Calder Winner Auston Matthews, Finalists Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski, Dazzled as Rookies in Bauer Gear

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Jun 22, 2017, 08:19 ET

EXETER, N.H., June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Auston Matthews, the 2017 Calder Trophy winner, performed his goal-scoring magic as the NHL's rookie of the year using a Bauer Nexus 1N stick.

And the Toronto Maple Leafs center, who entered into an exclusive partnership with Bauer last year, got to the net in the brand's lightweight Vapor 1X skates. A new generation of the Vapor 1X models arrives at retailers in late July.

Calder Winner Auston Matthews, Finalists Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski, Dazzled as Rookies in Bauer Gear

Matthews and fellow Calder finalists — Winnipeg's Patrik Laine and Columbus' Zach Werenski —are official partners of Bauer, the world's leading manufacturer of hockey equipment. The three 19-year-olds were outfitted with Bauer gear from head-to-toe as they made immediate impacts in the NHL during the 2016-17 season.

"Auston, Patrik and Zach are extremely talented, dynamic young players who stepped right into the NHL as elite professionals," said Mary-Kay Messier, Vice President of Marketing, Bauer Hockey. "As rookies, they all dazzled hockey fans and, more importantly, helped their teams improve with leadership-caliber performances and contributions."

And Bauer's team of the NHL's top young stars is growing. The brand will announce the signing of more top prospects on Thursday before the NHL Draft in Chicago.

Bauer athletes include hockey's most-complete and most-inspiring players who help grow excitement and participation in the sport. As part of this strategy, the brand seeks partnerships with up-and-coming NHL stars who become outstanding role models for younger, aspiring hockey players at all levels around the world.

"Our Elite Athlete Services team, led by Jim Geary, has done a great job of building relationships with world class athletes and showing how Bauer can help them take their games to even higher levels," Messier added. "Players like Auston, Patrik and Zach show their excitement and passion for hockey every time they get on the ice. They represent the young, dynamic players making an impact on fans and the game."

Matthews, from Scottsdale, Arizona, signed on with Bauer last June. During 2016-17, the center used Bauer equipment head-to-toe including the Vapor 1X skate that boosts speed and agility, and Nexus 1N stick that gives shooters pinpoint accuracy.

Matthews scored 40 goals and had 69 points to set Toronto franchise rookie records and help lead the Maple Leafs back to the playoffs. The top pick in the 2016 draft was the standout first-year player on a young Toronto team that had another Calder candidate and Bauer athlete in William Nylander.

Laine had 36 goals and 28 assists, and helped the Jets improve to 87 points. The 6-foot-4 right winger from Finland was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2016 draft.

Laine signed as a Bauer athlete in December and, like Matthews, wears Vapor 1X skates. Known for his quick shot and incredible release, Laine worked with the Bauer team to determine the Bauer Vapor 1X stick was the best model for his style of play. The Vapor 1X is Bauer's lightest stick ever, and has improved Quick Release Taper Technology for a faster release and increased shot loading.

Werenski, the eighth overall selection in the 2015 draft, led all rookie defensemen with 47 points on 11 goals and 36 assists. He played nearly 21 minutes per game and was a plus-17 as the Blue Jackets surged to a team-record 108 points and made the playoffs for the third time in franchise history.

Werenski, from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, wears Vapor 1X skates and uses a Nexus 1N stick.

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 Hockey developed the first skate with a blade attached to a boot, forever changing the game of hockey. Since then, Bauer Hockey has continued to develop the most sought after products in the industry, including the widely successful SUPREME®, VAPOR® and NEXUS® lines of products.

Contacts:

Ryan Libby
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603-430-2111 x5868

Matt Carlson
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Mobile: 847-922-5683

SOURCE Bauer Hockey