Wednesday: More Winter Classic News!

As was announced on Friday, the Capitals will host the Blackhawks in the 2015 Winter Classic! I could not have been more excited when I heard the news. I was jumping up and down at work in excitement, thinking of ways to get my hands on tickets to the game. I went to the Winter Classic and Stadium Series outdoor games in Chicago, and I wouldn't want to miss this one! I may have mentioned before that I am working on a Winter Classic series of concepts, and right when I was ready to send in a handful of concepts I decided that I want to change some things around to reflect the correct teams for next year's game. On that note, keep those concepts coming and let the votes roll in! The NHA ReDesign first round vote was due last night, so look out for info on the final round vote! As usual, the COTW vote is due on Friday night.

COTW June 16-22 vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern)

The Penguins are the only team to have played in 3 outdoor games, including 2 Winter Classics, since 2008 when outdoor hockey games became an annual event in the NHL. The Flyers, who were rumored to play the Caps on New Year's Day would have been appearing in their third Winter Classic. Instead, the Blackhawks will join the Penguins in being the only team to play in 3 outdoor games since 2008. Speaking of the Penguins...
 
Daniel L. - Pittsburgh Penguins Concept

Design: We have recently heard that the Penguins' new alternate jersey could very well feature their classic yellow over vegas gold, however, I would totally be behind Daniel's concept. The angles yoke and cuffs fit very well within the Panguins' current uniforms. I don't necessarily like that the numbers are on the shoulders, but I think the gold on black still looks good. Overall, this concept looks awesome!
   
Score: 8/10 - I'll give this concept my COTW nomination. I don't think the Pittsburgh fans would object to this jersey either.
  
  
Joey F. - Cobalt Silver Kings NHA Concept

Design: This concept is Joey's Silver Kings concept that he entered into the NHA ReDesign Competition. What really jumps out at me is the hem striping. A hem striping pattern like that is pretty unique and would definitely stick out on the ice. The white jersey reminds me a little bit too much of the Rangers away jersey. The blue jersey is definitely where this concept shines.
  
Score: 7/10 - I'd love to see a back to this concept, or at least see TV numbers to give me a taste of the number font.
 
 
Jeff C. - Delmarva Shorebirds MiLB Concept

Design: A few weeks ago, a pair of Minor League Baseball teams wore hockey themed uniforms for a game. Jeff brings us the opposite in his latest concept. Striping isn't usually a baseball jersey's forte, so Jeff used some creativity to come up with this design. The yoke looks to be inspired by wings, which looks very cool in my opinion. I don't know if the wordmark is necessary on the front though.
  
Score: 6.5/10 - The arm striping is too generic for this concept. I'd love to see something that fits better with the yoke. Also the front & back hem piping don't match.
 
Nick L. - Carolina Hurricanes Concept

Design: Nick's concept plays along with the Canes' new look, and gives them a jersey that would work as an alternate. I personally think that Carolina's black alternate is one of the coolest black alternates in NHL history, but the flag & stick logo looks good on a red jersey as well. I think the two stripes on the arm seem oddly far apart, and the lack of a name & number on the back of the jersey takes away from this concept.
  
Score: 6/10 - Finish the back of this concept, and without further changes this concept would go from good to great.
 
 
Trent D. - Wheeling Nailers ECHL Concept

Design: The Nailers currently use some generic Edge-like jerseys, and could desperately use a new jersey. Trent's jersey design screams Minor League hockey to me for some reason, which is ideal considering the Nailers are 2 steps below the big show. There are a few errors, however. The circles on the striping aren't all round, which is an issue. There are also some loose pixels on the front of the jersey.
  
Score: 7/10 - Aside from a couple stray pixels here and there, this concept is spot on!
 
 
Taylor R. - Haileybury Comets NHA Concept

Design: Taylor entered this concept into the NHA ReDesign competition. The colors and large chest stripe really set the scene for a throwback concept, and I think this concept does a great job of representing a rebirth of an old team. The Nike Olympics template keeps things current, and I like the idea of a number & name box as opposed to including the entire back of a jersey.
  
Score: 7.5/10 - I would only make one change: creme helmet to go with the creme jersey.
 
 
DR Design - Seattle Metropolitans Concept

Design: With all the speculation, I believe it is only a matter of time before we see an NHL team in the Emerald City. DR's concept pretty much emulates the Seattle Supersonics' logo and even uses the same color scheme. I can't give this concept creativity points, but it does look very good! The striping is awesome, and the double outline on the number is really sharp.
  
Score: 6.5/10 - The crest looks way too big, and the green on the crest doesn't match the green jersey. I do love the old Metropolitans crest on the shoulders.
 
 
Well folks, it's officially the off-season so let the rumors & news begin! See you all next week!