NHL, Stardock roll out team-themed PCs

In an unprecedented marketing move by a professional sports league, the National Hockey League (NHL) has partnered with Stardock Corporation, the world’s leading desktop enhancement company, to bring the tradition of hockey excellence to the PC desktop. The NHL is the first major sports organization to offer downloadable custom content to its fans.

Starting today, fans of 10 NHL teams can download an innovative custom team-themed desktop, complete with a team-themed weather gadget for $19.95. The downloads are available at http://www.stardock.com/products/mycolors/, the NHL’s official website http://www.nhl.com/, or the individual team websites. Additional teams will be added to the roster of downloadable desktops in coming weeks until all teams in the NHL are available for download.

The customized NHL theme for Windows Vista or Windows XP includes:
— A hockey puck shaped animated media player
— A weather gadget
— A custom visual style representing your favorite NHL team
— A Team-themed icon
— Team-themed desktop wallpapers

“Fans of the NHL remain passionate about showcasing their loyalty to their favorite game, whether it is by wearing a jersey, painting their face at games, or customizing their desktop PC,” said Keith Ritter, President, NHL Interactive CyberEnterprises. “We are delighted to be the first professional sports league to provide this new and fun way for fans to express themselves by teaming up with Stardock.”

Currently 10 NHL team desktops are available:
— Chicago Blackhawks
— Boston Bruins
— Detroit Red Wings
— San Jose Sharks
— Calgary Flames
— New York Rangers
— Toronto Maple Leafs
— Montreal Canadians
— Ottawa Senators
— Columbus Blue Jackets

“The NHL tradition of excellence includes a history of innovative marketing and we are proud to be working together to create the next step in professional sports marketing,” said Phil Madis, director of business development for Stardock. “Our partnership with the NHL gives fans more ways than ever to showcase their die-hard team loyalty and we look forward to rolling out more teams in the near future.”