Friday, August 15, 2008
IHA Poll: Quebec Glacier
Cast your vote and leave a comment about your decision. Then tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!
Starts Fri Aug 15
Ends Mon Aug 18
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Arena Artists Confirm Pens Third?
This isn't what I'd call concrete evidence, but it's interesting. The Pittsburgh Penguins have launched a new web site with the groundbreaking of their new arena. It includes artist renderings of what the interiors and exteriors will look like.
A couple of those photos show the arena shop where jerseys are visible. The following image shows the exterior of the shop with a powder blue jersey (the alleged new third) visible on a mannequin in the window. Are the artists telling us something?

However, one reader pointed out to me that in an image showing the interior of the store, you can see a white version of the Winter Classic sweater.

My assumption is that it's a vintage jersey available for sale but not meant for use in games — like the pink one you see above it.
It's not like the Penguins have been hush-hush about the idea of a Winter Classic-style third jersey for this season. It'll almost certainly happen.
A couple of those photos show the arena shop where jerseys are visible. The following image shows the exterior of the shop with a powder blue jersey (the alleged new third) visible on a mannequin in the window. Are the artists telling us something?

credit: penguins.nhl.com
However, one reader pointed out to me that in an image showing the interior of the store, you can see a white version of the Winter Classic sweater.

credit: penguins.nhl.com
My assumption is that it's a vintage jersey available for sale but not meant for use in games — like the pink one you see above it.
It's not like the Penguins have been hush-hush about the idea of a Winter Classic-style third jersey for this season. It'll almost certainly happen.
IHA Poll: Ottawa Capitals
Cast your vote and leave a comment about your decision. Then tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!
Starts Thu Aug 14
Ends Sun Aug 17
Taking A Break
Hey guys. By now you may have noticed a couple of things. First, I closed down the comments on the Rouge poll. And second, I didn't post a Wallpaper Wednesday. Briefly, here's why. I've decided to take a break from Icethetics.
I know, it seems like things are going well here and while they are, I'm the sort of person who tends to have a dozen different projects up in the air all at once. Some of those other projects are starting to beg more of my time and I'm willing to give it. This blog has always been a hobby for me — something fun to fill the empty hours.
But that's not all. Lately, with everything that's been going on here it's started to feel more like work. All the logo tournaments, third jersey news and the IHA Project to name a few. Those of you following the IHA will probably assume some of this has to do with the never-ending complaints surrounding the project. You aren't entirely wrong there. When you guys fill the comments with whining and complaining, you just make it less fun — for me and everyone else. (If you don't like it, why do you feel you have to say so? Find another web site to visit.)
Anyway, when a hobby starts to become more of a hassle, it's time to get a new hobby, isn't it?
I'm not abandoning Icethetics. Don't worry. I'll still keep you up to date on any news that comes my way. I'm going to see the IHA Project through to the end — bitter or not. I'll keep comments open but I won't be reading or responding to them for obvious reasons. If anyone would like to address me directly, you have my email.
You should also expect less concept art posts and the days where I'd write three or four posts are probably behind us for a while. I'm sure this won't last long. I just need to get pumped about the site again. I'm not right now and that stinks.
Here's what you can expect. New polls will continue to get posted. The Rebranding the NHL series will not be interrupted. Any concept art I get that I really like will probably be posted quickly but not as much as usual.
As far as the Icethetics-based fantasy league that's been discussed, I'll wait to decide whether to move forward with that. The poll looks good. I've moved it below the Center Ice polls, by the way. About 70% of the almost 1,500 voters want to do it, but I'm going to see how things progress with the IHA before I make a decision. I don't want a rehash of this mess.
Sorry to be such a downer (and to have written such a long post about nothing) but I figure it's better to keep you guys in the loop than give the appearance that I'm ignoring the blog. Let's try to enjoy what's left of the summer!
I know, it seems like things are going well here and while they are, I'm the sort of person who tends to have a dozen different projects up in the air all at once. Some of those other projects are starting to beg more of my time and I'm willing to give it. This blog has always been a hobby for me — something fun to fill the empty hours.
But that's not all. Lately, with everything that's been going on here it's started to feel more like work. All the logo tournaments, third jersey news and the IHA Project to name a few. Those of you following the IHA will probably assume some of this has to do with the never-ending complaints surrounding the project. You aren't entirely wrong there. When you guys fill the comments with whining and complaining, you just make it less fun — for me and everyone else. (If you don't like it, why do you feel you have to say so? Find another web site to visit.)
Anyway, when a hobby starts to become more of a hassle, it's time to get a new hobby, isn't it?
I'm not abandoning Icethetics. Don't worry. I'll still keep you up to date on any news that comes my way. I'm going to see the IHA Project through to the end — bitter or not. I'll keep comments open but I won't be reading or responding to them for obvious reasons. If anyone would like to address me directly, you have my email.
You should also expect less concept art posts and the days where I'd write three or four posts are probably behind us for a while. I'm sure this won't last long. I just need to get pumped about the site again. I'm not right now and that stinks.
Here's what you can expect. New polls will continue to get posted. The Rebranding the NHL series will not be interrupted. Any concept art I get that I really like will probably be posted quickly but not as much as usual.
As far as the Icethetics-based fantasy league that's been discussed, I'll wait to decide whether to move forward with that. The poll looks good. I've moved it below the Center Ice polls, by the way. About 70% of the almost 1,500 voters want to do it, but I'm going to see how things progress with the IHA before I make a decision. I don't want a rehash of this mess.
Sorry to be such a downer (and to have written such a long post about nothing) but I figure it's better to keep you guys in the loop than give the appearance that I'm ignoring the blog. Let's try to enjoy what's left of the summer!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
IHA Poll: Montréal Rouge
Cast your vote and leave a comment about your decision. If you chose a non-finalist, tell us which one. Then tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!
Starts Wed Aug 13
Ends Sat Aug 16
Below are a handful of the logos that were submitted but not selected as finalists. If you think one of these should be the Montréal Rouge logo, select "non-finalist" in the poll and tell us your pick in the comments.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Habs To Wear Shoulder Patches?
The guys over at Hockey Bums wrote up a bit about possible uniform alterations for the Canadiens to celebrate their 100th year. They included this image from NHL 09.

