Bauer Hockey extended its multi-year partnership with the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) as the official equipment and apparel provider to the league and its nearly 400 players.

The BCHL, one of the leading elite junior leagues in North America, has sent several players directly to the NHL and is Canada’s No. 1 feeder league to college hockey. Last year, the BCHL sent a league record 148 players to college hockey and has historically sent 100-150 players per year to the college ranks. Last year, each of the league’s 17 teams had multiple college-committed players on its rosters and three players were selected in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

“Bauer Hockey has been an incredible partner for the past four years and continuing our relationship is exciting for our league, our teams and players,” said John Grisdale, BCHL commissioner. “The safety and the opportunity for our players to perform at their absolute best is of utmost importance to us and with Bauer we know our players are using equipment that is second to none.”

As part of the partnership extension, each BCHL team will continue to exclusively wear Bauer uniforms, helmets, gloves, pants and off-ice apparel. In addition, the agreement provides each team in the league with Bauer sticks and bags.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with one of the most influential junior leagues in North America” said Brad James, general manager team and apparel, Bauer Hockey. “The continued relationship is a testament to the high level of innovative products and service that our team continues to provide to players at all levels. We look forward to working with the entire BCHL organization to meet all of their product and apparel needs for many years to come.”

Performance Sports Group Ltd., the parent company of Bauer, markets products under the Bauer, Mission, Maverik, Cascade, Inaria, Combat and Easton brand names.