Gordie Howe’s Panini America Appearance Highlights Friday at NHL All-Star Weekend
OTTAWA, Canada — The buzz was palpable throughout the entire Ottawa Convention Centre early Friday afternoon. Gordie Howe was coming.
Indeed, Howe’s scheduled appearance inside the Panini America booth at NHL Fan Fair to celebrate his new multi-year trading agreement with the company was must-see entertainment for seemingly everyone in the building Friday, including NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
Like just about everyone else inside the sprawling, multi-level Ottawa Convention Centre, Bettman simply couldn’t pass up the chance to spend time in the presence of Mr. Hockey’s greatness. And greatness he was.
Howe entered the Panini America booth to a throng of assembled media and a seemingly never-ending line of awestruck fans waiting to get his autograph, shake his hand or just simply to lay eyes on him. Panini America Vice President of Marketing Jason Howarth started the appearance by introducing Howe and making official the partnership that had been announced just hours earlier.
Howarth then presented Howe with a special Detroit Red Wings-inspired Panini hockey jersey and unveiled a special oversized Howe card created for the event.
What followed was 90 minutes of blissful memories that will last hundreds of collectors and fans — including Bettman — the rest of their lives.
The following gallery provides a small peek into a most legendary afternoon. But before you get to the pictures, watch this quick video from Mr. Hockey himself.
And now, to the gallery . . .
The Knight's Lance 
Very cool! Were you able to acquire any extra Howe sigs for blog followers who couldn’t make it down to Ottawa? Enjoy the festivities Tracy!
Good question. Stay tuned.
Tracy Hackler’s smiling mug on Howe’s right-hand side! What a great gig. Does Panini actually pay him?? 😉
Please don’t tell anyone, Jamey.
I see you creepin’ in that one pic Tracy!
I see you.
Dang it! I was trying to go undetected.
Seriously though, great signing. Another feather in the Panini cap!
S’what I’m sayin’!
The guy who is with mr Howe (sorry i did not get his name…i just know he’s been on youtube openning packs many times) who works at Panini took a picture of a Hogkins I pulled and myself…any way to somehow get that picture via email? Thanks
That is a pretty sick jersey
Should of been a Whalers inspired jersey 😉
Reblogged this on and commented:
One of the best to watch play!
Thanks for the reblog, man. Much appreciated.
It is great to seee Gordie sign with Panini. That speaks volumes about Panini and their ability to sign the greatest hockey player ever. I can’t wait to see the products that Gordie will appear in. Keep up the great work Alex and Tracy.
Wow that is awesome!!!
Is there going to be any event worn Panini signed jersey pieces in future hockey products??
I think you can look forward to that, yes, sir.