Hockeytown

Hockeytown is a nickname for the city of Detroit, Michigan, which arose in 1996 thanks to a marketing campaign by the city's NHL franchise, the Detroit Red Wings. The nickname, over time, has gained national and international recognition. The "Hockeytown Cafe" in Detroit commemorates the nickname. The Detroit Red Wings have won more Championships than any US base NHL team and professional hockey first developed in the state of Michigan.

According to Sports Illustrated, Saint Paul, Minnesota can also be called Hockeytown, due not only to the NHL team (Minnesota Wild) but also its college, high school and youth programs. Warroad, Minnesota has also been called Hockeytown, USA over four decades prior to the Red Wings' use of the name.

As of the 2006–2007 season, there has been a grassroots movement in Buffalo, NY (home to the NHL's Buffalo Sabres) to label Buffalo as "The New Hockeytown" due to the overwhelming fan presence outside HSBC Arena during games, as well as throughout the community.

Mayor of Pittsburgh Luke Ravenstahl wanted usage of the "Hockeytown" moniker included in a bet over the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals with Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick refused. His staff stated that "We can't do the Hockeytown bet... that is a trademark and a brand" and that the name is a trademark of the Red Wings.

"Hockeytown, USA" is still a registered trademark of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the Red Wings, and the Red Wings will continue to use the name for the foreseeable future.Vorlage:Failed verification