K2 Sports inked an international licensing agreement with Torspo International, a European hockey company. Torspo will produce and market K2 recreational ice skates under the newly created K2 Ice brand.

The ice skates will integrate K2’s Softboot inline skate technology with its patented Exotech anatomical cuff design that provides optimal levels of lateral stability and forward flex. The waterproof upper will be paired with a premium recreational ice blade to provide a new level of comfort, support and performance for the category.

Through the licensing agreement, Torspo will have access to K2’s technology and global manufacturing sources. In addition, Torspo may partner with the K2 channels of distribution in North America, Europe and Russia. K2 Ice recreational skates will be sold through specialty and sporting goods stores in North America and through select distributors in Europe and Russia beginning in fall 2008.

“The global ice skating market will soon experience an infusion of comfort, warmth and performance that hasn’t been available until now,” said Robert Marcovitch, president K2 Sports. “K2 Ice will make skating more enjoyable for the majority of recreational skaters who were previously stuck with stiff hockey skates and cold, flimsy figure skates.

“Torspo has the reputation and experience to market K2 Ice skates on a global scale. We’re looking forward to launching the new product category with them over the next several months.”