DESIGN DECODED 1: NHL Logo Secrets Revealed

DESIGN DECODED is an Icethetics Original Series that delves into the art of hockey, revealing the often-overlooked secrets hiding within logo and uniform designs. In the premiere episode, we focus on NHL team logos and discover what’s just beneath the surface.
▪️ CHAPTERS ▪️
00:00 - Introduction
01:04 - Classic Inspiration
02:42 - Spelling It Out
04:02 - Writing a Letter
06:00 - State of the Art
07:37 - Subliminal Messages
This video showcases logos with unique symbolism-from subliminal letterforms to local landmarks and state symbolism. Have you seen the "H" in the old Whalers logo? Or the Tennessee flag in the Predators mark? What about the bear head in the Wild crest? And have you ever counted in the number of veins in the Toronto Maple Leaf?
See the level of detail embedded in NHL logo designs that you may never have noticed before!
⚠️ CLARIFICATION: Since I didn’t provide enough context in my description of the Canadiens CH logo, I created a short video with a better explanation ➡️ • DESIGN DECODED: Canadi...
Featured teams include the Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Flames, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Hartford Whalers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets.

[@LSA30]

Another fun detail in the Islanders logo: the top part of the “I” that is coloured in blue roughly indicates where the Nassau Coliseum, the Isles arena, is located within the island.

[@dubh_glas95]

Now that they're in Elmont I wonder if that will change or if theyll leave it to honor nassau

[@adamkaplan357]

@@dubh_glas95 it wouldn't work Elmont is to far west for the I to be positioned in a non awkward way and i dont think Lou would want to change logos

[@cassiusproductions]

No way they did that on purpose

[@Eirik_Bloodaxe]

It took me a long time to realize that the blob behind it isn’t just a random brush stroke, and is actually the outline of Long Island lol.

[@Pikabo0]

@@cassiusproductions they were founded to play in Nassau. Definitely intentional

[@ibamboozle3329]

the H in the canadiens logo stands for hockey not habitants, since it was first used when they changed their name to "Club de hockey Canadien". They weren't nicknamed the Habs until 1924, 7 years after they started using it.

[@junkyardjim]

This! Get your shit together icethetics.

[@estellegrignon]

Came here to say the same thing! Most people forget it, but the official name of the team is (still) the Club de Hockey Canadien. Even in French, people routinely switch between le Canadien and les Canadiens. Their older logo meanwhile had an "A" instead in the middle, as it was officially the Club Athlétique Canadien (or Canadian Athletic Club).

[@benne4252]

The C doesn’t mean canadian Eather it me and club

[@MikePerf0]

@@benne4252 there is two C in the first version of the CHlogo. The white intonthe red one. CHC

[@MikePerf0]

Maybe do as much research than editing!

[@DevilFish69]

Another interesting detail about the Leafs logo is that the subtle shapes of the veins are supposed to represent the art of choking in playoff series.

[@jayp.6166]

hahahaha Huge Leaf fan here, but that was good

[@mrao9068]

This channel is so underrated. You make content that wouldn't look out of place in a channel with a million subscribers.

[@LinkofHyrule1996]

The Flames still use their old Atlanta logo for the assistant captian 'A' patch for their jerseys, nice touch.

[@DDS029]

And the present logo for the captain. That's what I like about hockey. There are always some traditionalism in their sport.

[@DDS029]

And the present logo for the captain. That's what I like about hockey. There are always some traditionalism in their sport.

[@jacobdbuckley]

The Coyotes kachina logo also forms a vague 'A' shape, which could stand for Arizona. I'm not sure if this was part of the original design intent, but it works now!

[@fuze_the_hoastage8847]

Actually the green lady in the rangers logo represents the statue of liberty

[@ibamboozle3329]

I read a book where they talked to the original designers of the logo and they did mention that it was purposely shaped like an A, so you're right!

[@braddelaurier1]

I also remember reading somewhere that the top of the I in Islanders is blue and shows where the arena is on the map.

[@sebastienduplessis7959]

I think you are correct. I read it in an old book on goalie masks. It described the the design of Chico Resch first mask, in their description the author explained the Islanders' logo.

[@ghmongo]

3:21 The three stars and two stripes of the DC flag are actually a nod to the Washington Family Seal, which dates back to the 12th century. The same design can be seen in Selby Abbey in North Yorkshire, England.

