Good Tuesday morning, Uni Watchers. I hope you guys had a good Monday.
With today being Tuesday, that means it’s time for Leo’s World, which today will be focusing on hockey in the great state of Ohio. For the past five weeks, Leo has turned his attention to old-time Ice Hockey (Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3, Volume 4, and Volume 5). There have been some amazing old photos on those posts, some of which I’m sure you’ve probably never seen, and definitely worth a read!
And now, here’s Leo with…
On Ice, Volume 6
by Leo Strawn, Jr.
I’m Leo…welcome to my world!
This edition is dedicated to hockey, Buckeye style. Let me show you some bad…but mostly good…designs from Ohio’s hockey history that you may or may not be familiar with.
But, first, allow me to state that I really hate the CBJ organization. (Yes, this is a rant.) Seems to me the front office thrives on mediocrity…or less. In their previous 24 seasons, they have made the playoffs 1/4 of the time in a league where half the clubs now advance to the post-season and they have managed to move past the first round just twice out of those six playoff appearances..
The franchise’s primary logo choices are another prime example. They started with a design that read “CJB” with the hockey stick that looked like a fairy princess wand at the top.
The current primary logo isn’t much better. Ohio is the 17th state, thus our very unique swallowtail state flag has 17 stars on it. This Blue Jackets logo forces it to be backward to form a “C”. (Like the U.S. flag, Ohio’s should hang with blue on the left when mounted onto a flat surface.) Additionally, for some reason the logo only has 12 stars. That’s not our state flag.
Serious question: What is so hard about creating a logo using 17 stars? If there is a statute saying our state flag can’t be used as a logo with all 17 stars, then why use it at all?
In my humble opinion, any of the following three logos would be better as a primary than what the Jackets currently use. I think the 2003-15 alt logo (middle) could do without the star on top of the kepi and the prototype in the first image also needs an upgrade to 17 stars from the 13 on the logo, but I think either of these would work as a primary logo with those tweaks.
My favorite of those three is the cannon logo and I still can’t figure out why that’s not the current primary. If the club wanted that as a primary logo in team colors, it wouldn’t be much work to change it from double blue to red/white/blue as they did with the cannon on the 2025 Stadium Series sweater. I think those were quite nice and actually had the letters “CBJ” in the correct order on the sleeve. I would like to see something similar worn as a primary jersey.
Side note: I know some people think the sleeves are wrong, but I’m not sure what they were trying to convey with it. Some civil war jackets did have chevrons that pointed up, however they were not nearly as thick as those on the sweater. If they were trying to represent rank chevrons, then clearly they are pointed in the wrong direction, as some UW readers noted. But, I can’t find any indication that any rank in the Union was represented by a single chevron, so I’m not sure what the designer had in mind.
To start, let’s get one more bad look out of the way, though. Three Dayton teams in two different leagues have used the name Gems. These sweaters were worn by the 1979-80 franchise that played for one season in the IHL. Say what you will.
Now on to some sweaters that are easier on the eye. From 1991-2009 Dayton was home to the ECHL Bombers. This is their inaugural season jersey.
Here are a couple of jerseys from Toledo: From 1963-74, they had an IHL squad known as the Blades, who were then replaced by the Goaldiggers until 1986. Their sweater is pictured on the left. The Toledo Storm began play in the ECHL in 1991, ceasing operations in 2007, then returning in 2009 as the Walleye.
Down by the river (not in a van, though), Cincinnati had an AHL club for years named the Swords. As you can tell from the name and photos, they were a Buffalo Sabres farm team.
Nice sweater and logo for the Swords, but that still doesn’t hold a candle to the WHA’s Cincinnati Stingers, in my opinion.
Since the demise of those clubs, among the teams that have played in Cincinnati, the Central Hockey League’s Tigers filled the hockey void in Cincy for a season and since the 1990s, the Cyclones have given fans in the Queen City three different clubs under the same name to cheer for. On the right was a sweater worn by the Cyclones IHL franchise.
