Finding the correct equipment or gear is critical for players in the realm of ice hockey. With so many ice hockey brands to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones genuinely stand out from the crowd.
Today, we’ll look at some of the best hockey brands that have established their mark via innovation, quality, and performance.
For those interested in exploring beyond these top names, we’ve also included a comprehensive list covering a wide range of hockey brands.
First up, we’ll explore the most reputable hockey brands.
The Most Popular and Leading Ice Hockey Brands
- Bauer
- CCM
- Warrior
- True Hockey
- Sher-Wood
- STX
- Easton
- Graf
- Vaughn
- Mylec
- Winnwell
- Howies Hockey Tape
Before diving into the details of each brand, we’ve compiled a comparison table that ranks the top ice hockey brands based on their popularity, product offerings, and reputation in the industry. This table provides a quick snapshot to help you better understand their strengths and the athletes they serve.
| Rank | Ice Hockey Brand | Year Founded | Product Categories | Notable Technologies | Top Athletes Using the Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bauer | 1927 | Skates, Protective Gear, Sticks, Goalie Equipment | Supreme, Vapor, Nexus lines; Curv Composite; 37.5 Technology | Patrick Kane, Alex Ovechkin |
| 2 | CCM | 1899 | Skates, Protective Gear, Sticks, Goalie Equipment | Jetspeed, Tacks, Ribcor lines; SpeedBlade Technology; D3O Smart Material | Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid |
| 3 | Warrior | 1992 | Protective Gear, Sticks, Gloves, Goalie Equipment | Covert, Alpha, Dynasty lines; Quick Strike technology; AxyFlex technology | Erik Karlsson, Dustin Brown |
| 4 | True Hockey | 2000 | Skates, Protective Gear, Sticks, Goalie Equipment | TRUE AX9; Fused one-piece sticks; Z-Palm gloves | Mitch Marner, Ryan Johansen |
| 5 | Sher-Wood | 1949 | Protective Gear, Sticks, Accessories | Rekker, Project lines; EkstraLite technology | Bobby Ryan, Ryan Spooner |
| 6 | STX | 1970 | Protective Gear, Sticks, Gloves | Stallion, Surgeon, HPR lines; Power Flex technology; PureGrip shaft geometry | Matt Moulson, Vincent Trocheck |
| 7 | Easton | 1922 | Skates, Protective Gear, Sticks, Accessories | Stealth, Synergy, and Mako lines; Easton Sling-Tech technology | Phil Kessel, Mike Green |
| 8 | Graf | 1927 | Skates, Protective Gear, Sticks | Graf Ultra and G Series skates; Cobra Holder technology | Henrik Lundqvist, Jarome Iginla |
| 9 | Vaughn | 1982 | Goalie Equipment | Velocity, Ventus, and SLR lines; Carbon Enhanced Performance | Jonathan Quick, Jimmy Howard |
| 10 | Mylec | 1970 | Sticks, Protective Gear, Accessories | Mylec MK5 and Ultracurve lines; Air-Flo blade design | Street and roller hockey players |
| 11 | Winnwell | 1906 | Sticks, Protective Gear, Accessories | Winnwell AMP500 and GX10 lines; CleanSport NXT odor management | Recreational and youth players |
| 12 | Howies Hockey Tape | 2004 | Hockey Tape, Accessories | Cloth Hockey Tape, Wax, Skate Laces, Grip Tape | NHL, NCAA, and recreational players |
1. Bauer
Company history and background
Bauer, founded in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1927, has been a leading ice hockey equipment manufacturer for nearly a century. Known for their high-quality products, Bauer has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in hockey gear, earning the trust of professional and amateur players worldwide.
Bauer Product categories
- Skates: Bauer offers a wide range of skates catering to various skill levels, from recreational players to professionals, featuring advanced technologies for optimal performance.
- Protective gear: Bauer’s protective gear includes helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves, designed to provide maximum protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
- Sticks: Bauer’s collection of sticks offers options for players of all positions and skill levels, incorporating cutting-edge materials and design to improve puck handling and shot accuracy.
- Goalie equipment: Bauer’s goaltending equipment includes pads, gloves, blockers, and masks, designed to provide maximum protection and mobility for goaltenders.
Technology and innovation
- Curv Composite: A lightweight, durable material used in skates and other equipment, providing enhanced energy transfer and responsiveness.
- 37.5 Technology: A moisture-wicking fabric used in protective gear that helps keep players dry and comfortable during games and practices.
