Kurtis Wagar's Helmet (and Cosmo Too)

Yesterday I found out that the Buffalo Bandits "equipment" has it's own twitter handle and found out that Wags has a new helmet for the new season.

He's even driven it with it on . . .

Remember the one that Cozzy got at the start of last season.

Or how about the weaving of the stick?

HJC: Post XXIII

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: Struck by Lightning!

Welcome one welcome all to another installment of HJC: Fridays! Ricky Mazella here as per usual keeping you informed of incoming concepts. We have no immediate business, but we do have a few votes going on, please remember to check your daily reminders as visible below!

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IIHF Bottom 10 Top 5 votes (due Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern)

                           COTW Oct 14-20 vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern)

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Minnesota Wild (Darren H.)

Well I'll tell you what, this one escaped terror even with the execution errors. Whilst the name NOB and crest logo are somewhat over-sized, this concept still turned out alright. My only question is why the "C" on both jerseys aren't the same size. But I like the color, particularly the yellow accenture. I'm happy but this isn't quite perfect without laces - because I feel that if Minnesota "is" hockey, laces would directly relate even though they aren't needed. A 7 out of 10.

Canada {Compromise} (HJC Ryan)

I'm split on this one, but I'm not sure this completely fits what I would identify with Canada hockey as it pertains to space utilization. That tips the balance in disfavor of liking it but hardly. I do like what it has to offer, but a double strip along the sleeves might be what this concept needs to balance it or tip the scale the other way. I'm looking at a 7 out of 10 here.

Edmonton Oilers (Steven G.)

As Steven continues his de-Edge series, we see something that seems to be coming more popular of an idea. For the love of hockey, will we ever see an orange Oilers uniform again?! I sure hope so. I love how the striping is a prelude to the lettering in the logo. Outside of the socks, I need changes made to the equipment but there are several ideas that I wouldn't know which would be best. The rigs are back with an 8.5 out of 10!

Japan (Coby S.)

Unfortunately for the Japanese, this would be a half colored in design. With my preferences, I would color the sleeves red as well as add a rising sun as a crest logo with the above characters inside of the rising sun. I do think the numbers are cleverly placed. This concept could use a jersey back in this case so we could have some idea of how the above concept has a better feel to it. A 5 out of 10.

Czech Republic (s2dio)

Oh Jiri Novotny the days that have passed since being a Sabre . . . we lament your presence by these pretty spiffy designs for your homeland!  I most like the diagonal striping on the main set. I feel it adds character to an already rich non-North American uniform history. If only I got to see Dominik Hasek in one of these. I'm not particularly keen of the old Senators name/number font, but in this case it is merely an oversight. An 8 out of 10!

Carolina Hurricanes (Brian B.)

If the audience isn't already aware I can't stand the Black Ice series. But I must say this is exactly what I picture a 'Canes Black Ice uniform to look like I don't know that I like the curvature at the edge of the yoke but it matches the striping elsewhere. Because it is just that and meant predominantly for merchandise sales, there is no need for equipment. Overall, a 9 out of 10.

Finaland (s2dio)

As nice as these are, I would be okay if any of the Scandinavian teams kept some of their previous uniforms. while both jerseys well incorporate the country, I can't see this being used - particularly the blue sweater. But the light striping is crucial to this set making it more appealing as a concept. Here's to a 7.5 out of 10.

New Jersey Devils (Rob C.)

Adding white into the Devils color scheme . . . I think it can work. But not as a primary color - that means we need to alter the arrangement of color in the logo. The white yoke is an entertaining idea and maybe switch the green and white as it comes to the striping. A 6.5 in passing, but a concept with much potential.

Tampa Bay Lightning (Jets96)

Well well, if this isn't a snazzy outfit. It appears as though the alternate Tampa uniform template is applied to a home and road set and the way that it is distributed here is just dandy. It almost immediately grabbed my attention when going through this weeks concepts at first glance. I have no constructive criticism other than removing the bolt outline on the pants of the alternate set. A 9.5 out of 10 and a CotW nom to boot.

Virginia Cavaliers (Dylan W.)

I wouldn't mind seeing the alternate become the primary and then have a colored kit created as a result. The main set isn't distasteful, but the striping isn't preferable. The numbering for the main kit I would like to see changed. If the alternate were turned into a home and road, I feel orange would be better than blue. I can safely say this one is a 7.5 out of 10.

Not to be brief, but I'm looking forward to a long relaxing weekend - I hope you are too!

