{"id":7573,"date":"2025-01-27T12:40:54","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T17:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/?p=7573"},"modified":"2025-07-07T09:04:13","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T14:04:13","slug":"power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy","title":{"rendered":"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--the_content--><!--block-empty--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-6\"> <p>How do you appeal to both your target audience and potential customers? That\u2019s the fundamental question when it comes to marketing.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>For a brand like <a href=\"https:\/\/hockeyak.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HOCKEYAK<\/a>, specializing in hockey apparel and bags for teams and recreational players, marketing is all about realistic, inviting imagery blended with a brand voice that\u2019s specific and informative. And it\u2019s all delivered with a wink (\u2018cause when a yak is your mascot, it\u2019s hard not to sound cheeky).<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/all\">Get started with your own branded print products<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <\/span><\/p> <h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2> <ul> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#apparel-marketing-essentials\">HOCKEYAK leverages print materials like sell sheets, postcards and hang tags<\/a> to promote products, reinforce their brand identity and create a strong physical presence to help build trust and engagement.<\/span><\/li> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#business-essentials-for-branding\">Branded business essentials elevate their professionalism and client connections<\/a>, with business cards and pocket folders that are also serve as networking assets.<\/span><\/li> <li><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"#signs-put-your-brand-on-the-board\">Signage makes an impact in the brand&#8217;s multi-channel marketing approach,<\/a> with branded event and in-store signage that features consistent messaging and visibility.<br \/> <\/span><\/li> <\/ul> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <\/span><\/p> <p>&#8220;P<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rint materials create a physical presence that enhances brand recognition and trust<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&#8221;<\/span><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"apparel-marketing-essentials\">Apparel Marketing Essentials<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>When it comes to promoting sports team apparel and gear like HOCKEYAK\u2019s, it\u2019s no wonder CEO Robert Knight turned to marketing essentials like sell sheets, rack cards and postcards.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cPrint has been integral to our business by providing a tangible, lasting connection with our audience,\u201d Knight said. \u201cUnlike digital media, print materials create a physical presence that enhances brand recognition and trust. Print communicates professionalism and leaves a memorable impression.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/p> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Sell-Sheet-0005-jb.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=bb9fd6b69dd322f7eb264d732dd522e3\" alt=\"Two sell sheets overlapping each other and printed with images and specs for the Yaksak Player Bag.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">SELL SHEET: 100# coated gloss white cover with flat matte UV coating on both sides, 8.5 x 11&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <h3><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/sell-sheet-printing\">Sell Sheets<\/a> for Product Promotion<\/h3> <p>Sell sheets are one of the best examples of print marketing for apparel companies because they give you plenty of room to highlight products with imagery and essential specs side by side. Which is exactly how Knight used them, showing colorways, as well as sizing and fabric details. For hockey teams ordering in bulk, one sheets like this are ideal.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Rack-Yak-0011.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=ceaac4cc76cc74a0dd6ee871c076df3c\" alt=\"Two rack cards overlapping each other and printed as apparel tags for the HOCKEYAK brand.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">RACK CARD: C2S 14PT with Flat Matte UV Coating on both sides, 1\/4&#8243; rounded corners, single drill hole, 2 x 2&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <h3><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/rack-cards\">Rack Cards<\/a> as Branded Hang Tags<\/h3> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/sports-marketing-madness-how-to-win-big-with-custom-print\">Sports print advertising<\/a> includes promotional assets and branded ones, too, like hang tags on clothing and accessories. The smart business owner takes advantage of every branding opportunity, and Knight did just that with custom rack cards designed and printed as hang tags with HOCKEYAK colors, a yak graphic (obviously) and that all-important UPC. This is small-scale branding that creates a large-scale ROI.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-6\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Postcard-0003.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=20e21dfd4f8189bd60afd66048427618\" alt=\"Two custom postcards overlapping each other and printed with thank you messaging for HOCKEYAK.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">POSTCARD: C2S 14 PT with Flat Matte UV Coating on both sides, 6 x 4&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <h3><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/postcard-printing\">Postcards<\/a> as Package Inserts<\/h3> <p>No matter your business or industry, you need to provide a great product, turn a profit and thank your customers &#8211; a hat trick of business needs, if you will. (<a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/needs-of-a-business\">We\u2019ve got three more of them here<\/a>.) For that last one, Knight designed custom postcards as package inserts with thank-you messaging: \u201cThe cards are a nice touch when showing appreciation to our customers.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>On the other side of the asset? Info about how customers can claim a personalized HOCKEYAK patch. It\u2019s incentivized engagement at its best.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/marketing-essentials\">Print your own postcards and more<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs pullQuote\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <\/span><\/p> <p>&#8220;<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Print engages the senses, feels more personal and fosters deeper engagement<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&#8221;<\/span><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2 id=\"business-essentials-for-branding\">Business Essentials for Branding<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>For HOCKEYAK, it\u2019s not just their mascot that\u2019s out in the wild &#8211; their branding is, too. How? On business and networking print assets like business cards and pocket folders.