Shock Doctor Adds New Flavored Mouthguard to Best-Selling Line



FLAVOR FUSION
SHOCK DOCTOR ADDS NEW FLAVORED MOUTHGUARD TO BEST-SELLING LINE


Professional, amateur and youth athletes will add flavor to their game with the new Flavor Fusion mouthguard line from Shock Doctor, the undisputed #1 mouthguard company in the world. Shock Doctor has added flavor to one of its most popular mouthguards with the launch of Gel Nano Flavor Fusion ($24.99).

With a growing number of sports requiring and encouraging mouthguards, Flavor Fusion allows athletes to customize their mouthguard experience while still maintaining maximum protection on the field, ice or court. The new Gel Nano Flavor Fusion is available in exciting tastes including: RocketPunch, BlueRaz, ShockOrange, LimonTensity, and Bubblegum.

Featuring an advanced combination of innovative performance, unrivaled protection, high impact shock absorption and Flavor Fusion technology, the Gel Nano Flavor Fusion is the best fitting flavored mouthguard on the market.  Other mouthguards in the Flavor Fusion line include the recently launched Gel Max Flavor Fusion ($14.99).

Mouthguards are the easiest and the best piece of sports equipment to protect teeth no matter what age or skill level.  Additionally, The National Youth Sports Foundation for the Prevention of Athletic Injuries reports that an athlete is 60 times less likely to sustain damage to teeth when wearing a properly fitted mouthguard.

The official mouthguard of USA Football, USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey, Shock Doctor mouthguards are worn in a growing number of sports including Football, Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, and more, and around the world by athletes of all ages and skill level, including the following professional athletes: Ryan Mathews – San Diego Chargers (NFL); Akeem Ayers – Tennessee Titans (NFL); Nick Leddy – Chicago Blackhawks (NHL); Jack Johnson – Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL); Jake Gardiner – Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL); and more.

In addition to being brand ambassadors, Shock Doctor’s professional athletes are committed to helping players, coaches and parents learn about safety and protection on the field of play, as well as health and wellness. Many of the Shock Doctor pro athletes also report that they perform with increased confidence and an added edge when wearing protection gear, including a properly fitting mouthguard.

“Around the world, athletes trust the Shock Doctor brand as the leader and the ultimate mouthguard expert in innovation and design. Supported by multiple patents, we continue to break new ground and offer mouthguard innovations with real benefits and protection,” says Tony Armand, Shock Doctor CEO.  “Thanks to the latest innovations in technology, flavored mouthguards can now offer the same superior protection that Shock Doctor is known for worldwide.”

The Gel Nano Flavor Fusion line is now available at www.shockdoctor.com and in retail stores nationwide, including: Dick's Sporting Goods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Universal Athletic Service, Hockeygiant.Com, Ice Works, Omega Sports, Athletes World, and The Sports Authority among others.

Something Lovely Wedding Event, An Elite Collection of Southern California’s Wedding Resources, Returns to OC August 3




Southern California’s newest high-end wedding event, Something Lovely Wedding, returns on Sunday, August 3, with an elite collection of hand selected wedding partners to inform, inspire and help create a wedding that resonates with the fashion-forward modern bride. 

Something Lovely Wedding will be held at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) from 12 to 4 p.m., and tickets are $45 online, or $55 at the door. The event will showcase an exclusive runway show, food tastings, champagne and cake, exclusive favor bar, personally selected wedding resources, a Q & A session with a panel of experts, amazing raffle prizes including a honeymoon and luxury swag bag.  

Something Lovely Wedding Event will be held at OCMA, 850 San Clemente Dr, in Newport Beach. For more information, visit http://www.somethinglovelywedding.com or call 949.422.0964. You can also connect on facebook.com/SomethingLovelyWeddingEvent.

SHOCK DOCTOR ACQUIRED BY BREGAL PARTNERS


Minnetonka, MN – Shock Doctor Inc. (“Shock Doctor Sports” or “the Company”), a global leader in mouthguard technology and an innovator of sports protective and performance gear, announced today that it has been acquired by Bregal Partners, a leading middle market New York-based private equity firm. Bregal’s investment is in partnership with Shock Doctor Sports’ management; financial terms were not disclosed.

Trusted by athletes around the world who demand performance and protection, Shock Doctor Sports owns two brands: Shock Doctor, the number one mouthguard company in the world for over 15 years and creators of sports protection gear for hockey, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, martial arts, boxing, and lacrosse, amongst other sports; and Cutters Gloves, an industry leading line of performance gloves and accessories for football and baseball made with exclusive C-TACK™ Performance Grip Material. 

