In an effort to launch his latest superhero franchise, Stan Lee’s SLG Entertainment company has teamed up with the NHL to form the Guardian Media Entertainment, LLC (GME), the new company has announced in a press release. The new franchise, called The Guardian Project, will feature 30 Guardians, representing all of the teams in the NHL. The Guardians are superheroes that incorporate numerous NHL elements not seen in the actual world of hockey.

Of the creation of the GME, Lee said “…I truly believe we have the perfect combination from which to launch 30 new superheroes and excite young fans around the globe.” Lee created and developed each Guardian with Tony Chargin, the Executive Vice President (EVP) of GME Creative Affairs, and Jake Shapiro. Each Guardian has special powers that represent its respective team and city.

The 30 Guardians will be unveiled on January 30 in a special presentation during the 2011 NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, North Carolina. The NHL welcomed the opportunity to work with Lee. Brian Jennings, the League’s EVP of Marketing, said “To be in business with (Stan) Lee and to be able to bring his latest superheroes to our fans is incredibly exciting to all of us at the NHL.  We are in constant pursuit of new ways to engage our fans and to introduce new fans to hockey.”

Written by: Karen Benardello