MANCHESTER, UK – My first hockey stick was purchased back in the late 60’s. You know, the dark ages. Long before composite construction, flex numbers, or two-piece sticks. Way back when they were made from wood and were perfect for making sure your opponent knew you were right there. With a deft flick of the blade on the hip, you were noticed.
The first stick was flat. But then Bobby Hull became the rage with his banana curve and we were all at the shop looking for the next best thing.
From that perspective, not much has changed. We are still looking for the next best thing before we take the ice in our local rec league or beer league.
Pro Hockey News had an opportunity to sit down with Peter Hagan in Manchester.
Hagan has seen where equipment costs have hampered the rec and beer league player in keeping up with new purchases.
“My idea is about a fully customized stick,” Hagan said recently. “Not just blade curve, flex but artwork, giving a pro feel to those who are not quite pro level, and at a price point that won’t require a pro’s salary to own one.”
Hagan’s stick design concept is driven by the desire to improve initial participation in the sport and retention of players by reducing the costs for sticks. The objective is also to expand into apparel and other hockey equipment in the future.
“The one thing I have found, especially in the UK, is the price of equipment is astronomical, and I have bought my equipment when working or visiting North America, as it can save me up to 40-50% on the price here in the UK,” Hagan said.
After researching potential partners for construction of the sticks, Hagan wants to ensure that that what he offers is up to standard and attractive to the typical rec/beer league player.
“I want to be sure that as a customer I would be happy to buy my stick,” Hagan said. “I am looking to purchase a number of samples to show to prospective customers.”
Hagan’s target audience for his stick is any hockey player.
“Anyone who plays hockey. I am trying to serve the recreational/beer league player more, if I’m honest, as a player at that level, despite my delusions of grandeur, it’s the cost of equipment that is a major problem,” Hagan cited. “It would be terrific to work with pro players and I’m in the position that through my association with my local pro team I am in contact with players and club representatives from various leagues. They tend to get equipment provided by teams.”
For Hagan, the recreational player has to worry where the equipment comes from, how much it costs, how long it will last. With cost of ice time, league registration, travel, and equipment, every penny counts.
“This has been my experience, and the main reason I decided to look into this and try to start this company up,” Hagan said.
Hagan’s design effort permits rec teams or even individuals to get a custom design on their sticks, giving them the feeling of a pro.
“Team design on the sticks…no problem,” Hagan explained.
“Team and individualized graphics can be set on the stick,” Hagan said. “We can do that for the customer. It is something unique and we think may interest pro teams as well.”
Hagan has not yet set a price point for his sticks.
“Costs of materials can rise between know and actual launching of the business full time,” Hagan explained. “At the moment, a top end Bauer APX/Totalone stick would cost approximately £190+, based on average of several store prices.”
Hagan’s equivalent stick is estimated to cost about £150.
“So that’s a big saving,” Hagan explained. “Especially for a recreational player. Certainly not every player is going to get a top end stick, but even base models I’m aiming to be about £20 or so cheaper, that’s the equivalent of two weeks training subs for a rec player.”
“My sticks are as good as the major brands,” Hagan explained. “The only difference is they won’t have a major brand logo on them.”
And the rec or beer league player should appreciate the lower cost regardless of what side of the Atlantic they play.
Pro Hockey News will report on Peter Hagan’s progress and let our readers know when production starts and retail availability. Peter Hagan can be contacted at pete@hgnhockey.co.uk and the website www.hgnhockey.co.uk
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com
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