Something To Circle In

My headlines seem to be getting more and more obscure. I guess there's only so many times you can say "New Concept Art For [insert team name here]" before going out of your mind. Whatever. I'll roll with it.

Anyway, the team to insert now is the San Jose Sharks. They unveiled their new logo just over a month ago but left us wondering what the jerseys would look like. Just one more thing to ponder this off-season. As expected, I have concept art to share.



First up is my personal favorite. If the Sharks wore something like this, they'd be among the sharpest-looking teams in the new Rbk EDGE jerseys. Boston's got some game so don't get too worked up. But these I like. The horizontal striping and traditional look totally clashes with the new-fangled, curvy-line logo but I don't know. I still like it.



This uniform set is based in large part off of the Panthers' new sweaters. I like them, but not as much as the ones above. And I really think those elbow stripes need to go all the way around the sleeve to work right. Still, not too shabby.



Nor is this. But I think this design takes most of its cues from what the Sharks have been wearing the last few years. I really did like the silver, but the orange works too. This design needs a black accent though, I think. It's very, very teal. Very teal. With some teal on it.

But before you go thinking that's all I have to offer, Sharks fans, wait until you see this. The addition of orange to the primary team colors has met a somewhat mixed response. Though to be honest, I have heard anyone love it so much that they'd want to see a jersey like this.



My eyes, my eyes! What a work of art. I'll tell you what makes me like it a little bit — the big shield logo on the shoulders. First of all, I like big shoulder logos. Second of all, I like that shield logo the Sharks came up with. So it's got a lot going for it in my opinion. Unfortunately, too much orange, not enough teal might well spell disaster.

Now I'm done. Take me to task with your comments.

For those who still haven't worked it out: Sharks circle their prey in the water. Get it? Something to circle in? No? Okay. It was a long shot anyway.

Concepts For Blueshirts

One team I haven't posted a lot of jersey concept designs for is the New York Rangers. I guess there just aren't a lot out there. Regardless, I have some today.



Rangers fans probably aren't loving the Flyers template in this design. I love the use of the Lady Liberty logo as a primary for the Rangers, but I think a lot of teams are so afraid of losing traditionalists with the introduction of the new Rbk EDGE jerseys, that they won't even attempt something with a little "edge" — with all the pun I could possibly intend. I think the response to that fear is to make something that looks traditional on a "non-traditional" sweater.

Well what I have to say to that is this: If your support for your team hangs in the balance opposite the uniform or colors they choose to wear, how can you possibly consider yourself to be a real hockey fan or a sports fan of any variety? It's about the game, remember? The puck gliding across the ice. The teeth-breaking body checks. The one-timers. The hat tricks. The amazing saves that precipitate no possible response other than sheer awe.

I know those thoughts have slipped through the cracks on this site because we're all so delirious from the lack of hockey this off-season — fretting the changes being imposed by a controversial commissioner — but don't forget that this site is all for fun. When I read comments here about how self-proclaimed "fans" suggest cheering on another team if their team's new jerseys suck, it just saddens me.

Anyway, look at that. I just went off on a whole thing there. Moving on. More Rangers stuff to look at!



That design is actually in the Rbk EDGE cut. And the logo used can be seen at a larger size here to the left.

It's pretty cool but I'm partial to the NYR version. It's got a better color scheme and overall feel. This one feels like it's trying to be too retro while attempting something new.

Check out this next design.



While it may be considered blasphemy to put the Rangers in anything but blue, it's certainly an interesting concept. The first thing you might notice is its striking similarity to the Minnesota Wild's third jersey from last year.

So what do you guys think? Rangers fans, are your boys due for a change or should some things always stay the same?

