Big changes?

[mik3 1]

Well, since they bought inno there should probably be warrior/inno branded sticks popping up when the league starts up again whether if be ahl or nhl. Though you're probably about right with equipment, unless they throw an initial run together.

[Chadd 916]

I dont see how this is a bad thing.  the more companies the more selection for us, and like jr said, inno needs better distribution

Yes true, I guess it means more selection and competition which in turn means lower prices. Hopfully Innovative will still keep their name on their product.

What does the name matter? The quality of the gear is what's important, not the name.

[Megamandan 0]

Maybe it will be like Bauer/Nike. Warrior will make their equipment and slap their name on it, and keep Inno for their sticks (same sticks different name or same name). If that is done Inno will be more distributed and Warrior will have their own products. Who knows maybe we'll all love their products, you never know untill you've tried them.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

No, I doubt that it'll just be just a rebranded Inno. The guy they got from Easton helped designed the SyNergy. I mean, really.

[Megamandan 0]

The guy they got from Easton helped designed the SyNergy.

Now that is something that will turn this whole thing around and maybe change veiws of people thinking bad of the product before they try em'.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

You've got some big names jumping ship to them...

If it's the case, does Innovative will keep his name or it will change for warrior?

EDITED - I really wish Inno will not be bought because I think their sticks will never be the same.

[prenny207 1]

i just can't figure why anyone wants to get into the hockey industry. with a little research, and i mean "A LITTLE", any perspective buyers, manufacturers, sellers would find out that this industry is SCREWED UP and not a good one to get into!

maybe its just my opinion, but im one of the guys trying to make a living in this industry, and right now, it aint pretty.

[KnightII 0]

Consolidate and Diversify...is how I would explain this maneuvering. Several well regarded companies in similar markets consolidating their efforts to cover a larger customer base. They could be a big player...soon to be one the new BIG 5...Bauer/Nike, Reebok/CCM, Louisville TPS, Easton, Warrior/NB (or whatever name they use). More competition is good.

I don't think this acquisition/merger will be all bad...unless they do as someone suggested and move mfging to China. I would love for Inno to become more available...even if it has a different name like Warrior or whatever as long as the quality does not slip. Please don't mess up Inno. We'll probably see something like the Warrior Novius or Warrior 1100 or Warrior TrueOne product lines I'm guessing.

I only question, what happens to the contracts that Inno has for mfging for some of the other brands like Bauer? Bauer's got some work to do. They'll have to design and mfg themselves or recontract with someone like Harrow.

Anyway good scoop JR...keep us to date with any 411 you come across.

[prenny207 1]

They could be a big player...soon to be one the new BIG 5...Bauer/Nike, Reebok/CCM, Louisville TPS, Easton, Warrior/NB (or whatever name they use). More competition is good.

first off... the big 5. you might want to do some research to find that TPS is not a big player!. more competition is good... maybe in some markets, but not in a market that is overrun with closeouts, and too much new product introduced to the market each year.

with regards to china... im pretty sure that some of warriors protective is made in china, so get ready for their hockey gear to be made there.

on the stick end of things, warrior wanted to purchase somebody that had manufacturing capabilities... inno is that option... we'll see how good this works out in the long run for the industry!

[KnightII 0]

first off... the big 5.  you might want to do some research to find that TPS is not a big player!. 

They offer everthing but skates and Helmets and have a decent share of sticks being used in the NHL...but whatever...potato/potatoe.

Big 6 if you add Mission.

with regards to china... im pretty sure that some of warriors protective is made in china, so get ready for their hockey gear to be made there.  

This would be bad...so would the introduction of corporate red tape that would prevent Inno from doing what it does to be so good.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

I love these opinions...

Prenny's right. TPS isn't a major player.

It ain't like Inno's some grass-roots company...

[Megamandan 0]

IMO and I'm sure of many others, it's just a worry of Warrior not keeping up the durability and performance of Inno products, and nothing against china but if they are manufactured there we are pretty much screwed.

[Chadd 916]

Big three is more like it.

BNH, RBK, Easton. Everyone else is a step or two below, though Mission-Itech has the potential to make it the big four. It's up to them if they want to be that or not.

[freq019 0]

I thought NB had the reputation in the running world as being a Made in the USA company, how will sending a subsidiaries work to china be viewed by the core customers of NB?

[mack 44]

Like a lot of people they won't care.

[freq019 0]

Like a lot of people they won't care.

That's probably true but when a large portion of customers from your most profitable company boycott its never a pretty sight.

[KnightII 0]

Big three is more like it.

BNH, RBK, Easton. Everyone else is a step or two below, though Mission-Itech has the potential to make it the big four. It's up to them if they want to be that or not.

Sure fine...I'll buy that. Warrior wont break the top 3 anytime soon, but could give Mission/Itech a running for the 4th slot. This is probably where the strongest competition could be.

To me it appears that if this Warrior thing happens as we're all surmising it will, then of these 5: BHN, RBK, Easton, Mission/Itech, Warrior...you can equip yourself head to toe in only one brand with the exception of Easton...until they get their own helmet.

That would truly drop TPS out of the running from that angle. However, Louisville is not a "Me Too", "Also ran", or "One Trick Pony" company like the many others in the market place. They're a pretty decent sized company, however most of their efforts or claim to fame is in baseball.

[JR Boucicaut 3805]

TPS's hockey division is smaller than you think...

Mission is not there yet either.

NB doesn't make everything in the US. They outsource shoes to China just like everyone else.

[Scores 0]

Very interesting thread...

Chadd - brand name means everything to the average consumer...check out what is in your fridge, closet and car...

Who are the guys that left Easton?

Where is Warrior located?

So many questions...not enough time

[Chadd 916]

To grant any organization "major player" status before they do anything is a bit premature. The fact they have recruited top level talent is a good sign for them but it remains to be seen what they do and who they want to be in the industry.

[KnightII 0]

To grant any organization "major player" status before they do anything is a bit premature. The fact they have recruited top level talent is a good sign for them but it remains to be seen what they do and who they want to be in the industry.

All very true...

I don't think anyone's granted them "Major Player" status yet, but the potential is there...as is the potential to totally louse up a damn fine mfg'r in Innovative.

[Dan_The_Man_16 0]

warrior makes a quality lacrosse product id like to think they will take their time and use the knowledge from the easton people and innovative, the best sticks in the world in my opinion, to make some solid hockey gear. id like to see no change made to the stick line, maybe adding models but not taking any away or cutting corners on quality. i also hope if they change the graphics and such on the 1100s that there will be a drastic price drop in the "older inno" models

Amen to that, I agree completely with your post man. I personally can't wait for Warrior hockey stuff to come out.

[warrior37 0]

ive been to the warrior headquarters here in detroit thatd be sweet if thats where the hockey HQ will be located too, i dont see why not and thanks dan

[prenny207 1]

the question is not whether the product will be of quality... im sure it will be just fine. the question is: does the hockey industry need another manufacturer???

those that are actually in the hockey biz... i would like to hear your comments!

[Human Zamboni 0]

Seems like they are going about it the right way regardless of the company, by getting hockey guys on board to design product.