Something To Circle In

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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

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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

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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

Just To Freak You Out, Part 1 of 5

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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.