Even though the Swiss-made GRAF skates come with a slightly less recognisable name than their CCM or Bauer counterparts, they have been making excellent ice hockey skates for decades.
GRAF & Co. was established in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland in 1921 by Karl Graf’s grandfather. GRAF initially produced a wide range of sports shoes for different activities, including soccer, cycling, hiking and tennis. In 1937, the first ice skates were introduced, and since 1974 GRAF became specialists in ice hockey and figure skating boots.
The high-quality build of skates that guarantee pure skating precision and comfort, made GRAF the choice for professionals and amateurs alike. GRAF skates have been widely used in the NHL since the 80s when European players introduced the brand to North America. Today, GRAF is still the #1 goalie skate in the NHL, with 40% of goalies using them.
GRAF has equipped numerous A-level players and teams. Over the years, they have acquired a respectable reputation thanks to their quality, design, innovation, performance and unmatched expertise.
Established in 1924 by Josef Fischer Sr. in Ried, Austria, Fischer is one of the premier sports brands in international skiing and ice hockey. In the early 70s, Fischer became the world’s biggest ski manufacturer. Today, Fischer is also one of the biggest manufacturers of high-quality ice hockey sticks, producing around one million sticks a year.
Fischer sticks are widely used throughout Europe and Russia. Many professional players in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and European pro leagues use their sticks.
Fischer also produces other high-quality ice hockey gear and accessories, including gloves, visors, bags, and pucks. Fischer hockey sticks and equipment are known for their unmatched performance and durability at a reasonable price.
Fischer Hockey is also the official supplier of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
Tackla’s history began in 1961 in Lappeenranta, Finland. Alf and Raili Nylund founded the company to make the first ice hockey pants. This was the beginning of the success story which continues today, as Tackla is still globally known for producing “the best ice hockey pants in the world”.
Tackla revolutionised the hockey pants by changing traditional design into the type of hockey pants we recognise today. They are characterised by belt-supported fitted pants with no gaps, offering ideal protection and lightweight functionality.
Later, Tackla used their expertise to develop the whole range of ice hockey protective gear, including gloves, attractive apparel and hockey bags. This led to their first NHL contract when, in 1982, the Boston Bruins chose Tackla to supply their equipment. By the end of the 80s, Tackla provided gear to all the Finnish and Swedish leagues teams.
In 2002, Tackla entered into an ongoing cooperation agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This agreement saw them supplying uniforms to more than 130 teams in over 40 countries.