Topps Returns To Hockey With Launch Of NHL SKATE™Digital Trading Card Game

NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Just before the official face-off of the 2016-17 NHL season, Topps announced today the launch of Topps® NHL® SKATE™ 2017, an officially licensed digital trading card game in collaboration with the NHL, BAMTech, and NHLPA. Topps® NHL SKATE™ will feature Flyers captain Claude Giroux as the app cover star and will bring the fast-paced action of the NHL to life as only Topps can, through exclusive digital card designs, performance-based contests updated in real-time during live NHL games, and for the first time, Topps digital cards will include full motion video clips from select NHL games and moments.

"It's an unbelievable experience to be on the cover of the new Topps hockey app," said Giroux. "I grew up collecting Topps hockey cards and to see their brand and products evolve digitally is really exciting for hockey. I'm looking forward to jumping in and collecting, trading and playing my Flyers cards!"

Topps® NHL SKATE™ introduces the first-ever video trading cards in a set called, Topps FOCUS. This unique technology brings the action of the NHL to life within trading cards using NHL video. The groundbreaking new feature allows fans to see and relive the full moment leading up to the iconic Topps trading card image. Including video clips from the current season in-progress, Topps continues to be at the forefront of innovation extending the essence of digital trading cards with the launch of Topps FOCUS SM in TOPPS® NHL SKATE™.

"Fans of the NHL are a passionate and tech savvy group so we're excited to offer them a new way to collect and trade their favorite players and moments in Topps® NHL SKATE™," said Jeremy Strauser, Vice President and General Manager of the Topps digital division. "We are particularly proud to debut Topps FOCUS video cards, as Topps continues to lead the market with innovation and define what is possible on digital cards."

Topps® NHL SKATE™ brings excitement from the ice and onto fans mobile devices in real-time around the world. The app features all 30 licensed NHL teams and will include over 3,000 cards, with new digital trading cards released every day based on the live performances of each player, including the popular Topps NOW™ series of cards.  Hockey fans can now set their ultimate lineup every game day with their best player cards, open new packs for free, and compete in live contests with other NHL fans for exclusive in-app rewards every day. The innovative scoring system allows users to play in real-time, predict momentum changes, and swap player cards in real-time while watching NHL games.  Collectors can also trade up to 18 cards in a single deal with fans around the world, and find the perfect trading partner through dozens of filters, searches and trader ratings. Topps® NHL SKATE ™ gives hockey fans the chance to feel the excitement with every check, pass, deke, shot and goal.

Topps® NHL SKATE™ will feature a variety of digital trading cards with unique artwork, exclusive designs, and digital versions of memorabilia and autographs. Topps® NHL SKATE™ is available to download for free on select iOS and Android devices via the Apple App Store^SM and Google Play™. To learn more visit, http://www.topps.com/topps-apps/.

About Topps
Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of physical and digital sports cards, entertainment cards and collectibles, and distinctive confectionery products. Topps' leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, Indian Premier League, Star Wars, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages, Garbage Pail Kids, Mars Attacks and other trading cards, sticker album collections and collectibles. Topps' app portfolio, including Topps BUNT^®, Topps NFL HUDDLE^®, TOPPS KICK^® and Topps^® Star Wars^SM: Card Trader, has been a hit with millions of fans around the world.  Topps' confectionery brands include Ring Pop^®, Push Pop^®, Baby Bottle Pop^®, Juicy Drop^® Pop, Crunchkins™ and Bazooka^® bubble gum.  Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner's Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007.  For additional information, visit Topps.com and Candymania.com. 

NHL and the NHL Shield are registered trademarks and NHL Skate is a trademark of the National Hockey League.  NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams.

© NHL 2016.  All Rights Reserved.

Jessica Sciacchitano
Rogers & Cowan
212-878-5027
[email protected]

SOURCE Topps