The University of New Hampshire Athletics has secured a five‑year continuation of its alliance with Bauer Hockey, reinforcing a relationship that has long underpinned the Wildcats' ice‑hockey programs. The agreement underscores a shared focus on elevating performance, driving innovation, and shaping student‑athletes into future leaders.
Under the renewed contract, Bauer will remain the official equipment provider for both the men's and women's teams, delivering skates, sticks, protective gear, and apparel designed to meet the rigors of collegiate competition. This partnership also opens a pathway for joint research initiatives that leverage athlete feedback to refine next‑generation hockey technology.
Leadership Voices
Fumi Kimura, UNH Deputy Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm about the extension, highlighting how the collaboration aligns with the university's broader mission to develop well‑rounded leaders. "We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Bauer," Kimura said, "and to create new opportunities for our student‑athletes both on and off the ice."
Mary‑Kay Messier, Bauer's Chief Marketing Officer, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the company's dedication to nurturing elite talent and fostering leadership qualities. "Our shared commitment to excellence drives us to invest in the next generation of athletes who will carry forward the sport's legacy," she noted.
The geographic proximity of the University of New Hampshire and Bauer's headquarters facilitates close, day‑to‑day collaboration. This physical closeness enables continuous athlete insight, rapid product iteration, and a dynamic feedback loop that accelerates the evolution of hockey equipment and training methodologies.
Facility Enhancements
In tandem with the partnership renewal, UNH is investing in a series of upgrades to hockey‑specific spaces within the Whittemore Center, branded as the Key Auto Group Complex. The project aims to transform training rooms, locker areas, and performance labs to create a more supportive environment for student‑athletes.
These enhancements are slated for completion by the end of 2026, positioning the Wildcats' programs with state‑of‑the‑art facilities that complement the advanced equipment supplied by Bauer. The upgrades are expected to boost recruitment, improve injury prevention, and further the teams' championship aspirations.