BC Switching to Under Armour

[mwerth 5]

http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/colleg...bc_sports_deal/

Saw this earlier today - anyone know what impact this will have on the hockey program? Under Armour jerseys maybe?

[hyprlte 0]

since underarmour doesnt make equpiment yet, i wonder what the players will use. My guess, if anything, they would use an Under Armour jersey and keep their other equipment. Maybe BC hockey team has a seperate equipment deal??

[english15x 3]

i would think only jerseys and apparel, i dont see under armor jumping into equipment like football i.e. shoes and gloves.

[hyprlte 0]

My friend's son is an under armour model (for childrens gear) , and they said they were looking into developing hockey gear sooner than later. I wouldn't be surprised

[iceholes 0]

A company can do what ever it takes to have jerseys, and equipment ready... Nike, Warrior, RBK, are good examples of all companyies that had none, one or the other for Hockey... now look. A foot in the door is where it starts. I think its good for the game!

[DarkStar50 679]

UA has become the McDonalds of sporting goods, pimping their gear on every available street corner. I have already seen the end game in this scenario.

[number21 3]

since underarmour doesnt make equpiment yet, i wonder what the players will use. My guess, if anything, they would use an Under Armour jersey and keep their other equipment. Maybe BC hockey team has a seperate equipment deal??

From what I understand (from discussions here) gear and uniforms can be separate contracts.

[greech 4]

I believe Notre Dame and Bucky use Adidas jerseys and I know UW is a Bauer school, so I think they are allowed to have separate contracts. No idea what BC will do, but I'd love to see BC go back to Bauer, I just think it was a cleaner look for them (4500's, 4-Rolls, etc.).

[Chadd 916]

i would think only jerseys and apparel, i dont see under armor jumping into equipment like football i.e. shoes and gloves.

They've already put out hockey visors. They're terrible and expensive but they have the UA logo on them so some people bought them. It would be one thing if they actually brought something to the table in terms of new technology or new focus, but they're just a marketing company that happens to produce product.

[bostonbruins 0]

I believe Notre Dame and Bucky use Adidas jerseys and I know UW is a Bauer school, so I think they are allowed to have separate contracts. No idea what BC will do, but I'd love to see BC go back to Bauer, I just think it was a cleaner look for them (4500's, 4-Rolls, etc.).

As a BC fan I would also like them to go back to Bauer. I like the look of the 4500 with a cage (like BU) and would like to see a BC colored 4-roll. It seems no one in college hockey follows a equipment contract strictly as they let them wear whatever they want besides gloves and helmets. Like BC for example, all of the kids wear Reebok helmets and gloves but almost all of them wear Bauer skates with a few Grafs in there and they mostly use Easton and Bauer sticks but it seems like they could use what they want.

[cptjeff 0]

Clarkson is much more strict with their bauer contract. All but one player use bauer skates (the one guy uses Eastons- Think he's using a stealth right now), and everyone uses buaer sticks, helmets, and gloves. Every player uses 4 rolls, and helmets vary in model.

[Master P 0]

The college in my town has a deal with UA. Basically all the merchandise is branded by UA. The college gets a ton of money by putting an UA logo on everything they sell. Shouldn't really affect the equipment.

[DCott 0]

There will likely be UA logos on the jerseys and socks, but the uni's will be made by some other company. As mentioned, some schools have Adidas contracts, and Adidas doesn't make hockey gear.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/232709...2fd7a19.jpg?v=0

[VakarLajos 5]

There will likely be UA logos on the jerseys and socks, but the uni's will be made by some other company. As mentioned, some schools have Adidas contracts, and Adidas doesn't make hockey gear.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/232709...2fd7a19.jpg?v=0

i'm thinking the same thing. Maybe on shells too?

Until they start making real equipment, this isn't really a big deal IMO.

[Steve_v3 289]

Clarkson is much more strict with their bauer contract. All but one player use bauer skates (the one guy uses Eastons- Think he's using a stealth right now), and everyone uses buaer sticks, helmets, and gloves. Every player uses 4 rolls, and helmets vary in model.

Holy Cross is the same. Everyone wears Bauer Vapor gloves, Bauer skates, Bauer helmets, and sticks. I think 1 player wears graf skates.

[greech 4]

OT, but speaking of the Cross- what a beautiful uniform they have.

edit- my link is broken.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Here's an idea for UA. Instead of getting into hockey gear and making overpriced, sub par stuff. Would it be out of the question for them to partner with an existing company. Take existing gear and make a UA addition. Shoulders, shins, elbows...whatever with an UA branded wicking liner.

So, your line becomes (using Reebok as an example)

5k (low end)

7k

9k

10k

11k (high end)

11k/UA (high end with the extra liner)

Maybe you offer it on the 9's and up...I dunno....I don't do this for a living...I make radio commercials.

