Is the grass always greener on the other side when it comes to hockey jerseys and logos? I was as critical as anyone of the tacky 1990s ‘Xtreme’ era of design. But after a while, the shift toward safe and classy in recent years got a little boring.

Which is why I have a new appreciation for logos that really pop and take a chance – many of which admittedly have ’90s vibes to them. I’ve grown to love scary, intimidating crests that create a team personality almost serving as a warning to visiting clubs.

With Halloween less than a week away, why not explore the scariest logos in the sport? After a painstaking process reviewing every major league around the world and making some difficult cuts, here are my top 10.

Important disclaimer: the logo must belong to an active team and must be that team’s current logo. I salute you, Topeka Scarecrows. You will remain forever in my nightmares.

(All logo images sourced from Chris Creamer’s sportslogos.net)

1. Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

Why the phantom earns my top slot: The way I picture it, if one evil logo possesses the dark magic to rule every other logo, it’s this sinister baddie, inspired by Phantom Fireworks, whose CEO owns the hockey club. I get Batman: Mask of the Phantasm vibes every time I admire it.

2. Ilves (Liiga)

I…what is it? Well, I do know what it is. It’s a lynx. Ilves is Finnish for lynx. But seriously, what is it? A lynx crossed with Frank the Rabbit from Donnie Darko? This thing stares directly into my soul. I can’t unsee it, even when I close my eyes.

3. Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL)

Before and after? The Moncton Wildcat looks like the Ilves lynx, two seconds later, when it jumps out of its logo crest, claws at the ready. No time to scream for help.

4. Chicago Wolves (AHL)

Plenty of teams have wolf logos. Why should I single out this one? It’s those eyes. Those maniacal, green eyes. The wolf looks deranged and rabid. I just can’t trust the fella. He’s going to bite me any minute.

5. Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

Not only is a skeleton sea captain creepy…but this one is just so regal. Its uniform is pristine. That tells me this skeleton is organized, commands respect and could rally an entire undead navy for an invasion.

6. Owen sound Attack (OHL)

I’m not entirely sure what this creature is. But I do know it’s in agonizing pain and I don’t want it attacking me. It looks like someone captured the imagine of a horrible monster mid-transformation. Ever see John Carpenter’s The Thing?

7. Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

It couldn’t be any more ’90s. Any time you can combine Jason Voorhees with Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart, you have to do it.

8. Macon Mayhem (SPHL)

This mangy Viking looks ready to pillage an unsuspecting village or arena. And look at that stick blade. That thing isn’t meant for going top cheddar. It’s made for blunt force trauma.

9. Reading Royals (ECHL)

Why is the lion yelling? Can someone tell him to calm down? He makes me uneasy. If I make eye contact too long, he’ll hypnotize me.

10. Utah Grizzlies (ECHL)

Every grizzly is fearsome, of course. But this one looks like it just finished eating another entire grizzly bear. Its girth is unmatched. It’s half bear, half whale.

_____

Discover Betano.ca – a premium Sports Betting and Online Casino experience. Offering numerous unique and dynamic betting options along with diverse digital and live casino games, Betano is where The Game Starts Now. 19+. Please play responsibly.