[@lillee2540]

Yes, that was mentioned when the jersey was released. They both represent the Washington family tho so it's a wash

[@stopmotionpanda4434]

It’s always a good day when icethetics uploads

[@sebastienduplessis7959]

Bob Johnson's favorite quote. ''It's always a good day for hockey''. I just watched the documentary on the Penguins and I had to share. Sorry. :)

[@clever-username]

Did not know that the Penguin's triangle had such significance. Graphic design is so beautiful.

[@howardbaxter2514]

The triangle in the old Canes secondary logo (the one that looked like a Tropical Storm flag) also has a similar meaning. It’s meant to represent The Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill).

[@JoshDoesTravel]

Calgary also maintained tribute to Atlanta by keeping their assistant captain A as the Atlanta Flames logo

[@MySoccerUniverse]

I think the Avalanche in the Ava logo forms a C and together with the mountain A you have CA for Colorado Avalanche. Took me years to see it. Great video!

[@Weewization]

Great video, I had no idea the profile of NC was in that hurricane flag logo.

[@synchrondipity]

The spokes around the B in the Bruins logo refer to Boston's nickname, The Hub.

[@apelle.18]

Another thing that was missed about the Caps secondary is the triangle below the eagles head forms the top of the capitol building and the three red marks on the wings represent DC, MD and VA on one side and the three branches of congress on the other. That logo should be the primary for them imo

[@jackson.chetta]

If you've seen it on concept jerseys you'll see that the "Weagle" always ends up looking cartoonish as a primary.

[@nate_storm]

the triangle below its head is the washington monument, not the capital building

[@apelle.18]

@@nate_storm i meant to say the triangle between the head and capitol building lol 😂 you know what I mean 😂

[@howardbaxter2514]

Minor correction, but it is three branches of government.

[@CrescentCitySweaters]

The wild’s animal isn’t (necessarily) a bear. It’s intentionally vague as to what animal it is because the team is both wild animals as well as the wilderness

[@admirals818]

I see a black bear in the logo, personally.

[@paulcole7677]

It's just a generic animal head for definite

[@19jjace]

Bear. Rooooar!

[@andersnilsson8303]

Wild's logo is just brilliant! Having a tiger or another fierce animal logo is easier to work with, but portraiting "Wild" (in such a general term) is tough. Well done! Oh, and can Capitals please take the Capitol logo back instead of the current, boring text logo? Please!

[@KevinQ25]

I don’t like the Wild being a Canucks fan but their logo is my favourite. Also, the winged eagle for Washington needs to be the primary on an alternate Uni. I agree they need to get rid of the script logo

[@ghmongo]

Caps fan here, I agree. Every other logo or symbol we've ever put on a jersey is better than the boring "Capitals" script. Unfortunately Ted Leonsis seems to like the RBK-era branding and doesn't seem too inclined to change it. Fun fact: There are two different variations of the Weagle (the secondary logo on the shoulders) and it's always placed so that its head is pointing towards the front of the jersey.

[@BSTR03Hockey]

I read somewhere that the “H” in the Canadiens logo actually stands for “hockey,” and not “Habitants.”

[@junkyardjim]

It does, they got it wrong

[@BSTR03Hockey]

@@junkyardjim I thought so. Nonetheless, this guy is a very reliable source.

[@el_tristo]

I sure feel like a fool for not noticing the Panthers logo has different designs for home and away

[@w4vy_n4t38]

I also feel like a fool for not noticing the panthers logo has 2 different designs.

[@DDS029]

A take away from baseball. Not adhered to as much anymore but, home jerseys had the nickname or a logo, while the visiting team had the city they represented. Probably because coloring on uniforms around the turn of last century were limited in color and design. Eventually, the home team wore white and the visiting team wore something just a bit off-white. Grey (obviously), very light blue, or cream colored off-white.

[@hockeyhistorysimulations]

The production value and editing is unreal. Great job with the channel, can’t wait to see more!

[@AsTheWholeWorldDies]

I knew about most of these, but I really love the concept of this video. Great content as always. Perhaps I'll be using some of the things I didn't previously know in my jersey concepts!

[@mikesmith-mt8oc]

Another great video, Chris! Keep it up!

[@bigred3164]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the star in the Wild logo being a reference to the North Stars. Still a great video!

[@cristianof812]

Little known fact, but the the old North Stars logo is also supposed to outline a bear. You just have to squint incredibly hard. And also be hallucinating.

