At the OneGoal hockey trade show in Detroit last week, the main story
on the show floor was the severe downturn in attendance compared to
last years show. The change in show dates from January, which provided
vendors with a venue to unveil new products, also proved to be
tough as it came during one of the years busiest periods for
retailers. However, the larger factor was Nike/Bauer pulling out
(most likely due to Nikes move to sell the Bauer business), Reebok/CCM
pulling out (probably because of the other slashie leaving), Easton
deciding not to attend (probably because of the other big two bailing),
and TPS Hockey opting to stay home (you get the picture).
Combined with the major vendor absence was the non-attendance of Source
for Sports, one of Canadas largest trade groups. The group
declined to comment on its decision, but rumors on the floor even
tossed around the boycott word with the likely reasoning being the
group having its own show early next year.
Though some majors presence seemed lacking, what vendors were on the floor had exciting new products on display.
Mission-Itech touted titanium
reinforcements in strategic spots on the shaft and blade of the new
Fuel TI Pro stick, but it was the SoftTouch grip technology that will
grab attention when on the shelf. Rather than the typical Grip or
Regular options, the stick offers a medium grip that only covers the
bottom half of the shaft. M-I also launched the Intake Fusion
helmet, which fuses EVA and EPP foams to create a more comfortable feel
that will not stiffen in the cold. Most impressive though is a
price point that is lower than the popular Intake helmet.
Finally, Mission-Itech revamped its goalie line, going back to a more
classic look, but especially in its leg pads, offering every imaginable
form of customization with multiple strap points and flex points.
Sher-wood will re-focus efforts
on one-piece composite sticks, in turn licensing out the wood stick
business to another manufacturer in Quebec. The company expanded its
Rhythm stick line with the RM19 offering to shaft shapes, large and
small. The stick comes in a total of 12 patterns for both right and
left hands with four flex strengths. The RM19 goalie stick touts a
durability story with the stick standing strong through 200 shots at
over 100 mph.
Warrior continues to build on
its sticks and gloves story, seeking to offer perfection there before
expanding into additional categories. On the gloves side, the company
is utilizing the knowledge of the recently acquired MIA business to
launch the Franchise, which features SilverShield internal lining for
its anti-microbial properties as well multiple width options to fit any
hand. The companys Kronik stick, which garnered a lot of attention
last year courtesy of the Spyne technology utilized to keep the sticks
blade more stiff during a shot, is now being extended down into Junior
and Intermediate sizes.
At Under Armour, the focus
remains on dominating the baselayer market, though the companys visor
launched last year is carrying forward as well. The Grippy Tee is
finding widespread popularity with its combination of compression
technology, which helps keep muscles in place on cold mornings and the
grippy outer sections that help to keep pads in place.
Easton will utilize the
technology of sister company Giro to make the brands first foray into
helmets with the Stealth line, comprised of the S17 and S9.
Though not on the floor, both Reebok/CCM and Easton took the
opportunity to let the market know what they were up to for the season
ahead. Reebok will focus on its CCM brand, introducing Vector U+ Pro,
which utilizes “space age U Foam” to product a skate that weighs only
675 grams. The company followed up last years RBK O-Stick with
the CCM Vector U+ Stick, which features the Hollow Point System Energy
Transfer which offers an easy loading 24″ taper.
>>> Gee,
wonder if the fact that none of the major vendors were there played a
big part in the Source for Sports decision as well…