Poll: Penguins vs Canadiens

	vs
Pittsburgh PENGUINS		Montreal CANADIENS

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date Aug 28 @ 4:21 AM

Poll closing date Sep 4 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #E2B | PITvMTL

Result: Bruins vs Capitals

Boston
BRUINS
61% 6,438 votes

Washington
CAPITALS
39% 4,123 votes


10,561 total votes

Boston Bruins
Advancing to Quarterfinals to face Ottawa Senators

Washington Capitals
Eliminated

Click here to see the original poll

Poll opening date Aug 20 @ 4:22 AM

Poll closing date Aug 27 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #E1E | BOSvWSH

Just To Freak You Out, Part 1 of 5

Today I'm starting a weeklong feature I hope you all will enjoy. As the title implies, the images I post here are meant to freak you out a bit so don't be surprised if you see the weird and wacky in what follows.

I've gotta kick it off with this photo because it's what gave me the idea for this series.



This photo comes from a bored fan at a Vancouver Canucks message board. Talk about identity crisis. How about those colors? Black, silver and neon green. Don't miss the recolored flying skate logo on the shoulder and the neon green Johnny Canuck on the side of Roberto Luongo's helmet. Stunning. Absolutely marvelous.

It gets better.



Now speaking as a Lightning fan, I can honestly say that is one color scheme I would have never dreamed up. It's not a horrible design on its own, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to recognize Vinny, Marty and Brad underneath all that... whatever it is.

But let's not stop there.

Sabres fans, have you ever considered going with a blue and gold goathead for your primary logo?

Part of me wants to think someone was just trying to prove how silly a yellow buffalo would look (see the current "Buffaslug" logo). But the part of me that attempts the use of logic fears someone honestly considered that to be a decent option.

Take me now!

If none of that has given you nightmares, then I'm not doing my job. Read on.



Friends, you won't believe the scariest thing about this beast. It's real. This sweater — if we can call it that without sullying the name of actual hockey sweaters everywhere — was actually produced for the St. Louis Blues. I'm not kidding. Surnames and numbers were stitched onto it. But with thanks to the holiest of gods, it was never actually worn during an NHL game.

Mike Keenan may have made some bad decisions in his life, but his refusal to allow his team to wear this monstrosity in 1996 is not among them. Can you imagine? Blues fans, you dodged a bullet and you will forever be in Keenan's debt. And do not ever forget that!

All right, now it's your turn. What do you guys think of these designs? Comment below.

I'll have more crazy designs all week. And as always, if you've seen any crazy designs or have some of your own, I'd love to see them. Email me at nhllogos@gmail.com.

Avalanche Concept Art

The Colorado Avalanche are one of five teams we have yet to see jerseys or get word of unveiling dates for. (The other four teams are the Sharks, Ducks, Sabres and Devils, by the way.) Anyway, I've got concept designs to share, as usual.



I'm beginning with something recognizable. Something like that would look very similar to what the Avs currently wear and there would likely not be the upheavel of discontent like what we're hearing out of Ottawa. And all said, those are pretty sharp anyone. The Avs would be lucky to wear something that nice.



These are pretty interesting too. The one on the left completely does away with the angled stripes along the sleeves and bottom of the jersey. I'm not sure how I feel about it — probably because its unfamiliar. I've always thought the Avs have been among the best in the league with regard to logo and uniforms. To see a big change from them would be jarring.

So you can imagine how I might feel about the "alternate" jersey on the right. I'm a fan of the over-sized shoulder patch but that's about the extent of it. Black does not work with the Avs' look. However, the bigfoot secondary logo on the front of the jersey is growing on me a little. Maybe they could go in that direction with the new jerseys.



Then I have this design. If the numbers on the front didn't turn you off, check out the bottom of the jersey. I'm not really sure what's going on there or what the artist was trying to achieve.

And finally, while I was in the middle of writing this post, I got a great email from Capouel. Check out these works of art.



Being that the Avalanche once existed as the Quebec Nordiques, I felt these were relevant to this post. For those who don't know, the crest featured in these designs were not created by the designer. In fact, this logo was meant to be used by the Nords beginning in the 1995-96. But before they could put the logo into effect, the team was moved to Denver.

This is what the Nordiques might look like today if they never moved. Anyway, that's all I have to say on the matter. What do you guys think?

Oilers Take Pre-Orders; Plus Concepts

The Edmonton Oilers have joined the Philadelphia Flyers in making their new Rbk EDGE uniforms available for pre-order prior to their unveiling. There's now an animation on the front page of their site.