The new partnership with Bregal creates a platform from which Shock Doctor Sports can fuel growth and increase its role as a significant player in the global performance and protective sports equipment market. With a loyal fan base and meticulous focus on quality and innovation, Shock Doctor Sports has been one of the fastest growing sporting goods companies in the world.  The Company’s athlete-centric approach and commitment to developing game-changing technology changed the way athletes view protective gear. 

“Shock Doctor’s groundbreaking, well-designed products have made protection not something athletes have to wear but want to wear,” commented Shock Doctor Sports Chief Executive Officer, Tony Armand. “We have had an amazing investment partnership over the last six years with Norwest Equity Partners, and now as we look forward to our next phase of growth, our entire Shock Doctor team is thrilled to partner with Bregal Partners. Bregal brings a unique blend of consumer and healthcare investment experience that will undoubtedly help us achieve our growth objectives and continued success.”

Bregal Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Robert Bergmann, noted, “We see a great opportunity for Shock Doctor to continue to revolutionize the $9 billion global market for performance and protective equipment with new, innovative, and distinctive products.  Beyond entering new categories, the Company should also benefit from overall market growth and an ability to acquire other industry participants.”  This acquisition also helps to expand Bregal’s consumer healthcare portfolio.

 Bergmann added that the transaction gives Bregal a chance to work together for a second time with Armand. “We are also delighted to have the opportunity to again partner with Tony as we’ve had a 15-year relationship.  The talent and track record of both Tony and the Shock Doctor management team is a key reason we are so excited about the transaction.” 
Tim Kuehl, a partner at Norwest Equity Partners, stated, “We had a very successful investment partnership with Tony and the entire Shock Doctor team. Together we worked hard to increase our position as a market leader in the performance and protective equipment category, created and acquired new products lines which helped to nearly triple overall revenue. Shock Doctor Sports is well-positioned for continued growth and success under Tony Armand’s leadership and with their new investment partner.”
William Blair & Company and Lindquist & Vennum represented Norwest Equity Partners, and Dechert LLP represented Bregal Partners in this transaction. 
About Shock Doctor Sports
Shock Doctor Sports is a leading manufacturer of protective and performance sports equipment.  With a relentless focus on innovation and technology, its products are trusted by athletes, from youth to amateur to professional, across a growing number of sports.  Shock Doctor Sports has the world’s leading mouthguard product line and also provides a full continuum of superior athletic products, including core protective, compression, performance sports therapy, sports gloves (under the Cutters® brand), and insoles.  Its products are sold through major sporting goods retailers, independent dealers, online retailers, and health care professionals throughout the United States and around the globe.  For more information on Shock Doctor Sports, please visit www.shockdoctor.com and www.cuttersgloves.com.

About Bregal Partners
Bregal Partners is a private investment firm that invests alongside management teams to build industry leading companies in the middle market. Areas of focus include energy services, consumer, food and retail, and healthcare. With $500 million of committed capital funded by a sixth-generation family foundation with roots back to 1841, Bregal Partners brings experience, stability, and a long-term outlook to all of its investment activities.  Bregal Partners is part of Bregal Investments, a global family of private equity and fund investment vehicles that has invested more than $9 billion since 2002. For more information on Bregal Partners, please visit www.bregalpartners.com.


About Norwest Equity Partners
As a leading equity investment firm since 1961, Norwest Equity Partners (NEP) partners with middle market business owners and their management teams to make growing, profitable companies into industry leaders. With nearly $5 billion in capital under management, NEP seeks $30mm-$150mm investment opportunities with a variety of industry sectors, including agriculture, applied technology, business services, consumer products and services, diversified industrials and healthcare. NEP is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For more information on NEP, please visit www.nep.com.


Shock Doctor Announces 2nd Annual Shock Doctor and Cutters Gloves Fearless Performance Tour


     

SHOCK DOCTOR SPORTS ANNOUNCES 2nd ANNUAL
SHOCK DOCTOR AND CUTTERS GLOVES FEARLESS PERFORMANCE TOUR
Expanded Tour Offers Education, Sports Protection and Athlete Safety for Coaches, Parents and Athletes of All Ages


Shock Doctor Sports, the #1 mouthguard company in the world and leader in performance-driven sports protection gear and apparel with brands Shock Doctor and Cutters Gloves, has kicked off a 12 month tour across the country to bring the Shock Doctor Sports mantra of “Hardcore Protection, Fearless Performance” to life.  Inspiring and educating athletes, parents and coaches about the importance of athlete protection and sports safety, Shock Doctor Sports has expanded the 2nd annual Shock Doctor and Cutters Gloves Fearless Performance Tour, to include more states, more events and more sports. 

