With the NHL playoffs just around the corner, us hockey fans are getting ready for the drive to the cup. The world’s most prestigious trophy in all of sports (even if you don’t like hockey – everyone know it’s the coolest trophy).
I started looking around the web for some cool NHL logos, then I thought well let’s take a look at the vintage logo’s compared to the current logo’s. I didn’t put all teams here, I just wanted to showcase some whether they were huge redesigns or just a realign. There are some classics, that will live on forever, and then there are some that make you think twice.
Vintage logos simplified
Some logos were over complicated, had to much information, having type and a logo crested in a shape was an easy way of putting the logo on a jersey, but just over-complicated the message. These teams, decided to realign their logos to be more simple, and by doing that a better brand was born.
Chicago Blackhawks – 1938 – 1955 & Since 1956
Pittsburgh Penguins – 1968 & Since 2001
Los Angeles Kings – 1968 – 1975 & Since 2003
Boston Bruins – 1927 – 1932 & Since 2008
A good logo is a classic
These are the truly classic logos, their logos have stood the test of time, the best example is the Detroit Red Wings, a logo that has been slightly changed over the last 75 years. Its impressive to see a logo go through decades of trends and still be so strong. Technology was obviously an issue with putting complicated logos on jersey’s, whether they were embroidered or put on sweaters such as the Montreal Canadians in 1918.
Detroit Red Wings – 1935 – 1948 & Since 1949
Montreal Canadians – 1918 – 1919 & Since 1953
New York Rangers – 1927 – 1935 & Since 1979
Toronto Maple Leafs – 1927 & Since 1983
Washington Capitals 1975 – 1995 & Since 2008
National Hockey League 1918 – 2005 & Since 2006
Realign in Attack Mode
Most of today’s logos are very strong and bold. The strokes are thicker, colours are stronger and have a better contrast. Looking at the Buffalo Sabres and the San Jose Sharks they have redesigned their logos to look more fierce and aggressive. These logos fit right in with today’s trends and sports brands, a lot of sports teams want to look more aggressive and stronger so they have redesign their logo with stronger strokes and bolder colours.
Buffalo Sabres – 1971 – 1996 & Since 2007
Phoenix Coyotes 1997 – 2003 & Since 2004
San Jose Sharks 1992 – 1997 & Since 2008
Tampa Bay Lightning 1992 – 2007 & Since 2007
Vancouver Canucks 1981 – 1997 & Since 2008
Join the discussion
Very interesting post on the evolution of the logo with current design trends. Baseball and Football share the same progress.
Great look at the past and present. The collection really punches home the evolution of the ever changing logos. Thanks for posting.
I know its not there but I really like the Philadelphia Flyers Logo
There are examples when redesigned logos are worse than originals, but these all went into good direction (the exception is maybe the 3D look on NHL shield) That’s a different story, that few new logos were badly received by fans…
Its not always great to change a old logo too much, but it always seems to work just simplyfying it.
Really good post.
Im a big fan of hockey as well as design so to see the old logos and what they have become really makes me smile
Though there are a few i wish never changed their logos :/
Great topic. I really enjoyed looking at the older logos compared to the modern ones. Great idea for an article.
in my opinion, the sabres redesign misses the mark where the vancouver canucks is spot on…I appreciate the integration of first nations imagery into the “c”.
This is good