In just a few short years, it has become a New Year’s Day tradition. Hockey fans and non-fans alike settle in to watch two NHL teams play hockey the old-fashioned way… outdoors. The NHL “Winter Classic” game regularly draws the highest TV ratings of the year and packs thousands of fans into massive football and baseball stadiums to take in the game. The Winter Classic is a brilliant example of how a great brand is built.

Why?

It is a great story.

Great stories have strong characters, and the Winter Classic gives us those. Through the HBO “24/7″ series leading up the Winter Classic, lead characters take shape. Last year it was Washington coach Bruce Boudreau and his love of the F word. This year it is Philadelphia goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and his unique take on the universe.

Great stories have drama, and the Winter Classic gives us plenty of that. Weather is a wildcard. It could be bone-chilling cold like Edmonton in 2003, or it could be delayed by rain, as it was in 2011 in Pittsburgh.

Great stories have conflict, resolution, and an outcome, and the NHL Winter Classic does all that every year.

Remarkable brands are built around remarkable stories.

What remarkable thing does your brand do, and how do you tell your story?

Storytelling an integral part of building a brand, and Brand Like A Rock Star can help you find your story and your voice. Order the book now in paperback or digital download at Amazon.com.