[@johnf6063]

You make fantastic content, Chris. Would love to see more of prototype jersey videos, hidden logo message videos, etc. anything with lore really. Your research and storytelling are second to none

[@icethetics]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@crookedwookie8782]

The stream that doubles as the mouth of the Wild jersey is also in the shape of a loon, the state bird.

[@tobyrigby7]

Another great video, mate! Love it! Never knew that about the Pens golden triangle.

[@bdonaghu]

This video was extremely well done, flawless production quality! Also very informative content!

[@bowdenproductions]

This channels really great, such high quality.

[@MultiFirebird69]

Another great video!

[@1Also]

FANtastic!

[@salmoncashew1785]

Always pleasantly surprised with the quality of these videos. Also i’m pretty sure the sj is intentional in the sharks, since there’s some blue *I* wouldn’t’ve put otherwise

[@GCubedProductions]

Fantastic graphic and animation work, Chris.

[@icethetics]

Thanks Gregg!

[@gregorynagy8448]

The eye of the Penguin, in most classic versions of the logo, forms an "h", which has been attributed over the years, to "hockey", the "hornets" (AHL team in Pittsburgh before the Penguins) and the h at the end of "Pittsburgh", which holds importance to people from the Steel City.

[@howardbaxter2514]

I never notices that

[@StingWrayMedia]

I knew about some logos and what they represent, but never knew some about others. Now watching this video it makes sense why they did the ideas that some of these did. I think the Canadians logo though I think the H stood for Hockey. All in all I enjoyed this video. Great job Chris.

[@realjamesbowned]

Correct the logo itself stands for club de hockey or hockey club

[@19jjace]

Chris your videos are beyond epic. With the music, pacing, graphics, narration and superb production I seriously feel like I am on a tour at the HHOF or a team HQ showcasing historic and modern logos, stories and info. I so anticipate your next video upload and the ones that will follow. Thank you.

[@icethetics]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@TheBorderGeek]

The "H" in the Canadiens logo doesn't stand for "Habitants." It stands for "Hockey" as in the "Canadiens Hockey Club." Like the video!

[@MikePerf0]

« Club de Hockey Canadien » CAC became CHC and then CH It’s all on the Canadien official website....

[@johnnyc.31]

It’s still CHC. Blue C outside of a red C.

[@sushinsy4tsar]

Favorite youtube channel that I found in 2021. Credit Alge B for commenting on this 4 months ago, but it's a somewhat mysterious (some would say preposterous) Easter egg worth mentioning if it's one of the creator's favorites. This one is farther out there than the 'S' and 'J' in the Sharks logo and I don't believe it has ever been confirmed by the design team. There seems to be a distorted shape of Lake Superior that doubles down along the Wild's animal / bear head outline that's hard to completely deny. For instance, Duluth = tip of the nose, stream/creek = Keweenaw Peninsula, star = Isle Royale. Why would the Wild include an Easter egg that encompasses Red Wings and Leafs territory? Well, it's certainly a cherished and iconic lake for Minnesotans, even if Minnesota doesn't occupy extensive Superior shoreline. Since the stream symbolizes the Mississippi River headwaters, it certainly wouldn't be off base to also include a nod to Lake Superior for a Minnesota hockey team. For example, there is a lighthouse modeled after Split Rock in one corner of Xcel Energy Center. There are also regional ties that cross the borders into Thunder Bay, ON, the Wisconsin northwoods, and the UP of Michigan. For instance, the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank covers the UP. Lake Superior is a sparsely populated and pristine region of both countries that's on point with the Wild theme. On the eastern (bottom) end, the adopted Godfather of Minnesota professional hockey is "Sweet Lou (Nanne) from the Soo". What's really wild is that if you take a magnifying glass to the Wild's home jersey, you will find a spot near the bottom of the animal head with a slightly different shade of green forming the number '29'. ...this last one isn't true, but I applaud your knowledge of maritime history if you understand the reference. Some other icethetical thoughts on the Wild logo that I would love to see addressed. Why does the moon always appear orange on TV or webpages? This always makes the logo too busy for my liking. It looks so much better on the jersey where it's more of a wheat color (not orange). Also, the pine trees look so much better on a jersey than on a webpage. The edges of the trees and hill/bluff have the effect of reflected moonlight that really brings the scene to life. This detail is completely ignored on every webpage version that you will find. When it's just the jagged shape of the trees with no highlights, it's kind of underwhelming.

[@grits207]

Great video!

