PLAYMOBIL, NHL enter merchandising partnership

MISSISSAUGA, ON/CRANBURY, NJ - PLAYMOBIL, one of the top global toy manufacturers, announced today a partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) to produce a new line of NHL toys, marking the very first time PLAYMOBIL has struck a deal for a U.S. and Canadian licensed line of products.

The first NHL® playsets are due to market this October – just in time for the start of the 2015-16 NHL® season. The initial PLAYMOBIL NHL figures will focus on the beloved Original Six™ franchises –Boston Bruins®, Chicago Blackhawks®, Detroit Red Wings®, Montreal Canadiens®, New York Rangers® and Toronto Maple Leafs® – with both player and goalie figures for each respective team, and more teams to come.

The full assortment of playsets and figures allows young hockey fans to transform their playrooms into the ultimate hockey arena, remaining true to PLAYMOBIL's mission to inspire children everywhere to tap into their creativity and explore the depths of their imaginations. As kids morph into hockey stars, the new NHL figures enable them to bring the game to life with interactive functions including skater shooting and puck-stopping goalie action. The extensive line of 16 playsets will also feature a full ice rink with score-keeper, a Zamboni® ice resurfacing machine, NHL referees, and the coveted Stanley Cup trophy.

Richard Brookes, Director of Sales and Marketing for PLAYMOBIL Canada, said, "Fans of the NHL are amongst the most involved and fervent fans of any sport, and that extends to little ones as well. We're excited to be able to give kids and parents everywhere a lineup of great looking, true-to-form NHL figures, allowing them to take their love of their teams from the rink to the playroom."

"Engaging fans at a young age and giving them the opportunity to express their passion for hockey is a priority for the NHL," said Dave McCarthy, NHL Vice President of Consumer Products Licensing. "As one of the leading producers of amazing family and kids products for more than 40 years, PLAYMOBIL is an ideal partner for us to fulfill that vision and promote the love for the game of hockey to children and families everywhere."

A leading toy manufacturer for over 40 years, PLAYMOBIL continues to create toys loved and respected by parents and children alike. Understanding the importance of imaginative play, PLAYMOBIL pays great attention to detail, creating intricate and fun toys that adhere to the highest safety standards.