Indiana's Game, Indiana's Team

I wanted to put together a hardcourt design and wasn't sure what wood to use or rather how to distribute it. It came out a lot better than i had anticipated. As much as I like what the Bankers Life Fieldhouse has set up, I gave it anew anyway.

I'm generally more in favor of darker wood, so I try to make it work when applicable. I think that the large quantity of gold is made logical by the large amount of dark hardwood used. Combined with the other hardwood, it creates a balanced appearance. Give these a gander and tell us what you think!

-Ricky

HJC: Post XVIII

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

Friday: Predominantly Primary Palette 

As I hinted at last week, there may have been a Sabres alternate template in the works. Low and behold, it was indeed released on Monday. I can't believe we're really that much closer to hockey already, I'm really excited! On top of that, do those Stars jerseys pop or what?! As I always say, the jerseys look better on the ice than when they're drawn up - most of the time. No matter, there's a lot of bouncing around to do, so let's get to it.

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Only two reminders today, follow them promptly if applicable.

COTW Sept 9-15 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

Soviet Union entries (due by tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

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Just 3 CCCP entries for today, as found below:

Alan

Mike S.

Tom18

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Stadium Series - LA (Justin S.)

I have nothing to say about the Kings jersey as it is fairly realistic to a retro jersey (I never liked this stylized crown, but that doesn't matter). My Ducks, however catch my attention much more. This appears to me to be a white version of those black alternates the read "Mighty Ducks of Anaheim" on the front. Now as much as I like those and good execution here, The crest logo needs to go and be replaced with either said crest or the Wild Wing logo. A cool day in LA, 7 out of 10.

St. John's Ice Caps (Kyle)

The Mile One Centre has a significant meaning in my life as both my team and league office are based there in my fictional roller hockey league. And speaking of significance, they will host this season's AHL all star Game (I found out before the announcement - a perk of being in class with Dave Andrews). Okay, these are very resemblant of Winnipeg but still slightly pulling away from that identity. I like the addition of the new hem stripe, a rare occasion that I'm okay. The alternate on the other hand, I can't say the same I'm alright with the 'Canes new yoke and the lighter blue, but that's all. We hit the iceberg but are not gonna sink, 7.5 out of 10.

Wheeling Nailers (Mike S.)

Well this logo is much better than the original. I'm not fully on board, but I'll favor it mightily over the goalie mask and rail spikes. And the striping! The tan on the lower sleeves and lower hem makes it stand out much more than if it were just white. I'd like to see some stripes on the pants, but it's alright. This is one of the better ones in the series, but it's the last one I get to review in the ECHL series Mike's done a fantastic job preparing. If you won't be around tomorrow, be sure to congratulate Mike on his completion of this very lengthy series! An 8.5 out of 10.

Colorado Avalanche (Jack)

Powder over royal or navy . . . I can see this. I don't like it as much but I far from hate it. However, I would just keep the word-mark on the road white. Are the TV numbers looking small or is it just me. This one is very difficult to find much to talk about. Timberrrrr - a 7 out of 10.

Boston Bruins (Matt R.)

This look I think would be better suitable for the Hershey Bears than the Bruins The striping (except maybe on the pants) and hem in particular are gorgeous as is the alternate logo. The "Grimace bear" I could live without, but I suppose it could've turned out much worse. The numbers on the road white aren't bad, but a dark number and double outline could also work. The Bruins are almost out of hibernation and recharged, an 8 out of 10.

Canada (Kyle)

This is quite peculiar. I like it and I don't at the same time (better than not having any opinion I suppose). Mesh uniform is good, chest presentation alright, numbers a teeny bit large, colored lower hem is just bizarre, socks - not my cup of tea, I'm afraid. Seeing that the shoulder patch logo is just that, I'm fine but I never will be a fan of it. Back to the socks, problem is that they can't be altered to accommodate the jersey based on its design. This might be one time where matching striping doesn't apply with me. The Canadian flag will fly at half mast today to commemorate their jerseys of the past , a 6.5 out of 10.