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

side note...do they make "Protect This Rink" shirts...I'd wear one of those....

Baaaaa!

[Wolfpack_1986 154]

There will likely be UA logos on the jerseys and socks, but the uni's will be made by some other company. As mentioned, some schools have Adidas contracts, and Adidas doesn't make hockey gear.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2098/232709...2fd7a19.jpg?v=0

not entirely true.... adidas does own reebok

[Chadd 916]

Here's an idea for UA. Instead of getting into hockey gear and making overpriced, sub par stuff. Would it be out of the question for them to partner with an existing company. Take existing gear and make a UA addition. Shoulders, shins, elbows...whatever with an UA branded wicking liner.

So, your line becomes (using Reebok as an example)

5k (low end)

7k

9k

10k

11k (high end)

11k/UA (high end with the extra liner)

Maybe you offer it on the 9's and up...I dunno....I don't do this for a living...I make radio commercials.

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

side note...do they make "Protect This Rink" shirts...I'd wear one of those....

Baaaaa!

It wouldn't make sense for RBK to partner with UA. RBK would lose market share and help build the brand/reputation of a competitor, while making less money than selling their own brand. As for UA, the people that will buy their stuff would be just as happy with pimped up stuff from a generic asian factory line. If they get anyone with half a clue, they could have a decent line from day one and reap all the profits and not have to share a dime with an established brand. It is very cheap to get into the hockey equipment business today and they can be assured of moving a bunch of product on name recognition alone, regardless of quality.

[mik3 1]

I like warrior stuff but a UA/Warrior partnership just seems like something I assume would have happened already.

[JoeyJ0506 192]

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

Actually, something I'm seeing in the base-layer/moisture wicking market, at least in my area, is a shift away from everyone wearing UA. I was a strictly UA user in high school because everyone else's similar product felt like a cheap knock-off. But, lately I've stopped buying UA because other companies have come out with more comfortable versions. The Nike Pro-fit line is my specific example. The stuff is very soft and just feels better against the skin than UA's almost plastic-like feel.

As for what is going to happen with UA Hockey... I have no idea, I'd like to hear more for DarkStar about it...

[RadioGaGa 162]

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

Actually, something I'm seeing in the base-layer/moisture wicking market, at least in my area, is a shift away from everyone wearing UA. I was a strictly UA user in high school because everyone else's similar product felt like a cheap knock-off. But, lately I've stopped buying UA because other companies have come out with more comfortable versions. The Nike Pro-fit line is my specific example. The stuff is very soft and just feels better against the skin than UA's almost plastic-like feel.

As for what is going to happen with UA Hockey... I have no idea, I'd like to hear more for DarkStar about it...

Funny you mention Nike Pro-Fit. I have 2 of those shirts...and I prefer the feel of UA. I find the Nike feel stiff/plactic-y.

Chadd...I only used Reebok because I could easily recall their "k" naming sequence, sorta. *L*

[Chadd 916]

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

Actually, something I'm seeing in the base-layer/moisture wicking market, at least in my area, is a shift away from everyone wearing UA. I was a strictly UA user in high school because everyone else's similar product felt like a cheap knock-off. But, lately I've stopped buying UA because other companies have come out with more comfortable versions. The Nike Pro-fit line is my specific example. The stuff is very soft and just feels better against the skin than UA's almost plastic-like feel.

As for what is going to happen with UA Hockey... I have no idea, I'd like to hear more for DarkStar about it...

Funny you mention Nike Pro-Fit. I have 2 of those shirts...and I prefer the feel of UA. I find the Nike feel stiff/plactic-y.

Chadd...I only used Reebok because I could easily recall their "k" naming sequence, sorta. *L*

I understand that, but the reasoning still follows for any other brand. UA would be better served to hire their own designer and directly contract one of the asian factories.

[DarkStar50 679]

Here's an idea for UA. Instead of getting into hockey gear and making overpriced, sub par stuff. Would it be out of the question for them to partner with an existing company. Take existing gear and make a UA addition. Shoulders, shins, elbows...whatever with an UA branded wicking liner.

So, your line becomes (using Reebok as an example)

5k (low end)

7k

9k

10k

11k (high end)

11k/UA (high end with the extra liner)

Maybe you offer it on the 9's and up...I dunno....I don't do this for a living...I make radio commercials.

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

side note...do they make "Protect This Rink" shirts...I'd wear one of those....

Baaaaa!