-Ricky

Mad for Fort Wayne

 Earlier today, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA D-League had a public announcement. They unveiled their new uniforms.

Those can be visible here. It includes their new partnership as visible above. Go Pacers - go D-League affiliate!

-Ricky

HJC: Post XXII

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: MoMA

Greetings from New York City as a last minute announcement from my professor last week told me that I was heading to the MoMA (Museum of Modern Art). It's an all day affair, but I the free time block was scheduled for 4-7:30 this evening where I'll be finding family members I haven't seen in a few years. I'll also try to hit up the MSG pro shop along the way. In the mean time, I have competition entries and regular concepts to post. Let's get to 'em!

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3rd Quarter Vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

COTW Oct 7-13 vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

Bottom 10 IIHF entries (due Friday by 11:59pm Eastern time) 

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Bottom 10 IIHF Competition:

Greece (Danny R.)

Israel (William B.)

United Arab Emirates (Caleb F.)

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Seattle Metropolitans (Bryan W.)

I myself have used the alternate logo from Justin Cox on a concept. I do like here that lime green is the preferred choice over pacific blue (if it is indeed that hue of blue). I'm not too keen on the stripe administration on the electric green jerseys though. The numbers are well over-sized on the back and not a number font I would use for a uniform. The color order on the electric green uniform's numbers should also match the striping - but I feel the numbers would look better in pacific blue anyway. The view at the top of the Space Needle is cloudy today, a 7 out of 10.

Ottawa Senators (Felix T.)

Again, I'm not a fan of white numbers on colored uniforms when they have a single outline attached. Therefore it impacts the accommodating striping which also then would be preferred by me to be reversed. The logo and assistant's "A" should be slightly smaller and the logo as well as hem striping just a little higher up. Interesting choice of red for the TV numbers but the bleed in too much with the surrounding red of the kit. black would probably be the best choice. The shoulder patch looks bland without an outline to draw attention to it as well. Caesar Augustus puts his thumb sideways, a 6.5 out of 10.

Ottawa Senators (Jets96)

Coincidence that my selection process leads us to another Sens concept. These look very spiffy if I do say so myself. The'y aren't quite complete though for me. The usual high execution quality from Jets96 is applicable. The pants striping just doesn't sit well with me and I would like to see the leaves on all the uniforms. In addition, I would suggest ditching the white helmet and use the red helmet for the black uniform, thus reserving the black helmet for the other two. A heralded 9 out of 10 for the gladiator.

Pittsburgh Penguins (Dylan W.)

I'm still not used to seeing the Penguins in this shade of gold. I applaud Dylan for having a jab at Sid the Kid; but in all seriousness, the use of the 'Canes new yoke without actually using it is a great idea! The fact that there are two different striping patterns is possible, just not with the Penguins. Of the two the striping on the road white is preferred. Nothing in particular stands out or hinders this concept. A 7.5 out of 10.

St. Louis Blues (TG)

I like the idea of double blue immediately . . . they are the Blues after all. The return of the four thin stripes are a welcomed re-arrival as well as the double number outline. from the road white I wouldn't use a yoke outline but aside of those things, I see a great throwback uniform that will never be worn. Great stuff for a traditional looking Blues uniform set. An 8 out of 10.

Buffalo Sabres (Felix T.)

This concept looks more like either a vintage faux-back or something from the River City Sports catalog. While I like certain aspects, This unfortunately has more negative than positive. I can't do white font on yellow which the white should be channeled towards the striping. The logo and assistant's "A" are over-sized and too far down and Reebok wouldn't be happy that nobody can see their name behind the collar area of the yoke. Also the TV numbers are rather small for appropriate sizes of anything feel free to consult either the tutorials or the other folder in the HJC Drag and Drop files. A 6.5 out of 10.

Latvia (Brian B.) 

This looks too much like a racing uniform rather than what Nashville has done in the past. I'm not a fan of anything despite execution. Color Distribution seems weird too. A 6 out of 10.

Latvia (Stephen T.)
'

The way this is presented makes it look like it could be substituted in for the Coyotes to use. I don't like the number font, but it won't be going away any time soon. I really like the striping, but I would like to see it more prevalent in the colored uniform. An 8 out of 10.

Calgary Flames (Brady S.)

The striping and pants have never been a favorite of mine and this is no exception. If I liked it in any capacity would be if it were translated to the yoke. and in order to match the socks, I would fill in the cuffs and bottom of the sleeves. I think I can overlook my white number pet peeve on this one. A 7.5 out of 10.