Safe Kids Worldwide, a non-profit advocacy group, released a survey in 2013 showing that young athletes visit hospital emergency rooms more than a million times a year for sports related injuries.  With participation in organized sports on the rise, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Shock Doctor believes it more important than ever for youth athletes, coaches and parents to learn about performance and protection gear so that they can play with confidence every practice and every game.

“The Shock Doctor Sports message is simple:  When kids feel protected and confident on the field, they perform better and have more fun,” says Tony Armand, CEO of Shock Doctor Sports. “We want to educate athletes to take charge and protect themselves on the field, ice or court so that they can play their best.”
Making stops at sporting events across the country, the 2014 Tour will add lacrosse, soccer, hockey, basketball, volleyball and triathlon events.  Also scheduled to stop at football and baseball events, the Tour will make special retail appearances in select markets as well. Some of the notable event stops on the Fearless Performance Tour include College World Series, Omaha SlumpBuster, Dr. Pepper Dallas Cup, NSSSA State Championships, NSSSA GLOBAL WORLD SERIES, USA Hockey High School National Championship Tournament, 2014 FIL Men's World Championships, National Youth Football Championship Tournament, and Pop Warner Super Bowl and Dance Championship

The Tour will feature a custom Tour van wrapped in Cutters Glove and Shock Doctor product images, canopies featuring product displays, and giant blow up “Orange Guys” that stand over 10 feet tall. The Tour will also be accompanied by a field manager that will interact and educate consumers, as well as a real life “Orange Guy”, who acts as a walking mannequin and entertainment for Tour-goers. The Orange Guy often takes photos with athletes, throws out the first ball or puck of the tournament, dances and has fun with the players.

With the company’s athlete-centric approach and commitment to developing game-changing technology, both Shock Doctor and Cutters Gloves have expanded their line of protective gear and performance apparel to cover more athletes, in more sports, and at all levels.  The interactive exhibit is designed for athletes to learn about the technology, fit, usability, and the best options for their needs, including more about the following product lines:
·      Cutters new Football Receiver Gloves
·      Shock Doctor Mouthguards including the new flavored line, Flavor Fusion
·      Shock Doctor Performance Sports Therapy
·      Shock Doctor Performance Apparel
·      Shockskin Impact Gear
·      Shock Doctor Protective Accessories
·      And more, including sport specific products
Shock Doctor and Cutters Glove products will also be available to purchase.

Using the social media hashtag, #FPtour, Tour visitors can create their own Cutters Gloves using the BYOG (Build Your Own Glove) kiosk, which they can share via Twitter to be put into a drawing each month to win their custom designed gloves.

Shock Doctor and Cutters have also enlisted their Pro Athletes to be ambassadors of athlete safety, including: Akeem Ayres: Linebacker, Tennessee Titans (NFL); Anquan Boldin: Wide Receiver, San Francisco 49ers (NFL); Kiko Alonso: Linebacker, Buffalo Bills (NFL); Yoenis Céspedes: Outfielder, Oakland Athletics (MLB); Carlos Santana: Catcher, Cleveland Indians (MLB); Wilin Rosario: Catcher, Colorado Rockies (MLB);  Nick Leddy: Defenseman, Chicago Blackhawks (NHL); Jack Johnson: Defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets  (NHL); among others.

For a complete list of Fearless Performance Tour stops, go to Shock Doctor’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shockdoctor. Updates and additions to the schedule will be posted online throughout the run of the tour at www.shockdoctor.com.



About Shock Doctor Inc.
Shock Doctor is a leading manufacturer of protective and performance sports equipment.  With a relentless focus on innovation and technology, its products are trusted by athletes, from youth to amateur to professional, across a growing number of sports.  Shock Doctor has the best-in-class mouthguard product line and also provides a full continuum of superior athletic products, including core protective, compression, performance sports therapy, sports gloves (under the Cutters® brand), and insoles.  Its products are sold through major sporting goods retailers, independent dealers, online retailers, and health care professionals throughout the United States and around the globe.  For more information on Shock Doctor, please visit www.shockdoctor.com and www.cuttersgloves.com.





Volcom and Newport Harbor High Surf Team To Host 15th Annual NHHS Newport Surf Classic




VOLCOM AND NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH SURF TEAM TO HOST15TH ANNUAL NHHS NEWPORT SURF CLASSIC

Surf Contest for Kids of All Ages to Be Held onMarch 29th and 30th at 54th Street, Newport Beach


Newport Beach, CA -  In conjunction with Volcom and Surfside, Newport Harbor High School Surf Team will host the 15th Annual NHHS Newport Surf Classic, a surf team fundraiser and longstanding community event, on Saturday, March 29th, with additional heats and finals on Sunday, March 30th.  With over 150 participants expected, the all-day surf contest will take place at 54th Street, Newport Beach.

