the Leafs' third jerseys while they "secondary" logo hasn't been used in decades. But it's an interesting look. Any Toronto fans feel like weighing in?

That's really all I have to say on this matter. Check back tomorrow for more cool fan-made designs.

I also want to make sure that I mention every so often that these images I'm posting are stolen — borrowed, rather. I'm finding them at various places online and am trying to get them all posted in one place for the enjoyment and interest of fans everywhere. If you or someone you know has designed them, please feel free to drop me a line and let me know about it so I can credit you. I am by no means taking credit for anything here — unless I say so specifically.

There. Now onto other things.

Coming up next: the Detroit Red Wings.

HF&P, Part 20: Boston Bruins II

The "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series trudges on with yet another new uniform design — this one, for the boys from Beantown — the Boston Bruins. We took a look at one design back in Part 8 but I've discovered another out there.



It's a nice one. But it's never going to happen. I haven't heard anything official yet but the Bruins are apparently redesigning the logo — something in the neighborhood of a scary looking bear a la the Hershey Bears of the AHL.

Regardless, I like this design. It's simple but it's different. I also like the yellow jersey even though no one else will and the league is probably opting away from third jerseys for a little bit while everyone adjusts to the sweeping uniform changes.

What do you think of them? Comment me.

Up next: the Toronto Maple Leafs.

HF&P, Part 19: Vancouver Canucks

Readers, you deserve better — the three of you out there. I promised posts every day and here yesterday came and went without a word from moi. I apologize and will try to keep that from happening in the future. On the other hand, it was my birthday yesterday so therefore I get a free pass.

Anyway, having said that, the illustrious "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series continues today with the Vancouver Canucks.



It's our favorite nostalgic artists taking a whack at Johnny Canuck, now. One thing we know for sure is that the Canucks won't be donning the blue and red next season. A logo/uniform change is coming August 1, according to retailers.

But this was a classic design. People seemed to like the green and blue scheme. Personally I'm not a fan but then I don't have to look at the uniforms every night. Anyway, it's a neat look, recapturing the Johnny Canuck logo of yesteryear and making due with the old '70s logo on the shoulder — which you currently find on Canuck uniforms.

Overall, I'd have to say I like it — not love it, but like it. How do you feel about it? Comment away!

Up next: you know you want it — the Boston Bruins.

HF&P, Part 18: Los Angeles Kings II

I know we already did the Kings once back early on in Part 4. But another image has since surfaced that I felt like posting as part of the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series.



There it is, friends. Artwork at its finest. But seriously, it's cool in that it's different. I've always been a fan of trying something new. The LA on the front of the shoulder is interesting. Not sure about the pinstripes. I'd have to see it on an actual jersey. But there you have it.

That's all for tonight. More later.

Up next: the Vancouver Canucks.

HF&P, Part 17: San Jose Sharks

There's more in the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series today. Now we take a look at some interesting concepts for the San Jose Sharks.



So that's one, simply replacing the shark-biting-hockey-stick logo with the shark fin logo, which I sort of like. What I think is really cool is this design.



The red trim adds an awesome "blood-in-the-water" feel. So I like it. However, I'm pretty sure the Sharks have plans to unveil a new logo this offseason so I wouldn't count on this one sticking around in any form.

This is the last of the designs I wanted to post. It simply shows the current road jersey in the new Rbk EDGE style. It's rather basic and I kind of hope San Jose doesn't try anything similar to it.

There you have it. One more possibility for new uniforms come this fall.

Up next: the Los Angeles Kings — yes, for the second time. That will come tonight at some point.

HF&P, Part 16: New York Rangers

That's right, two posts in one day, here as part of the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series. Like I said, I have tons of great new artwork from around the net but not enough days to post it all before the tournament begins.



Oh yes, it's the New York Rangers and it's a sight to behold. If I were redesigning the Rangers' uniforms, this is almost exactly what I would have come up with. I love the lettering on these jerseys. It's just what the Rangers need to give them a contemporary look. I've never liked their current logo. It's just too — pardon me — old-fashioned.

Anyway, that's all I have for New York today. Short post. Hope you enjoyed it.

Once again, though, kudos to the designer! Whoever that may be.

Up next: the San Jose Sharks.

HF&P, Part 15: New York Islanders

It occurs to me that I'm really running out of time if I want to get the "Hockey Fans & Photoshop" series completed by the time the tournament starts. It's only nine days away! That being said, I'm going to be a little ambitious leading up to it by giving you two posts a day! That's right, I said two.

There's no real reason why I couldn't continue this series into the tournament except for that I just don't feel like it. On the other hand, if I do come across new artwork, I'll be sure to pass it along. Now, on with it already.



Now before you say anything, I warned you last time that you would laugh your ass off on this design. That being said, changes like this fascinate me and therefore I love it. Of course it would send hockey's ultra-traditionalists into a tailspin. Maybe that's why this sport has never really gone mainstream — the traditionalists won't allow it.

That's disappointing, isn't it?

Anyway, there you have it. One fan's nostalgic throwback in the Rbk EDGE template. It's a beautiful thing. It's basically the same as the '90s logo that failed after just a season with the aqua color replaced by gray. So anyway, I don't hate it but I give it no chance of actually making it onto the backs of an Islander players.

So speaking of getting all radical and crazy, I came across the coolest web site the other day. Somebody came up with a whole slew of concept logos for NHL teams. I'm going to put them all in one big post on Tuesday, but thought I'd give you a little preview today. Just look at that thing. I don't even know what pee wee team should have that lighthouse on their sweaters.

These works of art are nothing short of sheer genius. I mean, the "NY" cleverly placed within an anchor! Does it really get any better than this?

Okay, I'll stop now. While the Islanders have no intention — at least not publicly — of changing their logo, these logos are still fun. And they've been around several years, as indicated by the copyright date.

So I hope you enjoyed that at least a little bit. Just something to laugh at on your Sunday afternoon.

Up next: the New York Rangers — and that's coming later today in the second of two posts.

2007-08 NHL Team Logo Changes

All right, so we know all 30 clubs are getting brand spanking new uniforms this fall with the league converting everyone to the new Rbk EDGE jerseys. The question is who will be getting new logos to match? It's difficult to keep track. Here's what I know or have heard through solid or weak sources divided into three categories.

"Definite" means the team has either announced publicly or to retailers a logo change is coming. In most cases, they've also released an announcement date. "Probable" means that according to multiple sources, a change is coming but nothing is set in stone and no announcement date has been released. "Maybe But Maybe Not" indicates a logo change has been mentioned by people mouthing off about things they don't know. The thing is though, some of them do know what they're talking about and I want to have all my ducks in a row. That was all rather self-explanatory.

DEFINITE
• Vancouver Canucks (Aug 01)
• Washington Capitals (Jun 22)

PROBABLE
• Boston Bruins
• Ottawa Senators
• San Jose Sharks
• Tampa Bay Lightning

MAYBE BUT MAYBE NOT
• Dallas Stars
• Toronto Maple Leafs

Now I'm creating one more category. It's the teams I think should consider a logo change this season.

CHANGE, PLEASE
• Anaheim Ducks
• Buffalo Sabres
• Chicago Blackhawks
• Edmonton Oilers
• New York Rangers

Follow-up On The B's

Yeah, so not all that surprisingly there's been no announcement of a new logo for the Boston Bruins today. Although I have since rather conveniently read that there will be an announcement at the draft, a la the Washington Capitals. So whatever, I've heard there will be a new logo this year but until we get official word from the league or team, they're not going in the sidebar countdown.

If they decide to surprise us, then so be it. I'll have coverage here.