It wouldn't make sense for RBK to partner with UA. RBK would lose market share and help build the brand/reputation of a competitor, while making less money than selling their own brand. As for UA, the people that will buy their stuff would be just as happy with pimped up stuff from a generic asian factory line. If they get anyone with half a clue, they could have a decent line from day one and reap all the profits and not have to share a dime with an established brand. It is very cheap to get into the hockey equipment business today and they can be assured of moving a bunch of product on name recognition alone, regardless of quality.

Not! The guys at TPS would not agree with that assessment. The guys at Shock Doctor did a one and done with their stab at hockey equipment. The guys at Warrior are trying but the crossover from success in lacrosse with fewer brands to battle in lacrosse as compared to battling Bauer's brand AND product is not as easy as they or anyone may think. Getting in the game of hockey equipment is silly if your goal is to fight for market share with RBK or Easton because what percent of the market are you actually chasing? Not much, I'm afraid. Therefore, if you want to battle Bauer, your fiscal resources, your management team, your RD & D, and so much more are already 3 to 5 years behind in competing with Bauer. There is so much to do if you want to get in the business end as a vendor that it is staggering. Ok, Warrior jumped in through the back door by buying Innovative and MIA. Smart move for instant exposure and product recognition. Warrior, as I said, is trying to compete now on the protective level. They have many more miles to go in their drive. What can UA do to get close to Warrior's business model to compete? Who can they grab to get anything that gets them in the front door, not the back door? Is a UA logo really going to turn some kid on to buy a practice jersey, Edge style socks, or apparel? Is a UA logo going to matter to a shop equipment buyer when he knows which brands already have sell through and turn his inventory? This is a business, not a playground.

[Chadd 916]

Here's an idea for UA. Instead of getting into hockey gear and making overpriced, sub par stuff. Would it be out of the question for them to partner with an existing company. Take existing gear and make a UA addition. Shoulders, shins, elbows...whatever with an UA branded wicking liner.

So, your line becomes (using Reebok as an example)

5k (low end)

7k

9k

10k

11k (high end)

11k/UA (high end with the extra liner)

Maybe you offer it on the 9's and up...I dunno....I don't do this for a living...I make radio commercials.

I know a lot of companies offer their own base layer/wicking shirts, etc...but UA has become the name in that sector (correct me if I'm wrong). The 'UA' on the gear would almost certainly equal additonal sales to the sheeple who "just have ot have it" because they want to 'Protect This House/Rink'

side note...do they make "Protect This Rink" shirts...I'd wear one of those....

Baaaaa!

It wouldn't make sense for RBK to partner with UA. RBK would lose market share and help build the brand/reputation of a competitor, while making less money than selling their own brand. As for UA, the people that will buy their stuff would be just as happy with pimped up stuff from a generic asian factory line. If they get anyone with half a clue, they could have a decent line from day one and reap all the profits and not have to share a dime with an established brand. It is very cheap to get into the hockey equipment business today and they can be assured of moving a bunch of product on name recognition alone, regardless of quality.

Not! The guys at TPS would not agree with that assessment. The guys at Shock Doctor did a one and done with their stab at hockey equipment. The guys at Warrior are trying but the crossover from success in lacrosse with fewer brands to battle in lacrosse as compared to battling Bauer's brand AND product is not as easy as they or anyone may think. Getting in the game of hockey equipment is silly if your goal is to fight for market share with RBK or Easton because what percent of the market are you actually chasing? Not much, I'm afraid. Therefore, if you want to battle Bauer, your fiscal resources, your management team, your RD & D, and so much more are already 3 to 5 years behind in competing with Bauer. There is so much to do if you want to get in the business end as a vendor that it is staggering. Ok, Warrior jumped in through the back door by buying Innovative and MIA. Smart move for instant exposure and product recognition. Warrior, as I said, is trying to compete now on the protective level. They have many more miles to go in their drive. What can UA do to get close to Warrior's business model to compete? Who can they grab to get anything that gets them in the front door, not the back door? Is a UA logo really going to turn some kid on to buy a practice jersey, Edge style socks, or apparel? Is a UA logo going to matter to a shop equipment buyer when he knows which brands already have sell through and turn his inventory? This is a business, not a playground.

It is cheap for a startup to order up gear from a factory in asia, there is very little up front cost compared to a lot of other industries. I know what some factories charge and what some products cost. The key is not having absurd expectations and being able to sell the product that you buy. A small company can support themselves and still not be on the radar of a lot of people.

That's a far cry from being the biggest brands in the business, but it's not prohibitively expensive to set up shop as a new brand in hockey. The biggest cost is in jumping from the lowest level to the top levels. You need to have good product and good marketing to do that. UA has excellent marketing, brand awareness and brand positioning. It is the one company I can think of that would sell product from day one should they choose to enter the market tomorrow based solely on their name. Obviously things like product quality, margins, etc... would all be factors in their sales over time, but the name would get them in the door and get people to try the gear.