I'd certainly rather look at  the art we've just seen rather than modern art, as it pertains more to sport what we do. In any event, see you soon!

-Ricky

Macedonian Makeover - Sort Of

You may or may not recall that Jake88 asked me to put some sort of Yakball concept together regarding Skopje, MK or the Republic itself. Since I've sent mine in to him, he decided to put something together himself. Here's how it looks.

I like these a lot - they incorporate everything Macedonia, present and modern past. The socks even have a design to them. I wouldn't mind adding black into the color scheme (some of the teams add orange for some strange reason) at least for the numbers on the front of the yellow uniform. I see he also did his homework - including the lion rampant in a shield logo used instead of the traditional round sun for the "crveni lavovi" (literally the 'red lions'). The only problem is that the name on the back reads Matsedonia (transliteration) where it should read Makedonija (or Македонија) but that's okay for the first go at it because they don't use all of the Cyrillic characters unlike the Russians in particular and that I'm guessing is not as experienced as I am in Macedonian Cyrillic literature (hey, there's a first time for everything). I really do appreciate the effort though!

He also went to the extent of creating a jersey set for the Evansville Icemen, who HCI's Caden Patafie is employed by (I'm not sure if it's volunteer or paid). Anyway, I see that good use of the new Sabres template is being properly utilized. That for sure is a good start. He also added cuffs from the HJC "Drag 'n' Drop" feature. That's a good thing because that makes the rest of the template look better than the original, but I'm not quite a fan of these particular cuffs. The addition of the name plate is the best of all to this template! I think this is also the first time in a while that I've seen his glove template in multicolor - in this case it matches perfectly. Well done all around.

-Ricky

Jake88 Overdue and Logo HoF Stuff

Before we get to Jake88 and Yakball, I wish to discuss the Logo Hall of Fame . . . this year's deadline has been moved to 11:59 Pacific Time on Saturday 26 October this is in accordance with Halloween being the selection day with the induction of course on American Thanksgiving. Please go to the Halls of Fame tab and copy the nomination form into your design operating system (Photoshop, Illustrator, Paint.net, Microsoft Paint, etc . . .). Remember each logo should be on a separate form and you can submit is many as you wish. Also,  email bngraphics2012@aol.com if you would like to be a member of the selection committee -keep in mind that only a nominee with 75% or more of the votes can enter.

So Jake88 had designed these for the creator's intentions of featuring an operating team in Oulu, Finland. That didn't happen. So Jake88 felt the need to give it a go anyway. I'm not so sure I like the way the Blues striping is presented here, but I'm not the Yakball expert so I guess at least something is on it.

To start, the Chevrons make it look like a soccer uniform a little but it does fit in rather nicely. They also transition very well onto the shorts. I actually think that the dual-color uniforms look better that if they were uni-color in combination. I'm not 100% on the tan socks though . . .

As my third and final full day home draws to a close this afternoon and evening, I will be preparing ideas for future posts on the train ride home tomorrow as well as finishing a long awaited "big" project (or at least trying to).

-Ricky

HJC: Post XXI

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: "Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity, Jiggity"

As I am enjoying my five day weekend thanks to my light Friday schedule and cancelled Thursday afternoon class. That also means something else - Happy Thanksgiving to Ryan and our Canadian followers (I wished the same to Commissioner Andrews in class Wednesday night). I also can't forget Happy Columbus day to "my fellow Americans." I'm early yes, but not remiss on holidays! Have a look at your reminders which have been applied below for your convenience.

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COTY-September vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

COTW Sept 30 - Oct 6 vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

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Nashville Predators (Dylan W.)

This is the first of two concepts in Dylan's continuing redesign series today. I like that Dylan has done two things here: incorporate the fangs on the jersey and using only a partial yoke outline based on it. However The font is not idea but plausible and I can only see this stripe patter halfway fitting the bill. For another thing, just keep the fangs on the sleeves. Also, I'm not sure that the fang color order is going to work with the yoke unless it is reversed It would really be cool to see a road jersey that is yellow. For that matter, a yellow uniform in general. I like the general idea, but it's not complete. Hunted  for prey and had an aftertaste - a 7 out of 10.

Buffalo Sabres (Phil B.)

