Top Five NHL Uniforms In Need Of A Rebrand
By Mike Majeski
4. Vancouver Canucks
The current Vancouver Canucks home jersey Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
The Canucks are the San Diego Padres of the NHL, a team that got it right the first time, but have since unsuccessfully attempted to rebrand themselves several times. Much like the Sharks, the Canucks are so close to getting things right; they have the right colors, the perfect logo is front and center on their third jersey (as well as located on the shoulders of the primaries). A few small changes, and the Canucks can finally get things right and put the memories of the “skate on a plate of spaghetti” logo and the dreaded “flying V” blunders behind them.
The Vancouver Canucks third jersey, which shows of the “stick in rink” alternate logo, as well as the Johnny Canuck logo. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
As I already mentioned, the Canucks already have a great primary logo on their uniforms. The “stick in a rink” logo isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; in fact it is one of those logos you either love or hate. It really is pure 1970s, but at the same time it represents the sport of hockey so well. No angry animals biting sticks in half, lines evoking speed, or gradients to be seen. Just a hockey stick and an oval forming the letter C.
The Canucks alternate Johnny Canuck logo
Okay, so let’s say the stick in rink is not primary jersey material due to it’s simplicity and it remains relegated to alternate status. You know what’s better than an orca? Johnny Freakin’ Canuck, that’s who!
While currenly located on the shoulder of their alternate jersey, this logo would make a perfect primary for the Canucks. It’s Canadian, it’s hockey, it is so Pacific Northwest. If the orca / wordmark logo is too busy, and the stick and rink is too simple, this is the perfect balance between the two. Their is also a full body version of the logo, but this only appears on merchandise and would likely be too busy to be a valid crest for a jersey.