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cPrint engages the senses, feels more personal and fosters deeper engagement,\u201d said Knight. \u201cAdditionally, the combination of print and digital &#8211; like incorporating QR codes or personalized URLs &#8211; bridges the gap, making print an essential part of a cohesive marketing strategy.\u201d<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/p> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Group-B-0003.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=54113c668410fec4aff9d303c1df4b44\" alt=\"Two hands holding a custom business card printed with a repeating yak graphic above a collection of more business cards.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Business Cards: C2S 14 PT with 3\/8&#8243; rounded corners and Spot Gloss, 3.5 x 2&#8243;. Premium Business Cards: Rigid Vinyl with 1\/4&#8243; rounded corners, 3.5 x 2&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <h3>Break Away <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/business-card-printing\">Business Cards<\/a><\/h3> <p>Everyone\u2019s seen a business card, so how do you stand out from the herd? With the <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/foil-business-cards\">clear spot gloss<\/a> Knight added to his. Its undeniable shine ensures Knight\u2019s card (and yours) is a beauty and his interactions are memorable.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>Business cards as branding goes beyond the traditional meet-and-greet, too. They\u2019re easily customizable, so they can be whatever you need them to be, like promo cards with discount and QR codes. Hand them out at events or include them in giveaways and watch your customer retention soar.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Pocket-Folder-0004.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=4f5acddd386615604b4342f759cda948\" alt=\"A custom pocket folder overlapping another pocket folder laying open and printed with HOCKEYAK branding.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pocket Folder: C1S 18 pt with flat matte UV coating on front and right pocket slit for business card, 18 x 16&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <h3><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/pocket-folders\">Pocket Folders<\/a> for the Win<\/h3> <p>And no <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/features\/fashion-marketing-7-ready-to-print-ideas-for-retailers\">clothing brand marketing<\/a> is complete without branded stationery like pocket folders for media kits, conferences and sales teams. With options like one or two pockets, business card slits and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/specialty-features\/uv-coating\">UV coatings<\/a>, these presentation folders keep you organized and looking ultra professional.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cWe utilize pocket folders as something kind of old school [that] our sales reps can provide to customers,\u201d said Knight. \u201c[They include] business assets such as pricing sheets that someone can hold on to.\u201d<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/business-essentials#11322\">Design your pocket folders now<\/a>.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <h2><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/signs-banners-displays#11287\">Signage<\/a> for Apparel Marketing<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p>Custom signs at events and in your brick-and-mortars are perfect examples of letting your visuals do the talking (and the selling). And just because they\u2019re bigger than postcards and business cards, they should still follow your creative guidelines in order to be effective.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>\u201cWhen designing print materials, our priorities include brand consistency, clear messaging, high-quality imagery, purpose-driven design, durability and innovation,\u201d said Knight.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p>That\u2019s good advice, no matter the industry.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-6\"> <figure class=\"figureContainer\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Group-A-0034.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=8d3f3c072e4d6b1066e998985eed9ed1\" alt=\"A black HOCKEYACK duffel bag with foam board signs sticking out of the main compartment in blue, gold and red.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption style=\"width: 66.640625%;\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Foam Board Signs: 11 x 17&#8243;<\/p><\/figcaption><\/figure>  <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <h2 id=\"signs-put-your-brand-on-the-board\">Signs Put Your Brand on the Board<\/h3> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/foam-board-sign\">Foam board signs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/offering\/styrene-sign\">styrene signs<\/a> fit the bill for HOCKEYAK\u2019s priorities. Lightweight and durable, they highlight the brand\u2019s bright red, warm gold and navy blue colors with vibrant detail. As event signs and in-store marketing, they\u2019re examples of sport marketing that are bold yet accessible.<\/p> <p>&nbsp;<\/p> <p><a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/shop\/signs-banners-displays#11287\">Print your own branded signage<\/a>.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div><!--block-empty--> <!--graybar--><div class=\"ltGrayBkgd-md\"><\/div><!--\/graybar--> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-8\"> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HKYK-Group-A-0054.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&w=900&s=8b4ba3947b9b9a5ee36d617e9a4ebae0\" alt=\"A person holding a HOCKEYAK duffel bag in front of them with printed marketing assets coming out of the main compartment.\"   data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <div class=\"row center-xs\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-11 col-md-10\"> <div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"> <\/span><\/p> <h2>Print Apparel &amp; Accessory Marketing with Smartpress<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <!--block--><div class=\"row center-xs\"><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-8\"><div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-12\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><!--\/block--> <!--block: 50-50 --><div class=\"row center-xs\" ><div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-10 col-md-8\"><div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--><\/span><\/p> <p>No matter what your print marketing strategy is, Smartpress can help you execute it. With a wide range of products for businesses in any industry, <a href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/blazing-boundaries-a-retailers-effective-print-marketing-strategy\">apparel<\/a> or otherwise, we\u2019ve got the custom options, eco-friendly materials and print experts to ensure your tactics are successful.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <div class=\"col-xs-12 col-sm-6\"><!--[col]--> <p>Take it from Knight: \u201cSmartpress is reliable and delivers high-quality products that perfectly reflect our brand&#8217;s excellence.