NHL, Rovio Entertainment to launch 'Hockeybird'

NEW YORK -- The National Hockey League (NHL®), in partnership with Rovio Entertainment – creators of the international phenomenon Angry Birds – have developed NHL® HockeyBird™, the newest addition to the NHL Mascot line-up. NHL® HockeyBird™ will make its debut during the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium SeriesTM outdoor game between the Los Angeles Kings® and Anaheim Ducks® in Los Angeles on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The NHL, in partnership with Rovio Entertainment, have developed NHL® HockeyBird™, the newest addition to the NHL Mascot line-up.

NHL® HockeyBird™ bids farewell to the Angry Birds flock to pursue his NHL dream. After his top selection in the NHL Mascot Draft, NHL® HockeyBird™, who serves as a symbol of the energy, intensity and joy of the game, will make his NHL debut during the Kings-Ducks outdoor game on Saturday, January 25. A virtual version of NHL® HockeyBird™ will appear on stadium screens in two animated crowd games using voice activated fan engagement technology created by Uplause, Ltd.

"NHL® HockeyBird™ shares many of the NHL values: passion, toughness, courage, sacrifice, honor, teamwork, respect, and commitment", said Peter Vesterbacka, Mighty Eagle and CMO of Rovio Entertainment. "NHL® HockeyBird™ likes to play hard and fair, and has a courageous, never-give-up attitude – something we call 'sisu' up here in Finland."

"Our partnership with Rovio is one more example of a powerful global brand with a strong interest in engaging with our fans and being a part of our game in a way that benefits all parties," said Brian Jennings, NHL Chief Marketing Officer. "We anticipate NHL® HockeyBird™ to be very popular with hockey fans of all ages."

In addition to its appearance during the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium SeriesTM game in Los Angeles on January 25, NHL® HockeyBird™ also will be in attendance for the 2014 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ games in New York on January 26 and January 29, and at Soldier Field in Chicago on March 1; and the 2014 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic™ in Vancouver on March 2.

A line of NHL® and Rovio licensed merchandise featuring NHL® HockeyBird™, including souvenir and novelty items from Wincraft and Forever Collectibles, pillows and throws from Northwest, drinkware from Boelter Brands and apparel from Levelwear and Outerstuff, will be available at retail locations in the coming months.