NEWS AND MEDIA

Playoffs Triumph for RBK Hockey Jerseys with NHL Team Colours

10 May 2006

Montreal, May 10, 2006 - The hockey world is currently skating to the hectic rhythm of the playoffs and despite a year's lockout that closed down the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2004/05 season, we can say with confidence that the fans are as enthusiastic as ever!

Throughout the exciting Conference semi-finals, RBK Hockey, the exclusive supplier of NHL authentic jerseys, is being kept very busy. Demand has risen to a level never before achieved in a wide range of markets, to the delight of both players and fans coming back together in the pulsating environment of the major hockey cities of North America.

"Now that hockey and the playoffs are back, the demand has reached significant levels in many playoff markets," commented Ross McCracken, Director of League Partnerships. "We are very happy with the demand that led into the regular season and now during the playoffs. We will concentrate our energy on meeting the current demand created by the series finals."

Eight booming markets RBK has experienced a surge in Eastern Conference sales during the exciting contests between the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres, two major hockey markets with very supportive fans. Sales are doing very well and there is still time for fans to buy their favourite team jerseys.

The Carolina Hurricanes have made a run and their fans are on board in this extremely dynamic market. Once they qualified for the Eastern Conference play-off semi-finals, the demand increased for team product. Consistent winners, the New Jersey Devils led by Martin Brodeur and supported by a mass of jersey wearing fans will also be a force in this year's playoffs!

Edmonton is also making a move towards the top with increased demand for their jersey across the city. The jerseys are selling very well in Edmonton, where, in the Western Conference, the Oilers surprised everyone by eliminating Detroit. One of RBK's current key markets for the sale of licensed jersey is certainly San Jose. Joe Thornton's move to the Sharks has revitalized the fans this year, giving them one more reason to show their support by proudly wearing their team's colours. In fact, the popularity of players like Joe Thornton contributes significantly towards increased demand for the jerseys.

Turning to Anaheim, RBK has been very successful in marketing the "third" Mighty Ducks jersey model, a traditional black jersey with laces in the neck area. Last but not least, Colorado constitutes a very large share of the market, thanks to the on-ice success of the team and the unwavering excitement and support of this year's Avalanche fans.

With the long-awaited return of the playoffs, players have been rewarding consumers with really exciting matches that remind them why they have been longing for hockey to come back. Here's wishing a long life to this thrilling sport, and may we all continue to proudly wear our teams' colours!