The NHHS Newport Surf Classic offers an opportunity for local Orange County kids to compete and get experience surfing. With heats starting early in the morning, the contest nurtures young surfers and provides a competitive stage for advanced surfers.

“The Newport Surf Classic has been the local stage for some of Newport’s best surfers,” says Matt Burns, Newport Harbor High School Surf Coach.  “We are really proud of this neighborhood tradition and love getting kids excited about surfing.”   

To participate:
·         $30 Pre-Registration; pre-register at Surfside by Wednesday, March 26  (Surfside: 233 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627; 949.645.4624). To get registration forms:www.Surfsidesports.com or www.nhhssurf.com
·         $35 Day of Beach Entries
·         Each additional division $20
Participants will get a T-shirt designed by Volcom, a raffle ticket and lunch provided by Pie Not and Ralph’s.

Divisions:
·         Elementary
·         Junior High
·         High School
·         Graduated
·         Masters
·         Boardboarding
·         Longboard
·         Girls

Check the NNHS Surf Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/NHHS-Surf-Team/166460486717338) for heat times, photos, results and more information. Division winners will be given a trophy, Vestal  watches, Arnette sunglasses and Surfside gear, while runners up will get a goodie bag. 

There will be a silent auction with items including surfboards, skateboards, sunglasses, and more; as well as opportunity drawings, including surf wear and gift certificates to local eateries, in addition to other items.  Registration proceeds from the surf contest benefit the NHHS Surf Team. Sponsors of the event are:  Volcom, Surfside, Arnette, Vestal, OAM (On A Mission), and Clearview Investment Partners.

The NHHS Surf Team includes: boys short board and longboard, girls short board and longboard, and body boarders.www.NHHSSurf.com 

Kryptonics Offers Skateboards Built For Dads On-The-Go



CRUISIN’DADS
KRYPTONICS OFFERS SKATEBOARDS BUILT FOR DADS ON-THE-GO

Santa Fe Springs, CA -  Just because Dad has grown up, doesn’t mean he wants to stop acting like a kid. This Father’s Day, Kryptonics, on the forefront of skate style since 1965, is offering skateboards that will remind dad of skating the neighborhood as a kid. All new for summer 2014, the 32” Swallow Tail Mini Longboard, 34” Fishtail Longboard, 38” Pintail Longboard will be available at Walmart, while Target will offer the 36” Longboard. 

Featuring all new graphics with coastal beach culture as the inspiration, the new skateboards feature bold graphics, Kryptonics’ signature logo, summer inspired colors, and hints of natural wood for a nod to the 1970’s beach lifestyle.  

The Swallow Tail Mini Longboard, inspired by a surfboard shape, is perfect for just cruising the streets or beach boardwalk. The Fish Tail Longboard features a split tail as a throwback to classic surf style and is also perfect for just cruising along the boardwalk or your neighborhood streets.  The 36” Longboard, a traditional longboard shape, and the 38” Pintail Longboard, a classic big wave surfboard inspired shape, offer more stability thanks to the longer and wider decks.  Makes you feel like your carving a barrel on a surfboard!



32” Swallow Tail Mini Longboard – TIKI FIRE ($39.97 at Walmart):
Deck: 32” x 9”, 8 ply NE maple surfboard style swallowtail shape, regular concave, single kicktail
Grip Tape: Top graphics with clear sand spray grip
Trucks: 6” heavy duty aluminum, polished finish, with 12mm angled riser pads
Wheels: 62m x 51mm w/Clear Cores, poured (casted) polyurethane
Bearings: Cruisin’ carbon Steel ABEC 5






34” Fishtail Longboard – DOHENY ($49.97 at Target):
Deck: 34” x 9” 8ply maple, NEW wide Fishtail shape w/concave
Grip Tape: Top graphics with clear sand spray grip
Trucks: NEW “combo” trucks, 5” aluminum hanger with black composite baseplate
Wheels: 60mm x 45mm conical shape, Poured (casted) polyurethane
Bearings: Carbon steel ABEC 3









36” Longboard – EPIC  ($49.97 at Walmart):
Deck: 36” x 8.625, 8ply NE maple, standard “Squash tail” shape, concave with single kicktail
Grip Tape: Top graphics with clear sand spray grip
Trucks: 6” heavy duty aluminum, all stone finished, 12mm angled riser pads
Wheels:62mm x 51mm, poured (casted) polyurethane, textured running surface
Bearings: Cruisin’ carbon steel ABEC 3











