Hockey loyalists, regardless of whether their team is the Penguins, Capitals, Sabers or Sharks, have one thing in common: they're super eager for the 2011/2012 NHL season to begin. Thankfully, we don't have long to wait. The first face-off takes place next month.
Given the significant transition of owners and players that has transpired since last year's Stanley Cup playoffs, it promises to be an exciting season, perhaps with a few good surprises thrown into the mix.... We're not taking sides. It's simply that some of the league's underdogs are a bit better off compared to last year.
There is one thing that will remain the same as last year, as the last three years, really. Honda has extended their contract as the NHL's official vehicle for another three years. While neither Honda nor the NHL has divulged the financial terms surrounding their renewed agreement, Honda is expected to once again get exclusive rights to the most prominent branding and ad spots. In addition/exchange, they are expected to serve as the presenting sponsor for the NHL Super Skills event and NHL All-Star MVP Award for the next two all-star weekends held in America.
"Honda has been a great partner for the NHL, supporting hockey at every level and we look forward to continuing to align ourselves with a leader in the automotive industry," says Keith Wachtecl, SVP Integrated Sales, NHL. "The NHL will continue to work with Honda to develop unique media and event platforms that will expand the reach of our game and connect the most loyal and passionate fan base in sports."1
Honda Brand Manager, Tom Payton has similar sentiments. Specifically he believes Honda and the NHL make a great team due to their shared demographic: the "young, affluent and educated."2
Interested in more Honda news? Stay tuned. Norris Honda, located at 925 Merritt Blvd Baltimore, MD, is dedicated to keeping you informed.
Sources:
- 1http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/honda_renews_partnership_with_the_nhl/- 2 http://thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/09/12/honda-renews-as-official-vehicle-of-nhl-in-u-s
