USHL Partners With SAUCE Hockey

Press Release

The United States Hockey League announced today it has partnered with SAUCE Hockey, making the designer brand the “Official Lifestyle Clothing Provider of the USHL”.

"The SAUCE Hockey team is already part of the USHL family," said USHL President and Commissioner Skip Prince, "and they are a growing player in the industry. We're looking forward to developing a strong relationship with them, and building a retail presence that reflects the USHL brand and principles."

SAUCE Hockey has ties to the USHL dating back to its origins in 2009, when the company was co-founded by Eric Kleineck and a former USHL player with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. The duo had a vision of creating a clothing line that bridged the gap between hockey, art, music, and fashion and launched their brand with a line that initially included six t-shirts and two hats.

Since its beginnings, SAUCE Hockey has experienced significant growth with a fashion-forward philosophy showcasing the hockey lifestyle, and has rapidly become an industry leader endorsed by players at the NHL level. Each of its products tells the story of the special culture familiar to hockey players and fans.

“We are honored and humbled to be partnering up with the USHL and its member clubs,” said Sauce Hockey Owner and CEO Eric Kleineck. “The USHL aligns with our core principles and priorities and allows us to cross-brand through many different channels to strengthen our current footprint and strategically expand into others.”

The company has broadened its reach from online distribution (www.saucehockey.com) to multiple retail outlets around the world. In the past year alone, SAUCE Hockey products have gone from being available in 26 retail outlets to over 250 hockey and sports stores throughout North America.

“We are excited to be partnering with a great league like the USHL,” said SAUCE Hockey Co-Owner and Brand Ambassador Paul Bissonnette. “Their 16 Member Clubs covering nine states allow us to penetrate new markets and expand the SAUCE Life to over 400 of the best 16-20 year old players in the United States. These kids are the future.”

A focus of the new partnership between the USHL and SAUCE Hockey will be development of a custom line of USHL team- and League-branded clothing, that will be offered online and through select team and retail outlets. The line will highlight the characteristics shared by both the USHL and SAUCE – a lifestyle and experience that is passionate, honest, and of the highest quality.

SAUCE Hockey will offer its designer brand and enhance the overall experience of multiple USHL events, including the 2012 USHL Fall Classic next week in Sioux City, Iowa.

To learn more about SAUCE Hockey and to view their products, visit them online at www.saucehockey.com. Fans can also keep up to date with SAUCE Hockey through social media at www.facebook.com/saucehcky and www.twitter.com/saucehockey

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)