Faster than a speeding puck, more powerful than a defensemen…
POW! BANG!... GOAL??? ... Did I go too far? Ok, I'll stop now.
The NHL has plenty of superstars, but now they will get superheroes!
In an effort to attract and excite young hockey fans, the NHL is now partnering with former Marvel Comics publisher, Stan Lee. The legend behind such beloved superheroes as the X-Men, Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man, will now create an animated superhero to represent each of the league's 30 teams. The joint venture will be known as Guardian Media Entertainment (GME).
The characters will be known as Guardians and each will possess their own special powers based on the home city and hockey team. The teams have been working with Lee, so they will have a role in designing heroes to reflect themselves. The superheroes will be integrated into each team’s marketing with merchandise as well as promotional and sponsorship activities. They are reportedly not being developed from existing mascots. Plans call for comic books, a novel and mobile applications. An animated TV series and major motion pictures are also in the works. The new superheroes will incorporate NHL elements and will be fans of their respective teams, but the story lines will take place in a world outside of hockey. Of course, there will be villains to challenge the superheroes.
The 30 Guardians will be unveiled together in a special presentation during the 2011 NHL All-Star Game on January 30th.
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