One of the fabled "Original Six" NHL teams (see other examples below), the Bruins' design is perhaps the second most recognised team symbol in Boston after the mighty Red Sox. The colours were inspired by owner Charles Adam's grocery store chain livery. Matching it to a bruin's or bear's color is a fortunate partnering. The spoked-B references Boston's nickname as the Hub, but with the circular frame, could also resemble the wheel of a schooner, harking back to the city's maritime origins. The font of the B is strong and sturdy, not needing superfluous flare for effect. In any event, the logo passes the test of time with refined grace.
4. Philadelphia Flyers.
Some may say it looks too much like Detroit's team logo. And though we usually frown on imitation, this logo has charm that casts aside any doubts on its own merits as a piece of iconography. First, the design is not "busy", it is one of the most simplified in the league. Second, it has meaning- The wing to represent flight, the P for Philly, the disc for a hockey puck and the slight hint of a hockey stick. Late 1960's stylised, without being blatant or obvious in its intentions. The colour scheme employs a touch of then-trendy burnt orange. Sticking with a hue that lesser teams might discard with shows a strength in character and loyalty to tradition that we admire.
3. Detroit Red Wings.
The colour scheme is dead simple. Red for red wings. Yet, with such simplicity, comes a striking boldness. The decision to incorporate an icon of the "Motor City" is inspired. It unites the city and in turn is a logo that shows civic loyalty almost as much as team loyalty when adorned. It has been around for fifty or so years and has retained a proud maturity without feeling tired or passe. It is true Americana.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs.
What the Red Wings do with red, the Leafs do with blue. One colour is really all a team needs to represent itself. The leaf in the logo has been altered for the better. It used to be more literal but has shed the need to be realistic over being aesthetic. Obviously, one can draw parallels to the red maple leaf of Canada's national flag, but by being blue allows it to be a brand in its own right. And yet again, a simple font shows confidence.
1. Montreal Canadiens.
As an NHL logo, nothing surpasses this icon of hockey, history and lore. The colours go together well. Red matched with blue works on many levels and the mis-match of these aesthetically becomes one that has been shown to work symbolically in so many different contexts throughout history and politics. Red for Canada, blue for Quebec. The logo design itself follows these guidelines. C for Canadiens and H for hockey (not Habs as many believe). Nothing more, nothing less is required. Again, no need to fiddle with font either. Notice the lack of a wish-bone C that other teams in pro sports use. The serif on the C suffices. The H itself has no serif allowing the C both in font, as well as size, to show its prominence.
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