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December 17, 2003 - NHL announces launch of NHL GamePucks program
NEW YORK - The National Hockey League, NHL Enterprises, L.P. and A Piece of the Play, Inc. (APOP) of White Plains, NY, today announced the launch of an exciting new dimension in NHL collectibles. Through the NHL® GamePucksTM Program, fans and collectors will now be able to acquire the ultimate memento of NHL play - authenticated, game-used pucks. The Program will launch at the 2003 NHL All-Star Weekend presented by Nextel in Sunrise, FL (Feb 1-2) when pucks used by the League's brightest stars in the Topps/NHL YoungStars game, the Dodge/NHL SuperSkills Competition and the 53rd NHL All-Star Game will be gathered, authenticated and made available as collectible sports memorabilia.
The Program will offer pucks used in 2003 NHL All-Star Weekend events (NHL GamePucks), including pucks that are actually scored as goals (NHL GoalPucks). All NHL GamePucks and NHL GoalPucks offered through the Program will be subjected to a multi-step authentication process that incorporates a covert security feature provided by DNA Technologies (DNAT), a division of CrossOff Incorporated (CrossOff) of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and an overt security feature provided by Optical Securities Industries, Inc. of Parkton, MD. (Applied Optical Technologies Inc.) Each puck sold through the Program will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from APOP, verifiable as authentic by DNAT through its hand-held scanners, and trackable by owners through an online registry maintained by CrossOff.
Applied Optical Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of imaging technology and optical films and coatings, which are employed in anti-counterfeiting authenticating labels. OpSec's laminates and security foils are used to protect against counterfeiting of currencies, documents of value, checks, identity documents, cards and consumer products.
"Imagine the thrill of owning a puck used in a memorable event like the All-Star Game," said David Saville, Principal of APOP. "This program gives fans another opportunity to connect with players, teams and the game itself."
"The multi-level authentication process used to verify the authenticity of each puck will enable us to preserve the integrity of Brand NHL," said Dave McCarthy, Director of Consumer Products, NHLE. "Each puck is a unique item, part of a limited edition, and is forever connected to a specific moment in NHL history."
The pucks will be made available exclusively through the NHL's official online store located at shop.nhl.com (powered by FanBuzz) and the NHL's official auction site located at auctions.nhl.com (powered by edeal Services Corp.) beginning in early February 2003.
For more information, email info@apieceoftheplay.com.
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