38” Pintail Longboard – BANNER ($59.97 at Walmart):
Deck: 38” x 9.5”, 8ply NE maple pintail shape with regular concave (no kicktail)
Gripe Tape: Top graphics with clear sand spray grip
Trucks: 6” heavy duty aluminum, polished finished, 12mm angled riser pads
Wheels: 62m x 51”mm, 78a, Poured (casted) polyurethane
Bearings: Cruisin’ carbon steel ABEC 5







ABOUT BRAVO SPORTS:
Bravo Sports, global leader in the recreational and sporting goods markets, has a stable of market-leading brands, including:  E-Z UP™, Shade Tech™, Quik Shade™, John Deere™, Element™, Moto Shade™, Quik Chair™, Quik Shade Pets™,  Blacktop 360™, Airzone™, Variflex™, Pulse Performance Products™, Kryptonics™, Darkstar™, Blind™, Tony Hawk™,  X Games™, Satellite™, Speed Demons™, Maple™, Channel One™, Static™, Ten-Eighty™, and Hyper™; to go along with several industry leading licenses with other outstanding partners like Marvel™,  Nickelodeon™ and Disney/Pixar™.  Products made by Bravo Sports, which include Instant Canopies, BBQ’s, Trampolines, Skateboards, Scooters, Skates, Ramps, Rails and more, can be found at major retailers worldwide.  Bravo Sports headquarters is located at 12801 Carmenita Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670. 562-484-5100   www.bravosportscorp.com, www.pulsescooters.com, www.quikshade.com,www.quikshadepets.com, www.blacktop360.com,www.ezup.com 





Bravo Sports Launches Spiderman & Disney Fairies Longboard Skateboards


STREET STYLE FOR BEGINNERS
31” KIDS LONGBOARDS FEATURING SPIDERMAN AND DISNEY FAIRIES
Santa Fe Springs, CA -  With a nod to retro style wood skateboards, Bravo Sports is proud to launch Disney Fairies and Marvel Spiderman 31” Kids Longboards.  Perfect for children ages five and older, the skateboards retail for $39.99.

The collection includes, Surf Spider, Blue Spider, Blue Fairies, and So Tink, all of which are available at Amazon.com.  Shoppers can also find the Spiderman skateboards at Walmart.com and Kmart.com.  The Disney Fairies skateboards are sold on Walmart.com as well.

With a hint of natural wood peeking through the design, giving the boards a modern street style, the skateboards feature full color graphics on the top and bottom, as well as clear sand spray grip tape to make standing on the skateboard easier.  Made for beginning skateboarders, the Disney Fairies are engineered to roll slower than most skateboards.


Spiderman 31-Inch Kids Longboard:  Surf Spider and Blue Spider
·         31-Inch x 8-Inch wood kids longboard with single kicktail and rounded edges
·         Clear sand spray grip tape with a top graphic and full color bottom graphic
·         Multi-colored composite trucks with carbon steel axles
·         55mm x 47mm PVC wheels with 608zb bearings



Disney 31-Inch Kids Longboard:   Blue Fairies, and So Tink
·         31-Inch x 8-Inch wood kids longboard with single kicktail and rounded edges
·         Clear sand spray grip tape with a top graphic and full color bottom graphic
·         Multi-colored composite trucks with carbon steel axles
·         55mm x 47mm PVC wheels with 608zb bearings



ABOUT BRAVO SPORTS:
Bravo Sports, global leader in the recreational and sporting goods markets, has a stable of market-leading brands, including:  E-Z UP™, Shade Tech™, Quik Shade™, John Deere™, Element™, Moto Shade™, Quik Chair™, Quik Shade Pets™,  Blacktop 360™, Airzone™, Variflex™, Pulse Performance Products™, Kryptonics™, Darkstar™, Blind™, Tony Hawk™,  X Games™, Satellite™, Speed Demons™, Maple™, Channel One™, Static™, Ten-Eighty™, and Hyper™; to go along with several industry leading licenses with other outstanding partners like Marvel™,  Nickelodeon™ and Disney/Pixar™.  Products made by Bravo Sports, which include Instant Canopies, BBQ’s, Trampolines, Skateboards, Scooters, Skates, Ramps, Rails and more, can be found at major retailers worldwide.  Bravo Sports headquarters is located at 12801 Carmenita Rd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670. 562-484-5100   www.bravosportscorp.com, www.pulsescooters.com, www.quikshade.com,www.quikshadepets.com, www.blacktop360.com,www.ezup.com