It shows two different 100th anniversary shoulder patches. No word on whether this was created for the game or is an official design for the Habs. It was noted that these screen shots were taken while the game was in a special mode that allows the user to choose the players' equipment.
It's also been reported that the Habs will have a number of the special vintage sweaters throughout the season to mark the centennial event. I'll keep you updated as I learn more.
UPDATE (8/14 12:40 AM): Here's a funny irony that just hit me. This post about the 100th anniversary of the Canadiens... is my 100th post at Icethetics! Things like that just crack me up.

It shows two different 100th anniversary shoulder patches. No word on whether this was created for the game or is an official design for the Habs. It was noted that these screen shots were taken while the game was in a special mode that allows the user to choose the players' equipment.
It's also been reported that the Habs will have a number of the special vintage sweaters throughout the season to mark the centennial event. I'll keep you updated as I learn more.
UPDATE (8/14 12:40 AM): Here's a funny irony that just hit me. This post about the 100th anniversary of the Canadiens... is my 100th post at Icethetics! Things like that just crack me up.
Project: IHA Great Lakes
First, if you have no idea what the Icethetics IHA Project is then click here to get caught up.
You've seen the Atlantic, West, Northeast and Pacific Divisions. Now the one you've all been waiting for — the Great Lakes! Yes, that includes Buffalo, Toronto and even Detroit. Remember, your job is to take the name and colors and create an identity for a hockey team from scratch. Have fun with it!
You guys have been coming up with some great logos as you've seen with the first few divisions. This week we're voting on Northeast Division logos. The week after will be this division so that gives you about two weeks to work on your concept designs.
Now here are the new teams!
IHA: GREAT LAKES DIVISION

BUFFALO BISON / Buffalo, New York
white (F0F0F0), red (A70303) and black (202020)

