Friday: Double Goalie Gear

Hello folks!  How's it going?

There's not really any news to talk about today as far as hockey jerseys or logos go (as far as I know), so I thought I'd once again discuss one of my favourite topics, goalie gear!  In particular, let's focus on three goalies that dress different at home compared to on the road.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

(Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

(Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)

(Photo by Don Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)

(Photo by Matt Kincaid/Getty Images)

(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)

As you can see in the above photos, both Corey Crawford and Mike Smith wear black equipment at home and white equipment on the road, while Marc-André Fleury switches up his helmet for home or road games.  You don't see many goalies doing this (at least prior to this year), but I think it's a great idea.  I like the variety that the two sets of gear provide, and the goalies fit in better with the rest of the teammates who wear different helmets for at home and on the road.  Of the three goalies, Crawford's two sets are my favourite, I like how his helmets match and that he switches up his gear as well.

Do you agree with my thoughts about the two sets of goalie gear, or do you think one set is best?

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The entry phase for the COTY Logo Competition continues until next Friday.  Additionally, last week's COTW vote ended earlier today and the new poll will go up sometime in the next 24 hours.

COTW Nov 25 - Dec 1 vote (ends next Friday @ noon ET)

COTY 2016 logo entries (due next Friday @ noon ET)

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South Carolina Stingrays, by Chase C:

HJC's Tuesday writer, Chase, brings us our first concept today.  This was actually one of the finalists for the recent Stingrays Design contest held on Icethetics, and I can see why, the design of the jersey is quite nice.  I especially like the look of the blue yoke combined with the white cuffs and hem.  My main complaint about this concept is the presentation, because the jersey itself only takes up a small fraction of the image.  All the extra stuff above and below the jersey should be reduced down in size.
Rating: 7/10

Providence Bruins, by Bradley D:

Next up, Bradley takes on the AHL's Providence Bruins.  I think the striping on the white jersey is absolutely perfect, it's a good twist on the classic Bruins design and it really balances black and yellow well.  However I don't like the look of the stripes on the yellow jersey, particularly how the white stripes are completely surrounded by yellow.  But I do like the yellow helmet that goes with that jersey.

For the third jersey, Bradley altered the striping pattern a bit.  The yoke becomes a type of phantom yoke, the hem stripe becomes hem trim, and the arm stripes are moved around and added to.  I actually like all of those changes, they give the jersey a unique feel.  I also like the simple yellow numbers, but I think the collar would be better if it were yellow.  Execution wise, the inside of the loop at the bottom of the socks should match the background instead of the sock.
Rating: 7/10

Washington Capitals, by Lucas D:

Our third concept of the day is a Washington Capitals concept from Lucas, and it uses a very simple striping pattern.  Despite the simplicity of the pattern, the design avoids looking generic, which I think may be due to the amount of white on the dark jersey (but I wonder if the white would still look good with the equipment added).  The stars in the stripes also help add some character, but I think they're too spread out, I'd either add more or move them closer together.
Rating: 8/10

New York Rangers, by Avi S:

As part of his colourway series, Avi has designed a Rangers jersey which is similar to their current third but actually looks good (I'm not a fan of their current third).  It's amazing how much crisper this looks with true white instead of that dull vintage white.  The new collar and hem designs look better as well, but the hem stripe might now be too similar to their home jersey.  I like the blue colourway pants, but I don't like the lack of blue on the red pants.
Rating: 8/10

University of Maine, by Taylor R:

Taylor is up next with a concept for the University of Maine Black Bears.  It's been a few days since I first saw this concept, and I still haven't decided what I think of the striping pattern.  Part of me thinks the yoke stopping at the arm stripes looks strange and unnatural, but the other part of me just thinks it's an interesting and good looking design.  I definitely like the rest of the concept though, the number font is a great choice, and Taylor's presentation is always top-notch.
Rating: 8/10

Thorold Blackhawks, by Chris W:

Chris concludes today's post with a concept for the Thorold Blackhawks, who recently unveiled a new logo set (which Chris uses here) in early November.  I love the arrowhead pattern in the stripes, it's a subtle element that adds so much character to the jerseys.  The alternate jersey, based off of Chicago's old barber-pole sweater, is also great.  My only issue with this concept is that on the alternate jersey there's a second shade of black in the arm stripes.
Rating: 9/10 and my COTW nomination!

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That's all folks!