- Supreme, Vapor, and Nexus product lines: Bauer offers three distinct product lines, each tailored to different playing styles and preferences, allowing players to find the perfect gear for their needs.
Top athletes who use Bauer equipment
Many professional hockey players trust Bauer equipment, including NHL stars such as Sidney Crosby, Auston Matthews, and Patrick Kane. These athletes rely on Bauer’s innovative gear to enhance their performance on the ice and stay protected during intense gameplay.
2. CCM
Company history and background
CCM, short for Canada Cycle & Motor Co., was established in 1899 as a bicycle manufacturer. The company later entered the hockey equipment market in the early 1900s, and has since become a household name in the industry. Known for their quality and commitment to innovation, CCM continues to be a top choice among hockey players of all levels.
CCM Product categories
- Skates: CCM offers a variety of skates designed for different skill levels and skating styles, featuring advanced technologies for improved fit, comfort, and performance.
- Protective gear: CCM’s protective gear lineup features helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves, offering players excellent protection without sacrificing mobility.
- Sticks: CCM’s stick collection caters to players of all positions and skill levels, incorporating advanced materials and designs for better puck handling and shooting accuracy.
- Goalie equipment: CCM’s goalie equipment, including pads, gloves, blockers, and masks, is designed to provide maximum protection, mobility, and comfort for goaltenders.
Technology and innovation
- SpeedBlade Technology: An innovative blade holder design in CCM skates that increases energy transfer and provides a greater range of motion for improved performance.
- D3O Smart Material: A unique impact-absorbing material used in protective gear that offers superior protection by hardening upon impact and returning to its flexible state afterward.
- Jetspeed, Tacks, and Ribcor product lines: CCM’s distinct product lines cater to various playing styles and preferences, allowing players to find the ideal gear for their needs.
Top athletes who use CCM equipment
Numerous professional hockey players trust CCM equipment, including NHL stars like Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, and Nathan MacKinnon. These athletes rely on CCM’s innovative gear to enhance their performance on the ice and ensure their safety during intense games.
3. Warrior
Company history and background
Warrior Sports was founded in 1992 by former lacrosse player David Morrow. Initially focused on manufacturing lacrosse equipment, the company expanded into the hockey market in 2005. Since then, Warrior has earned a reputation for producing innovative, high-quality hockey gear for players at all levels.
Product categories
- Protective gear: Warrior’s protective gear, including helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves, offers players excellent protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
- Sticks: Warrior’s range of hockey sticks caters to various skill levels and playing styles, featuring innovative designs and materials for improved puck handling and shot accuracy.
- Gloves: Warrior’s gloves are designed with advanced materials and technologies, providing players with superior protection, comfort, and mobility.
- Goalie equipment: Warrior’s goalie gear, including pads, gloves, and blockers, is designed to offer goaltenders maximum protection, mobility, and performance on the ice.
Technology and innovation
- Covert, Alpha, and Dynasty product lines: Warrior’s distinct product lines cater to different playing styles and preferences, allowing players to find the perfect gear for their needs.
- Quick Strike technology: An innovative feature in Warrior sticks that enhances shot accuracy and release speed, allowing players to get shots off faster and with greater precision.
- AxyFlex technology: A unique technology in Warrior gloves that improves mobility and flexibility while maintaining excellent protection and durability.
Top athletes who use Warrior equipment
Several professional hockey players trust Warrior equipment, including NHL stars like Erik Karlsson, Johnny Gaudreau, and Jonathan Huberdeau. These athletes rely on Warrior’s innovative gear to enhance their performance on the ice and stay protected during high-intensity games.
4. True Hockey
Company history and background
True Hockey, a division of True Temper Sports, has a long history of manufacturing high-quality sports equipment. With over 100 years of experience in creating innovative products, True Hockey has become a trusted brand in the hockey industry, offering a wide range of equipment for players of all skill levels.
Product categories
- Skates: True Hockey offers a selection of skates designed for various skill levels and positions, featuring advanced technologies for improved fit, comfort, and performance.
- Protective gear: True Hockey’s protective gear lineup includes helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves, providing excellent protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
- Sticks: True Hockey’s stick collection caters to players of all positions and skill levels, incorporating cutting-edge materials and designs for better puck handling and shooting accuracy.
- Goalie equipment: True Hockey’s goalie equipment, including pads, gloves, blockers, and masks, is designed to provide maximum protection, mobility, and comfort for goaltenders.
