On The 12th Day of January

Happy Monday everyone!

So the biggest jersey related news as of late is the unveiling of the NHL All Star jerseys. Reaction has been very very negative and I'm surprised the NHL would let jerseys like that be released. Did they not focus group them? Ugh...

Before I get into a rant about it, I'm not going to share my thoughts on them this week. I'm actually working on a couple different All Star Jersey Concepts to show how they could have improved, and on the Monday after all my concepts have been completed and posted on this site, I will discuss the jerseys.

While waiting for that to happen though, why don't you go do some voting? We've currently got 3 votes, one of which puts us so much closer to crowning the 2014 COTY!

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

COTW Jan 4-10 vote (ends Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern)

World Cup Logo Top 3 vote (due Friday @ 11:59pm Eastern)

So do that, then sit back, relax, and check out today's concepts. Really great batch today!

Ottawa Senators Alternate Jersey Concept - Ben S.

Ben's design isn't necessarily new to these parts... Black jersey, @2D profile logo, and laurel striping, but it's not his fault that so many people think it's a good look that the team isn't utilizing. The execution here is solid.

Rating: 7/10


Buffalo Sabres Concept - Bpoe96

Mr. Bpoe brings back the Buffaslug jersey template with some slight changes in the cuffs and coloring. The "Buffalo" wordmark under the collar is a nice touch, glad to see that carried over from the current alternate. I always liked these jersey templates when they were used, they were super unique in the league, although, I think I liked the silver in them so I feel like the silver should back back on the swoopy things on the torso. The yellow alternate is pretty crazy, too much white for me though. Same with the pants, with how busy these jerseys are I don't think the pants really need striping at all.

Rating: 7.5/10


Colorado Avalanche Concept - Dylan N.

Dylan's modernization series continues with the team from the Rockies. The mountain inspired striping is back but in a new way. I like seeing people try using the mountain striping differently. The only one here I don't like very much is the yoke. The burgundy pants (and helmet) aren't working for me either. I suggest blue or work black back into the color scheme. Some sort of shoulder logo would be nice too.

Rating: 8/10


Syracuse Crunch - Charlestown Chiefs Throwback Concept - Scott G.

I'm really surprised this hasn't been done to death. I'm sure it's been done but I can't say I've ever seen it. Pretty faithful to the jerseys in Slap Shot. This would be a killer one-off jersey too. Slap Shot is...in my opinion... the best hockey movie and will probably always be my favorite. It'd be nice to see a blue jersey too.....this brings up a good question though....If the Crunch are wearing Chiefs jerseys....then...Who own the Chiefs?.... OWWWNS OOOOWWWWNS....

Rating: 8/10 - Not necessarily the most creative jersey but I love the idea.


Fort Wayne Komets Koncept - TG

The Komets have been around forever. I remember they used to come to Rockford and play the IceHogs all the time back when the UHL was a thing. I think they've got a pretty great brand and identity. I think these jerseys here are a tad too crazy to be primaries, even in the minors. I think if ditch the side striping here and just have horizontal hem striping, possibly a look similar to the pants striping, it'll look better. Speaking of pants striping, I don't think it's necessary. If you wanted to keep it, perhaps leave the hems of the jerseys blank and add some orange.

Rating: 8/10


Colorado Avalanche Stadium Series Concept - Justin C.

With rumors suggesting Colorado to host a Stadium Series game, Justin wanted the team to be prepared so he whipped this bad boy up....all the way back in 2014 it would appear. The striping on the arm forming a chevron also appears to bring back the Rocky Mountain striping. This seems like a realistic way that the team would bring it back. Sucks not to see anything on the hem but I feel like it may work here. Maybe something on the side panel like Dylan N. has been doing lately. The new logo is nice too, although, it's not my favorite secondary Av's logo that Justin has created. Overall, I think this is a realistic thing we could see, with some sort of photoshopped logo of course. Still not totally on board with this new collar either.

Rating: 8.99 - The bottom of the jersey is bare, so no matter how much I like the rest of the jersey I just can't give it a 9


Fort Wayne Komets Alternate Jersey Koncept - TG

This jersey resembles the Kings' old Burger King jersey. The logo placement and gradients look pretty good here. The Kings' attempt at this look was a bit crazy and sloppy, but TG has it right. The gradients look much better fading into black (or any color) than just black and gray on white. The stripe going down only one arm looks pretty good but I think it'd look good on both arms. The socks could use something though..... NEVERMIND!!! upon further and closer review, there's very faint, possibly sublimated stripes on the "blank" arm, under the logo, and on the socks. That makes the jersey look even better and more creative in my opinion.

Rating: 9/10 and a COTW Nom!


And there it is, another great batch of concepts. I feel like there's a few jerseys today that will get the COTW noms so share your thoughts! It's always nice as an artist to get feedback on your work, so let these guys have second or third opinions!