Hockey stick manufacturers Bauer and CCM hit hard by coronavirus

With the coronavirus epidemic shutting down manufacturing plants all across China, it’s no surprise that the hockey world here in North America is beginning to feel its effect.

Last month, the two largest hockey equipment manufacturers in the world, Bauer and CCM, were forced to (temporarily) close their plants as a result of the epidemic. NHL players are and were concerned about their supply chain.

“We’ll see how long it lasts,” Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel said. “Hopefully not too long. Obviously, I go through sticks pretty quickly.”

Bauer and CCM officials say they are monitoring the situation so clients like Eichel, Tyler Seguin and Auston Matthews don’t have to dig up old sticks from their garage. Warrior, the other major supplier of custom sticks for the NHL’s top players, has not been affected because its production is based in Mexico.

“We have backup stock in the U.S. and Canada to meet these needs, and we are working closely with equipment managers to understand their inventory levels and ensure players have what they need throughout this situation,” Bauer CEO Ed Kinnaly said.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly, however, says that the issue has now been solved.

“The plants are up and running,” Daly said. “We were on top of that situation early. We assessed the supply issues. Certain clubs may have had issues if the shutdown was prolonged, but the manufacturing plants are up and running again. So all good on that front.”

Still, Daly admits that the health crisis could force the league to postpone or outright cancel games in the future.

“I think it’s very unlikely — knock on wood, I’m hopeful — that we would progress to a stage where we have to consider something that dramatic,” Daly said. “But certainly everything is possible, and we have to look at all possible contingencies. If it gets to that point, we will be ready.”

Daly did confirm that the league is unlikely to travel to China for exhibition games next season, as they previously had in 2017 and 2018.

“We haven’t announced anything,” Daly said. “But it is unlikely we will play games in China next season, in part because of this [health crisis].”
Asked for the other reasons, Daly said: “I’m not sure there would be any other reasons.”

In the meantime, all Daly and the league can do is listen to the advice of health professionals regardless of any self-imposed deadlines.

“It’s totally situation specific, but we have to think through all of the possibilities,” Daly said. “The leagues are all starting to do that, focusing on what we would do in a given situation. But obviously first and foremost, you listen to the health authorities and what they are telling you and what their concerns are and what their recommendations are. Right now, the CDC and Public Health Canada are both saying rely on local health organizations and agencies, so we’ll take our lead from them.”

Another concern for the league is the health and safety of its players when the season ends. Players often rack up the air miles in the offseason and Asia is a popular destination.

“Obviously we would make sure that everyone is aware of the situation, as well as best practices,” Daly said. “I can’t foresee issuing mandates, so each responsible entity would be responsible for making its own decisions. But we want to make sure everyone makes informed decisions.”

“This is an evolving situation, so you get up every day and see what the latest news is,” Daly said. “Certainly we hope that it won’t even be a concern.”