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HIGH HOPES FOR HOCKEY
This year looks set to be another exciting one for hockey retailers and the game as a whole, Mercian’s UK sales manager Simon Mason told SGB UK.With England hosting the men's and women's European Nations Cups in the summer, the inaugural Great Britain Super League in April and May, and the possibility of a European Club competition similar to the football Champion's League, opportunities for spectators and enthusiasts to enjoy he game have never been greater he said. "This brings with it interest, increased participation and increased sales from new and renewed involvement."
Sponsorship agreement signed
2006 was another successful year for Slazenger hockey. As we move further into 2007 Slazenger maintains its dedication and commitment to offering market leading hockey equipment and sustaining its position as one of the leading hockey brands.
In addition to its great sales performance, the company is also keen to celebrate its sponsorship agreement with England Hockey, which sees Slazenger provide the playing and training kit of all the international squads. The brand will also be the title sponsor of the England Hockey National League and the shirt sponsor of our national teams.
The sponsorship of England Hockey by Slazenger demonstrates its commitment to move English hockey to the next level, by building on its rich heritage and strong relationships within the game from grass roots to international level. "Our intention is to push the sport forward and inspire this and future generations of hockey players," a spokesperson told us.
To celebrate this partnership with England Hockey, Slazenger has developed a Replica Range of products. Whether an inspired player or simply an avid spectator there are products to suit all tastes.
In addition to the Replica Range Slazenger's core equipment has been developed in conjunction with its top players. There are stunning contemporary designs across all products that enable players to achieve their own personal level of performance. "We move into 2007 with great excitement and in anticipation of another successful year," said Jill Atkins-Mackley, international product and marketing manger, Slazenger.
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A comprehensive collection
The new elegant and stylish Kookaburra Hockey Collection for 2007 has been designed for hockey players of all abilities. The three leading models in the L-Bow collection feature the L-Bow Extreme and the Kookaburra Skill Zone. The Skill Zone is defined by a concave face on the head of the stick that assists with ball control.
The 'Phoenix' is the brand's flagship L-Bow stick with "dazzling" looks and "awesome power" a spokesperson told SGB UK.
The 'Ultralite' meanwhile, is up to 40z lighter than traditional constructions allowing swift hand and stick speed.
The 'Stinger' completes the series and features the L-Bow Extreme shaft and the Kookaburra Skill Zone.
Also available with the conventional L-Bow shaft shape are: the 'Flame', in a vibrant red colour way and the 'Marine' in a striking blue green.
The M-Bow series has a more conveniently located bow in the mid point of the shaft.Within this range, the 'Dragon' not only features the Kookaburra Skill Zone but also a Precision Edge to assist with backhanded hitting.
The M-Bow 'Ultralite' includes the same two performance features to its already unique construction.
Also available with the conventional M-Bow shaft shape are: the 'Cuba', the Blizzard', the 'Pacific', the 'Flamingo', the 'Abyss', the 'Gecko' the 'Pink' and the 'Fever'.
The 2007 Collection of sticks is completed by a series of wooden sticks for lower level use, indoor sticks in both composite and wood and goal keeping sticks designed to increase save potential. All sticks blend hot graphics with great playing characteristics.
The 'Matrix' shoe from Kookaburra is high performance footwear designed for hockey players of all abilities. It offers comfort, and cushioning via a dual density mid-sole and a padded collar, heel and tongue. The outer sole provides impressive traction on a range of surfaces with its defined rubber lugs.
Kookaburra 'Team Wear' uses 'Stay-dri fabrics' in all areas of its clothing. Playing shirts in climate control fabrics are available in a number of stock colours.
Kookaburra luggage has been specifically designed for hockey players. The Phoenix is a stylish stick and kit bag - perfect for transporting all areas of its clothing and equipment pitch side. The functional and stylish Dragon, Rebel and Oxygen bags complete the luggage range.
Meanwhile, Kookaburra's comprehensive collection of Protective Products has been updated for the 2007 season. Its Shin Guards are ergonomically designed to enhance performance. The Phoenix Shin guard is an anatomically shaped covered PVC shield, which provides excellent protection and comfort whilst maintaining eye catching shelf appeal.
Coverage for the sport and the brand
With long term associations with England Hockey; as kit suppliers to the whole GB super League and with new product ranges across the board Mercian Hockey will be at every event with exciting products to tempt and cater for every type of player taking part in the game.
The 2007 ranges include product developments, such as new dual strap SKB's (Stick and Kit bags) in three bright colours whilst re-designed sticks with contrasting graphics in every model offer the consumer new choices within each of the successful price brackets that Mercian has always offered.
Goal keeping has been moved forward within the brand with four of the top six international keepers in the country wearing Mercian products, the company has lightweight 'gear' that offers the type of protection required at the highest level. This, combined with a design that allows the mobility and agility needed for optimal performance. At the other end of the spectrum, brand new mini-kits offer a solution for the first requirements of a young goal keeper. Suitable for the 6/7/8 year old age group the kit has been designed to offer the required protection for this level, but at a price that will better fit an entry level budget!
Finally, new stock lines of hockey clothing and a growing team-wear range offer garment solutions for every team on and off the pitch.
UK sales manager Simon Mason said: "The market is very exciting; the game offers so many options for players of both genders. Single gender matches, mixed hockey, social participation and performance all create an environment where virtually anyone can get involved. Player's demands are increasing and as a company we have to be innovative to match those demands.With a staff that is involved in hockey at every level we feel we have the knowledge to understand and match those demands with quality products suitable for any hockey player.
A big hit
Dita, one of Europe's top names in specialist hockey shoes will have several new models out this year, some of which will arrive throughout February and March as current models are sold out.
The new Turf Max 2 replaces the current Turf Max and will be 100 grams lighter (based on size 9). It incorporates the patented Asystec ME waterproof system which prevents water penetration. It is expected to be a big hit with Olympic players.
Dita has recently teamed up with one of China's most reputable textile producers to launch its extremely technical performance undergarments. Its Pro Thermo-Rite Omni-climate range, as advertised in SGB UK, will be available from March featuring a seamless body and Clariant moisture management system.
