By Hailey Salvian, Shayna Goldman, and Sean Gentille
After waiting for more than a year, the PWHL has finally unveiled new nicknames and logos for its teams. Now that we have them, it’s time to dive into the excitement of these fresh new identities!
Among the six new combos – Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres – which one takes the top spot? Let’s take a closer look at each one to see where they stand.
GO DEEPER
PWHL unveils team names and logos: ‘We just couldn’t be more thrilled’
The Athletic’s Hailey Salvian, Shayna Goldman, and Sean Gentille have teamed up to provide the definitive ranking of these new PWHL team identities.
1. Montréal Victoire
Hailey rank: 1
Sean rank: 3
Shayna rank: 1
Shayna: Everything about Montreal’s look and branding just clicks. Victoire feels fresh and appealing, catering to both French and English speakers. The color scheme adds to the grandeur of the name, and the logo details are impressive. Montreal takes the top spot for me without a doubt.
Hailey: Montreal’s combination of name and logo stands out to me, even though I initially had different expectations. The attention to detail in the logo and the overall vibe of “Victoire” make it a clear winner for me.
Sean: Montreal’s package feels incredibly fresh and innovative. The logo design is distinctive, and the color scheme complements the name perfectly. It’s a close contender for the top spot.
2. Toronto Sceptres
Hailey rank: 3
Sean rank: 2
Shayna rank: 2
Hailey: Toronto’s logo may be my favorite of the bunch, and the unique name is growing on me. The color scheme is appealing, and the potential for fun activations with the Toronto fan base is promising.
Shayna: The logo and color scheme are spot-on, but the name “Sceptres” needs some time to resonate. The creativity and originality of the design stand out, and it has potential to attract fans, especially those who appreciate unique branding.
Sean: Despite my initial reservations, Toronto’s branding grew on me quickly. The navy-light blue-gold combo, along with the standout logo design, offers a fresh and engaging identity. It’s a unique addition to the league.
Hailey: I didn’t even realize Toronto’s logo could appeal to Taylor Swift fans, which adds another layer of interest to the team’s branding.
3. New York Sirens
Hailey rank: 2
Sean rank: 1
Shayna rank: 6
Sean: New York’s choice of “Sirens” hits the mark for me. The cohesive name-logo combination, along with the reference to Long Island Sound, creates a strong identity for the team. The teal color adds a unique touch, aligning well with other women’s sports teams in the area.
Hailey: Initially on board with New York Sirens, I swerved towards Montreal due to the impressive logo design. However, the name Sirens remains a favorite for me, and the overall branding has great potential for in-arena activations.
Shayna: While I appreciate New York’s consistency in branding with teal, the name Sirens fell a bit flat for me. I would have preferred a different reference that resonates more with the region. The logo has a sleek design, reminiscent of a superhero emblem.
4. Boston Fleet
Hailey rank: 4
Sean rank: 4
Shayna rank: 3
Sean: Boston’s logo stands out as the best feature of its branding. The anchor-like ‘B’ design is sharp and engaging. While the name “Fleet” may not be the most inspired, it complements the city’s history as a seaport.
Hailey: Boston’s logo pays homage to New England hockey, with subtle references and a crisp design. While the name may not be groundbreaking, the overall branding is solid.
Shayna: The anchor-like ‘B’ in Boston’s logo adds a unique touch, and the color scheme pays tribute to the region’s maritime heritage. The name “Fleet” fits well with the city’s history and culture.
5. Minnesota Frost
Hailey rank: 5
Sean rank: 5
Shayna rank: 5
Shayna: While the name “Frost” is catchy, the logo design for Minnesota falls short for me. The branding lacks the creativity and appeal of some of the other teams.
Sean: Minnesota’s branding feels generic, with the logo design missing the mark. The color scheme and name show potential but don’t quite hit the mark.
Hailey: Minnesota’s branding, while solid, feels somewhat constrained by legal considerations. The name “Frost” and the color scheme are appealing, but the logo design lacks the wow factor.
6. Ottawa Charge
Hailey rank: 6
Sean rank: 6
Shayna rank: 4
Shayna: Ottawa’s branding falls in the middle for me. While the color scheme is attractive, the name and logo lack the wow factor. The overall identity doesn’t stand out as much as some of the other teams.
Hailey: Ottawa’s branding is solid but doesn’t invoke strong feelings either way. The name and logo are decent but lack the spark seen in other teams’ identities.
Sean: While the arena chant potential is high, Ottawa’s branding feels a bit dated and uninspired. The overall look doesn’t quite hit the mark.
(Images courtesy of PWHL)
