Bauer Hockey Unveils Revolutionary RE-AKT Helmet

First Hockey Helmet in Industry Specifically Designed to Manage Rotational Forces Aims to Deliver Better Protection Against Multiple Types of Hockey Hits

OTTAWA, Jan. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - Bauer Hockey, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of ice hockey equipment, today officially unveiled the BAUER RE-AKT helmet, the first hockey helmet designed to specifically manage the multiple type of hits in the game, including rotational-force impacts, which have been scientifically proven to cause significant head injuries.

The BAUER RE-AKT helmet features the SUSPEND-TECH liner, a unique patent-pending rotational impact protection system to protect the head from excessive rotational acceleration when the helmet is impacted.  The SUSPEND-TECH liner is constructed of PORON® XRD™ Extreme Impact Protection, a super-light pliable material with the ability to dissipate extreme force on impact. The free-floating stretchable liner moves independently from the rest of the helmet, thereby better managing rotational forces.

Although the majority of today's hockey helmets - as well as the safety standards that measure them - are designed to address linear impacts, there is significant evidence that points to rotational force as a key contributor to head injuries. Dr. Mark Lovell, the retired founding director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Sports Medicine Concussion Program and internationally recognized concussion expert who co-founded the ImPACT cognitive test used by all National Hockey League teams, believes more needs to be done to address rotational impacts.

"We've learned a tremendous amount over the past five years about biomechanics of injury and how head injuries occur and one of the things that have really stood out is the importance of the rotation of the head," Lovell said. "Hockey is a game of constant motion and seldom are impacts given or received in a static state. Most impacts occur when a player is in motion, either trying to make a hit, or avoid one. There are several scientific studies that have shown a significant correlation between rotational force impacts and head injuries, and it is important to look at solutions to help protect players from these impacts."

More than two years in development, the BAUER RE-AKT helmet also features PORON® XRD™ pads placed strategically in areas of the helmet where players need it most. In addition to the SUSPEND-TECH liner and the use of PORON® XRD™ technology, which is exclusive to BAUER in hockey, the BAUER RE-AKT helmet features BAUER's proprietary Vertex foam, a light-weight multi-impact foam with increased impact management properties compared to traditional EPP foams found in other hockey helmets. Unlike other helmets in the market designed to manage only high-energy impacts, the BAUER RE-AKT helmet is designed to manage the multiple types of hits in hockey - including low-energy impacts, high-energy impacts and rotational impacts.

"A hockey helmet needs to protect players from the different types of hits that happen throughout the course of a game and as the leader in the industry with more than 84-years of experience in developing hockey equipment, it is our responsibility to elevate the protection of today's hockey helmet," said Kevin Davis, Chief Executive Officer and President, Bauer Performance Sports. "Throughout the development process our team utilized the latest research in the field of medicine and biomechanics and we believe the BAUER RE-AKT helmet offers a level of protection unlike any other hockey helmet in the industry."

Nearly 44% of all NHL players currently wear BAUER helmets, including Claude Giroux of the Philadelphia Flyers, who was one of the first players to wear the BAUER RE-AKT helmet leading up to this weekend's All-Star Game. Giroux expects several players to quickly switch into the newest offering by BAUER.

"The helmet is very comfortable, fits well and by looking inside of it, you can tell there's technology in the RE-AKT helmet that isn't in other helmets," said Giroux, who was sidelined with a concussion earlier in the year and missed four games. "Head injuries are a serious aspect of our sport right now and as a player, you want to be protected as much as possible. No helmet is going to completely prevent concussions, but helmets like this one are providing an added level of protection which is important in today's game."

In addition to Giroux, other athletes are expected to debut the helmet during Sunday's All-Star Game including current goal-scoring leader Steven Stamkos. Additional players throughout the NHL will begin wearing the BAUER RE-AKT helmet following the All-Star weekend.

The helmet will be available for purchase at retail locations worldwide in May. 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 publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BAU).

ABOUT BAUER PERFORMANCE SPORTS LTD.

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

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Image with caption: "The new Bauer RE-AKT helmet will be available for purchase at retail locations worldwide in May. (CNW Group/BAUER HOCKEY, INC.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120127_C7185_PHOTO_EN_9322.jpg

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