Tag Archives: hockey

FE Enters the Sports Culture Space with Limited-Edition Fashion Line Featuring Hockey Hall of Famers

FE, one of the leading brands focused on sustainability in the apparel business, today formally announced their entrance into the growing space of ‘sports culture,’ with The Legends of the Game Collection, a limited-edition line of collectible reversible bomber jackets that pay tribute to some of the greatest players in hockey history. This exclusive collection, in collaboration with the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA), the National Hockey League and Getty Images, honors the careers of NHL Legends Mark Messier, Wayne Gretzky, Martin Brodeur and more with a unique blend of style, nostalgia, and craftsmanship. Only 99 pieces of each legend’s jacket have been created, with each style individually numbered from 1 to 99 – making them a rare and coveted addition to any fan’s wardrobe. The jacket is the first style in a growing line that will also include hoodies, each designed to blend the culture and heritage of hockey with contemporary, cutting-edge fashion trends. The jackets are available on the FE Website and at the NHL Shop NYC store in Manhattan.
“The Legends of the Game Collection gives fans the opportunity to honor their hockey heroes in a stylish and sustainable way,” said Bill Chang, CEO at FE. “This collection celebrates remarkable achievements by exceptional players and offers a chance to wear a piece of sports history.”

“Our goal every day at the NHL Alumni Association is to ‘Honour the Past’ by making tomorrow better than today for all NHL Alumni and their families. Through these specially designed jackets, FE is furthering this mission and allowing fans to honour the legacy of iconic hockey heroes,” said Glenn Healy, President and Executive Director of the NHL Alumni Association.

The Legends of the Game Collection is meticulously designed to celebrate the legacy of hockey icons. Each bomber jacket showcases the legendary player’s jersey number, most iconic photos, career stats and team logo. Crafted in the player’s team colors, the jackets capture the essence of these hockey greats with a tribute that’s both striking and meaningful. The jackets are also reversible, providing two distinct looks in one garment. Fans can choose to display their favorite legend’s images on one side or choose a sleek, minimalist design on the reverse.

Craftsmanship is a key focus at FE. After the fabric is printed using state-of-the-art digital printing technology, every panel on each jacket is hand-pinned before cutting for precise placement and every seam is matched perfectly. This dedication to detail ensures a high-quality product that truly honors the legacy of these hockey icons. The jackets are also made from 100% recycled fabric, combining sustainability with performance. The fabric is water-repellent and anti-microbial, offering durability and comfort.

Deborah Hull, wife of the late Chicago Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull, expressed her admiration for the collection: “It is just amazing…Bobby would have loved it! It’s an honor to have this piece of memorabilia for the family to cherish for a long time. I know he would be so proud of the NHL Alumni and what you are achieving. Best of luck on all the Alumni endeavors.”

The initial launch features: Jean Beliveau (Montreal Canadiens), Ray Bourque (Boston Bruins), Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils), Paul Coffey (Edmonton Oilers), Marcel Dionne (Los Angeles Kings), Peter Forsberg (Colorado Avalanche), Wayne Gretzky (Edmonton Oilers), Gordie Howe (Detroit Red Wings), Bobby Hull (Chicago Blackhawks), Brett Hull (St. Louis Blues), Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings), Mark Messier (New York Rangers), Stan Mikita (Chicago Blackhawks), Denis Potvin (New York Islanders), Maurice Richard (Montreal Canadiens), Larry Robinson (Montreal Canadiens), Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche), Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche), Teemu Selanne (Winnipeg Jets) and Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings).

The Legends of the Game Collection is now available for purchase exclusively on the FE website (www.fe-apparel.com) and at the NHL Shop NYC store in Manhattan. With only 99 jackets for each legend available, fans are encouraged to act quickly to secure their piece of hockey history.

Florida Edges Edmonton in Seven Games in Strat-O-Matic Simulation of NHL Championship

Carter Verhaeghe scored a series-high five goals, including the game winner in the seventh game as Florida topped Edmonton, four games to three as Strat-O-Matic (@strat-o-matic), the market leader in sports simulation games, simulated the NHL championship series which begins Saturday in Sunrise, Fla.

