Trouba takes on own app

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This article was published 25/09/2014 (4274 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Jacob Trouba is going where no NHL player has gone before — your smartphone.

The Jets sophomore defenceman has launched his own free app, an initiative that will give his fans an inside look at his day-to-day life, access to exclusive pictures and video from his days as a junior and special offers from app sponsors. The initiative is a partnership between the Jets star, his father, John, and his business partner Jack Herberholz.

“It’s geared towards building his brand in the local marketplace,” said the elder Trouba. “We want to really engage with fans in Winnipeg and give them exclusive content about what’s going on in his life.”

He said while countless NHL players have a variety of social-media accounts, be believes his son is the first to have his own app. He’s also a leader in sports in general, as only a handful of other athletes have already blazed this trail.

The hockey-playing Trouba won’t do any of the administrative work but will provide regular videos for the app. He’s a regular user of Twitter and Instagram, so that won’t be much of a stretch for him. He’s looking forward to being the first guinea pig.

“It’s something that’s new, I’m into it. I think it could take off. It’s my app, and I can connect more personally (with fans) than I can on other social-media sites,” he said.

Herberholz said there is significant interest in the app from local businesses. One of its big advantages over traditional advertisement is it’s possible to track the actions taken by customers, he said.

“You could be walking by a sub shop and get a ping to your phone with a push message with a coupon. Then you can walk in, show them your phone and that’s your discount right there,” he said.

Thus far, Trouba’s stick sponsor, Sher-Wood and Formula Four, a Vancouver-based water company, have signed on with the app. Negotiations are ongoing with a number of other sponsors, Herberholz said.

Trouba’s dad said there’s no worry any social-media obligations will take away from his primary focus.

“His job is to play hockey and do as well as he can for the Winnipeg Jets,” he said.

The younger Trouba said he hopes his app, which launched Monday, demonstrates his commitment to being in Winnipeg, to his fans and to local businesses.

“Hopefully, I’m here for a really long time. I want to be a part of this city, and I think this is a good start to getting involved,” he said.

geoff.kirbyson@freepress.mb.ca