To be continued…
In a week, I’ll shoot some hoops, NCAA style, then finish up my look at hockey in the Buckeye state. After that, take me out to the ballgame.
Until next time…
Cheers!
Thanks, Leo — this was another fun one. Who knew the great state of Ohio had such a rich tapestry of colorful hockey teams? We all do now, thanks to Leo!
Readers? What say you?
When I first saw the 86 Goaldiggers jersey, my immediate thought was the old Hockey Night in Canada logo from 1952 to 1998. Another great piece.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed.
Cheers!
Great stuff again, Leo, and I agree: the Stingers looked beautiful and the Bluejackets do not. The cannon would be a great logo and with a few tweaks the uniform could include red, white and navy plus light blue as a nice contrast. I never liked the kepi logo, it looks very amateurish to me. That Stingers logo is really great!
Thanks, Ingmar!
The kepi logo at least visually refers to what the term “Blue Jackets” really means — the Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The cannon, less so. But there is one at Nationwide which goes off for every Blue Jacket goal, so there’s that.
That CBJ Stadium Series cannon should pull full time duty. Alas…
GTGFTS
16 Apr 2013
In memoriam of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Hard to tell who is on the mound, but Josh Donaldson will hit a triple ito score Josh Reddick n the inning to push the OAKLAND A’s ahead for good, 4-3.
Oh, I forgot: I like the captain C in the Ohio state silhouette patch on that Blue Jackets sweater. Maybe other Ohio teams should adopt something likewise (Buckeyes? Bengals? Cavs? Guardians? I do not mention the Browns and the Reds because it somehow does not tie in with their visual identities).
GTGFTS: 16 April 2013, Astros 3 – 4 Athletics
GTGFTU: 8 April 2022, Reds 6 – 7 Braves
I never noticed the lack of stars in the Blue Jackets logo, now I’ll never unsee it.
I’m not a big fan of the cannon logo, but it does a better job referencing what the name stands for then it’s current logo, which gives no indication at all. I like the blue cap logo, but I don’t know about it as a crest…maybe make the hat logo a shoulder logo and keep the star the chest logo, but fix the number of stars? I didn’t have any issue with their look until reading this, and now I think they should make some adjustments…
In two weeks I’ll finish this look at Ohio hockey and you’ll see that there was a decision made when the franchise was announced that caused a change in hockey in Columbus that I’ve never forgiven them for. I’ve been overly-critical regarding every aspect of this franchise ever since.
Sorry that you can’t unsee the star issue, now. : )
Cheers!
The upward pointing “chevron” you refer to on the calvary jacket link is no such thing. It’s more a design element (flourish) that wraps entirely around the sleeve and was worn by many soldiers regardless of their rank or branch. You’ll see in these examples the “chevron” you refer to as well as actual chevrons of rank.
Cav Sergeant: link
Cav Master Sergeant: link
Infantry Master Sergeant )those listed as Sergeant Major: link
The Army did vary their chevron point direction many times from when they were first introduced in 1821, but the period the “Blue Jackets” represent, the points were worn facing down (1851-1902).
Interestingly enough, the only unit in the current Army who are authorized to wear chevrons pointed down are the US Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” These uniforms has another style of flourish. link
I do like the Blue Jackets’ Stadium Series jersey, and think it may be the best jersey they’ve ever worn to this point. The worst, for me, is the third jersey, not because of the logo but because of the off-white and lack of red.
A few years back, I was working on some Reverse Retro ideas for the Blue Jackets that would’ve paid homage to the former Ohio NHL and WHA teams; one was basically a Stingers jersey in Blue Jackets colors (including the Stingers logo), the other was based on the 1976-77 Barons jersey, with the Ohio outline patches containing the sleeve numbers, and the C-crest on the front modified to say “Columbus Blue Jackets” instead of “Cleveland Barons” with the cannon replacing the blackletter B. At least, that was my concept for the logo – I don’t recall quite finishing it.
