Ottawa-based Combat Sports Inc. has recently acquired MF2 Hockey Inc..  The acquisition will see Combat takeover the MF2 Hockey manufacturing facility in St. Mathieu de Beloeil, QC. Michel Ferland, a 40 year veteran of the hockey industry has also agreed to a 5 year employee contract as protective equipment product manager for Combat Sports.

“As we continue our growth as a company in to new product categories outside of our core business of hockey sticks and baseball bats, we looked for a partner that could provide us with the same expertise in hockey protective development that our current design and engineering team have. We wanted the best and that is what we believe we have found.  Michel Ferland is an innovator and certainly brings a wealth of expertise to his field, his track record speaks for itself which made him and his company a natural fit for Combat,” Steven Sutherland, president, Combat Sports Inc.

Combat plans to hit the market with its new Canadian made hockey glove, pant and referee protective equipment designs (by Michel Ferland) in March 2011 with samples and programs being released to dealer's at all 2011 industry trade shows.   

Although the initial product offering will be narrow with a few models per category, Combat plans to expand its line for 2012 with some new innovative (patented) designs in a number of categories.  Combat will also use the new manufacturing facility for product development in its Diamond Sports Division and newly launched Lacrosse Division.

“Michel's 40 years of experience in pro hockey equipment development is now being offered to the end user through our new line of high-end glove and pant product.  The consumer will have a chance to experience the same level of quality and workmanship that Michel has been doing for NHL and pro hockey players for over 40 years,” says Dave McNally, VP sales and marketing, Combat Sports Inc.