Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane will unveil and use personally-designed skates and stick during the upcoming Bridgestone NHL 2009 Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago on New Year's Day.

Kane, working with designers and developers at Bauer Hockey, designed the skates and stick this past summer for exclusive use during the outdoor game. Only 88 skates and 88 sticks were created for this special event and Kane will personally sign and auction off a portion of the limited edition product to raise money for breast Cancer research in Chicago and his home town of Buffalo.

"It's something I've been interested in from the beginning –designing your own skates and stick is a pretty unique experience," Kane said. "It's really exciting to look at a skate and design it to exactly how you want it to be made. To be able to give back to the community makes the whole experience even more special."

The Nike Bauer Vapor XXXX skates designed by Kane feature the traditional black, white and red colors of the retro Blackhawks uniforms that will be worn during the game. The skates feature white patent leather tongues and a unique Patrick Kane logo exclusively created for the limited edition product. The word "Showtime" is printed on the tendon guard of the skate, referring to the high level of anticipation for the outdoor game as well as Kane's exciting style of play. The Kane-designed Nike Bauer Supreme One95 stick is completely red and features the same logo design as well as a "Candy Kane" pattern to celebrate the holiday season. In addition, 'Winter Classic PK88' is written in the stick's namebar to commemorate the memorable outdoor game.

"The skates and stick are the colors of the Blackhawks and should go well with the uniform, but at the same time, it's a little bit of showtime," Kane said. "Hopefully when I step out onto the ice, people will say 'Oh wow, look at the skates Kane's wearing.' I'm fortunate enough to be the only one wearing these designs so it makes playing in the game even more exciting. You know the old saying, 'Look good, feel good, play good.'"

Each skate and stick auctioned will be personally signed by Kane, individually numbered and accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Kane and Bauer Hockey. To access the online auction, which will run from Jan 1-10, 2009, visit Nikebauer.com

Check out the video below for a first look at what Kane's skates and stick will look like and then be sure to tune into the the 2009 Winter Classic on January 1, 2009 on NBC to see them in action against the Detroit Red Wings.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Phil Kessel of the Boston Bruins is certainly having the best season of his young career. He currently has an 18 game point streak, in which he has recorded an amazing 14 goals and 14 assists to go along with a +13 rating. On the season, he now has a career high 21 goals and 16 assists for a total of 37 points.

There are many areas of Phil's game that make him stand out among others. Some might say it's his skating and speed while others might point to his lightning quick release when he fires a puck. But one area where Phil stands out as well is the way he tapes his Vapor XXXX stick. Phil has his own unique way of getting ready for a hockey game, and part of it is how he tapes his stick. Check out the video below to see why it is he tapes his stick the way he does and when it was he started the ritual. Let us know what you think.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

If you haven't already checked out the updated Glove and Protective section on nikebauer.com make sure you do. It has all the new information on the Vapor XXXX series. Here are some shots from this past season of the new Vapor XXXX glove being worn by some of Nike Bauer's athletes. Let us know what you think of the shots and what you think of the gloves. Hope you enjoy.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

The Vapor XXXX Protective series recently launched, so here is a look at the new gear and some of the new features.

The Vapor XXXX Shoulder Pad is optimized for fit and protection. A Precision Fit Systerm lets the player customize chest coverage, while the Free Flex Arch and Bicep System maximizes range of motion. Fused Vent Armor Composite Shoulder Caps, molded 3-D chest plate, Flex Shields, NIKE Dri-FIT and Strap Stays combine to create a comfortable, protective fit.

The Free Flex Elbow Cap of the Vapor XXXX Elbow Pad incorporates the Free Flex Liner and Vent Armor Composite, creating an optimal flexibility through an additional flex point. Vent Armor Foam provides protection while a molded poly forearm, Anchor Straps and NIKE Grip Print set the benchmarks for fit and maneuverability.

The Vent Armor Composite shell of the Vapor XXXX Shin Guard provides lightweight impact absorption while the ventilated Free Flex Liner allows for increased flexibility. The Free Flex Knee Cap's flexibilty dual density impact guard covers more area and protects the player in any position. The Vapor XXXX Shin Guard will have you feeling invincible.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Many have you been asking about the new Vapor XXXX gloves and where you can see them, so here are some shots of the new gloves.

The glove section on nikebauer.com will be updated soon with more in depth info on them, but for now take a look at these images and let us know you're thoughts. The new gloves have a Segmented Back Roll which gives you maximum flexibilty, allowing for complete integration of the glove and your hand.

Along with the back roll, there is a Multi Flex Lock Thumb. The three part thumb is designed for maximum movement, yet it also features a locking component to guard against hyperextension.

There is also a dual layer Ivory Nash Palm which increases the durability. The cuff of the glove features an Adjustable Pad for customized protection and a restriction free dynamic pad for increased covereage during wrist flexion.

Hope you like the pictures and the info. Let us know what you think.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Listen to Erik Cole talk about the new Supreme ONE95 skates and what he enjoys the most about them. There are more interviews and pictures of the new skate under the Supreme ONE95 Skate Feature on nikebauer.com

Make sure to check it out and let us know what you think. Hope everyone is enjoying watching the playoffs. I'll check back in soon.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Check it out! Listen to the developers and designers of the new Supreme ONE95 skates. Tomorrow is the day that you can get them, so make sure to get to your Nike Bauer retailers and check them out. Also, let us know what you think of the videos and the new Supreme ONE95 skate feature on nikebauer.com

Hope you Enjoy.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Got another video here for you all to check out. Listen to the developers and the designers of the new Supreme ONE95 skates and hear what the inspiration was behind the new skates. Let us know what you think. We'll have more videos and features as we get closer to the launch of the new skates. Hope you enjoy.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Not sure if everyone has seen it yet, but there is now a chrome Supreme ONE90 stick. Check out the picture below and let us know what your thoughts are. It still has the double concave design, mid-kick point for maxium loading, and the squared off blade profile like the original ONE90, but now you can add another look to your power game and scoring. Make sure to swing by your local Nike Bauer retailer to check it out along with the all the Nike Bauer gear.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Here is another video for you guys to take a look at. This is a video of what some NHL guys thought of the new Supreme ONE95 skate after using it for the first time. Let us know your thoughts and what you think of them. If you like this video, there are more videos just like them here on nikebauer.com. Just go to the main landing page and click on the block of ice. Hope you enjoy.

Posted By: Luke Ventura