COLUMBUS BRIGADE / Columbus, Ohio
orange (F26F03), blue (202272) and white (F0F0F0)

DETROIT LEGIONS / Detroit, Michigan
grey (B8C8C6), blue (1F83F3) and black (202020)

HAMILTON GENERALS / Hamilton, Ontario
tan (CDBE70), gold (907C20) and black (202020)

TORONTO KNIGHTS / Toronto, Ontario
red (D91313), grey (CECFB9) and black (202020)
I've supplied colors in hexadecimal format. Should you need RGB conversion, here's a decent resource. By the way, you aren't tied to the exact colors here. Feel free to alter them a little if need be. But please shy away from the standard colors like total black or total white or total red. Remember, be different! As similar as it might be to the NHL, it's not the NHL!
GUIDELINES
Once again, follow these guidelines when submitting your original IHA artwork:
As always, you can email me questions directly or post them in the comments area. Start designing your logos! I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!
You've seen the Atlantic, West, Northeast and Pacific Divisions. Now the one you've all been waiting for — the Great Lakes! Yes, that includes Buffalo, Toronto and even Detroit. Remember, your job is to take the name and colors and create an identity for a hockey team from scratch. Have fun with it!
You guys have been coming up with some great logos as you've seen with the first few divisions. This week we're voting on Northeast Division logos. The week after will be this division so that gives you about two weeks to work on your concept designs.
Now here are the new teams!
IHA: GREAT LAKES DIVISION

BUFFALO BISON / Buffalo, New York
white (F0F0F0), red (A70303) and black (202020)

COLUMBUS BRIGADE / Columbus, Ohio
orange (F26F03), blue (202272) and white (F0F0F0)

DETROIT LEGIONS / Detroit, Michigan
grey (B8C8C6), blue (1F83F3) and black (202020)

HAMILTON GENERALS / Hamilton, Ontario
tan (CDBE70), gold (907C20) and black (202020)

TORONTO KNIGHTS / Toronto, Ontario
red (D91313), grey (CECFB9) and black (202020)
I've supplied colors in hexadecimal format. Should you need RGB conversion, here's a decent resource. By the way, you aren't tied to the exact colors here. Feel free to alter them a little if need be. But please shy away from the standard colors like total black or total white or total red. Remember, be different! As similar as it might be to the NHL, it's not the NHL!
GUIDELINES
Once again, follow these guidelines when submitting your original IHA artwork:
- Don't steal artwork. I'm still surprised I have to say this but a number of people submitted logos from professional teams. This is supposed to be where you let your own creativity shine through. Send in something original!
- Submit three (3) logos: primary, secondary and wordmark. Use a white background. If your logo requires a white outline (think Lightning or Capitals), then use a gray background with the white outline included.
- Submit vector art if possible. I will accept .ai, .psd and .pdf files. If you cannot submit vector art, you must be able to provide high quality raster art in .jpg or .png files. No .bmp files, please.
- Try to stick to the assigned colors. Change them only if you deem it necessary and then explain why you made the change. Remember, the "fans" chose these colors and they're who you're working for in the end.
- Email them to nhllogos@gmail.com with IHA in the subject line. Please include your first and last name (it will not be posted). Please also submit your nickname which will be public if you don't want your real first name used.
- By submitting your own original artwork to the email address above, you agree to grant permission of its use for online or print publication by Icethetics. Do not watermark your logos or they will not be considered.
- And finally, be prepared to accept feedback and criticism of all kinds!
As always, you can email me questions directly or post them in the comments area. Start designing your logos! I look forward to seeing what you all come up with!
IHA Poll: Hartford Bears
Cast your vote and leave a comment about your decision. If you chose a non-finalist, tell us which one. Then tell all your friends to drop in and vote! The more voices heard, the more accurate the results!
Starts Tue Aug 12
Ends Fri Aug 15
Below are a handful of the logos that were submitted but not selected as finalists. If you think one of these should be the Hartford Bears logo, select "non-finalist" in the poll and tell us your pick in the comments.




















