10 of the coolest NHL promotional items of 2016-17
Brent Burns grills, Joe Thornton Chia Pet highlight list of season's best giveaways
ByNHL.com @NHLdotcom
The San Jose Sharks are having another original promotion Sunday, giving fans a "Brent Burns Grill."
That's right, the most unique smile in the league will be handed out to fans in attendance for a game against the Dallas Stars. The Sharks have a knack for great promotions, but so do plenty of other teams. Here is a look at some of the most unique items given out to fans during this season:
Giveaway date: Feb. 11 vs. Florida Panthers The Predators offered fans a unique and functional item when they gave away a team-logo oven mitt. A few of them left without their giveaway, however. Viktor Arvidsson had a hat trick and the mitts went flying.
Giveaway date: March 21 vs. Calgary Flames CNN's Wolf Blitzer announced that Holtby had won the popular vote ahead of teammates Justin Williams and Tom Wilson on Election Night. Fans will get a heavily padded, bearded bobblehead later this month. (https://www.nhl.com/news/braden-holtby-is-capitals-bobblehead-winner/c-283545942)
Giveaway date: Dec. 23 vs. Buffalo Sabres Ralph Macchio is a diehard New York Islanders fan, and they rewarded him with his very own bobblehead doll complete with bobbleleg. Macchio is wearing an Islanders jersey and headband, team-colored gloves and is doing the Crane Kick, from his role as Daniel in the 1984 smash hit "The Karate Kid."
Gordie Howe statue
FIRST LOOK: Gordie Howe Replica Statue Night at the Red Wings game on Nov. 4. 5,000 fans will get a really cool piece of hockey art. pic.twitter.com/Hh1b4GzH8E
Giveaway date: Nov. 4 vs. Winnipeg Jets In the farewell season to Joe Louis Arena, the Detroit Red Wings honored Gordie Howe by giving away an awesome, high-quality statue of the late Mr. Hockey. The Red Wings also gave away similar statues of Alex Delvecchio and Ted Lindsay and will offer fans a mini replica Joe Louis Arena on April 8.
Giveaway date: Dec. 1 vs. New Jersey Devils The Chicago Blackhawks offered this item to fans just in time for the holidays, so the goal light Christmas ornament made for a terrific stocking stuffer. It even lights up and plays the Blackhawks goal horn from United Center.
Giveaway date: Dec. 29 vs. New York Rangers. The Coyotes celebrated New Year's Eve on Dec. 29, wearing their 1996 throwback uniforms, and they gave away these glorious tuxedo t-shirts to mark the occasion. The Kachina-themed shirt gives fans a fun array of colors and a touch of class to bring to parties and games alike.
Giveaway date: Oct. 15 vs. Detroit Red Wings It's easy to love Jaromir Jagr, which is why this bobblehead is a must-have for hockey fans of all ages and allegiances. The bobblehead comes complete with six pucks that celebrate his finest accomplishments in the NHL.
Giveaway date: Jan. 21 vs. Colorado Avalanche Ch-ch-ch chia! The miraculously growing pottery that mimics Thornton's incredible facial hair is an amazing keepsake. So lifelike.
Giveaway date: March 12 vs. Dallas Stars. You too can have the toothy grin sported by the Sharks star defenseman with this super-unique giveaway item. (Beard grown separately)
Giveaway date: Dec. 18 vs. San Jose Sharks Panarin, known as "The Bread Man," lent his likeness for this doll, which is completed with the second-year Blackhawks forward clad in his full uniform and holding a loaf of bread.