Marvel & ESPN Unleash Super-Powered NHL Mascots for Stadium Series

Disney subsidiaries ESPN and Marvel have teamed up to create comic-book-style mascots for the Blue Jackets and Red Wings ahead of the NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium. The characters will be featured in an experiential activation at the PreGame fan fest and within ESPN’s game broadcast at 6 PM ET.

The Blue Jackets’ mascot, Stinger, gets a Marvel makeover, while the Red Wings, who lack an official mascot, will be represented by a winged, hockey-stick-wielding car. Fans can pose with the characters in the Body Check Photo Booth, designed by Real Art, creating the illusion of being checked into the boards. Rally towels featuring the mascots will also be available.

This activation ties into ESPN’s app engagement strategy, requiring downloads to participate. ESPN and Marvel have a history of sports-themed collaborations, including custom college football covers and the 2021 Arena of Heroes NBA alt-cast. The NHL partnership also echoes Marvel’s 2011 Guardian Project, where Stan Lee created superheroes for each team.