[@Kepii96]

Also, the star in the Blue Jackets logo is to represent Columbus being the capital (of Ohio).

[@curtsmats5727]

No mention of the original logo that spelled out CBJ, the red ribbon being the CB & the hockey stick as the J. I believe the ribbon also had a specific number of stars to represent something.

[@fishsticks1195]

@@curtsmats5727 17th state ps

[@chrisfleming3078]

This video is just *chef's kiss*

[@0yal569]

best NHL themed channel is back

[@isaacwest276]

This is the kind of stuff that makes you love logos even more. On the Oilers' alternate logo, there are five holes in the gear, honoring the NHL's last official dynasty when the Oilers won 5 cups in 7 years.

[@constantinentakos2907]

This channel is awesome the amount of work you put in is amazing keep it up

[@icethetics]

Thanks, will do!

[@dxzxax8772]

The Wild is the most clever, but Seattle has a say in that with their brilliant, yet simple branding.

[@TheInkPitOx]

It's the laziest branding I've ever seen. It's just a tentacle with an eye in it.

[@weavetrain]

The North Star on the Wild’s jersey is in there, too. Good video, I liked this a lot!

[@johnlinn]

Something discontinued by the Flames this year was the Alberta flag on one shoulder. It was placed there as a jab at Edmonton and was only supposed to remain for one season but carried on for several years.

[@pikemanadventure5269]

That was fun!

[@TheInkPitOx]

The secondary logo for the Avalanche was also used by the Colorado Rockies, the original NHL team in Denver.

[@RetepAdam]

I never noticed the Space Needle. Love that.

[@AmokCanuck]

The quality on these videos are top notch keep it up guys

[@icethetics]

Thanks!

[@AmokCanuck]

No, thank you for these videos and your dedication. I know the algorithm will reward you soon dude. I hope you're staying safe ✌️

[@mcdaviddeservesbetter8]

The Whalers logo is the best ever. Not just in sports.

[@LSA30]

Spitting facts, you are.

[@HereFishyFishyYT]

Pffft I prefer McDonald's logo

[@tylerschuh3420]

St louis blues logo is a 64th note in music, and st. louis was founded in 1764

[@charliem9831]

Awesome video

[@jonathankarberg9985]

I think the Islanders isle doesn't include Brooklyn, to separate itself from NYC. The Blues logo is a stylized 64th note, where St. Louis was established in 1764.

[@IasonCanadensis]

The Avalanche have not just an 'A' as the mountain, but the actual avalanching snowfall made by the puck represent s a 'C' for Colorado!

[@nickpurdy]

The new Winnipeg Jets wordmark has a very subtle image of a fighter jet in the letter T

[@vintageindy]

How does this only have 6000 followers. SO GOOD

[@cobyschoolman290]

the carolina hurricanes primary logo also includes a hockey puck as the eye of the storm, while both iterations of their alternate use a hockey stick as the flagpole

[@Pijonty]

growing up i never even looked closer at the Wild's bear head I just saw a bear

[@dylanfaraci8071]

I love how the flames use the Atlanta logo for their alternate captains

[@caniacrl]

another fun deatail about the canes logo on the black jersey, the red flags on the stick represent a hurricane warning flag

[@TheRyanflanagan]

This channel is so goood

[@ssvoogel]

The Washington Capitals also has the shape of the top of the Washington Monument in the logo that is often overlooked.

[@FAITHandLOGIC]

Never noticed the SJ in the Shark. Very clever.

[@Wexter0083]

For the Ottawa Senators the ring around the Centurion makes an O for Ottawa and the "blades" coming out the back are actually the Centurion's flag waving in the wind and a subtle reference to the Ottawa city flag... or maybe considering the flag was conceptualized after the Sens came to town may actually be the reverse. Another note is there is actually a hidden S in the logo if you go looking.

[@SeanK1998]

Something i figured out randomly a couple months ago is that the bruins logo is the map of boston. If you put the B in the center of the city, all the roads are straight and lead to it which are the spokes. Since the city is right on the water, the right side was filled in so it’s symmetrical and furthering the point that all roads lead to the heart of boston.

[@lynux2096]

The "H" in the habs logo stands for hockey, originally being "Le club de hockey canadien"

[@alexrichardson3717]

The Canucks logo has the C, but I think they tilted the hockey stick into more of a 'V' shape also

[@km-nl6pu]

this giving me those "the wire" reaction vibes

[@maynardcease6160]

The shooting star (which forms the eye) of the Minnesota Wild’s logo pays homage of Minnesota’s defunct NHL team the North Stars.

