NHL Goalie Billboards?

The newest buzz circulating around NHL camps?

NHL goaltenders have recently asked the NHLPA to consider starting a "Goaltender's Club", an initative that would enable them to place a corporate logo on their jerseys. While this would take away from the purity of the game, it would generate incremental revenue for the league (and possibly players). NHL goalies interested in the concept include Devils G Martin Brodeur, Stars G Marty Turco, Red Wings G Dominik Hasek and Oilers G Dwayne Roloson, who have been working with two (2) sports marketing consultants to pursue the idea.

Initial estimations have corporate logos on goalie jerseys generating an incremental $30MM per season for the league. There have been various discussions about logo placement (above the team symbol, sleeves, bottom of the jersey) but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has yet to publicly comment on the idea.  

When asked about the idea, Edmonton Oilers G Dwayne Roloson commented, "Advertisers would definitely be interested, and the goalie is the most visible player on the ice. I think it's a great way to grow (hockey-related revenue). They have (uniform ads) in Europe and it doesn't take away from the true jersey look."

Note: All twenty-nine (29) AHL teams have a small advertising patch on their jerseys and player uniforms in Europe are covered in ads. 

Source: The Toronto Star - 2/17/2008