Canada (Adam)

Asymmetry - can you say Atlanta Thrashers? Doesn't work for me here. This whole thing just seems like a step backwards for them. TV numbers seem small as well in this one. The yoke on the white, well . . . I only half-like it. That is, the back half looks great but not the front half. I think if we removed "Canada" from it's current position and place it elsewhere it could be a viable inclusion to the concept. All in all, a 6 out of 10.

Toronto Maple Leafs (Matt R.)

Double blue for the Leafs, another on the fence decision from me. First, ditch the outline on the logo and numbers. The striping is alright, but it looks a little better on the road white than on the colored uniform. If they could utilize a similar scheme to that of the Argo down the way at the Rogers Centre, I think the leafs could pull it off, but I also feel that it would offend a lot of the fans. No riots at the "Church on Carlton" yet, but a  7 out of 10.

Chicago Blackhawks (Jack)

Well, changing a more recognizable logo isn't doing this submission a favor. Going black instead of red for a sweater isn't bad though. Howabout this semi-radical idea. Red numbers for both with a double outline jersey color on the inside then the white or black (respectively) on the outside. Striping is fabulous with the exception of the extension on the sacks and lack of on the pants. A 7.5 out of 10.

Springfield Falcons (Kyle)

This takes the cake to start the weekend. Drop the word-mark from the crest logo on the red and match the striping on the hem to that of the sleeves on the alternate. Also, please figure out a way to make the TV numbers stand out better. I wish they'd use their red alternate as a primary and demote the navy to alternate and create a home white of the red. But for the sake of this concept, it suits me almost just fine. An 8 out of 10.

Next week is my last pre-season post, so keep your eyes peeled for who gets the hardware and the pre-season poll in the comments section. You'll of course be more than welcome to do so.

-Ricky

Hometown Team, Hometown Design

So the new Sabres template was finally presented earlier this week and I just saw it today. I took on the task to be the first not HJC Ryan to create a concept. And here it is!

The numbers could use an outline, but at least they're there. In addition the numbers and nameplate aren't off thought they may appear to be. But having the Blue Jays font to replace the Sabres font was tricky, but I think it is passable. Tell me what you think!

-Ricky

HJC: Post XVII

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

Friday: The XIII

Any triskaidecaphobics in the house? Never worry, never fear, Friday the 13th is a holiday at my household . . . or at least in my head. Welcome to a unique (in it's own right) edition of HJC Fridays. Quite frankly, thank goodness it's Friday because it's another Friday closer to the start of NHL season (or rather, if you prefer, your favorite team's season)! I accidentally found out I'm getting a $175 or so customized Ducks eggplant jersey for around the time of late December to the first half of January (my birthday) which I can hopefully be able to share with you eventually. I enjoy the occasional jersey origin story and how someone got it or the journey it has had because I feel it becomes more than just a jersey you own at that point. Just something to think about - and speaking of which I have reminders and general concepts for you to ponder over in the comments section down below. Also, a hearty high-ho to our new Thursday writer William Butala!

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The usual reminder section can be found below.

COTY-August vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

COTW Sept 2-8 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

Anaheim Ducks Top 5 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern time)

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Slovakia (Brady S.)

Well, um . . . this template is really funky, it's the first time I've seen it. That's because I saw them before the other writers posted the remaining concepts. After having seen the others, I'm not a fan of the template and it doesn't even look like it has an "international" feel to it. Else-wise, I would like to see the sleeves on both jerseys blue just because they appear unbalanced based on the distribution of the flag striping and the annoying pipe separator. Sorry, but I'm not a fan of any bit of this other than the "identifiability" of Slovakia branding - 5 out of 10.

Mountfield HK (Jake88)

The most intriguing piece of the uniform is the choice of yoke outline. I personally like it - but it's only because this is a team that would be able to pull it off. Also, the fact that the sock striping isn't continuous caught my attention. I'm kinda curious as to why the hem striping size looks different between the two uniforms but that doesn't take away from it. I'm kind of surprised the gloves aren't multicolored to match the striping, but simple will work too. 8.5 out of 10.

