The former goalie and member of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame who played his entire 14-season NHL career for the New York Rangers and won the Stanley Cup in 1994 will greet fans visiting the 9,000-square-foot flagship store at 1 Manhattan West Plaza, located between NInth and 10th avenues and 31st and 33rd streets, adjacent to the new corporate headquarters of the NHL.
The NHL Shop was opened Sept. 23 by the NHL and licensed sports merchandiser Fanatics and offers merchandise from the 32 NHL teams as well as displaying artifacts from the Hockey Hall of Fame. The location will also be an event and entertainment destination to celebrate the NHL and the game, where current and former NHL players and other hockey celebrities will appear virtually and in person.
A 60-by-80 ice rink in the center of Manhattan West's public plaza, featuring outdoor public skating and NHL-hosted special hockey experiences, is scheduled to open in November.
"Along with exciting NHL events we have planned, we hope to entertain, inspire and welcome every hockey fan that walks through our doors," NHL chief brand officer and senior executive vice president Brian Jennings said.
Richter became the first Rangers goalie to win 300 games and his 301 were the most in New York history until the mark was surpassed by Henrik Lundqvist (459). Richter helped the United States win the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, where he was named MVP of the tournament, and a silver medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Richter and former Rangers teammate Brian Leetch are members of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2008.
"The store offers fans a robust assortment, the ability to host special events, player meet and greets, and other unique interactive moments that will make this a can't miss destination for hockey fans," said Gina Sprenger, Fanatics chief strategic retail officer.
