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.