Canada  (Jordan)

I really like the red on white, except it doesn't seem to translate well onto a jersey. The white one does look better, but i do appreciate the effort to match it. Including some black would be a good enhancement to the red jersey. Not that it would be a good idea, but what if we tried vintage white on the red? Just a thought. The striping is a tad bit bland for me but then again, it would be better than overdoing it in this case. A 7 out of 10.

Ottawa Senators (Stephen T.)

This is a pretty neat look. The striping on pants with any uniform is pretty difficult to do the more intricate the design gets. It even makes up the entire of the socks. I am glad that it didn't translate onto the gloves because at that point it would become too much of a good thing. The helmet distribution is alright, but the black could also be used with the white uniform. Even Parliament would be impressed - a 9.5 and CotW nom from me.

Campbell River Storm (Zack)

For those who don't know, the Campbell River Storm are a junior hockey team out of British Columbia. There are other such teams like the Buffalo Junior Sabres, for instance. As there is a lot things that require attention, I will recommend taking a look at the HJC tutorial guide. My predominant concern is that the TV numbers aren't properly placed on the front and completely missing on the back - the same goes for the shoulder patch. I do like where this is heading and see a lot of potential. We got a drought instead of a monsoon,  4 out of 10.

Heineken Manheim (Jon)

I enjoy seeing what non-sport ideas come in, this is a hockey team, but the fact that sponsorship is involved (guilt by team name) makes it what I call a "hybrid" concept. This looks more like a team that would participate in the KHL, but it looks very very sharp. The TV numbers on the green sweater are a little hard to make out, but you still can tell what numbers those are. I find the green and black striping (on the whites) odd because I generally don't like striping like that, but this color combination makes it look respectable. An 8 out of 10 stars.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (HJC Ryan)

I may be mistaken, but this looks like a customized template from the drag and drop folder. Red really stands out here, it would even more if the number outline was reversed (gold/red/black rather than gold/red/black). I don't know if it's intended to be a road or alternate uniform, but the WBS has never been good with logos, though I do appreciate that they do slightly distance themselves from Pittsburgh. I don't hate it, but it doesn't wow me - 7 out of 10.

Vancouver Canucks (Jets96)

The home and road jerseys are really innovative and unique but as far as the alternate, I'd rather wear the much despised "V" jerseys or the original alternate from '96 (which actually turned out better than people give credit). The above alternate has no coordination  between the jersey, pants, and socks and distracts me from a good home/road set- what seems a far out idea even for Vancouver. The numbers seem off too, but that's also proportionate at the same time. A 6.5 out of 10 here.

HK Propad (Jake88)

For some reason, this reminds me of Torino FC in Serie A Italian soccer, except the color.  The Thrashers font probably works better than I think it does. The yoke outline just looks weird to me. I would suggest removing the color from the bottom of the sleeves of the white uniform. Again, surprisingly bland gloves are featured here - not that that's a problem, it's just what I'm used to. A 7.5 out of 10.

Pittsburgh Bandits (Jon)

There is such a team in hockey with a different logo and colors and haven't the slightest idea what level they play at. I honestly don't have much to say about this one other than the striping pattern isn't my favorite - especially considering the black jersey doesn't match the striping along the pants. A 7 out of 10.

San Jose Sharks (Steven G.)

I have always wanted a good clean template of this cut to play around with - that hasn't happened yet. In the meantime, Steven has added orange to a classic San Jose look. As much as I want to like it, I'm not getting much out of it. One thing I would do is switch the use of the helmets. Next I would add striping to the pants even though an alternate logo is present. I think then it would work the best. A 7 out of 10.

USA (Jordan)

I'm not a fan of this particular shield, but it would make an alright shoulder patch. As far as the striping, I like it, but it at the same time looks terribly wrong to distribute them that way (my tack hockey fashion talking). I think this could also use a double outline on the numbers. Now I'm good - a 6.5 out of 10.

Colorado Avalanch (Jets96)

Colorado is one of those teams that everyone does better at designing kits than the team's current front office. This is a good example of that. Going retro with a modern twist is good - if you can successfully put it off. Without that, I don't see much in this concept. The alternate is my least favorite because unlike the above concept, the split striping isn't as distinguishable. A 7.5 out of 10.

