WAYNE GRETZKY AND HOLLINGER INTERNATIONAL FACEOFF
By Adnews Staff
Retired hockey star Wayne Gretzky and global newspaper publisher Hollinger International Inc. will faceoff later this month when the two launch a new hockey Web site called Faceoff.com. The site will offer hockey fans editorial content and statistical information on more than 20 hockey leagues from around the world. Contributions from Hollinger's daily newspapers, Gretzky's weekly column in the National Post and Faceoff.com's own network of hockey writers and editors will provide editorial content for the site. Faceoff.com has also entered into a long-term agreement with MVP.com, the sports e-commerce site launched by Gretzky, John Elway and Michael Jordan, to develop a co-branded store for Faceoff.com users. The store will offer a selection of hockey-related merchandise. Launching in conjunction with Faceoff.com is Gretzky's official Web site, Gretzky.com. The site was built and will be managed by Faceoff.com. Gretzky.com will provide an account of Number 99's up-to-date activities as well as his on-ice history. Faceoff.com will be promoted with a national advertising campaign from Toronto-based MacLaren McCann. PR for Faceoff.com is handled by Benchmark Porter Novelli of Toronto.