Originally, the ice hockey team Chicago Wolves was part of the International Hockey League. It joined the American Hockey League in 2001 when the IHL ceased to exist.
Meaning and history
The Chicago Wolves, an American professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois, were founded by Don Levin and Grant Mulvey in 1994. This franchise quickly established itself as a dominant force in the International Hockey League (IHL), winning the Turner Cup twice in 1998 and 2000. Following the IHL’s fold in 2001, the Wolves joined the American Hockey League (AHL), where they continued their impressive performance, securing the Calder Cup in 2002 and 2008. This success is a testament to the team’s consistent drive for excellence and strategic gameplay, underpinned by a series of skilled players and experienced coaches.
Over the years, the Chicago Wolves have not only excelled in their sporting endeavors but have also contributed significantly to community development and charitable causes, enhancing their reputation both on and off the ice. Their journey is marked by numerous achievements, including regular-season titles and division championships, reflecting their commitment to maintaining a high standard of play.
Currently, the Chicago Wolves are affiliated with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Carolina Hurricanes. They play their home games at the Allstate Arena and have a robust fan base. The team continues to be a formidable contender in the AHL, showcasing a blend of veteran experience and budding talent. Their current position in the league, both in terms of performance and community impact, solidifies their status as a prominent and respected entity in the world of professional ice hockey.
What is Chicago Wolves?
The Chicago Wolves are a professional ice hockey team competing in the American Hockey League (AHL) and affiliated with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, known for their strong gameplay and community engagement.
1994 — 2001
Back in 1993, Grant Mulvey had an idea of a green-eyed creature to symbolize the new ice hockey team. He told designer Andy Baron about it, and the work on the Chicago Wolves logo started.
The first drafts looked somewhat cartoonish, while Mulvey insisted he wanted something realistic. Eventually, Baron found inspiration in one of the books about wolves he had looked through. Here, a lonely, fierce-looking animal was standing slightly apart from the pack.
2001 — Today
The logo presents a highly stylized and animated grey wolf, designed to evoke a sense of fierceness and competitiveness that is well-suited to a sports team, presumably for the Chicago Wolves. The wolf’s head, rendered in a profile view, is tilted slightly upwards, giving an impression of readiness and challenge. Its fur is depicted in shades of grey with black streaks that add to the dynamic feel of the design, suggesting motion and aggression. The wolf’s eyes are a striking green, piercing and focused, which stands out against the grey and black of its fur. It bares its white fangs in a snarl, with its red tongue lolling to the side, enhancing the aggressive demeanor meant to intimidate opponents. Behind the wolf, two crossed hockey sticks in black and white add context to the logo’s sporting nature, while the wolf’s ears are perked up, further emphasizing its alert and combative posture.
Colors
Although the list of the colors of the official palette includes burgundy, gold, black, and white, in fact, the logo features a different color scheme. In addition to black and white, it comprises green, red, and grey.