Technology and innovation
- TRUE AX9: A high-performance hockey stick featuring lightweight construction, superior balance, and optimized flex profiles for improved shot accuracy and power.
- Fused one-piece sticks: True Hockey’s one-piece sticks are designed with a seamless construction, offering enhanced durability, balance, and energy transfer for more powerful shots.
- Z-Palm gloves: True Hockey’s innovative Z-Palm gloves feature interchangeable palms, allowing players to customize their gloves’ fit, feel, and performance according to their preferences.
Top athletes who use True Hockey equipment
Several professional hockey players trust True Hockey equipment, including NHL stars like Mitch Marner, Jakob Chychrun, and Jaden Schwartz. These athletes rely on True Hockey’s innovative gear to enhance their performance on the ice and stay protected during intense gameplay.
5. Sher-Wood
Company history and background
Sher-Wood Hockey, founded in 1949, is a Canadian company with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality hockey equipment. Originally known for their wooden sticks, Sher-Wood has since expanded its product line to include a variety of gear for players of all levels, while maintaining its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
Sher-Wood Product categories
- Protective gear: Sher-Wood’s protective gear lineup includes helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves, designed to offer players excellent protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
- Sticks: Sher-Wood’s range of hockey sticks to various skill levels and playing styles, featuring advanced materials and design innovations for improved puck handling and shot accuracy.
- Accessories: Sher-Wood also offers a variety of hockey accessories, such as bags, apparel, and training aids, to help players enhance their game both on and off the ice.
Technology and innovation
- EkstraLite technology: Sher-Wood’s EkstraLite technology utilizes advanced materials and construction techniques to create lightweight, high-performance sticks with superior balance and durability.
- Rekker and Project product lines: Sher-Wood’s distinct product lines, Rekker and Project, cater to different playing styles and preferences, allowing players to find the ideal gear for their needs.
Top athletes who use Sher-Wood equipment
Several professional hockey players have trusted Sher-Wood equipment throughout the years, including NHL legends like Mario Lemieux and Guy Lafleur. Today, players like Paul Byron and Antoine Roussel continue to rely on Sher-Wood’s high-quality gear to enhance their performance on the ice and ensure their safety during intense games.
6. STX
Company history and background
STX, founded in 1970, initially focused on manufacturing lacrosse equipment but later expanded into ice hockey in 2014. Drawing from their experience and expertise in lacrosse, STX has quickly gained a reputation for producing innovative, high-quality hockey equipment for players of all skill levels.
Product categories
- Protective gear: STX’s protective gear lineup includes helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves, designed to offer players excellent protection while maintaining comfort and mobility.
- Sticks: STX’s range of hockey sticks caters to various skill levels and playing styles, featuring advanced materials and design innovations for improved puck handling and shot accuracy.
- Gloves: STX’s gloves are designed with advanced materials and technologies, providing players with superior protection, comfort, and mobility.
Technology and innovation
- Stallion, Surgeon, and HPR product lines: STX’s distinct product lines cater to different playing styles and preferences, allowing players to find the perfect gear for their needs.
- Power Flex technology: STX’s Power Flex technology enhances shot accuracy and power by optimizing the flex profile of the stick, allowing players to generate more velocity and precision in their shots.
- PureGrip shaft geometry: An innovative shaft design in STX sticks that offers a more ergonomic grip, improving puck control and overall stick handling.
Top athletes who use STX equipment
Several professional hockey players trust STX equipment, including NHL stars like Vincent Trocheck, Jaccob Slavin, and Matt Martin. These athletes rely on STX’s innovative gear to enhance their performance on the ice and stay protected during high-intensity games.
How to choose the right hockey brand for your needs
Evaluating your skill level and budget
When selecting a hockey brand, consider your skill level and budget. Different brands offer equipment tailored to various skill levels, from beginners to professionals. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in your gear, keeping in mind that higher-quality equipment tends to come with a higher price tag.
Trying out different brands and equipment
It’s essential to try out different brands and equipment to find the gear that feels most comfortable and suits your playing style. Visit local sports stores or attend demo days to test various products and compare their features, fit, and feel.
Seeking advice from coaches, teammates, and experts
Speak with coaches, teammates, or experienced players for advice and recommendations based on their personal experiences with different brands and equipment. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Researching and reading reviews online
Before making a final decision, research and read online reviews from other players who have used the equipment you’re considering. This will help you get a better understanding of the pros and cons of each brand and product, as well as any potential issues or concerns. Keep in mind that personal preferences and experiences may vary, so use these reviews as a reference rather than a definitive guide.
