By Hailey Salvian, Shayna Goldman and Sean Gentille
We have been eagerly anticipating the proper PWHL nicknames and logos for over a year. With Monday’s official unveiling, we are excited to share our thoughts without delay.
Among the six new combinations – the Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres – which one tops our list? How do the others stack up?
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 collaborated on the definitive ranking.
1. Montréal Victoire
Hailey rank: 1
Sean rank: 3
Shayna rank: 1
Shayna: The Montreal branding and look are exceptional. Victoire feels fresh and works well for both French and English speakers. The color scheme complements the name perfectly, and the logo adds a classic touch. Overall, Montreal stands out as the best due to the combination of the name and logo.
Hailey: Surprisingly, I found myself drawn to Montreal despite initially wanting the league to revert to Les Canadiennes. The name and logo combination of Montreal sets it apart and makes it my top choice. The intricate details in the logo and the significance of the name “Victoire” make it a winner.
Sean: Ranking Montreal at No. 3 doesn’t do it justice. The freshness and uniqueness of the package are highly impressive. The logo resembles a diamond and adds a new dimension to the branding.
2. Toronto Sceptres
Hailey rank: 3
Sean rank: 2
Shayna rank: 2
Hailey: Initially, I may have ranked “Sceptres” lower, but Toronto’s logo won me over. The unique name and vibrant color scheme have grown on me, offering a refreshing option for the team.
Shayna: The Toronto logo and colors are impressive, although the name may need some time to resonate. The teal and gold combination is bold and creative, making it stand out amongst the others.
Sean: Despite my initial doubts about the nickname, Toronto’s branding has a unique charm that grew on me. The navy-light blue-gold combo and the innovative logo add depth to the overall package.
3. New York Sirens
Hailey rank: 2
Sean rank: 1
Shayna rank: 6
Sean: New York Sirens hit the mark for me with their cohesive name-logo pairing. The teal color scheme and reference to Long Island Sound create a strong visual identity for the team.
Hailey: Initially leaning towards New York Sirens, the vibrant color scheme and synergy with other women’s sports in the area made it a compelling option. The potential for in-arena activations adds to its appeal.
Shayna: While I appreciate New York’s use of teal and the nod to the New York sports scene, the name Sirens fell short for me. The logo, although stylish, reminded me of a childhood sketch.
4. Boston Fleet
Hailey rank: 4
Sean rank: 4
Shayna rank: 3
Sean: Boston Fleet stands out with its unique logo, reminiscent of the Hartford Whalers. The name, although not a personal favorite, offers a nod to Boston’s maritime history.
Hailey: Boston’s logo is a highlight, especially with the anchor-like B. The name “Fleet” may not be the most exciting, but it fits well with the city’s background.
Shayna: The sharp design of Boston’s logo catches the eye and adds a cool factor to the brand. The historical reference in the name Fleet also adds depth to the team’s identity.
5. Minnesota Frost
Hailey rank: 5
Sean rank: 5
Shayna rank: 5
Shayna: Minnesota Frost has a strong name, but the logo falls short and brings down the overall branding. The ‘F’ in the logo feels incomplete and lacks the desired impact.
Sean: The design for Minnesota Frost feels generic and lacks creativity. While the purple scheme is appealing, the logo fails to make a strong impression.
Hailey: Minnesota seems constrained by legal considerations, resulting in a somewhat lackluster branding. The colors are appealing, but the logo feels more like a cartoon superhero emblem.
6. Ottawa Charge
Hailey rank: 6
Sean rank: 6
Shayna rank: 4
Shayna: Ottawa Charge falls in the middle ground for me. While the color scheme is eye-catching, the branding and logo are lacking in originality and creativity.
Hailey: Ottawa doesn’t evoke strong emotions in me. The name is acceptable, and the logo is decent. The connection to an electric charge theme could have been more impactful in a different context.
Sean: While “Go Charge Go” could become an engaging arena chant, the overall branding and logo design feel outdated and uninspiring.
(Images courtesy of PWHL)