Mission Hockey
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mission is a company that makes hockey equipment for both ice hockey and roller hockey. The company is known most for the roller hockey skates that they produce. Though initially only an inline company, due to their popularity in the inline world, Mission made its foray into the ice hockey realm and has become widely accepted. One of Mission's many recognizable traits are the roller hockey tournaments they sponsor (2Hot4Ice, NARCh, State Wars) as well as the partnerships they have with many of the hockey parent organizations.
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[edit] Players
Around 250 National Hockey League Players have been or are sponsored currently by Mission in the recent years of the NHL. Some of these players include, but are not limited to, Marian Hossa of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Derian Hatcher of the Philadelphia Flyers, Darcy Tucker of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Ribeiro of the Dallas Stars, Todd Bertuzzi of the Anaheim Ducks, Jarret Stoll of the Edmonton Oilers, Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins, and Jordan Leopold of the Colorado Avalanche.
[edit] Skates
Missions inline skates were the first real attempts to improve the equipment in the sport of roller hockey with the introduction of their "Hi-Lo" technology. Utilizing different sized wheels in the front and back of the skate it was theorized that the turn radius as well as the acceleration of the skater would improve drastically. In later years they have tried to improve skate designs with different lines such as the DNA technology (a different way to lace the skate) and their "Wicked Light" technology (different compositions in the boots actual makeup to make it lighter).
Mission has also attempted to improve the quality of ice hockey skates when they finally made their attempt at making their own ice skate line. Though opinions varied from their first lines to the newest models there has been a general acceptance to the fact that Mission skates are not just inline skates anymore.
[edit] Helmet
The Mission Intake helmet is worn by 172 National Hockey League players and counting, as well as almost all NHL on-ice officials. Normally it takes several years for many companies to get their products in NHL locker rooms, but Mission succeeded to have players on every NHL team using their equipment in their first year of production. The instant popularity of this helmet is mostly because of all the features it has. They use EPP foam for protection, along with a molded gel foam comfort liner. It has many vents throughout the helmet to ensure great ventilation while playing to keep your head cool. They are also known for their easy adjustment, and the Mission Head-lock (or MHL). Because of this, Mission truly has made their mark on the market.
[edit] Gloves
The gloves that mission has made over the years have been varied according to whatever skate line they are producing that year. For example during the years that the "Wicked Light" skates were being promoted, the gloves were also called "wicked lights" so overall product rating is almost impossible. The thing to take note of with Mission hockey's Glove line was their attempt at changing the norm with their "three finger" technology. It was thought that by making the glove have three fingers (having the pinky and forefinger in the same place together while the others were "normal") it would allow for better grip and improved control. Though it came down to personal opinion in the end the idea struck enough of a cord with the general hockey population that it made quite a dent in the industry.
[edit] Sticks
Mission sticks have become very much mainstream in the past few years. The amazing fact about Mission hockey sticks was the speed of their rise in popularity. Never before has a company started from scratch and become such a hit so fast in both the roller hockey and ice hockey industries. While, like all their products, the names change from year to year (based on the brand name that is being promoted that year) Mission's sticks are recognized as mainstream and have been very successful in the past years.
[edit] Other Products
The other lines of products include: shin pads, elbow pads, chest protector, girdle, cups, jerseys, roller hockey/ice hockey pants, ice hockey/rollerhockey shells, sweatbands and hats. While this list is just the tip of the iceberg, new products are coming from this company every year.
