Irish Hockey Association: Canterbury Europe has signed a three-year agreement with the Irish Hockey Association to be the Official Kit Supplier.

“Canterbury is a world class sports brand that we are delighted to secure as our official kit supplier,” Chief Executive of the Irish Hockey Association, Paul Varian, said.

“They have a proven record of distinction, not only in the sport of rugby around the world, but also with hockey in New Zealand.”

The agreement will provide high quality, high performance kit for all eight Irish national hockey teams, together with training and travel kit-out for the squads and their coaching and management teams. The company will also serve as the supplier of official Irish Hockey merchandise, which the IHA is aiming to develop over the forthcoming years.

“We considered a number of potential suppliers, but Canterbury was the one that ticked all the boxes in terms of what we require from our new supplier,” Varian said.

“Aside from developing the highest quality kit for our national teams, this relationship allows us to establish an improved Irish hockey merchandising business unit whilst leveraging the best possible value in playing kit options for our affiliates.”

“We are delighted to partner the Irish Hockey Association,” said Joe Middleton, CEO of Canterbury Worldwide.

“Canterbury of New Zealand has had a long association with hockey, through its sponsorship of the Black Sticks, the New Zealand men’s and women’s hockey teams, over the last decade. We will continue to lead the way in design and innovation through the development of high tech hockey playing apparel, in conjunction with the Irish Hockey Association and all of the players and management associated with hockey in Ireland”.