\u201d With Smartpress on your team, it\u2019s always a power play.<\/p> <!--[\/col]--><\/div> <\/div><\/div><\/div> <!--\/block--><!--block-empty--><!--\/the_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"How do you appeal to both your target audience and potential customers? That\u2019s the fundamental question when it comes to marketing. For a brand like HOCKEYAK, specializing in hockey apparel and bags for teams and recreational players, marketing is all about realistic, inviting imagery blended with a brand voice that\u2019s specific and informative. And it\u2019s all delivered with a wink (\u2018cause when a yak is your mascot, it\u2019s hard not to sound cheeky).","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":7587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-printspiration"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See how HOCKEYAK&#039;s print strategy for apparel marketing scores across the board by appealing to target audiences and potential customers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"See how HOCKEYAK&#039;s print strategy for apparel marketing scores across the board by appealing to target audiences and potential customers.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Smartpress Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smartpressprinting\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-27T17:40:54+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-07T14:04:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/blogprodproxy.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Amy Breitag\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@smartpress\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@smartpress\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Amy Breitag\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Amy Breitag\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/898d5ab04badf18cc90b84611079ff01\"},\"headline\":\"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-27T17:40:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-07T14:04:13+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\"},\"wordCount\":1281,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef\",\"articleSection\":[\"Printspiration\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\",\"name\":\"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-27T17:40:54+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-07T14:04:13+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/898d5ab04badf18cc90b84611079ff01\"},\"description\":\"See how HOCKEYAK's print strategy for apparel marketing scores across the board by appealing to target audiences and potential customers.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"A hand putting a pocket folder into a HOCKEYAK bag with more printed marketing assets lined up around it.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/printspiration\\\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Smartpress Blog\",\"description\":\"Create Brilliant Print\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/898d5ab04badf18cc90b84611079ff01\",\"name\":\"Amy Breitag\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/aee30b217d69b006dbe66db63a41f3117a22ec0d3b8f5381748641524c10dc6e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/aee30b217d69b006dbe66db63a41f3117a22ec0d3b8f5381748641524c10dc6e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/aee30b217d69b006dbe66db63a41f3117a22ec0d3b8f5381748641524c10dc6e?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Amy Breitag\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/smartpress.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/atag\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy","description":"See how HOCKEYAK's print strategy for apparel marketing scores across the board by appealing to target audiences and potential customers.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy","og_description":"See how HOCKEYAK's print strategy for apparel marketing scores across the board by appealing to target audiences and potential customers.","og_url":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy","og_site_name":"Smartpress Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smartpressprinting\/","article_published_time":"2025-01-27T17:40:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-07T14:04:13+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/blogprodproxy.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Amy Breitag","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@smartpress","twitter_site":"@smartpress","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Amy Breitag","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy"},"author":{"name":"Amy Breitag","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/898d5ab04badf18cc90b84611079ff01"},"headline":"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy","datePublished":"2025-01-27T17:40:54+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-07T14:04:13+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy"},"wordCount":1281,"commentCount":0,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef","articleSection":["Printspiration"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy","url":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy","name":"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef","datePublished":"2025-01-27T17:40:54+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-07T14:04:13+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/898d5ab04badf18cc90b84611079ff01"},"description":"See how HOCKEYAK's print strategy for apparel marketing scores across the board by appealing to target audiences and potential customers.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef","contentUrl":"https:\/\/smartpressblog.imgix.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/HERO2-HKYK-Group-C-0021.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&ixlib=php-3.3.0&s=19ea53f6c25e0b47749c48acc278c3ef","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"A hand putting a pocket folder into a HOCKEYAK bag with more printed marketing assets lined up around it."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/printspiration\/power-play-how-print-drives-a-hockey-brands-marketing-strategy#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Power Play: How Print Drives a Hockey Brand\u2019s Marketing Strategy"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/","name":"Smartpress Blog","description":"Create Brilliant Print","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/898d5ab04badf18cc90b84611079ff01","name":"Amy Breitag","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aee30b217d69b006dbe66db63a41f3117a22ec0d3b8f5381748641524c10dc6e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aee30b217d69b006dbe66db63a41f3117a22ec0d3b8f5381748641524c10dc6e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/aee30b217d69b006dbe66db63a41f3117a22ec0d3b8f5381748641524c10dc6e?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Amy Breitag"},"url":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/author\/atag"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7573\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}