This program was inspired by our collection based on salvaged NFL Candlestick Park goal posts which we have been turning into bottle openers since 2015. The NHL asked us to consider a similar program for Goal Frames used in the iconic Winter Classic.
Two types of bottle opener were produced: one with a flat piece of goal post and one with net hook rings. Each 4-3/4" length of goal post yielded one opener with net hooks and four plain ones going around the pipe's circumference.
Watch the video below to see how this program came together.
The NHL provided Tokens with the 2023 Winter Classic set of goals, which we picked up in Seattle after the 2024 Winter Classic. These goals were also in use for the Stadium Series in Raleigh, NC and the Edmonton Heritage Classic.
We quickly learned why hockey goals are often called "the pipe". Where football goal posts are light aluminum to withstand the occasional "doink", NHL goals are heavy 8 gauge (4mm) thick steel built to take the beating of pucks, sticks and players caroming off of them through the course of an 82 game season. This heavy steel requires painstaking hand work to become a collection of bottle openers, cuff links & pendants.
Note the battle-worn painted steel surfaces of the post material have dings, dents & scuffs as a result of years of punishment. Tokens does not repaint, touchup or otherwise treat these deteriorated surfaces.
Front and back of the custom numbered Thank You cards that went with every box.