Florida got off to a fast start in the series, taking the first two at home by counts of 5-4 and 6-2. The Panthers won the opener on a tiebreaking goal by Anton Lundell midway through the third period, then used two goals in each period and sharp goaltending from Sergei Bobrovsky (32 saves) for the Game 2 triumph.

When the scene switched north of the border, Edmonton rebounded with two straight wins, 3-1 and 5-2, with Connor McDavid scoring four, including a hat trick in Game 4, then won at Florida, 2-1, to get to within a game of the title.

But Florida scored four unanswered third-period goals to erase a 4-1 Oilers lead in Game 6 to send it back to the Sunshine State, where Verhaegue’s marker with 12:39 left broke a 2-2 tie before tallies by Matthew Tkachuk, his fourth of the series, and Gustav Forsling, iced Game 7 at 5-2.

Edmonton was led by McDavid’s five goals and four by Zach Hyman.

Game 1 1  2  3     F

Edmonton   3  0  1  –  4  

Florida    3  0  2  –  5  

Game 2 1  2  3     F

Edmonton   1  0  1  –  2  

Florida    2  2  2  –  6

Game 3     1  2  3     F 

Florida    0  0  1  –  1  

Edmonton   2  0  1  –  3

Game 4     1  2  3     F 

Florida    1  0  1  –  2  

Edmonton   2  1  2  –  5

Game 5     1  2  3     F 

Edmonton   1  1  0  –  2  

Florida    0  0  1  –  1

Game 6     1  2  3     F 

Florida    0  1  4  –  5  

Edmonton   3  1  0  –  4

Game 7     1  2  3     F 

Edmonton   0  2  0  –  2  

Florida    2  0  3  –  5

Fanatics Partners with Hurricanes for North Carolina Market Access

Fanatics Betting and Gaming, a subsidiary of Fanatics Holdings Inc., a global digital sports platform, will enter into a long-term partnership agreement with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes to become the team’s Official Sports Betting Partner and secure market access for its online sports betting platform, Fanatics Sportsbook, pending licensing and regulatory approvals. 

“The Hurricanes are thrilled to welcome Fanatics as our Official Sports Betting Partner,” said Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell. “Fanatics Sportsbook will bring a user-friendly experience for North Carolinians to wager on sports responsibly, and we’re proud to partner with them on this endeavor.”

With the launch of regulated online sports wagering in North Carolina scheduled for March 2024, the partnership gives Fanatics Sportsbook access to the North Carolina market for mobile sports betting, as well as, the opportunity to put a retail sportsbook at PNC Arena. The partnership also includes marketing assets such as in-arena signage, broadcast integrations, PNC Arena activations for hockey fans, and many other opportunities for Hurricanes fans and ticket holders to engage with Fanatics Sportsbook.   

“We are excited to have the Carolina Hurricanes as our market access partner in North Carolina,” said Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer, Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “We are working with one of the most talented professional sports organizations that knows how to grow a sports business by putting a competitive product out on the ice. We look forward to partnering with the organization to bring sports fans in North Carolina a sports betting product that meets the expectations of such a passionate fanbase.”   

The Fanatics Sportsbook officially launched in August 2023 and is currently available in ten states. The Fanatics Sportsbook makes being a fan easy with fast signup, easy betting, transparent withdrawals, live streaming, industry leading search functionality, the ability to earn FanCash on bets and a curated Discover page with the sports and bets that matter most to a customer.  Fanatics Betting and Gaming and the Carolina Hurricanes believe that responsible gaming is a core tenet and a part of each organization’s DNA. Online customers will have access to Responsible Gaming tools to manage their time and money.   

To download images and videos of the Fanatics Sportsbook, visit the Fanatics Media Center and for more news and information, follow us on the Fanatics Sportsbook social channels on X @FanaticsBook_PB and on Instagram @FanaticsBook_PB.   

Fanatics Sportsbook & Columbus Blue Jackets To Open Retail Location in Columbus’ Arena District Today

Fanatics Betting and Gaming, the online and retail sports betting subsidiary of Fanatics Holdings, Inc., a global digital sports platform, will open its retail sportsbook location today in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus’ Arena District.

