Bauer Bo - No More?

Bo Horvat, a stalwart of the NHL since his debut in 2014, has built his career with a reputation for leadership, consistency, and, for nearly a decade, loyalty to Bauer equipment. The London, Ontario native and New York Islanders’ star has been a fixture in the NHL, known not only for his on-ice play but also for his unwavering commitment to the Bauer brand. Since his early days with the Vancouver Canucks and then later with the Islanders, Horvat has always been synonymous with Bauer gear. His gloves, sticks, skates, and helmets—all visible gear under the Bauer umbrella—became as much a part of his identity as his ability to score goals and play a responsible two-way game.

However, in a surprising shift, it seems that this long-standing relationship may be changing. This summer, while training with fellow pros and NHL players in Muskoka, Ontario, Horvat has been seen experimenting with different equipment brands, a move that’s caught the attention of the hockey equipment enthusiasts. What could have prompted the veteran forward to explore new gear after a decade of being a Bauer loyalist?

The first clue that Horvat was exploring new options came toward the end of July. While skating at an informal session in Muskoka, he was seen trying out True’s HZRDUS 9X4 stick, a significant departure from his usual Bauer models. Seeing Horvat with a different stick raised eyebrows, but it was his helmet choice that really fueled speculation. That day, he was spotted also wearing a helmet from CCM, another trusted hockey brand, and a clear sign that he was willing to test more than just a different stick.

Fast forward a few weeks, and Horvat’s equipment experimentation reached a new level. He was seen decked out in all Warrior gear, including their gloves, a Warrior stick, and perhaps most notably, their Alpha One helmet. For those familiar with the NHL equipment world, the helmet is often the final piece to change when a player switches brands. Players might try new gloves or a stick, but helmets are typically a more personal choice due to comfort, fit, and protection. For Horvat to have transitioned to Warrior’s Alpha One helmet speaks volumes—it suggests that his shift away from Bauer could be more than just a brief summer fling.

This leads to the question: Is Bo Horvat gearing up to start the 2024-25 NHL season with Warrior equipment? Based on his recent appearances, that seems like a strong possibility. It’s no secret that equipment deals in the NHL are complex, and players like Horvat, with nearly a decade of experience, don’t make these decisions lightly. With his past loyalty to Bauer and his recent interest in trying new gear, it could be that he’s looking for an upgrade or simply a better fit as his career evolves.

Interestingly, the last time Horvat was seen using a non-Bauer stick was back in his junior days with the London Knights during the 2013-14 season. That stick was a CCM RBZ Stage 2, a model that was new and innovative at the time. His return to trying out new equipment could be driven by a similar sense of curiosity and the pursuit of finding what works best for him at this stage of his career.

For now, Islanders fans will have to wait and see which brand Horvat settles on come training camp. But one thing is for sure: a new season is on the horizon, and with it, possibly a new look for one of the NHL’s most reliable veterans. Whether he ends up choosing Warrior, returning to Bauer, or even opting for something else entirely, Horvat’s equipment choice will be a small yet interesting storyline to follow as he takes the ice in the upcoming season.

Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire