The Soo Greyhounds, a major junior ice hockey team based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and competing in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), are best known for a classic circular crest featuring a running greyhound. The team’s visual identity has remained remarkably consistent over decades, anchored by a red and white colour scheme and a traditional circle logo.
Design and History
The Greyhounds have used their classic red circle logo with a running greyhound for all but three seasons of their existence in the OHL. The exception came from 1996 to 1999, when the team redesigned its logo to a mark that became known by fans as the “ugly dog” or “Snoopy” logo. The redesign proved unpopular, and the team discontinued its use after the 1998-99 season, returning to the classic logo.[1]
In August 2013, the team unveiled a new uniform look for the 2013-14 season. The redesign included the traditional circle logo and colour scheme with modifications to the jersey worn in previous seasons. The team also introduced a red third jersey featuring a white greyhound centered on the chest, with the logo stripped of everything but the dog.[2][3] The team noted that the Greyhounds at their inception were red and white, and the new look returned to that identity.[3]
For the 2016-17 season, the Greyhounds released a 45th Anniversary Logo designed by Miramar Design Studio Inc.[4] In 2022, the team used a special logo for its 50th season, showing a white “50” with grey bevelling on a red shield, with the greyhound from the primary logo placed below.[5]
Meaning and Symbolism
The primary logo features a red circle containing a running greyhound and the team name.[6] The running greyhound directly references the team’s name and mascot. The team’s colours are red and white, with black and silver trim added in the late 1980s, along with four stars above the logo.[7] The four red stars remained above the circle logo crest in the 2013 redesign.[8]
Typography and Design
The team name appears within the circular crest alongside the running greyhound.[6] The 2013 redesign removed grey from the colour scheme, returning the team to its original red and white palette.[3]
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