Hockey in June seems odd, but it’s showcase time for the NHL. The Stanley Cup playoffs ended too early for fans of the Kings and Ducks, but showing team pride while on the course or out on the town is easy and cool with NHL-licensed apparel, accessories and golf-related gadgets.
Clothing manufacturer Antigua has an NHL license that provides golfers with polo shirts and pullovers in official team colors and adorned with team logos. In addition, Bridgestone manufactures balls and caps with NHL team logos, and other companies let golfers show support for their favorite teams with head covers, towels, divot repair tools and golf bags, among other items.
One of the more popular garments, though, is a classic wool and leather varsity-style jacket that provides wearers with a high-end custom piece for many years of use.
“It’s a beautiful and timeless design that hockey fans have worn for years and years,” said Omer Haddad, who oversees product development and sales management for Los Angeles-based JH Design Group. “We only source the finest materials, including Italian leather, the highest quality of wool and all team logos are handcrafted. Besides the look, quality and durability, it’s a collector’s item. Out at social events it is a topic of conversation as it draws attention. We offer vintage versions of team logos, as well, including special editions tied to a sport’s championship event like the World Series and the Stanley Cup.”
A fairly new piece of golf gadgetry comes from Caddy Pro Golf Products in Edmonton, Alberta. The Hockey Stick Brush is not only an effective way to clean your clubs but it’s a cool way to show team pride as it hangs from your bag.
“We’re selling something that’s unique in design,” said Caddy Pro CEO John Veres, who also touts the product as an effective way to brush dirt and grass from your golf shoes.
Hockey’s popularity in Canada likely will never be matched on this side of the border, but there remain fans in the U.S. that are avid about the sport whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall. And when it comes to the Southland, support for hockey goes far beyond cheering for the squads in L.A. and Anaheim.
“Besides having passionate fans supporting the two local teams, our business reveals that Southern California is filled with transplants who remain dedicated to their hometown team,” Haddad said. “For example, the Blackhawks, Rangers and Red Wings are big sellers out here as are those diehards relocated from Vancouver and Calgary.”
