The Boston Bruins logo is one of the most iconic and enduring emblems in the National Hockey League (NHL). Throughout the years, the logo has undergone several tweaks while maintaining its core identity, symbolizing the team’s legacy and connection to the city of Boston.

Meaning and History of the Boston Bruins Logo

The Boston Bruins, established in 1924, originally featured a brown bear on their logo. Over time, the bear was replaced by a spoked wheel, which became the central motif of the team’s identity. Today, the Bruins use both the bear and the wheel in their visual identity, with the wheel serving as the primary emblem.

Logo Evolution:

• 1924–1926: The first Boston Bruins logo featured a brown bear in profile, standing on a yellow banner with the word “Bruins” in capitalized brown sans-serif lettering. The design was framed by a brown background, with yellow outlines around the bear and text.
• 1926–1932: In this version, the logo was simplified, and the bear was placed in a yellow outline. The design was cleaner, with a more structured and neat arrangement, and a white background was introduced.
• 1932–1934: The Bruins began to use a bold, geometric “B” in a brown and yellow color palette, marking a departure from the bear motif. The “B” was slightly narrow and tall, exuding confidence and strength.
• 1934–1948: The black and yellow color scheme replaced the previous brown tones, giving the logo a more professional and serious look. The “B” was reworked to be shorter and wider, giving it a more solid presence.
• 1948–1949: The first “wheel” logo appeared, with a handwritten yellow “B” in a black outline placed on a monochrome wheel. The numbers “24” and “49” were added on either side of the “B.”
• 1949–1995: The “B” became more square and strong, with a yellow and black wheel. This version was used for decades, and two alternate versions featured variations in the wheel's color and the placement of the “B.”
• 1995–2007: The design evolved with the yellow outline of the “B” merging with the rays of the wheel. This design gave the logo a more modern feel but still maintained the bold geometric shapes.
• 2007–2023: In 2007, the logo was refined again, with a double yellow and black outline returning. The "B" was separated from the wheel, giving it a stronger, more geometric presence. The bear emblem was kept as an alternate version of the logo.
• 2023–Present: The current version of the logo returns to the spoked wheel centered around a bold black “B”, which symbolizes Boston. The wheel’s spokes radiate outward, symbolizing energy and motion, while the black ring around the logo adds a layer of boldness and unity. The black and yellow color scheme exudes strength and vibrancy.

Symbolism:

• Spoked Wheel: The wheel is a nod to Boston's historical nickname, "The Hub of the Universe," referencing the city’s significance in transportation and commerce. The wheel’s spokes represent motion and energy, reflecting the dynamic nature of hockey.
• Black and Yellow: These contrasting colors provide strong visual impact. Black symbolizes power and authority, while yellow adds vibrancy and excitement.
• "B" Lettering: The bold, geometric “B” stands for Boston, symbolizing the city’s enduring legacy and the team’s strength.

Font:

The Boston Bruins font used in the wordmark is the NHL Bruins typeface, created by Jayde Garrow. It is a strong, bold font that complements the team’s tough, resilient identity.

Colors:

• Gold (Pantone PMS 1235 C): Represents excellence and vibrancy.
  • Hex Color: #FFB81C
  • RGB: (252, 181, 20)
• Black (Pantone PMS Black 6 C): Represents strength and authority.
  • Hex Color: #000000
  • RGB: (17, 17, 17)

The Boston Bruins logo has evolved over nearly a century, but its connection to the city and its enduring values of strength, energy, and excellence remain steadfast. The spoked wheel and bold “B” continue to stand as powerful symbols of the team’s identity in the world of professional hockey.