Fastenal Co., Winona, MN, and the National Hockey League (NHL) inked a multi-year global partnership this week that makes Fastenal the official MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) partner of the NHL through the 2023-24 season.
The partnership is intended to create an efficient and reliable MRO supply chain for both professional and community ice rinks across North America. The MRO products and services that Fastenal will provide the NHL and community rinks include mechanical, electrical and plumbing products used to maintain rinks; sanitation and janitorial supplies required to keep facilities clean and safe; and power tools and accessories used by players and equipment managers to prep gear for game play. Fastenal will also provide products used to maintain safe environments, including PPE (personal protective equipment), sanitizer, and cleaning supplies. The NHL will leverage Fastenal’s inventory management and procurement expertise to benefit the entire hockey ecosystem including:
NHL clubs and facilities. The NHL and Fastenal will work together to implement a standardized equipment program that includes state-of-the-art tool carts for visiting team locker rooms at all NHL arenas. The partnership will also focus on helping these venues optimize operations by accessing process improvement tools to simplify procurement, control spending, and visualize inventory.
Community rinks. In an effort to keep ice hockey sustainable and rink operations cost-effective, the partnership taps Fastenal’s nationwide branch network to offer services to the 4,800-plus community rinks across North America. Fastenal can help these facilities navigate the challenges of aging infrastructure and rising operating costs so that community rinks can continue to operate efficiently while developing future generations of players and fans.
In addition, the agreement provides Fastenal a presence at future NHL tentpole events including corner in-ice advertising positions and in-arena branding at the NHL Winter Classic, NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Global Series and NHL Stadium Series.
"We are thrilled to welcome Fastenal to the NHL family,” said Max Paulsen, NHL director, business development, in the press release. “Our facility operators, equipment managers and trainers can immediately benefit from Fastenal’s wide assortment of MRO products for all their specialized needs. This partnership reinforces the league’s commitment to community rinks via Fastenal’s expertise, product inventory, and competitive preferred pricing, which will ultimately ensure the continued growth of hockey at all levels."