New Look for the Guelph Storm

2018-2019 will kick off with a new look for the Guelph Storm, the first major update to the team's look since 2009 when the Reebok Edge Uniforms were introduced, and 1998 when the Cyclone Logo was introduced.

They have not gone with a full overhaul of their identity. Rather, they have done what several other teams have, and 'cleaned up' their logo. They have rotated the "Spyke" to face straight out at the viewer, and have updated its rendering. The iconic tooth is still present. Additionally, they have kept the Guelph and Storm words marks above the Road and Home logos respectively. In 2008, with the introduction of the EDGE jersey system, the Storm modified their logo on their road sweaters to say "Guelph" instead of "Storm" (much like baseball teams do). That trend is continuing as there are two versions of the logo; one highlights the word Storm over the word Guelph, and the second is flipped. 

In terms of uniforms, the Storms are staying with the Blackhawks template they adopted in the 2014-2015 season. What sets the Storm apart from the Blackhawks is the red cuffs on the white uniform, rather than the black used by the 'Hawks. The font has yet to be seen, but it would be a safe bet that the rounded font used since the 2000 uniform switch.

It's a nice, clean update for the Storm, keeping with the history of the identity they crafted 20+ years ago and giving it a good polish. It fits in well with the current generation of OHL logos, avoiding the overly cartoony look that dominated the late nineties and keeping with the clean lines and smooth colours of the modern era. 

(Source: http://guelphstorm.com/article/storm-unveil-new-logo)

Uniform Review: Rimouski Oceanic

2009-2010 marked the beginning of the Reebok EDGE era in the Canadian Hockey League, prompting all 60 member clubs to switch to the EDGE uniform system, and for many clubs to revamp their existing uniform designs. Like the NHL, there are many successes, several failures, and those who stay true to their roots. This is a success story.

The Rimouski Oceanic have gotten quite a lot of attention in the past few seasons, notably being the Junior home to the NHL's second coming, Sydney Crosby, as well as Tampa Bay Captain Vincent Lecavalier and the host city for the 2009 Memorial Cup Tournament. The Oceanic also won the Presedent's Trophy in 2000 and 2005, and won the Memorial Cup in 2000. The Oceanic's logo has remained consistent since their move from Saint-Jean in 1995, with a slight recolouring some years later.

The previous harsh straight lines of the Pre-EDGE set betrays the team's namesake. Previous uniforms used diagonal lines in their design, while interesing to look at, did not yet convey a feeling of being 'oceanic'. An alternate in the mid 2000's brough a more nautical feel, with a Pirate ship and lots of silver of teh Black Buffalo Sabres tempalte. (Check it out here on Sportslogos.net)

In the move to the EDGE system, the Oceanic were the only club to adopt the Anahiem Ducks template (Calgary would use it for their 15th anniversary uniform, and Drummondville would use the sleeve pattern) in their new design. Carefully recoloring the template, the Oceanic recreated a truely unique design that captures their namesake better than any of their other uniforms ever had. The sweeping stripes envoke movement in the uniforms in the form of stylised waves. The lack of symmetry helps echo the 'ocean' theme, as being dynamic and without a set shape or form. Much like on the ice, the arrangement of the players is often dynamic and at times chaotic.

It's clear that Rimouski went into the EDGE system with a clear understanding of what they wanted in their designs when the change came, and came out as winners. With 2010-2011 bringing alternates back to the CHL, one wonders how the Oceanic will tackle their alternate, if they chose to add one again.