CALGARY, Alta. – WinSport Canada and Hockey Canada have teamed up with Bauer Hockey to create opportunities for young girls and boys to experience hockey in a fun and safe environment.

Bauer Hockey has donated 35 pairs of skates to WinSport Canada and 35 sets of youth-sized equipment to Hockey Canada which marks the first instalment of an ongoing equipment donation program. This donation has provided a foundation for Learn to Skate and Discover Hockey programs at WinSport, highlighting the unique partnership between WinSport Canada, Hockey Canada, and Bauer Hockey.

One of Hockey Canada’s priorities is the recruitment of new participants to the sport. The Discover Hockey program provides families with limited means and those who just want to try the sport with access to a hockey experience in a fun and safe environment with little or no cost attached. In addition to donating product, Bauer Hockey has also committed $25,000 annually to Hockey Canada for an initiative fund to support a wide variety of activities that provide young children with opportunities to discover hockey and skating experiences.

“The support from Bauer Hockey allows Hockey Canada and WinSport Canada to achieve the goal of growing grassroots hockey. Since arriving at the new Hockey Canada offices at the WinSport Canada  facility, Hockey Canada and WinSport Canada staffs have already collaborated on a number of significant initiatives,” said Paul Carson, vice-president of hockey development for Hockey Canada. “Learn to Skate and Discover Hockey programs are excellent first steps for young participants.” 

Bauer Hockey is the exclusive provider of skates, gloves, helmets, neck protection and face protection for Hockey Canada.  During the long-standing partnership, Bauer Hockey has provided Canadian hockey players support from grassroots to Canada's National Team.  Through the Bauer Hockey initiative fund, players who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play the game are provided with the necessary protective equipment to participate in hockey.  Beyond the arena, Bauer Hockey continues to support the growth of the game by partnering with Hockey Canada on International initiatives including the World Hockey Summit and the Quebec Hockey Summit.

“Supporting the game at all levels is a key focus for Bauer Hockey and we are excited to partner with Hockey Canada in an effort to increase the opportunities for players throughout Canada,” said Kevin Davis, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bauer Performance Sports. “As a leader in the hockey industry, it is important for us to ensure we provide new players with access to the game and do our part to help grow the sport.”

For more information on Hockey Canada and its numerous development programs, please visit www.HockeyCanada.ca.

For more information on WinSport Canada programs, please visit www.winsportcanada.ca.

ABOUT BAUER HOCKEY

Bauer Hockey is the world's most recognized designer, marketer and manufacturer of hockey equipment. Founded in Kitchener, Ontario in 1927, Bauer developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful Supreme ® and Vapor ® lines of products. Bauer Hockey, Maverik Lacrosse and Mission Roller Hockey are brands under Bauer Performance Sports, a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU).