Sens, Wild Sweater Art

Remember that video I posted over the weekend teasing the new Senators jersey designs from capn89? — a guy named Paul, actually. Anyway, the final designs are done and ready for posting.



You can't deny the awesomeness of those. I personally love the third jersey. There's even a set of three with lots of crazy stripes.



I have some more stuff you need to think back for. About a month ago I posted a bit about what the new Wild third jersey might look like. A reader submitted a few designs based off of what was seen at the event.



And just for good measure, there's even this one.



Short post today, I know, but you've got wallpapers too. Maple Leafs fans, I've got some great stuff for you tomorrow. And don't forget, this Friday brings another edition of the Freak Out series — not to mention the new iPhone 3G. I think it's about time for me to upgrade my $15 cell phone. Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me over the weekend. It'll be because I'll have a new toy.

Wallpaper Wednesday V

Today's edition brings us seven new wallpapers to choose from. But before I get to those, I wanted to address something about artwork submission. I don't want to call anyone out, but you guys can't be sending me stuff to post that doesn't belong to you. It's not fair to the artist. I know sometimes you might find great artwork on another web site that you want to share with everyone here. That's fine and I'm willing to make an exception so long as you attribute the source so I can link back.

Now onto today's wallpapers. We'll begin with one for Bruin Marc Savard.



I like this one a lot — which is why I'm posting it first. Not to be outdone, a couple of Flyers fans put together some cool designs.



Above is Daniel Briere. Below, Joffrey Lupul.



And we can't leave out the league's rising stars including Minnesota's Marian Gaborik...



...as well as Washington's Alex Ovechkin.



I think we'll finish out the post with a couple of logo-based backgrounds.



If you're not a fan of the Islanders, what about the Hurricanes?



One last thing. A couple weeks ago I posted some beautiful Ducks-themed wallpapers that originated at a site called AllDucksGraphics.com. If you're a Ducks fan — and even if you're not — you will definitely want to check it out. Well worth the time.

New Logos For Windy City & Big D

You know I had another Sabres concept logo to post today but considering the reaction in the comments to yesterday's post, I think I'll hold off.

Instead, I've got concept logos for other teams out west. Well, I don't know, Chicago's west of something, right? We're starting with the Blackhawks and you know I'm always up for a good 'Hawks logo. Take in this one.



Here's how it looks on a jersey.



It's really quite something. It might be a little too intricate to make a good hockey logo, but then you could say that about the current Blackhawks logo. Anyway I enjoyed it and I figured you guys might too.

But moving on now to Dallas. I have a few Stars concept designs.



And on a jersey, it may look something like this.



These designs are of a lesser quality, but you get the idea.



And finally, one more logo from the same artist as above — I think an alternate incarnation of the tertiary from that logo set.



I know I didn't have much to say today but it was another one of those long days. Started work at 3:30 AM. Finished at 5 PM. Not exactly my idea of fun, but I'll live. Enjoy your night. Wallpapers tomorrow!

UPDATE (7/15 2:15 AM): As has been mentioned in the comments, the Stars logo above is actually the logo of the Texas Stars, a new AHL franchise set to begin play in 2009 as a Dallas affiliate — and not original concept art.

Rebranding The Sabres

As promised, today brings the unveiling of the 11th design in Matt's Rebranding The NHL series — the Buffalo Sabres.



And naturally, he's designed uniforms to go with these logos.



To me it seems like the best Sabres logo always revolves around the same basic theme — the original logo from the team's inception. Sometimes you just can't improve upon what came first. Or at least it's just difficult to come up with something entirely new.

Anyway, as soon as Matt tells me what team he's rebranding next, I'll tell you. In the meantime, let us know what you think of the new Sabres artwork. Leave a comment!

New Rebrand Coming Tomorrow!

You got your first peek at it on the day Icethetics launched. But just wait until tomorrow! Matt's Rebranding The NHL series continues with the unveiling of his new Buffalo Sabres logo and jersey designs.



