USA Hockey Enters a New Era with CCM Partnership

Before the puck dropped on the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, USA Hockey surprised fans and equipment enthusiasts with an unexpected announcement. As the American players gathered in Ottawa for their first official practice ahead of the tournament, they showcased a new look—decked out in CCM helmets, gloves, and pants. This striking visual shift hinted at a significant change: the end of USA Hockey’s longstanding partnership with Bauer and the start of a new agreement with CCM.

On December 20th, CCM made it official with a social media announcement, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for USA Hockey. For years, fans had grown accustomed to seeing Team USA players donning Bauer’s latest innovations during the World Junior Championship. This year, however, notable names like Zeev Buium, Gabe Perreault, and Ryan Leonard surprised the hockey world by stepping onto the ice in this new CCM gear. The switch immediately ignited conversations among equipment aficionados and USA Hockey supporters alike.

For decades, USA Hockey’s choice of equipment has been more than just a matter of practicality—it has been a symbol of the program’s identity and evolution. The partnership with Bauer established a recognizable aesthetic that became synonymous with the red, white, and blue. The players’ helmets, gloves, and pants embodied the latest in hockey technology and innovation, further enhancing the visibility of Bauer as a brand and USA Hockey as a powerhouse on the global stage.

This shift to CCM slightly alters that tradition, signaling a new direction for the program. It’s not just a change in brand; it’s a reimagining of what the USA Hockey identity can look like in the future. CCM, one of the most established names in hockey equipment, brings its own legacy of innovation and excellence to the table, promising an exciting new era for the program.

The new partnership is expected to extend beyond the World Junior Championship. Many are suggesting that both the U17 and U18 rosters at the National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Plymouth, Michigan, will also adopt CCM gear in the near future. These teams have most recently used a mix of Bauer helmets, True gloves, and Nike-branded hockey pants. This impending switch underscores a unified approach to branding and equipment across all USA Hockey levels.

While a change in gear might seem like a minor detail to some, it’s a significant moment for those who closely follow hockey equipment trends. For players, this transition offers an opportunity to experience CCM’s latest technology, which includes innovative designs in helmets, a different feel with gloves, and performance-focused pants. For USA Hockey fans, it adds an element of intrigue and a fresh aesthetic to the team they cheer for.

Ultimately, this partnership won’t alter Team USA’s performance on the ice, but it does bring an added layer of excitement and curiosity for fans who love dissecting every aspect of the game, from strategy to style. The sight of the team in CCM gear represents more than just a corporate partnership—it’s a visual cue that a new chapter has begun.

As the tournament unfolds, hockey enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep an eye on how this transition plays out. For now, one thing is clear: USA Hockey’s new partnership with CCM has already made a bold statement, setting the tone for the program’s future while honoring the rich traditions that have made it a force on the international stage.