Torspo Hockey International, Inc, based in Anoka MN, has acquired Christian USA hockey brand of Roseau, MN.
Christian USA, which began with a vision by Roger and Bill Christian to make 'Hockey sticks made by Hockey players', was founded after their return from winning the Gold Medal in the 1960 Olympics. The Company was established with the opening of a factory in 1964 and eventually became one of the most recognizable names in hockey.
Christian has a rich history of sales over several generations, featuring the patented Diamond sock wrap and other innovations. Throughout the 1980's and 90's, Christian consistently sold more than 500,000 sticks annually. At its height, more than 150 NHL players used a Christian stick.
Despite its cult status, the Christian brand faced challenges in the new global economy recently. Reaching distribution points in Russia and Europe provided difficult and the company suffered financially. Enter Torspo, an iconic European company, now based in Minnesota. Torspo, which currently distributes product in 27 countries worldwide, is a member of the NHL On Ice branded program, the IIHF Supplier Pool and has Global Marketing agreement with the Continental Hockey League (KHL) in Russia.
“Christian USA is an Iconic American Brand which was used by numerous NHL players and Olympians and will be a perfect complement to Torspo Hockey, the authentic European Hockey brand, built on History, Heritage and Tradition,” said Dave Soderquist CEO of Torspo Hockey International.
Soderquist previously founded First Team Sports and Ultra Wheels in-line skates. Together, Christian USA and Torspo will use their extensive experience and marketing networks to offer a full range of composite and wood sticks and several other product categories. Soderquist commented, “We cannot wait to build Christian back to glory and to expose the world to this uniquely American brand of hockey equipment.”
Torspo International has offices in Minnesota, Deggendorf Germany and Moscow Russia.
