NHL HOCKEY may be asleep in the wee hours of the morning— actually it’s asleep the whole season --- But not Canadian kids and their parents. To be unveiled today is a simple rack that should solve the age-old problem of toting hockey sticks all over the country. As well, this new Stik-Rak, designed by Canadian hockey parents and their teenage sons, should solve the same challenges that has continually faced coaches, trainers, equipment managers and players.

Known as The Original Stik-Rak this is a light-weight and completely portable device that is used to carry and store as many as 16 hockey sticks at one time, while the added netted pockets on a centre panel hold tape, pucks, games sheets or other accessories.

Made of durable ballistic nylon fastened to a sturdy hockey stick shaped frame, Stik-Rak provides a safe, easy and effective way to carry sticks to and from the bench, organize them in the dressing room, and even cart them back and forth to the car.

Traditionally hockey sticks have slid all over the floor of vehicles, got caught under seats, been tripped-over, or damaged leather vinyl and plastic in interiors. Interior ceiling lights tend to be particularly vulnerable at times. The sticks are usually wet which causes carpets to become sopping wet, or rust forming on the inside floors.

Stik-Rak also brings to an end the problem of hockey sticks ending up in a disorganized and hazardous pile on the dressing room floors, or propped up against the wall. In the bench area of most arenas, the absence of stick racks usually results in sticks leaning precariously against the bench wall, or dangerously crowding valuable bench space.

As well, up to now the coaches and training staff of teams at all levels have had no choice but to awkwardly carry bundles of hockey sticks to and from the bench. With the Stik-Rak the deep lower section holds the hockey sticks securely in place while the unit is in use. As an added bonus, the top panel allows team/sponsors to advertise their name and logo.

“We set out to create a product with a genuine hockey look and feel to it, but above all was practical and useful,” says Stik-Rak creator Jennifer Shirriff Dolson. “Our product is a safe, durable and easy way to carry and temporarily store sticks while at the arena, and even to and from the parking lot. Away from the rink, it can be used to store hockey sticks at home in the basement and garage. We have developed a solution to clean up the areas both inside and outside the dressing room!”

Stik-Rak also comes with carry bag (sold separately) for organized portability of sticks during travel in the family minivan, or in a team bus, or even the cargo hold of an aircraft.

For more information, visit: www.rjmccarthy.com
or
www.stikrak.net

-Norm Mort

Loose sticks pose a safety hazard for a coach -- and everyone -- in the parking lot, in the dressing room and at the bench.


Stik-Rak now makes carrying hockey sticks much easier, and safer, for anyone hauling sticks to and from the game.


The new Stik-Rak holds up to 16 hockey sticks inside its own Carrying

Toronto, ON -- R.J. McCarthy Ltd., established since 1956 as the industry leader in providing official uniforms for schools and promotional products through their Corporate Division across Canada, today announced they are officially launching The ORIGINAL STIK-RAK® throughout North America – and beyond.

The kick-off began at The CSGA Winter/Hockey Show 2005, in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, January 22-24, followed by The International Hockey Industry Association Trade Show, January 31-February 2, at the Paris Casino Resort in Las Vegas. From there, the STIK-RAK made its European Debut at the ISPO Winter '05 in Munich, Germany, February 6-9. Initial reaction to Stik-Rak was overwhelming!

“As part of our strategic marketing plan, we are pleased to introduce this new portable stick rack
to both the corporate business market and consumers through their hockey retailers,” said Martin McCarthy, President of R.J. McCarthy Ltd.

STIK-RAK is a lightweight and portable device made of durable ballistic nylon fastened to a sturdy ‘hockey stick’ frame. It is used to carry and store up to 16 hockey sticks at a time.

Hockey sticks often end up in a disorganized pile on the arena dressing room floor. At the bench, sticks lean precariously against the wall. For years, coaches and trainers have awkwardly carried bundles of hockey sticks through crowded arenas from dressing rooms to benches.

This product provides coaches, trainers, players and parents with a safe way to carry sticks to and from the bench, organize them in the dressing room, and cart them back and forth to their vehicles. A unique pocket system in each unit provides coaches and trainers with storage space for extra tape, laces, game sheets and other emergency items required during a game.

Away from the rink, STIK-RAK can be used to store sticks at home in the basement or garage.

“STIK-RAK retails for $129.66. The Carrying Case retails for an additional $35.35. This product can be customized for corporate and team requirements. An accessory line is also in the works,” said McCarthy.

“As a hockey coach, I spend as much time behind the bench as I do at my office. It’s about time this product was made available to sports enthusiasts,” McCarthy added.

“We’re excited to team up with R.J. McCarthy, known for its quality products and attention to detail. We’re delighted they share our enthusiasm for this new Canadian hockey product,” said STIK-RAK creator Jennifer Shirriff Dolson. “It targets a critical issue of safety in the sport.”