This morning, Honda and the National Hockey League a special announcement at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Supported by a special appearance by NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, the two organizations announced that Honda has been named the official title sponsor of the 2017 NHL All-Star Game. Also on hand for the occasion was a custom-wrapped 2017 NHL All-Star Honda Ridgeline. Honda will award a new 2017 Ridgeline to the most valuable player of the All-Star Game, which will take place Sunday, January 29, a the Staples Center.
"Honda shares a love for the game of hockey with millions of fans around the world, and we are pleased to support the effort to host this ultimate showcase of the NHL and its incredibly talented players in our backyard," said Jeff Conrad, Honda's Senior Vice President & General Manager. "We look forward to working with the NHL to create some fun for fans throughout the 2017 All-Star Weekend including the intersection of Hockey and Hollywood that will be arriving at LA Live the last weekend of January."
The automaker was also named the title sponsor the NHL Breakaway Challenge. Part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, the event will feature some of the NHL's best players showing off their moves on Saturday, January 28. The winner will be determined by fan vote.
"The 2017 NHL All-Star Weekend marks Honda's third straight year as title sponsor and demonstrates their commitment to hockey fans – both in Southern California and across North America," said Brian Jennings, NHL Executive Vice President and Chief Branding Officer. "Honda shares our goal to make each All-Star Weekend more entertaining than the last, and are amazing partners in the continued growth and success of the NHL."
Wayne Gretzky seemed excited about the MVP prize. "The NHL All-Star Game and the NHL All-Star Skills Competition are the greatest showcases of hockey talent in the world and I'm excited to have the game and fan events in my home of Los Angeles," said Gretzky. "With the Honda Ridgeline truck going to the most valuable player, I'm tempted to wear number 99 to win the award."
