0378: The AHL in the Elements

When the NHL canceled the 2013 Winter Classic, it also effectively canceled one of two outdoor AHL games — since the ice sheet they were counting on was never built. It would've been the Grand Rapids Griffins hosting the Toronto Marlies, but it didn't happen. Maybe next year when the Winter Classic is expected to be rescheduled. In the meantime, this is what frequent contributor Ryan Haslett thinks the two clubs should wear when they eventually do meet up in the elements.

0371: Waddell's Winter Classic, Finale

Love it or hate it, this is the end of the Winter Classic series brought to you by the Waddell brothers, Chance and Jake. They created mock throwbacks for all 30 teams. And today, we wrap it all up with the Bruins and Flyers — opponents in the real NHL Winter Classic in 2010.

With this sub-series complete, we have a handful of unique and varied Winter Classic concepts to come over the next few weeks. If you have an idea for a design, send it along!

0364: Waddell's Winter Classic, Part 14

The Waddell brothers' Winter Classic series is nearly complete. After 26 teams, we're down to the final four. Today, I've opted to share their fauxback creations for the Buffalo Sabres and Phoenix Coyotes.

That leaves only the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers — the two teams that met up for the real outdoor NHL game in 2010. Check back next week to see the big finale of the Waddells' fun Winter Classic series.

0363: The IceHL's Winter Classic

Today is Friday, but it is not a Freak Out Friday. At least not in my mind.

Today the subject is our very own fantasy hockey league, the IceHL. Frequent concept contributor Bryan Dyck offers his take on what a couple of IceHL Winter Classic style jerseys might look like. He pits the Milwaukee Lagers against the Portland Pioneers for the big game and has design an excellent pair of jerseys.

I'm so impressed by this concept that it will have a place in the IceHL's 2013 Yearbook this summer. I'm impressed because Bryan has managed to design jerseys that truly feel like they could be part of these fictional teams' long histories. As if they're right out of the 1940s and 50s. And they make the existing official jersey designs feel like the natural evolution of a team's branding. Superbly executed, if you ask me. Well done, Bryan!

I would've included this in a Winter Classic Weekend post, but I couldn't wait to share it and the Waddell brothers have the floor for the next two Saturdays.

0357: Waddell's Winter Classic, Part 13

We're coming down to the end of the Waddell brothers' long-running concept series. This week we get the Capitals and Sharks, as requested by Bastian last weekend.

Normally, I let you guys pick the next pair of teams. But since we're down to just four remaining, I'm going to take the reins in the home stretch. Check back next Saturday to see which two teams will be next! (By the way, I'm betting there will be someone who doesn't read this and posts their request anyway. Let's see if I'm right.)

0350: Waddell's Winter Classic, Part 12

The Waddell brothers' Winter Classic series is starting to wind down. Only six more teams remain. But for today, we get a look at their fauxback designs for the Flames and Jets, as selected by commenter MDM. (Technically, MDM was second to comment but the first picked the Oilers, which we've already seen.) I think we've got a couple of really neat looks for these teams.

If you'd like to choose the next two teams, be the first to comment. But make sure you don't pick a team we've done already or I'll move on to the next comment.

0343: Waddell's Winter Classic, Part 11

This weekend, Chance and Jake Waddell bring us the next set of jerseys in their Winter Classic series. Last week, Caleb was first to comment and asked to see Columbus and Tampa Bay featured in this one.

If you want to pick the next two teams, you know what to do.