Other noteworthy hockey brands
Easton
Easton, established in 1922, is a well-known brand in the sports industry. Although primarily recognized for their baseball and softball gear, they also produce quality hockey equipment, including sticks, gloves, and helmets, suitable for various skill levels and budgets.
Graf
Graf, founded in 1921, is a Swiss company that specializes in producing high-quality hockey skates. Known for their attention to detail, comfort, and performance, Graf skates are favored by many players, from amateurs to professionals.
Vaughn
Vaughn, established in 1982, is a leading manufacturer of goalie equipment. With a focus on innovation, Vaughn produces a wide range of pads, gloves, blockers, and masks designed to offer goaltenders maximum protection, mobility, and performance on the ice.
Mylec
Mylec, founded in 1970, is a pioneer in the street and roller hockey industry. They offer a wide range of equipment, including sticks, balls, nets, and protective gear specifically designed for use in non-ice hockey environments.
Winnwell
Winnwell, a Canadian company with over a century of history in the hockey industry, produces a variety of hockey equipment, including sticks, gloves, and protective gear. Their products cater to players of all skill levels, with a focus on offering quality gear at affordable prices.
Howies Hockey Tape
Howies Hockey Tape, established in 2007, is a niche brand that specializes in hockey tapes and accessories. They offer a variety of products, such as cloth and clear hockey tapes, grip tapes, wax, and skate laces, aimed at enhancing players’ performance and equipment durability.
After highlighting some of the top hockey brands that dominate the market, it’s important to acknowledge the wide array of options available to players and fans alike. Below is a comprehensive list, divided into four columns for easier navigation, that includes both renowned and emerging brands in the hockey industry.
Comprehensive List of Hockey Brands
| Brand List 1 | Brand List 2 | Brand List 3 | Brand List 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4ORTE | Flare | Mitchell & Ness | Sport Write |
| A&R | Flow Hockey | Montreal | Sports Image |
| Adidas | Flow Society | Mr. Assist | Sportsmask |
| Adrenaline Design, INC | Fox 40 | Mr. Zogs | Step Steel |
| Alkali | Frameworth | Mueller Sports | Sticker Grinder |
| Alphabet Legends | Franklin | Mustang International | Streaker Sports |
| Antigua | G-III Sports | Mustang Products | SummerSkates |
| Athletic Knit | Gamewear | New Balance | Superfeet |
| Avision | Gatorade | New Era | Superjock |
| BOA | Gear | Next Level | Surgeon |
| BUTTENDZ | GearHalo | Nike | Sweat it Out |
| Badger Sports | Gongshow | NoSweat | TEKTOR |
| Barstool Sports | Graf | Not Specified | TPS |
| Base | Great American Products | OGIO | TRUE |
| Base360 | Green Biscuit | Oakley | Tacki Mac |
| Bauer | Grit | Odor Crusher | Tackla |
| Beauty Status | GuardLab | Outerstuff | TermPro |
| BenShot | HTA Sportswear | Pacific Rink | Tex Style |
| Bike | Hespeler | Painted Pastimes | The Highland Mint |
| Blade Barber | HockeyShot | Pama | The Utty |
| Bladetech | Hockeyis | Passau | Theragun |
| Bladetech Hockey | Howies | Piranha Peg | Top Shelf Targets |
| Blue Sports | Human Kinetics | Playmobil | Torch Hockey Knob |
| Boost Oxygen | Hyperice | PowerTek Sport | Tour |
| Braidlace | ISlide | Prime Brands | Tovi |
| Brians | Ideal Design Sports | Pro Guard | Travis Mathew |
| Brown | InGlasco | Pro Player | Tron |
| Byonic | Innovative | Pro Skate Balance | Tuff-N-Lite |
| CCM | Itech | ProStockHockey | Tuuk |
| Cannon | JF Sports | Pure Hockey | Twigz |
| Captodor | JRZ | RICO INDUSTRIES | TyDan |
| Carrom | Jofa | Ramonedge | UNRL |
| Cascade | Junk Yard Athletics | Rebellion | Uncanny Brands |
| Cirque | KOHO | Reebok | Under Armour |
| Combat | Kenesky | Renfrew | VH |
| Concepts Sports | Konixx | Requipd | VSC |
| D.F. Sports | Kozo Gear | Revision | Vaughn |
| Duke Cannon | Labeda | Rezztek | Verbero |
| DyeSport | Level Wear | Richardson | Vital Nation |
| EZ ICE | Levelwear | Rink Rat | VukGripz |
| EZPuck | Link | Rocket Sport | Warrior |
| Eagle | Lizard Skins | Rollergard | Warroad |
| Easton | Logo Brands | STX | Wet Gear |
| Easy Crease | Louis Garneau | Sauce Hockey | Wild Sports |
| Elite Hockey | Louisville | Scholastic | Wincraft |
| Exclusive Pro | Lucky Puck | Sher-Wood | Winnwell |
| Extreme Armor | Lululemon | Sherwood | Woodchuck USA |
| Factory Modification and Design | MFE Sports | Shock Doctor | Worthy Promo |
| Fanatics | Majestic | Skate Fender | Xcel |
| Farrell | Major League Socks | Skate Fender Pro | YEW! |
| Fast Hands Hockey | Marsblade | Skate Mate | YouTheFan |
| Fathead | MasterPieces | Skateez | |
| Fischer Hockey | Mission | Sonic |
Is CCM owned by Nike?