Don't you hate being teased? What's that? You say you love it! All right then, you know the uniform series you guys have been enjoying from capn89? He's currently working on the Sens' new duds and put together a video to tease you.



Not to worry though, tomorrow afternoon you'll get to see the Sabres rebrand that's been almost two months in the making. Get excited!

Design Tweaks

If you've been paying any attention at all over the last few days, you've certainly notice that I've been doing a lot of tweaking to the design of the blog. I'm interested in some feedback. Let me know if you guys think I'm heading in the right direction.

I'm also introducing new logo graphics for the various polls and tournaments. I've debuted the new design with the two polls currently posted for the QMJHL Tournament of Logos. Have a look and tell me what you think.

It's been a lot of work for me this weekend but I still felt like finding the time to put together a concept post for you. We're starting with a new artist with work labeled under King Creative Design. First, check out the Islanders logo he's come up with.



Outstanding, if you ask me.

He's also got a cool new mark for the Stars and even a set of jerseys to go with it.



I'm a fan I hope to receive more from this guy to share with you all.

But moving on, here's an interesting Maple Leafs logo that turned up in my inbox.



And as you know, I've always got room for a new Blackhawks logo.



Obviously it's a tweak of the current logo. I wouldn't say it's better, but it's no worse really. Just something to look at.

I'm not sure if I do it enough, so let me take the time here to express my appreciation to all the talented artists who submit their work for me to post. You guys make this blog what it is. Anyway, that's it for today. Gotta get back to work on the site design now.

Poll: Titan vs Sea Dogs

	vs
Acadie-Bathurst TITAN		Saint John SEA DOGS

We're into the final rounds of the QMJHL Tournament of Logos as we shift everything here to Icethetics. Place your vote and leave a comment about 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 Sun Jul 6

Poll closing date Thu Jul 10

Getting Some Work Done

As you guys may have notice I'm finally getting some things done here at Icethetics. You can thank the weekend for that. While I'm working, I thought I'd talk about a few things briefly.

THIRD JERSEYS
I've transferred the list of confirmed third jerseys from the sidebar at NHLToL. I'll update it as I learn more. I have to say I'm really surprised at the lack of information about the new jerseys so far this summer. But at the same time I'm not. We spent a lot of time last summer just waiting for the smallest bits of news to trickle out about the Rbk EDGE jerseys.

If you want my input, don't expect to see a whole lot of unveilings until the season gets really close (meaning training camp) or actually underway. If I ran a team, I might want to wait and unveil a new third jersey at my team's season opener to the home crowd. Maybe even as one more way to sell tickets. You know, "Hey, show up and you'll get to be the first to see our new sweaters!"

Don't forget too that some of the teams on the list may not actually unveil alternate jerseys until halfway or more through the season as a way to reinvigorate a fan base. I may be full of hot air (and I often am) but these are just things to consider as the summer progresses. But just remember, any news that should surface will of course be posted right here.

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS
I got an email from a reader who had a good suggestion earlier. With so many players — big name players at that — changing teams this offseason via free agency, we might be tempted to get an early glimpse at what some of these guys might look like in their new uniforms. So if anybody wants to paint some new jerseys onto recently signed players, I'd be more than happy to post them.

One example someone made and sent in features former Pens Gary Roberts and Ryan Malone in Lightning sweaters.



As a Tampa Bay fan, I think it's pretty cool.

ToHL LOGO TOURNAMENTS
As mentioned, I'm moving all ToHL content to Icethetics as well. That means the QMJHL Tournament of Logos and the CHL Memorial Cup poll will finish up here. If you scroll down you'll see that today's poll has been posted and you can vote for the Huskies or Oceanic.

Basically, for those of you that haven't been following that site, when we finish with the QMJHLToL, the champion logos from each of the CHL leagues will go head-to-head to determine the overall champion. The Swift Current Broncos and London Knights won the WHL and OHL, respectively.

CENTER ICE TOURNAMENT
I don't have a start date set for this tournament yet but I anticipate getting it going before the end of the month. It'll probably happen after or at the same time as the final CHL poll.


That's all for today. Gotta get back to work now.