The worst hockey logos of all-time

In light of the official unveiling of the Buffaslug to the world, I’d like to offer a service to reassure Sabres fans that, no, it’s not that bad. And, yes, it could be worse.

Oh so much worse.

Here’s a look at some of the worst hockey logos of all time. (And please don’t hold me responsible for any resulting queasiness you experience while viewing this Gallery of the Damned.)

15. Columbia Inferno (ECHL)
The name, in this case, isn't a problem. Inferno... I can think of a ton of great ways to go with that name. Big, flaming logo, giant figure draped in fiery drapery — that would work for me.

This is a dalmatian in a firefighter's helmet.


14. New York Raiders (WHA)
I have no clue how this one only lasted a year.

I mean, all of the elements of a classic sports logo are here: bright orange text, a gimpy guy with horns skating outside of what appears to be a department store... that's all strong stuff.


13. Oakland Seals (NHL)
Errr... uhh. I can't fathom why the NHL wouldn't flourish in California with a jersey like this. Who doesn't want to cheer on a fish with a stick?

In its defence, I'm really not sure how you create a good logo for a team named the Seals. Perhaps abstract was the way to go?


12. Colorado Rockies (NHL)
Why oh why does this logo look like something out of a geology textbook?

"Mining for diamonds generally occurs in a mountain's core, represented by the orange circle. Red, on the other hand, represents liquid hot magma."


11. Anaheim Bullfrogs (RHI)
Roller hockey! Many of us may not have turned out when this league was in full form in the early 1990s, but as it turns out, Roller Hockey International was a veritable gold mine for awful jerseys.

Kermit here's a good example.
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10. Ireland
Now, I've got nothing against Ireland, or even golden harps.

Neither, however, should come anywhere near a hockey jersey, as evidenced by this abomination. (A shillelagh-shaped hockey stick would have been my choice.)


9. Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
The Western Hockey League's first appearance begins with this, what seems to be an angry zamboni.

How this relates to a team called the 'Blades', I am unsure.


8. North Bay Centennials (OHL)
Given that Kamloops is a railway town, I've met more than a few engineers. Once in a while, they were angry engineers.

Never once did I think, 'that would make a great sports logo.'


7. Las Vegas Flash (RHI)
Good old roller hockey.

Someone should create a logo Hall of Shame just for that league, and induct every single team. The Flash can be its star attraction, with the trivia question being "What is it?"

Let's face it: We'll never know.


6. Lewiston MAINEiacs (QMJHL)
There are actually a lot of great logos in Quebec's major junior league, but this, unfortunately, is not one of them.

It's also another good example of how a terrible team name can lead to a terrible team logo.


5. New Jersey Rockin' Rollers (RHI)
Okay, we get it — roller hockey jerseys are bad. Can we please move on?

(Although you have to admire the accuracy portrayed here as seen with the stopper on the left skate.)


4. Mississauga Ice Dogs (OHL)
It's Robo-dog! And the first four seasons the Dogs had him as their logo, they managed an impressive 17-220-17-8 record.

The plan to blind the opposition failed.
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3. New Haven Beast (AHL)
Ahhh!

What the hell? And here I thought the gremlins died out after The New Batch was released in 1990.
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2. Anaheim Mighty Ducks (NHL)
Worse than the movies, worse than the duck mask logo, worse than pretty much every other NHL logo presented so far combined, was this one: Wild Wing breaking out of the ice in full goalie gear.

What he was doing down below, we'll never know.


1. Denver Spurs (WHA)
Nope, not roller hockey.

But they put a skate on a cowboy boot. With spurs on it. (Presumably to help stop.)

Yee haw.