Sometimes the Tequila Sunrise effect works; other times, not so much. The Dayton Gems unis don’t quite work (maybe if the logo stood out more instead of just being a screened-on white outline). The Bombers jersey is clearly based on the St. Louis Blues of the early 1990s.
Oh, good lord, the Toledo Storm logo. Consistently considered the worst logo in all of professional hockey!
Definitely enjoyed today’s content! Thanks again, Leo!
As a side note about the Blue Jackets, I remember when the 2000 expansion team identities were first announced, that the Jackets initially used Stinger over the wordmark as their logo, and it wasn’t until the jerseys debuted at retail during the 1999-2000 season (Pro Player got a jump on them, as they were slated to be the on-ice providers for the Jackets and Wild in 2000-01 before they went belly-up) that I saw the ribbon-monogram logo for the first time. It was somewhat similar with the Wild, as we only had their script wordmark to go on at first until the jersey appeared.
Thanks, Rob.
Cheers!
“…the Toledo Storm logo. Consistently considered the worst logo in all of professional hockey!”
Really? The Cincinnati Cyclones logo is way worse. Why put teeth on a cyclone? They don’t need them…they run all their food through the blender. Plus the eyes are creepy and the lettering is clunky.
The original Cyclones logo that was worn in both the ECHL and the IHL starting in 1990 was voted as the worst logo in hockey by *I think* The Hockey News in 1992 or so. These were the black/red/gray jerseys. At the time, the push to sell jerseys slogan was “Be The First To Wear The Worst!”.
I also agree about the Columbus Blue Jackets. I generally just dismiss anything CBJ but the Stadium Series jerseys were the best in their whole existence.
As far as the Stingers go, you see a lot of people that own the “Stinger Yellow” jerseys, but just occasionally do you see the black jerseys. Especially the Russell mesh ones.
For a long time the Blue Jackets have been at the top of the list for NHL team needing a redesign.
When I saw those Stadium Series uniforms, it became clear that was the solution for a base for the new primary look. That uniform toning down the exaggerated details of stadium uniforms. Such as smaller, appropriate sleeve numbers for in arena and fixing the sleeve striping.
The numbers are properly sized for a stadium or for an arena. Leave them be.
Hi Leo. Former Ohioan here. I know you said “to be continued”, but you didn’t mention possibly the best Ohio hockey name and uni likeness, the Columbus Chill. I was a season ticket holder back in the day. I still have a Chill sweater somewhere. The black and silver was great, and loved the name!
I couldn’t agree more re the CBJ. I was extremely disappointed they didn’t work something out with the departing Chill to use that name and colors, but alas. Honestly, I’ve never gotten past that stupid name: Blue Jackets (and, no one in Columbus would ever yell “let’s go Blue”). Yes, I know about all the Civil War story telling nonsense, but in a league where we already had/have the Blues and other red white and blue teams, it just never felt like a good choice to me. I recall the Columbus Zoo had a gorilla at the time, and there was rumor about them using black and silver, and being the Silverbacks. Which would, IMO, have kicked the crap out of Blue Jackets. Oh, and don’t get me started on that silly neon green bug they had. Ugh.
“Columbus Chill…”
That’s the last team/uniform/logo I discuss, at the very end of part 2. : )
Was hugely disappointed the Jackets didn’t purchase that franchise’s identity. Side note: I was at the logo/name unveiling/press conference in Columbus for the Chill.
Cheers!
Sorry to jump the gun. I need to be more patient…
No worries! Glad to read that the Chill is getting so much love without me even mentioning them.
Great post. Not much of a hockey guy here in Ohio, but I’ve come to enjoy going to a game every so often. Living in the northwest corner of the state, we have the Walleye in Toledo; and it’s an absolutely great atmosphere for a minor league hockey team.
That said, there was one team I thought of that wasn’t mentioned. Before the Blue Jackets came to Columbus, there was a minor league team in Columbus named the Chill. I think I only went to one game, way back as a teenager, but again, another great atmosphere.
See above. And yes, I can second that Chill games had a great atmosphere, even in that awful old barn at the fairgrounds they had to play in.
