Welcome...

To kick off my first post here at MktN I thought I would blend a few things I love. It is going to be a little bit of Hockey, a little bit of beer, and a helping of creative marketing. One of the biggest changes this year in the NHL was not the addition of new rules or a new VP of player safety, instead it was the resurgence of the Winnipeg Jets.

One beer company (or should I say THE beer company) AB, saw an opportunity. If you have watched any hockey this year you would know the fans in 'Peg' are among the most passionate fans going and now beginning just recently at the end of February AB will be selling those fans Winnipeg Jets Beer.

What do you ask makes this beer unique to Winnipeg. Well first off the water used in the brewing process was taken directly from Winnipeg. Not only was it collected there is was actually brought into the public to be bless by the Jet's fans. Lastly - the water from the very batch used to brew was even poured onto the ice surface that players have been playing on all season.

Not only was this a creative way to sell beer, it was a great way for a notoriously American beer company to break through in a strong Canadian market. The beer also is only available for a limited time making this collectible and immediately associated with the return of this storied franchise. A franchise and fans (with Jet's beer in hand) that is now racing to the finish in the Eastern Conference fighting for a playoff spot. 

I am sure fan bases all over the world would love the opportunity to grab a hold of their favorite sports team's beer - a rare chance to mix some of their favorite things in a unique and creative way. A (toss?) tip of the cap to AB for this creative marketing program and I hope to see more - maybe a bit of Boston (Bruins) Lager Sam Adams?

Image via http://ca.finance.yahoo.com