Lacrosse company STX to enter hockey market

By Michael Caples –

STX, a leader in lacrosse equipment, has decided to enter the hockey arms race.

The Baltimore-based company, which has been a leader in lacrosse since they introduced the first synthetic lacrosse head in 1970, will formally announce tomorrow that they will begin production and distribution of hockey equipment for the fall of 2014.

“Over the past two years, we have taken a very methodical and deliberate approach by leveraging our existing knowledge of protective gear and stick composites to create products of which we are really proud,” said STX president Jason Goger in a press release. “Recently, the process has dramatically accelerated due to the addition of some key players with extensive experience in the ice hockey industry who will help us equip the world’s best players with STX products by the 2014 season.”

Matt Hoppe, an East Lansing native and University of New Hampshire alum, will lead the new hockey division of STX.

“We are looking to make our mark on the sport of ice hockey as we have done with our game changing equipment introductions in the lacrosse industry,” Hoppe said.  “The research and development team here at STX is unmatched in its approach.  An intense level of research and understanding of the athlete’s needs are completed first and foremost, in order to inform the design and development process.”

STX currently produces equipment for men’s and women’s lacrosse, along with field hockey and golf. They are the official lacrosse equipment supplier for the NCAA.