McFarlane Centennial 2-Packs Cancelled?

[RGM81]

I just posted this down in the McFarlane forum but wanted all the hockey collectors to see this as well:

I sent an email to McFarlane today about the Montreal Canadiens Centennial 2-packs. I was inquiring about the Beliveau/Cournoyer set that was supposed to be released today, but haven't heard any news whatsoever about it and definitely haven't seen it in my local Wal-Mart.

Here's the response I just got from them:

We've run into a real economic slowdown up there in Canada, and at Walmart in particular. As a result, the remaining -packs are all likely to be cancelled - the Beliveau/Cournoyer has definitely been cancelled. Sorry the program didn't work out.

McFarlane Toys

That hurts my heart, not only for these two, but because the last two 2-packs were supposed to be Rocket/Plante and Roy/Price.

[flemingc04]

I know I could be way off, but wasn't the first pack like Koivu and Kovalev? If that's the case, I would think that some of the upcoming packs would have had better sales (especially Price/Roy). Obviously kids wouldn't be as likely to purchase the Beliveau/Cournoyer but Habs who can appreciate the players and also dedicated McFarlane collectors would be all over them.

[RGM81]

Yep that was the first one - hasn't sold tons and tons I'm sure as the future was up in the air for both of them. They looked great but they still collect dust. Doesn't help that they cost 10 bucks more than the usual 2-packs either. But still, it stinks. They haven't done a Roy in a long time, and after the debacle that was Carey's debut figure, a repaint would have been delightful.

[bidds55]

That's just a shame. Roy/Price should have been first. It would have set a strong precedent.

[flemingc04]

In my opinion I think McFarlane should have done a few things:

a) closer release dates with the packs and have them all distributed by the end of centenial year
b) make them a limited edition and possibly serial number them (not sure if McFarlane has ever done this)

[RGM81]

Technically speaking, they would have all been released by the conclusion of the centennial year itself, as the 100th birthday of the team is on December 4th. But had they all been out by the conclusion of the 100th season, that would have been nice.
McFarlane has done some limited chase figures (and is doing a Lemieux variant /100 in the next Legends series) but I don't follow closely enough to know whether they're all serial numbered.

[sanjosefuji]

In my opinion I think McFarlane should have done a few things:

a) closer release dates with the packs and have them all distributed by the end of centenial year
b) make them a limited edition and possibly serial number them (not sure if McFarlane has ever done this)

both of these ideas are excellent... you should submit your suggestions to mcfarlane. maybe they'll take these ideas into consideration on future projects.

[sholi2000]

Two things kept me from buying the first two.

1. The god awful packaging.
2. The price.

I was really looking forward to the Plante, Price and Roy.

[Habs fan Ontario]

Agreed here to much and having Koivu/Kovalev first was real dumb my local walmart has about 30 of each sitting there.....was waiting for the Rocket and Roy as well what a let down....
Anybody find the Price i still need it....gone out the back door as usual ...lmk

[bmoy88]

Yep that was the first one - hasn't sold tons and tons I'm sure as the future was up in the air for both of them. They looked great but they still collect dust. Doesn't help that they cost 10 bucks more than the usual 2-packs either. But still, it stinks. They haven't done a Roy in a long time, and after the debacle that was Carey's debut figure, a repaint would have been delightful.

What is the Price debacle? I didn't notice anything abnormal about it. I picked one up for my nephew at the Zellers for $17.99 plus tax about a month ago. It was the last one left.

And yeah, the packaging is horrible - too generic!