USA (Brady)

Template aside, this is a little bit better, but I would like to see a bit more sleeve action. The double set of chest striping doesn't strike my fancy, but it's better than some other things that could have been implemented. I'm not quite sure how people would react to how the stars are displayed. A 6 out of 10.

Another Friday down, see I told you today wasn't so scary. Enjoy your weekends!

-Ricky

HJC: Post XVI

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

Friday: First Class with Andrews

After going to Locklin Hall on the Springfield campus Wednesday night, I have met my professor - the AHL Commissioner David Andrews. I'll tell you, Wednesday nights have just gotten a lot more fun! On an even better note, Macedonia defeated Wales 2-1 in today's World Cup Qualifier - it's a real big deal for me and the relatives.

In the mean time, we have a seemingly busy day back on the ranch.

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Your reminders are found in their usual spot.

COTW Aug 26-Sept 1 vote (ends tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

Anaheim Ducks entries (due tonight @ 11:59pm Eastern)

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Anaheim Ducks Unused Competition

Jason

Alan

Austin

William

Caden

John

Keens

Matt Mc.

Ricky (me)

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Just a quick note, keep your eyes open for the new Sabres template to be available on the Templates page, I don't know if anyone has planned on doing it though. Because of the pictures from the other day, we will start with Sabres stuff.

Buffalo Sabres {1 &2} (Brian)

I like the first one better for the fact that it features more yellow. The stripe however on the pants is merely unlikeable. But the distribution of the silver doesn't strike me, but is much better than the real thing. The first would be an 8.5 out of 10, 7.5 for the second one.

Buffalo Sabres (Jake88)

I would like this if they were still using the Buffa-slug branding, but it unfortunately will never be seen on the ice. I love everything about this one. No complaints and a 9 out of 10.

San Jose Sharks (Justin S.)

This looks kinda cool, I don't think it would make the ice but for a kids league it would be perfect. The striping makes this stand out to me. I am not leaning either way with it as the  orange and black are split which makes it look both weird and interesting at the same time. An 8.5 out of 10.

Jokerit {KHL 2014/15} (TPH71)

I'm not a fan of them moving to the KHL next season, and I wouldn't include this jersey in their plans either. It is not very significant to the team and seems to signify the move into the KHL with the red stripe. It's just too bland in the general design. A 7.5 out of 10.

Stadium Series (Caden)

The Ducks with old colors and new uniform template works, I don't think I've personally seen that combination before. But it works. The Kings meanwhile have nothing significant to their look. Interesting choice to add the Boston Strong ribbon to the jerseys. A 7 out of 10.

Syracuse Bulldogs (JC29)

Genuine Slap Shot jersey on display here. Reminds me of a few different teams with a twist. I don't like how the outline on the numbers are, but looks alright on the lettering. I really like the presentation of the sleeve striping. It's different the regular striping that runs down the length of the arms. An 9 out of 10.

Montréal Canadiens (Tom)

The logo reminds me of Australian football's Melbourne Demons modern logo. But I would really like to see a red version too. I don't know about the sleeves and hem, but at least they match the yoke and chest. Smiles all around, it's a 9.5 out of 10 and a CotW nom from me.

KalPa (TPH71)

This one's a little better except the hem striping is too high and should ideally switch positions with the logos below it on the back side only. But This has potential. At least the red makes the jersey seem less typical on the sleeves to break up the black a little. an 8 out of 10.

Long Island Ducks (JC29)

This one is much more bland but would still work in Slap Shot. I would probably switch the black and white for the striping, but other than that, this concepts appears to be rather bland or better put "too" simple for a simple idea. I see where this is going though. An 8 out of 10.

Winnipeg Jets (Justin S.)

Okay so the gray and red together on a jersey has never flown with me (pardon the unintentional pun) and this case is no different. This especially prevalent with jersey font. Else-wise, it's simple for a city with interrupted NHL history and is a good look for the team in Manitoba, just shange the grey to white and invert the red. A 7.5 out of 10.

All done, another week in the books. Happy hockey!

-Ricky

Ducks"Unused" Colors Contest at HJC

Just a quick blast today, my entry for the aforementioned contest can be found below.

-Ricky