Bauer launches new face protection to help players, coaches and fans return to hockey

EXETER, N.H. — Bauer Hockey announced on June 17 a new line of products to help enable the safe return of hockey. Learning from BAUER medical-grade face shields, the company will launch facial protection specifically designed for players, coaches, administrators, on-ice officials, parents and fans.

“This new BAUER lineup is inspired by that work and our commitment to One Team,” said Dan Bourgeois, VP of product innovation, in a prepared statement. “As communities begin to re-open, we will combine this experience with our hockey-specific expertise to provide protection for the hockey community and in people’s everyday lives.”

When the spread of COVID-19 increased in early March, Bauer Hockey halted sports equipment production at its facilities, including in Blainville, Que., and in Liverpool, NY, and pivoted to design, produce and deliver more than 2 million medical-grade face shields to help address a shortage impacting front line medical professionals.

Off-Ice Protection
The BAUER Integrated Cap Shield (patent pending) attaches to the brim of a baseball hat or can be worn separately. It is designed to provide protection that stretches from the forehead to chin, offering important eye, nose and mouth splash coverage. It includes adjustable straps to maximize comfort and fit. A built-in Anti-Fog treatment allows for usage throughout the day as a layer of separation from people in close proximity.

The Integrated Cap Shield complies with ANSI Standards for protection against splash and splatter, and for droplet resistance. It will be available at authorized BAUER retail locations in early August.

Related: Bauer’s journey from hockey skates to PPE

The BAUER Reversible Fabric Mask, which covers the nose and mouth, can be worn by itself or in combination with the BAUER Integrated Cap Shield or any other face shield. This is an effective and comfortable option to be worn around the rink or in communities where face coverings are recommended or required.

While the Reversible Fabric Mask and Integrated Cap Shield provide protection off the ice for coaches, fans, equipment managers, administrators and arena staff, these can also be used far beyond the hockey rink. These two products offer a protective solution for grocery shopping, or for organizations, such as restaurants, looking for employee safeguards.

On-Ice Protection

The BAUER Concept 3 Splash Guard works exclusively with the BAUER Concept 3 player face mask to provide additional splash protection while allowing the player to focus on their game. This new product is designed to enhance coverage around the mouth and maintain a high level of vision and breathability.

The Fabric Mask is machine washable and can be reused. The BAUER Integrated Cap Shield and Concept 3 Splash Guard can also be cleaned and disinfected for re-use.

“Bauer Hockey has a long history of developing innovative products that advance protection on the ice,” said Craig Desjardins, vice-president of Product, Bauer Hockey, in a prepared statement. “It was a natural pivot for our team to shift from protecting players to members of the medical community in a time of crisis, and now we’re looking to continue our mission of protection as communities re-open and sports return.”