Chill is in part two, along with a couple of other Columbus teams from yesteryear, plus a few from Cleveland.
Cheers!
That Stingers logo is so good!
One of my all time favorite logos!
I didn’t realize Ohio has a rich history of hockey…and a poor history of winning. Thanks for the informative and entertaining read!
Thanks, Ricky.
Cheers!
Maybe my last try had copyright issues?
The “chevron” you refer to in your link to the Cavalryman’s jacket, isn’t a chevron in the traditional sense (as something denoting rank). It is more of a design element that was worn by many branches in the US Army regardless of rank. It wraps around the entire sleeve. You can see a good example in this illustration. In the center it shows that element on a variety of uniforms of different ranks. In the top row, you can also see it worn on a variety of uniforms in branch color (red for Artillery, Blue for Infantry, Yellow for Calvary).
link
The Army absolutely wore their “Chevrons of Rank,” pointed down from 1851-1902 which would encompass the time period the Blue Jackets are pointing to.
Apologies for the double post.
Patience, I guess.
Also want to correct something in my first post. A Sergeant Major had 3 rockers above his chevrons. A Master Sergeant had three straight bars. The pictures are correctly labeled.
“The Army absolutely wore their “Chevrons of Rank,” pointed down…”
That’s literally what I said.
“If they were trying to represent rank chevrons, then clearly they are pointed in the wrong direction, as some UW readers noted.”
UW regulars know that what I was referring to was all discussed in an article by Phil. link
“Some civil war jackets did have chevrons that pointed up…”
I was referring specifically to this line and link.
My point was that the item you refer to as a “chevron” in this line and link is not a chevron. It’s just a design element that wraps around the entire sleeve. It’s more a flourish.
Not trying to be argumentative.
Regular UW readers would know what I was referring to.
It’s from an article Phil wrote 2 months ago, so take it up with him.
link
“A chevron sleeve stripe denoting the rank insignia of the era.”
Contact Phil, see what he has to say to you.
I’ve always thought the current Columbus thirds were really sharp
That leaping tiger from the old Cincy team logo looks suspiciously like the Hamilton Tiger-Cats logo. Hmm, which came first? Leo, where were these photos taken?
Hamilton first used their tiger in 1967. The Cincinnati Tigers were on the ice for one season, 1980-81.
I took the photos that are behind glass at the NHL ASG when it was in Columbus in January of 2015.
Cheers!
The Cincinnati Tigers played in the 1981-1982 season at Riverfront Coliseum in the Central Hockey League and were owned by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
They had odd uniforms. They wore the Boston Bruins jerseys with that yellow/black/blue logo.
I’m sure the Ti-Cats were first.
Oh, I was at their opening night game, too.
The Cincinnati Swords (AHL) had one of the greatest names in hockey playing for them:
#12 – Morris Titanic
Another great entry from Leo! I know we’re probably not talking the deepest, darkest of minor leagues, but I would like to present The Columbus Owls’ great logo from the 70’s. As a teenager, it became a kind of hip thing to drive the 30 miles to the dank Columbus Fairgrounds Coliseum to watch these guys play. Years later I’d watch “Slap Shot” and it sure seemed to me that the Owls were the inspiration. Anyway, check out that logo – fearsome predato? intimidating goalie? indifferent bird forced to be a bored hockey logo??
link
Owls are in part 2, along with the Chill (a few readers jumped the gun on them), as well as the Checkers and Seals. : )
It seemed like a good idea to start with a CBJ rant and end with the good stuff from Columbus hockey. Maybe I should have done that as a stand-alone part 1 and put the rest in part 2.
Darn – I’m sorry. I keep jumping the gun on your presentations. Makes sense though, we’ve been thinking alike since sixth grade!
No worries! There are two others no one has mentioned yet, though…shhh.
Sixth grade and the Six O’clock News…What can I do…?
Cheers!
Oops, just realized I already told you, lol. Checkers and Golden Seals.