Dallas Stars Owner Wants New Look

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If you're a regular reader, you know that Icethetics has been closely following the Dallas Stars rebrand slated for 2013. We got another little nugget yesterday straight from team owner Tom Gagliardi. And it's safe to say this new look is definitely happening.

Gagliardi spoke with Norm Hitzges on The Ticket 1310 AM in Dallas. He expressed his dislike of the team's current uniforms and logos. You can listen to the full interview on the Stars' website. Or read an excerpt here:

NH: There are rumors about the Stars might be designing a new uniform. True?

TG: It's true, yes.

NH: Any tips?

TG: Yeah, I think that it's been speculated that we're doing that. We've been an interesting team because I guess we've changed our jerseys quite often. And we end up in a place now with our current jerseys, which I quite like. I think they're very simple and attractive and modern.

But a couple things bother me. And one is the fact that we're the only team of 30 teams* that don't wear their primary logo on their chest. So I don't like that. I'm a bit of a hockey purist. And so that would be the one criticism I have of our current jersey. And I think a bit of a lack of color with our current kit. So we're looking at all those things up to and including whether we want to modify our primary logo as well.

Everything's in play right now. It's not something that's around the corner in terms of a solution or where we're going. And the earliest that you might see something is in the '13-14 season. So we might get something done for then or we might not, but it's a process that actually the franchise was going through before I even came. And so we're visiting with that right now.

But I'm a purist as I say and I'd like to see us with really a timeless, classic jersey. With timeless, classic colors. And again, that may feature a logo that's different from our current logo today. That's all in play right now, but those are my preferences for where I'd like to see the team end up. Doesn't mean that's where we're going to end up. We've got some nice history here in Dallas with some of the older jerseys that I think are really quite attractive. So we're visiting with all that stuff and our roots and trying to figure out what the best thing is for our franchise going forward.

* He's forgetting the New York Rangers, who haven't worn their logo on their chest since 1978. And even then, that was only for a few years.

It's nice to finally here the Stars talking like this somewhat officially. I know he kept hedging in that interview by saying it may or may not happen, but I can't see them pouring a bunch of money into research and development only to throw it all away in the end. I think it's safe to say the Dallas Stars will look completely different in 2013.

By the way, next year will be the club's 20th anniversary in Dallas. Can you believe it's been 20 years since the North Stars left Minnesota? How time flies.

On Tuesday, Stars Inside Edge blogger Mark Stepneski tweeted that the team was looking at new designs.

If you're curious what some Icethetics readers think the Stars should look like, check out our Concept Archive (and scroll down because the first two are Freak Out Friday posts). Also, be sure to check back on the Concepts page this coming Monday for a brand new Dallas Stars concept that involves a play on the team's own history.

Have You Seen Los IceHogs?

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Images from Rockford IceHogs (official website)

Novelty promotions are commonplace in the minor leagues. But sometimes you just have to shake your head. And the AHL's Rockford IceHogs are really standing out right now.

Over the weekend, the team gave away bobbleheads bearing that looked like to the two dudes at the center of last night's onslaught of news coverage. (Was there an election or something?) Then later this month, the one and only IceHogs will transform into Los IceHogs. (The same, right, but more... Mexican-ish.)

These were two things that deserved some blog time. I couldn't resist. Especially the specialty jersey, which will be worn next Friday, Nov. 16. And get this, the first 2,500 fans are getting free maracas. How much do you not want to be at that game? Ah, but you might change your mind when you learn who's making a special visit.

Dora the Explorer. The celebrity from whom every hockey fan dreams of getting a visit.

Anyway, this gave me a good laugh and I hope it'll do the same for you. Tell me. What do you think of Los IceHogs? And what other cultural stereotypes could these guys use to mask their big pig of a mascot?

