New jerseys and logos were introduced yesterday for the
Capitals and Islanders. Sean Michael Edwards Design on new York
created the both logos. The firm has worked most recently on the
NHL Panthers, and MLB Devil Rays.
CAPITALS: As reported earlier by the WASHINGTON POST,
the Capitals new logo will feature a swooping bald eagle,
with the team abandoning its red, white and blue for blue
and bronze. The eagle, diving with open outstretched claws,
has five stars on the wing and CAPITALS written underneath.
It is the first logo change in the team's 21-year history.
The team will combine the new look with a summer marketing
campaign entitled "The Flight is About to Begin" (Capitals).
The team unveiled the new look at Planet Hollywood in
downtown DC. A "quick unscientific survey showed the Caps
may be off to a flying marketing start with the new
uniforms," according to the WASHINGTON TIMES. Caps GM David
Poile said with the new look and a proposed new arena, the
team is ready "to more thoroughly establish our sport and
our team in the Washington sports market" (David Elfin,
WASHINGTON TIMES, 6/23). Most fans "appeared receptive to
the new look," writes Johnny Ludden of the WASHINGTON POST.
An "unofficial count revealed that seven members of the
Capitals' organization used the phrase 'We hope to soar like
an eagle' 17 times" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/23).
ISLANDERS: With their first design change in 23 years,
the Isles new look is "Islanders" in block letters with an
Islander icon clutching a hockey stick. The image will be
bordered by a hockey net on top and a wave on the bottom.
The team will retain orange and blue as its team colors, but
will add "Atlantic green" and silver highlights (Islanders).
N.Y. NEWSDAY's Mark Herrman writes that "finally, after all
these years, they took the New York out of Islanders." In
the new uniforms, "what you won't find is an 'NY' insignia."
Team Co-Chair Stephen Walsh: "This is Long Island and this
is a new team" (NEWSDAY, 6/23). Jason Diamos of the N.Y.
TIMES called the new jerseys "sharp" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/23).
HAWKS FANS WAIT: The NBA Hawks are scheduled to show
off their new jersey design this morning in Atlanta (Hawks).
