Trevor Connelly's Surprising Equipment Switch at World Juniors

Trevor Connelly, a promising Vegas Golden Knights prospect, has created some intrigue lately not just for his solid play but also for a surprising equipment change. At the most recent IIHF World Junior Championship, where Connelly helped Team USA capture the gold medal, he caught the attention of equipment enthusiasts with an unexpected twist: a switch to Bauer hockey sticks.

What makes this intriguing is that Connelly, currently a freshman at Providence College, has been using TRUE sticks all season. In fact, it was widely reported that he had begun a new partnership with TRUE, making his switch to Bauer during the World Juniors quite puzzling. Even more interesting, Connelly didn’t just use one Bauer stick—he was spotted with two different models, the Bauer Twitch and the Bauer Proto R, at various points during the tournament.

This unexpected move raises several questions. Was Connelly allowed to experiment with other brands because his agreement with TRUE didn’t extend to international tournaments? Or is it possible his deal with TRUE is on a shorter-term basis, giving him the freedom to test other options?

If Connelly’s contract with TRUE excludes international play, the World Juniors may have provided a unique opportunity for him to explore. Trying two different Bauer sticks suggests he might have been using the tournament as a chance to evaluate his options.

The timing of this switch adds an extra layer of intrigue. Connelly has been playing well with TRUE sticks at Providence College this season, which suggests he has no significant issues with them. However, the opportunity to test Bauer sticks on an international stage could indicate he’s considering a future change or simply keeping his options open.

As Connelly returns to collegiate play, it will be fascinating to see whether he sticks with TRUE or continues to explore other options. For now, his partnership with TRUE appears intact, but his willingness to test other brands hints at a player who values adaptability and is unafraid to explore what works best for his game.

Connelly’s performance and equipment decisions will be worth monitoring as the season progresses. Whether he resumes using TRUE sticks exclusively or keeps experimenting, one thing is clear: he is now in the category of what the hockey world refers to as a “certified stick guy.”

Photo Credit: Minas Panagiotakis