“Tomorrow will be an exciting day for Blue Jackets fans and for sports fans in Ohio as we officially open the Fanatics Sportsbook in the shadow of Nationwide Arena,” said Blue Jackets Sr. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cameron Scholvin, on Thursday.  “I’d like to thank RJ and Ryan for joining us today, as well as extend our gratitude to our partners at Fanatics and the many others that worked very hard to make this remarkable facility a reality.”

At a special preview event today, Ohio sports legends Ryan Shazier and RJ Umberger placed the ceremonial first bets at the brand new Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus.  Shazier, a former linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Ohio State University, placed $20 @+700 on the Buckeyes to win the college football national championship.  Umberger, a former center for the Columbus Blue Jackets, also placed $20 @+475 on the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the AFC North Division. 

“It was a great day to be a Buckeye at the Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus,” said Ari Borod, Chief Business Officer, Fanatics Betting and Gaming. “Having Columbus sports legends like Ryan and RJ come out and place the first bets shows that we plan to be the premier sports viewing and betting destination in the Arena District when we open our doors to the public on Friday.  The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus will be a great complement to our online sportsbook experience for sports fans living and visiting Ohio.”  

The Fanatics Sportsbook is the most rewarding online sportsbook in Ohio, allowing customers to earn up to 5% back in FanCash on every bet and is available for download on iOS and Android for sports fans living and visiting the state of Ohio. It makes being a fan easy with fast signup, easy betting, transparent withdrawals, an industry-leading search functionality and a curated Discover page with the sports and bets that matter most to a customer. 

The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus is located at 401 North Front Street just outside Nationwide Arena. The main entrance is located in the alleyway immediately north of the entrances to Buca di Beppo and Starbucks. The new sportsbook was designed by architecture firm BLTa, a Perkins Eastman Studio, and built by Lehman Daman Construction Services.  It is more than 5,000 square feet and features four betting windows, 14 self-service betting kiosks from Suzohapp, one giant LED Video Wall and 20 TV monitors. The full-service restaurant operated by Delaware North, will have food options that every sports fan will enjoy.  The Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus will offer viewing experiences and legal betting markets for all major sports including professional and college football, basketball, hockey, baseball, alongside tennis, soccer, golf, MMA and boxing. The development and trading of sports betting markets will be done in house at Fanatics Betting and Gaming and supported by a number of world-class trading suppliers. 

Fanatics Betting and Gaming and the Columbus Blue Jackets believe that responsible gaming is a core tenet and a part of each company’s DNA.  On-site staff at the Fanatics Sportsbook Columbus have received responsible wagering training and can offer support services to customers when needed.

New York Islanders To Host Third Annual Nickelodeon Night Saturday

The New York Islanders and Nickelodeon are teaming up again to give Isles Nation a slime filled multi platform experience on Saturday, March 25. The third annual event will build on the success of past collaborations and elevate the Islanders’ game experience with the integration of Nickelodeon’s beloved shows and characters, across social and digital channels and in arena.

Fans at UBS Arena and those following along on social platforms will receive Nickelodeon themed content throughout the game, which will feature characters from SpongeBob SquarePants, Transformers: EarthSpark, The Loud House, Rubble & Crew and more. SpongeBob SquarePants will also join Islanders mascots, Sparky and Nyisles, for a meet and greet with fans at the matchup against the Buffalo Sabres.

Nickelodeon themed activation spaces will be scattered throughout the concourses at UBS Arena for fans to enjoy, including: a DIY slime station where fans can assemble their own exclusive jar of slime, a Nick Jr. Kids’ Corner with themed giveaways, and a photo opportunity on Nickelodeon’s famed SNICK “Big Orange Couch,” where one lucky Season Ticket Member family will be able to watch the game. There will also be a Nickelodeon themed t-shirt toss, presented by Arctix.

Social media followers will also be able to sign up to win a one-of-a-kind Isles x Nickelodeon Happy Face painting.

“We are thrilled to team up with Nickelodeon again and offer Isles Nation a unique and unparalleled slime filled fan experience at UBS Arena and at home,” said Simone Perrin, the team’s Vice President of Marketing. On March 25th, content will be featured on NewYorkIslanders.com, Islanders Facebook (@NewYorkIslanders), Instagram (@NY_Islanders), Twitter (@NYIslanders) and in the UBS Arena app.

