By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
The NHL and The Zamboni Company have partnered with Kool Karz Playground to launch the world’s first electric Zamboni ride-on toy.
After many years in development, the co-branded Kool Karz NHL Zamboni Ride-On Toy has been officially released in time for the 2022-23 NHL season.
“This product has been decades in the making,” said Paula Coony, Brand Manager with The Zamboni Company. “There is a pent-up demand. We’ve had people from around the world inquire about a ride-on Zamboni machine toy and we’re so excited to finally have found the right manufacturer to work with on this project.”
The ride-on Zamboni toy is being manufactured by Kool Karz Playground Founded in 2015 by Daniel Wang, Kool Karz is a specialty toy design and manufacturing company that focuses on producing luxury ride-on cars for children.
“This project is personal for me,” said Daniel Wang, Founder of Kool Karz Playground.
“We’ve always known how fascinated kids are with Zamboni machines, and we’re thrilled to make their dreams of driving one a reality.”
The battery-powered toy is designed for children ages three to six and has been designed as an authentic replica of a real Zamboni machine.
Founded in 1950, The Zamboni Company is the world’s most long-standing and trusted manufacturer of ice resurfacing products.
The licensed Zamboni ride-on toy features the original Zamboni machine’s unique horn sound, a snow collection tank for storage, working headlights, EVA tires and a media center with a speaker offering Bluetooth, USB and SD card connectivity.
In the co-licensed partnership with the NHL and The Zamboni Company, the four-wheeled ride-on comes with NHL Shield decals and a complete set of logos for all 32 active NHL teams for toy customization.
“The Kool Karz NHL Zamboni Ride-On Toy builds on the mystique of the ice resurfacing machine that captivates our youngest fans and offers us an incredible opportunity to engage new fans,” said James Haskins, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products Licensing for the NHL.
“We’re thrilled to work with Zamboni and Kool Karz Playground to help bring another exciting aspect of hockey to homes and neighborhoods everywhere.”
Founded in 1917, The National Hockey League is one of the top ranked professional ice hockey leagues in the world. The NHL currently has 32 active hockey teams from over 20 different countries. The League broadcasts hockey games in more than 160 countries and territories and reaches fans worldwide through its streaming service.
The Kool Karz NHL Zamboni Ride-On Toy will be available for purchase from online retailers as well as the NHL’s flagship store in New York City.