Review Fix chats with Bryan Cantrall, Executive VP of Party Animal Inc., who discusses the NHL line of the popular TeenyMates toy line. Featuring every NHL team, Party Animal discusses how the brands got together and their goals moving forward. Cantrall also discusses the possibility of an eventual Winter Classic series and lets us know exactly why these new toys have a place in your man cave, kids room, or office.
Review Fix: What makes the NHL figures different from your others?
Bryan Cantrall: When we added NHL figures to the TeenyMates brand the biggest challenge was the level of detail of the team uniforms and logos compared to that of other sports leagues. Â The NHL has a lot of awesome and intricate team designs which look great on the figures, but it was a challenge to bring that level of detail to such a small scale.The figures themselves also require a lot of intricate detail due to the complexities of the hockey uniforms, from the helmets to hockey sticks. Â We even managed to put the figures on skates!
Review Fix: How does the NHL help you guys create?
Cantrall: The NHL has been an excellent brand to work with. Â They have such a passionate fan base and the league has really gotten behind the idea of expanding themselves as a brand. Â They have been very encouraging in helping us grow NHL TeenyMates as a brand as well.
Review Fix: Any thoughts on eventually making individual figures? Like star players on each team?
Cantrall: TeenyMates have always been about the teams and the league itself. Â They have never been intended to represent actual players. Â We feel this allows kids and collectors to spark their own imagination when playing. Â It also gives us the opportunity to include all 30 teams on an equal basis.
Review Fix: Any thoughts on a Winter’s Classic series eventually?
Cantrall: We are always researching new possibilities for future series and rare figures. Â The Winter Classic is one of the most popular events in the NHL season and would probably make for a very cool TeenyMates series or set of rare figures. Â Don’t be surprised if you see some Winter Classic figures popping up in the line soon!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Cantrall: We are looking forward to expanding our NHL TeenyMates line in 2016 with the addition of arena display sets and exclusive gift sets. Â These will be available at Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods and many other retailers in both the U.S.A and Canada later this year.
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