[@connorbroderick8742]

The wild logo blew my mind I’ve never noticed that wow

[@Thederanged1]

I always thought the shoulder crest of the Nashville was a Dragonball 😂

[@Laziale719]

One “secret” that was missed about the Avalanche primary logo is the snow wraps around in the shape of a “C” as well if you were to remove the mountain/A

[@ThierryLeYeti]

Once again, insane production quality

[@richardkim9952]

The Whalers logo reminds me of the Milwaukee Brewers logo, in which the baseball glove logo is made of an "m" and a "b".

[@jakek5610]

NEW ICETHETICS LFG!!!

[@RoyalMela]

The triangle in San Jose logo represents San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco.

[@globalsports3937]

Good video ñ, saludates from Mexico

[@martinhamel496]

First, I really like your videos. For the Montréal Canadiens the H is for Hockey. You have 2 C and a H for Club de hockey Canadiens (Canadiens Hockey Club). The term Habs come from the English newspapers of Montréal during the era when Montréal had two hockey teams. The Canadiens was the french speaking fans team and the Maroons the english speaking fans team.

[@latesnake3205]

Maybe the capitals brand the 3 stars as DC, MD, and VA, but the flag of DC ( including the 3 stars) is derived from George Washington's family crest

[@michaeldriscoll8537]

Yup! I think the 3 stars representing DC/MD/VA is a happy coincidence and a bit of contrived storytelling on somebody’s part.

[@TheRealPepman]

For the Isles, why were there originally three orange stripes on the logo?

[@TheBorderGeek]

Leafs having room for more cup win veins. 😂😂😂

[@MoaiMonster]

2:25 I like the anchor logo actually

[@MoaiMonster]

8:11 the spire comes out too.

[@dennisjordan4952]

Interesting fact about the bruins logo the six spooked on the logo are suppose to represent all six new England states with the spooke in the middle representing Boston.

[@Lyezech]

An addition to Colorado is that the 'avalanche' falling down the mountain forms the letter C

[@MoaiMonster]

0:29 I maybe new that every since I started (I’m from upstate)

[@modi827]

Triangle in sharks logo represents the Bay Area cities. San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland.

[@MoaiMonster]

5:10 that avalanche looks weird but it’s from the 90’s so I get it

[@brmhandle]

If you turn the original mighty ducks logo upside down, it resembles the delta upsilon crest, former Disney CEO and original ducks owner Michael Eisner’s college fraternity.

[@arcsine]

love the thrashers but wish had mentioned jets. :( its okay - no mention of king; ottawa;lightning; edmonton; chicaga; etc either. still an EXCELLENT vid

[@icethetics]

Yeah, I imagine I’ll produce a follow up to this video at some point and cover the teams I didn’t get to here. Thanks!

[@MoaiMonster]

4:38 we need it it’s kinda fire

[@SpooksDinat]

Though not mentioned, but is plainly obvious, the current Winnipeg Jets logo is of the Royal Canadian Air Force Roundel and silhouette of a McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet, on top of a red shaded maple leaf, which came with the permission of the Toronto Maple Leafs (I am not making that part up).

[@MoaiMonster]

7:09 it’s blowin’

[@cliffordjordan9577]

H isn’t for “Habitant”. It’s actually for “Hockey”. It’s a huge misconception.

[@GrapeJuiceIII]

ive been a hockey fan since i was 6 years old and had no clue the flyers logo was supposed to be a P.... always thought it was just some funny looking wing

[@sashasavisha146]

Had no idea the gap between the flags on the Hurricanes alternate logo is the state of North Carolina. I like maps and logos so that is interesting. They should make it stand out more. Also didn’t know the Islanders top of the letter I is the Nassau coliseum. The Canucks killer whale rendering always looks cheesy. They should stick with the original letter C with a hockey stick

[@levonhughey4226]

I wish the stripes in the New York Islanders logo would stand for each county on Long Island (Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau and Suffolk). I guess they are waiting for that 5th Stanley Cup to change the meaning.

[@Sad7Statue]

It's funny that I noticed the Vegas 'V' on a different video right before watching this one where you actually mention it. Edit: it's also hilarious to me that the Toronto designers seemingly gave up the hope of winning another cup with the design.

[@DDS029]

Not that I'm a Leafs fan, but as he said, there is room for more.