Yet another "try to fix the new alternate" concept. I do like that everyone has been keeping the predominantly yellow, but I am not in favor of everyone keeping the blue - this applies here too. This also wouldn't be the template I use because of (again) the blue. I'd also like to see different striping for the whole of the uniform (including socks and pants). In addition, this font for the numbers and NOB are never going to woo me for the Sabres. The sword fight was lost - but remember the words from Sir Andrew, a 6 out of 10.

Call of Duty (Brian B.)

Now I'm not a fan of video games with violence but this can be used for several video games with a similar or the same color scheme. Based on my amount o knowledge of this game, I think I can at least say a a thing or two on it. It's virtually perfect from that point. You could go camo with the pants, but I'm not to sure how that would look so I'm fine with this. I'm not so sure the faded numbers work here, but I get it completely. I find it very clever that the cuffs include a captain's patch. This is a very entertaining concept and I had a lot of fun looking at it. They won a battle but we won the war, an 8 out of 10.

Slovakia (Eric We.)

I enjoy the "out of the box-ness" of this because it is well implemented positioning-wise. I respect that national teams are fairly conservative (except the US and Canada) however it can be possible to fade away from that when done properly as seen above. The balance of color is phenomenal and is essential to this particular design. Enough for a bronze medal at the Games, an 8 out of 10.

Detroit Red Wings (Dylan W.)

Has Mr. Wonka gone bonkers?! Well, not completely. I like one thing in particular - it's the yoke outline. However, I wouldn't transfer it to the sleeves too. I find it intriguing the boxed in look the hem provides. It would work for Detroit and maybe the other three original six teams (who don't have their own specially stylized yoke pattern). Boston and the Rangers both have rather famous yokes - the latter I'm a fan of the former I'm not. Even if it doesn't follow the template, move the number and NOB down a little so there is space between the yoke outline if you can't put two of the stripes in the yoke. Flying up, up, and away with an 8.5 out of 10.

Phoenix Coyotes (Tristan M.)

For as much as I like most of what I see, this doesn't look like a jersey that an NHL team would wear. If anywhere, at least the AHL level. I wonder what would happen if we took the inside of the hem and translated it to the home and away uniforms, provided the road white uniform receives a matching stripe pattern. I continue to appreciate anyone who mixes and matches templates together - even the more radical ones (as some of mine are). But this one is fairly conservative and might better suit another team.

Germany (Eric We.)

Very similar to Slovakia earlier, the striping coincides with what appears to be his preference for nations with a tricolor flag. However I'm not sure that dark grey in place of black is the best idea. What I think is really cool and very innovative is the incorporation of the flag on the numbers. Just of the medal stand, a 7 out of 10.

Slovakia (Stephen T.)

This lovely template . . . The flag for stripes is a good start. I would include the crested flag on the socks too where the crest faces whichever limb it is being applied to (left or right leg). I never really liked the length of this yoke design but it also prevents the white jersey from being bland of color. The red pants also help with that, being used for both uniforms. Fourth place counts in interscholastic track, a 6.5 out of 10

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for going to athletic events to support my high school alma mater this evening and tomorrow. Too bad it's a might early for hockey season for them. Oh well, I guess that's what Thanksgiving break is for. Until next time!

-Ricky

A Yakball Request, Quite Shocking

So Jake88 (Jake88 Concepts and co-admin of Hockey Concept Ideas) asked me to do a request for yakball uniforms regarding Skopje, Republic of Macedonia based on my HCIHL team. Anyway, I decided more in favor of a national team rather than a particular city in Macedonia, much less the Balkan Region. The alternates below are intended to be what's known as a faux-back, that is a uniform intended to be retro for a team that wasn't around long enough to have a retro look (the MLB Tampa Bay Rays are infamous for this).

Let's think rationally for a bit. Gradients are typical 1990s (at least in hockey) and Greece doesn't like Macedonia using the Star of Alexander the Great (aka the Star of Vergina). The home and road were kind of based off Poland's soccer uniforms introduced last year (who by the way lost to the Ukraine today with one last hope to qualify for the World Cup Tuesday against England). It's tough to find a good font to use as there are so few fonts in Macedonian Cyrillic that are available for me at the moment. You'll notice that the lion is also a national symbol and replaces Alexander's Star.

-Ricky

St. John's Totems

I never thought I'd see the day, but I'm in a fantasy basketball league. This will surely help increase my NBA knowledge. Anyway give these a look see.