Similar to other teams, they're trying to cash in on their heritage and tradition by saying, "the evolution of the Oilers jersey continues." The following information regarding the pre-sale comes directly from the Oilers' web site.

August 25, 2007

Pre-Purchase the all-new Oilers jersey!

The Edmonton Oilers will debut an all-new jersey for the 2007-08 season. We can't give you the exciting details of when and how the jersey will be revealed, but stay tuned here for details.

In the meantime, you can pre-purchase the Oilers jersey by clicking the link below. And best of all, if you purchase before September 7, you can have your jersey crested in time for pre-season.

So, not even date is provided. However, various sources have reported September 16 or 17. A source I trust more says th 16th and that's why that date is in the countdown.

In the meantime, you can always count on me for concept designs and I've got a few to share for the Oil.



This design was emailed to me by Josh. It's based a lot off of this year's all-star jerseys. Not too bad, though, if you ask me. They could do a lot worse. You might notice the old NHL logo on the collar. Not sure if that was done on purpose or not.

Another reader went all old school on us with this design he put on a piece of paper. I think the nameplate would be found in the blue area above the number on the back.

Very interesting though. Once again, they could do worse. I know a lot of you have been unhappy with most of the designs of the new Rbk EDGE jersey — save for the Bruins — but they're not all bad. It's definitely an intriguing time for the NHL and I'm kind of excited to be a part of it.

To see these and other Oilers concept designs, be sure to check out the Concepts Gallery!

UPDATE (3:23 PM): I meant to post this initially. It's caused quite a stir among Oilers fans. The photo you're looking at comes to us by way of LetsGoKings.com and features new Oiler Sheldon Souray practicing with members of the Los Angeles Kings.

Apparently, what's got everyone in Edmonton in a tizzy is the pants he's wearing. They're saying the copper stripes are a new feature and may be an indication of what to expect for the new uniforms. Personally, as a non-Oiler fan, I couldn't even tell you how the old pants looked.

Anyway, there it is. Many of you have emailed me this image and I appreciate that but I also wanted to acknowledge that I have it and I've seen it. And now the rest of you have as well.

Pens Uniforms Coming September 5

I received an email from Matt at Faceoff-Factor.com regarding the unveiling date of the new Pittsburgh Penguin Rbk EDGE uniforms.

Chris, just thought I'd let you know that I have breaking news on Faceoff-Factor.com regarding the unveiling of the Penguins uniforms. If you use the information, please link to my site within the post.

The story reads:

"The Pittsburgh Penguins have chosen to keep their new uniforms under wraps, going so far as to not even announce a date for an unveiling.

But, I have learned through a very reliable source within the organization that the team will unveil its new uniforms Wednesday, September 5.

This is the same day the team's prospects camp will begin in Kitchner, Ontario.

At this point, my source was only able to disclose the date.

There is no word yet on what type of ceremony, if any, will accompany the public unveiling.

I will be sure to post any further updates as I receive them."

Thanks so much, and keep up the great work with your blog!

Matt
Faceoff-Factor.com

Thanks to Matt for the tip. The date has been added to the sidebar countdown.

As a reminder, we got a look at some alleged leaked images of the Pens' new jerseys back in July. One way or another, September 5 is the day we should find out for sure.

Poll: Avalanche vs Wild

	vs
Colorado AVALANCHE		Minnesota WILD

Place your vote and then feel free to leave a comment as to how you came to your decision. Tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!

Poll opening date Aug 27 @ 4:22 AM

Poll closing date Sep 3 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W2A | COLvMIN

Result: Predators vs Blues

St. Louis
BLUES
56% 5,398 votes

Nashville
PREDATORS
44% 4,316 votes


9,714 total votes

St. Louis Blues
Advancing to Quarterfinals to face Stars or Coyotes

Nashville Predators
Eliminated

Click here to see the original poll

Poll opening date Aug 19 @ 7:38 AM

Poll closing date Aug 26 @ 11:59 PM

07CHTRN | #W1D | NSHvSTL