Blazers Aim for Modern-Retro Mix

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Photos from Kamloops Blazers (via Facebook)

The string of great new WHL third jerseys continues with the Kamloops Blazers. The club debuted these new blue sweaters on Sept. 21 (and yes, I'm just now getting to them). And while they may look rather familiar, there's nothing wrong with that.

The looks is based on the fantastic green third jersey of the Minnesota Wild. From the script crest to the simple striping, it's hard to go wrong with a classic feel such as this. But that's not the only reason for the new alternate uniform.

Blazers director of sales and marketing, Dave Chyzowski, tells me that part of the reason for the new sweater was to give a little love to the city of Kamloops. And while that required a move away from the traditional Blazer "B," the new crest does include a variation of the primary logo to "give it that subtle flavour of the Blazers."

Photos from Kamloops Blazers (via official website and Facebook page)

Chyzowski says the blue of this jersey is darker than the normal Blazers blue to help the new logo stand out. Basically, the team was looking to keep it simple and clean with a design that mixes retro and modern design elements. I'd say they succeeded.

Do you think the Blazers hit the mark with their new third jersey?

The Charitable Side of the NHL

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The effects of the NHL lockout are not just being felt by the players and owners who are quabbling over their share of billions of dollars. Every team has its own charitable organization that keeps the money flowing to those in need over the course of the season. And without full arenas, things like 50/50 drawings aren't happening.

The good news is that these organizations are still finding ways to help their communities. And in an effort to give them some attention and fulfill the purpose of this blog (logos!), here's a little something for you to enjoy this weekend.

So how about that? All 30 charitable organizations tied to NHL franchises. You probably noticed that while most are team specific, a few are not. For example, the Colorado Avalanche work with Kroenke Sports Charities as both are owned by the same parent company. Similar situation with the Maple Leafs and MLSE Team Up Foundation as well as the Rangers and Garden of Dreams.

Now go and be charitable!

IceHL Jersey: From Fantasy to Reality

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Today I'm thrilled to announce that for the first time ever, you can place an order for an Icethetics-branded product — and it's all thanks to our new friends at RinkGear!

Over the last several weeks, we've been conducting a series of polls to determine the most popular IceHL jersey design. And as you can see, the winner was the Milwaukee Lagers. And as of now, RinkGear is accepting pre-orders for this jersey!

If you're new to this party, the IceHL is a fantasy hockey league created from the by the Icethetics community, who wanted a creative avenue to fully brand a group of hockey teams from the ground up. And we did. The project began in 2008 and hundreds of polls have been conducted along the way to make sure the community is driving the decisions. For more on The IceHL Project, download the Yearbook.

The Milwaukee Lagers logos were designed by Joshua Frederick and the jersey was assembled by Matt Madore. Congratulations to these guys on seeing their work go from a computer screen to the real deal!

The Lagers sweater is being sold as part of RinkGear's Geeky Jerseys line and costs $95 — customization included. As far as the quality you can expect, here's what the company promises:

Your handmade jersey will feature high quality embroidered front, shoulder, and IceHL chest crests, lace-up neck, digitally sublimated stripes, plus a custom cut and sewn name and number of your choosing.

I have yet to see a RinkGear jersey for myself, but from everything I've read, they have a lot of satisfied customers. And the fact that this sweater features an embroidered crest and shoulder patches says a lot. Sounds to me like quality matters to them.

Obviously, the Lagers jersey was popular with voters but so were a lot of other IceHL designs! So if you're hoping to see another one go into production, place your Lagers order now. RinkGear will consider doing more IceHL jerseys depending on how this one sells. If it's a success, there will be more. And for my part, I'd like to own a North Carolina Nighthawks jersey!

By the way, for all you fantasy geeks, check out The IceHL page for weekly league updates. Listen, just because there's no NHL doesn't mean there's no fantasy hockey. The IceHL is currently in action and being powered by AHLers instead. (But of course we're keeping our fingers crossed that the NHL resumes soon.) You can follow along this season right here on Icethetics all year long!