I used the old Vancouver Grizzlies alternate logo as you know. I then created my own alternate from it and a hand-drawn outline of a totem pole (just the log itself). The main logo on the alternate jersey may at first be mistaken for an Aztec calendar, but certainly it isn't.

-Ricky

HJC: Post XX

*** The following is my post from a different site, please visit www.hockeyjerseyconcepts.com for the article. ***

Friday: The Openers

I didn't give you my predictions last week because I anticipated Ryan to do it, so I let him start the "trend" on Sunday. You'll see mine later. In the meantime, I provide you with reminders below - as per the usual.

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COTW Sept 23-29 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

Colgate Autism Awareness entries (due tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

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Colgate Women's Hockey vs. Autism

Matt R.

 Antonio C.

Fernando L.

Fabu

ML Designs

Dylan W.

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Winnipeg Jets (Gerard M.)

Of all the Jets logos I've seen circulated, this is new to me. It's probably because I have never been to Janesville, WI (though I've been close). I'm not a fan, but I don't hate it either. The striping takes away from this concept, but it could also be worse. I'd like to see a more innovative collar as well. Maybe switch the order of the striping colors and then apply them to the collar. A 7 out of 10.

Soviet Union (Mike S.)

As you may recall, this appeared on my post when we were accepting entries from this contest a few weeks ago. Despite this particular template, this actually looks pretty conservative. I really fancy the diamond shoulder blending. Maybe a double number outline could be of service here. Transfer the striping to the pants and you should be set. A 7.5 out of 10.

Anaheim Ducks (Wings98)

I don't know personally, but If I had to guess, Wings98 bases his name off the old roller hockey franchise - the Buffalo Wings who were established in 1998. By the way, their colors are used in this concept (sort of). The stripe width is really interesting, but the colors are a bit too bright, even if, the color distribution doesn't work for me. The colors look cool, but not for this specifically. A 4 out of 10.

Reading Royals (Jake88)

This is a really cool create-a-template that Jake has made. Also notice that he uses the Buffalo Sabres old pants striping. Now that I've gotten used to him not always coloring in his glove template, this was not a time to omit that decision because (primarily) of the pants striping. I do find it unusual that the front of the jersey is solid and the back as mesh. Nonehteless, it looks good. An 8 out of 10.

Winnipeg Jets (Steven G.)

The idea behind this has never been a favorite of mine, and for several reasons. One of my biggest pet peeves is displayed with the mismatching striping poorly executed (for my taste). Also the colored cuffs/bottom hem on the road white I could care less for. The choice of number font is not something I would want to see on anyone's jersey. Finally, in truth to an alternate jersey, slap on the shoulder patch for the crest. A 6 out of 10.

Rochester Americans (Kyle N.)

The first two are fine except the numbers which I don't know how to aesthetically fix. I will never ever ever like the shield used on the alternate it almost looks like a kid drew it when the shadow is included, angle is changed, and word mark is removed. The same thing applies with the numbers as the other two. I really like seeing a red jersey as their alternate - that will be missed in this concept. A 6.5 out of 10.

Buffalo Sabres (Dylan W.)

Dylan and I took similar approaches as the Buffalo boys decided that there could still be blue on the back of the jersey. You'll get to see mine tomorrow. I appreciate that Dylan alters this template to make the front and back virtually identical. I could do that, but the collar cut in front looked cool with the angular design. I also like that the back of the sleeves aren't extended with blue. While I'm not a fan of the hem, it fits in very well. An 8 out of 10.

Sweden (Stephen T.)

This is pretty odd because of the arms and socks. The striping is just plain old unattractive. While I'm not a fan of the stripe on the pants, it at least is appears relevant to the rest of the concept. Funny that the Canucks font is used. I'm not a fan of the asymmetrical yoke, but it isn't something I'm going to over focus on. I think the blue uniform could use a hint of white accenture as well. A 7 out of 10.

Anaheim Ducks (Colin M.)

Sorry to say it, but this particular Wild Wing mask makes the Ducks look like a joke team that everyone probably thought they'd be when they started. Orange is a good start, but I don't know that I'd keep the home/road striping. Also I'd like to know why everyone prefers the single thin stripe on their pants. Oh well, not perfect, but it has potential. A 7.5 out of 10.

My  HCIHL Fantasy team is suffering on opening week. HCIHL is a much smaller versioin of Icethetics IceHL. Go Foxes! Really quickly, my predictions for the season as promised.

Happy hockey!

[EDIT-Ricky] The original did not save properly, Buffalo was omitted.

-Ricky