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NHL engages Clorox to aid reopening process

Cleaning and disinfection products manufacturer the Clorox Company has strengthened its presence in North American major league sport by agreeing a multi-year partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL).

The agreement names Clorox the official cleaning and disinfecting product partner of the NHL across North America. Commencing from the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the contract includes marketing and product integrations in support of League COVID-19 protocols during the end of season series, plus outdoor NHL events, including the Winter Classic, Stadium Series and Heritage Classic.  

During the partnership, Clorox electrostatic sprayers, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitiser may be used in NHL dressing rooms, training and weight rooms, team benches, penalty box areas, and additional hockey operations spaces at NHL outdoor events.

For fans attending the fan festivals connected to these events, the NHL and Clorox will provide disinfecting products upon entering and within the game venue in an effort to establish a healthier and safer fan experience.  

Clorox and the NHL will collaborate to create content that will aim to help herald a cleaner and more trusted environment for NHL fans and teams. This content will be featured across Clorox and NHL-controlled broadcast, digital, and social media platforms. 

The Clorox brand will also be displayed in a virtual slot in-ice ad during 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs games, on camera visible dasherboards or a virtual slot in-ice ad during future outdoor games, and through in-venue signage, in-venue public announcements and video features highlighting the NHL’s cleaning and disinfecting efforts.

Clorox currently has NHL team partnerships with the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Washington Capitals. In March, it struck a similar partnership with the NBA basketball league.

“We’re excited to be teaming up with the NHL to help create a cleaner and safer experience for players, fans, and staff,” said Tony Matta, chief growth officer at the Clorox Company. “Through our shared commitment to health and safety, we can help instil confidence as people get back to the sporting experiences they love.”

In other NHL news, expansion franchise Seattle Kraken and its Climate Pledge Arena have launched a new foundation that will seek to leverage the collective resources and shared values of the two organisations to advance meaningful social change.

One Roof Foundation will focus on the three primary pillars of youth homelessness, youth access to hockey and environmental justice. The Kraken’s vice-president of community engagement and social impact, Mari Horita, will serve as the executive director of One Roof Foundation.

Horita said: “We believe that issues like homelessness, racism, and inequity of opportunity affect all of us, not just the targeted populations.  We are all in this together – under One Roof. We know we have an incredible opportunity and obligation to be part of the positive change in our region, so that everyone feels seen and valued.”

The 18,100-seat Climate Pledge Arena located at Seattle Center is currently undergoing a full redevelopment under the historic landmark roof designed by renowned architect Paul Thiry, with the Kraken set to make its NHL debut at the venue in 2021-22.

Tim Leiweke, CEO of arena developer Oak View Group, added: “For almost 60 years, the arena’s historic roof has been at the heart of the Seattle Community. And now, it will be transformed and given new life for the next 60 years. It will continue to be the symbol that represents our community, our ambitions and our ability to come together.”