Bauer Hockey Launches VAPOR APX Composite Stick

Bauer Hockey, Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of ice hockey equipment today officially launched the VAPOR APX stick, the company’s latest elite-level composite stick at retail locations across the world.

The latest in a long line of innovative and technically advanced sticks from Bauer Hockey, the VAPOR APX features numerous enhancements over previous models, including a patented dual density blade core combined with Bauer’s revolutionary eLASTech technology.

Beginning today, many of the game’s elite players will be using the VAPOR APX stick as the puck drops on the 2011-12 NHL season. Superstars Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Nic Backstrom, Jeff Skinner and Claude Giroux are just a few of the NHL’s best that will take to the ice in the latest Bauer stick offering.

"Using feedback from elite players around the globe, our team created a blade core that offers the soft feel of the Power Core 3 blade found in our very popular SUPREME TOTALONE stick with the lightweight performance of the Aero Foam II Core blade previously featured in our top end VAPOR sticks,” said Evan Baker, Category Line Manager, Bauer Hockey. "The result is a dual density blade core so revolutionary it was awarded a patent by both the U.S. and Canadian governments.”

The dual density blade not only provides unmatched feel for the puck on pass reception and during stick handling, it also increases accuracy and overall blade balance as a result of its extreme light weight and overall strength-to-weight ratio. Additional features of the VAPOR APX stick include:

• eLASTech Technology – A proprietary resin system that enhances overall feel and durability while extending the life of the stick’s ‘pop,’ ensuring the stick feels new for a longer period of time.
• Intelli-Sense Shot Technology – As a result of advanced engineering, the VAPOR APX has been designed with a dual kick flex profile to maximize performance on quick wrist shots as well as powerful slap shots and one-timers.
• Monocomp Technology – This single molding process found in all of Bauer’s elite-level sticks ensures product and performance consistency. By removing excess material often created by traditional manufacturing processes, the balance of the stick is improved and the overall weight is reduced.
• Micro Feel II Shaft – Rounded corners and double concave shaft walls allow the shaft to fit comfortably in a player’s hands. The result is easier puck handling and superior control.
• VAPOR Premium Dual Taper – The combination of the Micro-Feel II shaft with a secondary taper along the top and bottom surfaces results in decreased torsional deflection for increased puck control and accuracy.

The VAPOR APX stick is currently available in both grip and non-grip models at retail locations throughout the world. For more information, visit www.bauer.com

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 publically traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU).

ABOUT BAUER PERFORMANCE SPORTS

Bauer Performance Sports Ltd. (TSX: BAU) is a leading developer and manufacturer of ice hockey, roller hockey, and lacrosse equipment as well as related apparel. The company has the most recognized and strongest brand in the ice hockey equipment industry, and holds the top market share position in both ice and roller hockey. Its products are marketed under the Bauer Hockey, Mission Roller Hockey and Maverik Lacrosse brand names and are distributed by sales representatives and independent distributors throughout the world. Bauer Performance Sports is focused on building its leadership position and growing market share in all product categories through continued innovation at every level. For more information, visit www.bauerperformancesports.com