COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Easton Hockey, the industry leader in manufacturing technologically advanced hockey equipment, and USA Hockey, the National Governing Body for the sport of hockey in the United States, today announced a partnership wherein Easton will renew its position as an official equipment supplier and marketing partner of USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine through 2006.

‘We are excited to continue our marketing efforts to the grassroots levels of hockey in the United States,’ said Mark Hughes (Van Nuys, Calif.), Easton Global Director, Ice Hockey. ‘USA Hockey creates a structured environment for hockey players, coaches and officials and Easton is proud to support such an invaluable organization and all of its members.’

Under the terms of the agreement, Easton Hockey will supply sticks, shafts/blades, skates, gloves and protective equipment as the presenting sponsor for USA Hockey and USA Hockey InLine’s Coaching Education Programs and the USA Hockey InLine National Championships. Easton will also co-sponsor the USA Hockey Youth Tier I & II National Championships and the USA Hockey Girls’/Women’s National Championships.

‘It is evident from watching the sport at all levels, from professional hockey to a pick-up game at your local rink, that Easton is a powerful American hockey brand,’ said Chris Trinceri (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey Director, Corporate Marketing and Consumer Products. ‘We look forward to our renewed relationship with Easton and their continued support in our efforts to grow the sport of hockey through the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy.’

USA Hockey, Inc., is the National Governing Body for the sport of hockey in the United States. As such, its mission is to promote the growth of hockey in America and provide the best possible experience for all participants by encouraging, developing, advancing and administering the sport. With a membership of nearly 600,000 ice and inline hockey players, coaches, officials and volunteers, USA Hockey’s primary emphasis is on the support and development of grassroots hockey programs.

Easton Sports is a privately owned developer, manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of sports equipment for individuals of all ages and abilities. Easton does not solely rely on name recognition to build and maintain business, but rather focuses on its ability to innovate and create products of unmatched quality and design. Headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., Easton employs over 1,000 worldwide and maintains facilities in Canada, California, Mexico, and Utah.

For more information, please contact:

USA Hockey Media Relations, (719) 576-8724
Chuck Menke, ext. 171 or Cassy Maxton. ext. 172
or visit www.usahockey.com