The National Hockey League has announced that Knights Apparel, the holder of NHL mass market rights in the U.S. and Europe, will bring NHL-licensed mens and womens active wear, outerwear and lifestyle apparel to retail outlets in Canada, including Walmart, Zellers, Canadian Tire and Rexall, among others.

 

As part of the multi-year agreement, Knights Apparel maintains manufacturing and distribution rights for apparel featuring NHL team and the Stanley Cup marks, beginning with the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Knights Apparel is a leading producer of licensed sports apparel and accessories for mass market retailers, mid-tier department stores and sporting goods retailers.

 

An NHL licensee since 1991, Knights Apparel also holds licenses with North American college teams and the NBA.

Knights Apparels standing as a global leader in direct-to-store distribution and socially responsible manufacturing sets them apart from others in the industry, said James Haskins, NHL Vice
President Consumer Products Licensing.

 

Their global outsourcing strategy has been a big catalyst in our retail success in U.S. and Europe. “Knights Apparel has been a global partner with the National Hockey League since 1991, and we are extremely excited and honored in having the opportunity to expand that 19-year relationship into the Canadian marketplace, said Joe Bozich, Chief Executive Officer, Knights Apparel.

 

“Knights Apparel has built its business by providing its brands and retailer partners with the best in class product design, quality, value and service, said Donnie Hodge President and COO, Knights Apparel.