MSG Networks to Air First-Ever NHL ‘BetCast’ on Monday

On Monday night, MSG Networks will be airing a sports-betting focused simulcast of the Rangers game against St. Louis, which will mark the first time the network produces a sports betting-focused simulcast of an NHL game (the network has recently aired sports betting simulcasts of Knicks games). The upcoming hockey ‘BetCast’ will air on Monday at 7pm on MSGSN, alongside the traditional Rangers telecast on MSG.

The alternate Rangers telecast will feature Rangers reporter Michelle Gingras, former Rangers and Devils center and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Scott Gomez and sports betting hosts Alex Monaco and Sean Little breaking down the play on the ice from a sports betting perspective. They will deliver live reaction to all the betting action on the game from the spread, player props and more, as well as provide in-game updates to the odds and lines as they move throughout the night.

Athletes First Partners to Represent Edmonton Oilers For Jersey Patch Sales

Athletes First Partners (A1 Partners) todayannounced that they have been retained by the Edmonton Oilers to handle the exclusive sale of the Oilers’ jersey patch, further expanding A1P’s growing offerings for brand partnerships. The Oilers resurgence—highlighted by last season’s trip to the Western Conference Finals, as well as their wildly passionate fan base, massive social and broadcast outreach and engagement, and return to their original iconic jersey colors of the dynasty years—is making their jersey patch one of the most unique and invaluable brand opportunities for the 2022-23 season.

“There are few North American clubs that have the deep history, including the glorious past of five Stanley Cup championships, the vibrant social media presence of today, and the young stars of tomorrow like the Oilers do. We know this opportunity will resonate for brands looking for that deep engagement, not just in the Pacific Northwest but across all of North America,” said Jim O’Connell, President Athletes First Partners. “We also know how important timing is in our business, and we are pleased to see the club continuing to drastically increase their reach as an organization, further than ever before.”

“Athletes First Partners showed us an innovative approach that we felt was different than others, and we are looking forward to seeing how they tailor all aspects of our history, brand, culture, city and fan base to find the perfect partner for our patch opportunity,” said Stew MacDonald, Chief Revenue Officer, OEG Sports and Entertainment. “As we return to our original NHL jersey colours with a rich history, including five Stanley Cup championships, this is a truly unique opportunity for a top North American brand to be part of many more historic moments in royal blue and orange starting this fall.”

Led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers advanced to the Western Conference finals last season, their latest and most crucial step in returning to the Wayne Gretzky-led glory years of the 1980’s. Off the ice, the Oilers have built an unprecedented social media following, leading all NHL clubs in social engagement and content consumption with 32 million impressions weekly throughout the season. The Oilers have also amassed the second largest national broadcast audience and third largest regional broadcast audience across the NHL. Those numbers are only expected to rise as the iconic club continues its much anticipated upward rise this fall.

To date, seven NHL clubs have secured jersey patch deals for the coming season.

National Hockey League and William Hill Announce Multiyear Partnership

credit: Mary Moline

William Hill US, America’s leading sports book operator, today announced a strategic partnership agreement with the National Hockey League (NHL), naming William Hill as an “Official Sports Betting Partner of the NHL.”

“This new partnership is yet another example of the innovative yet practical approach our League is taking with the emerging sports gaming industry,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “We continue to work directly with stakeholders to cultivate relationships across the sports betting landscape. Partnering with William Hill US, a leader in both the sportsbook and mobile betting marketplace, provides a tremendous opportunity to further fan engagement.”

“We are thrilled to become an official sports betting partner of the National Hockey League,” said Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill US. “Commissioner Bettman and his team at the NHL have been at the forefront of understanding the opportunities to engage fans through sports betting. Combined with our existing partnerships with the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils, we are extremely excited to continue to build our relationship with the NHL.”

Betting on NHL games has increased 38% during the 2018-19 season at William Hill’s Nevada Sports Books. Additionally, according to a recent Nielsen Sports report, NHL fans, when compared to fans of other sports leagues, are more likely to not only wager on their own sport, but also on all other major ‘Big 4’ sports leagues. “We appreciate the progressive and collaborative approach of the NHL and are encouraged by the early results,” Asher said.

As an official sports betting partner of the NHL, William Hill will receive promotional media in relevant NHL markets and will leverage branding opportunities in connection with the League’s calendar of marquee events.