No, CCM is not owned by Nike. CCM is a subsidiary of the Canadian company, Tournament Sports, which was acquired by the sporting goods manufacturer, Adidas Group, in 2004. In 2017, Adidas sold CCM to a private equity firm, Birch Hill Equity Partners.
What brands are associated with hockey?
Some of the top brands associated with hockey include Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True Hockey, Sher-Wood, STX, Easton, Graf, Vaughn, Mylec, Winnwell, and Howies Hockey Tape.
What brands do NHL players wear?
NHL players wear a variety of brands depending on their personal preferences, sponsorship deals, and the specific equipment they require. Some popular brands among NHL players include Bauer, CCM, Warrior, and True Hockey.
Is CCM owned by Bauer?
No, CCM and Bauer are separate companies. Bauer is owned by Performance Sports Group, while CCM is owned by Birch Hill Equity Partners.
What are the most popular hockey brands?
Some of the most popular hockey brands include Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True Hockey, and Sher-Wood. These brands are well-known for their quality, innovation, and performance in the ice hockey equipment market.
Understanding the differences between skates is essential to making the right choice for your hockey needs. Explore our comprehensive guide on Hockey Skates vs. Figure Skates, and check out our review of the top hockey skate brands to find the perfect pair for you.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, I’ve explored some of the top hockey brands, including Bauer, CCM, Warrior, True Hockey, Sher-Wood, and STX, as well as other noteworthy brands like Easton, Graf, Vaughn, Mylec, Winnwell, and Howies Hockey Tape. Each brand offers unique features, technologies, and product lines catering to different skill levels, playing styles, and preferences.
Importance of finding the right equipment for performance and safety
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of choosing the right hockey equipment for both performance enhancement and player safety. High-quality gear not only helps me improve my game but also protects me from injuries during intense gameplay. It’s essential for me to invest time and effort in selecting the right brand and equipment that suits my needs and style.
As a fellow hockey player, I encourage you to explore various options and consider factors like skill level, budget, and personal preferences when selecting your hockey equipment. By trying out different brands, seeking advice from experts, and conducting thorough research, you’ll be better equipped to find the perfect fit for your hockey journey. So, take your time, test out the gear, and enjoy the process of discovering the best equipment for your game.
Transform Your Ice Hockey Journey: Gear, Skills, and Strategies!
Embark on a comprehensive ice hockey experience with our selection of guides. From choosing the right equipment to mastering advanced skills, basic rules, nutrition, Skating drills, and game tactics, our resources will help you develop into a well-rounded and formidable player.
- Types of Hockey Helmets: Find the Perfect Fit for You
- How to Buy a Hockey Helmet: Your Ultimate Guide
- Ice Hockey Tips: Uncover the Secrets to Outperforming Your Competition
- Ice Hockey Skills: Develop the Techniques to Excel in the Sport
- Ice Hockey Nutrition: Fuel Your Game with the Ideal Diet
- Body Checking in Hockey
- Icing in Hockey: Demystify the Rule and Its Impact on Strategy
- Off-Ice Training: Build Your Skills and Endurance Away from the Rink
- Ice Hockey Skating Drills
- Ice Hockey Rules
Embrace the challenge and become an unstoppable force on the ice! Keep an eye out for our regularly updated content, aimed at helping you transform into the ultimate ice hockey competitor.
My name is Shane and I am a semi-pro hockey player who enjoys playing hockey more than anything else.I test and rate hockey Gear so that you can find the best gear that helps you play better.
