The hockey gear landscape is heating up as we approach 2026, with major brands poised to deliver new products that could redefine performance, protection, technology, and style for players at every level. From sticks and skates to protective systems and smart gear, anticipation is high as players, coaches, and industry insiders speculate on what’s coming next. This comprehensive guide explores expected releases from leading brands — Bauer, CCM, TRUE, and Warrior — and breaks down the rumors and trends shaping 2026’s biggest hockey equipment launches.
Trends Shaping 2026 Hockey Gear
Several major trends are influencing new gear design across the industry:
Smarter, connected equipment: Sensor integration and analytics are becoming more common, with data-tracking performance tech expected to expand in helmets, protective gear, and training accessories.
Sustainability and eco-design: Lightweight bio-based foams, recycled composites, and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes are increasingly featured as brands respond to player and consumer demand.
Customization and fit: Advanced fitting technologies, including 3D scanning and custom builds, are gaining traction, enabling players to tailor fit sticks, skates, and protective systems to their bodies and playing styles.
Safety evolution: Improvements in impact absorption and lightweight protective materials remain key research areas, especially as youth and professional leagues expand safety mandates.
Bauer: Reinforcing Tradition with Innovation
Bauer’s 2026 launches are expected to reinforce the brand’s status in the sport, especially with its ongoing role as the official equipment partner of Hockey Canada and an announced extension of that partnership through at least the 2033–34 season. This will include a new Team Canada primary jersey rolling out for the 2026–27 season.
Anticipated releases and features:
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Rumored new Vapor / Nexus stick iterations — potentially replacing or evolving current Proto2 and Pulse lines. Updated carbon layups and flex profiles.
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Expanded lines of Re-Akt helmets with advanced impact absorption and custom-fit liners.
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Enhanced protective gear with breakthrough protective foams and ventilation.
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Apparel and national team jerseys combining performance and heritage.
Players should watch for Bauer catalog releases in early 2026, followed by retail availability throughout spring and summer.
CCM Hockey: Performance and Precision
CCM continues to innovate with products like the Tacks XF Ghost and JetSpeed FT8 Pro models already turning heads in late 2025, pointing toward fresh 2026 updates that emphasize light weight, high responsiveness, and player control.
What might be coming:
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Next-generation Vizion line equipment with improved kick points and stability.
- Jetspeed FT9 Hockey stick rumored to launch
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Upgraded protective lines with multi-density foams and custom fitting features.
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Expanded skate technology optimizing energy transfer and stride responsiveness.
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Tacks X Pro helmet with enhanced safety systems and comfort improvement.
The brand aims to have a strong presence across all levels, from youth to pro players, with staggered rollout schedules typical of the hockey equipment market.
TRUE Hockey: Rising Global Presence
TRUE’s profile is rising steadily as the brand expands internationally and diversifies its product offerings. A starting point for major influence in the 2026–27 season will be its new multi-season sponsorship agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation — an agreement that places TRUE gear on IIHF events from juniors to senior levels and complements its existing pro usage.
2026 expectations for TRUE:
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Expanded custom-fit stick offerings and composite innovations.
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Updated helmets, gloves, and protective gear with tailored comfort.
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Enhanced youth and adult product lines that balance performance and accessibility.
TRUE is positioned to grow its footprint, making 2026 an important year for its market momentum.
Warrior: Expanding Horizons and New Categories
2026 could be pivotal for Warrior as the brand broadens its product scope and steps into areas traditionally dominated by other manufacturers.
New Skate Entry
One of the biggest developments is Warrior’s move into hockey skates with its Alpha Pro hockey skates, marking a major expansion beyond sticks and protective gear. These skates were seen in professional play — worn by Seattle Kraken forward Mikey Eyssimont — indicating the brand’s seriousness about competing with the major established skate lines.
Evolving Stick Lines
Warrior’s stick lineup continues to innovate with expected 2026 iterations building on current favorites:
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New versions of the Covert series, including the rumored Covert QR7 Pro, first seen in NHL play and likely headed toward retail.
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Continued refinement of Alpha series sticks for balanced power and precision.
These new and updated sticks are part of Warrior’s strategy to compete with other top brands and attract players at all levels.
Protective Gear and Accessories
Warrior’s protective portfolio — from gloves to shoulder and shin protection — emphasizes mobility without compromising safety. The brand’s gear incorporates advanced padding and impact dispersal designs, and 2026 may see new protective tech aimed at reducing weight while enhancing protection.
Market Position and Partnerships
Warrior has built notable partnerships, including a multi-year kit agreement with the Elite Ice Hockey League, reinforcing its position as a global equipment supplier.
Overall, Warrior’s 2026 roadmap suggests expansion into skate technology, deeper innovation in stick design, and growing competitive presence against the sport’s largest brands.
Apparel, Limited Editions, and Olympic Influence
Beyond functional gear, 2026 will see fresh apparel launches and special edition collections tied to major events such as the Milano-Cortina Olympics. Expect new national team jerseys, fanwear lines, and collaborations with cultural brands that blend sport and style.
Player Expectations and Industry Buzz
In locker rooms and online forums, players are discussing several hot topics:
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Which sticks will offer the best combination of quick release and power.
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Whether skating technology from newer entrants like Warrior will match established leaders.
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How wearable tech and analytics integration will change training and performance tracking.
These discussions often foreshadow what products will gain traction once released.
When Will It All Drop?
The hockey equipment cycle typically follows this pattern:
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Late Winter to Spring: Leaks and early pro sightings.
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Spring to Early Summer: Official catalogs and minor product launches.
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Late Summer to Fall: Broad retail release for major launches.
Players looking to secure the newest gear should track brand catalog drops early in the year.
Final Thoughts
2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for hockey equipment, with promising advances from all major brands. Bauer, CCM, TRUE, and Warrior are pushing boundaries with new skates, smarter tech, enhanced protective systems, and expanded product ecosystems. Whether you’re seeking performance gains, improved safety, or the latest style, 2026’s gear launches are poised to deliver groundbreaking options that could change how the game is played and experienced.
