Thermablade Hockey Corp announces new ownership and innovative direct sales platform for its exclusive line of Thermally Optimized Hockey Skate Blades and accessories

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MONTREAL, May 6 /PRNewswire/ - Thermablade Hockey Corp today announced the official kick-off of operations under the ownership of David Hamm and Thom Denomme, Calgary based entrepreneurs and business owners. "I have followed with great admiration the evolution of this product and I am elated to have acquired this uniquely Canadian hockey innovation company" said Hamm, who will also serve as President & CEO of Thermablade Hockey Corp.

Originally launched in 2007 to unprecedented fanfare, feedback for Thermablade technology has come from the highest levels of hockey, including a test of over 100 man-games of use in the NHL during the 2007-2008 season. These actual game situations, and numerous ongoing tests, have proven to not have any adverse effects on ice quality and consistently deliver at least one or more of the many benefits that the blades provide. Thermablade continues to work with the NHL's governing bodies to pave the way for final approval, "it's our number one long-term priority" says Hamm. The new company will also focus on nurturing relationships with the many amateur governing bodies that have already cleared the blades for use. These include Hockey Canada, USA Hockey, and the IIHF. Hamm adds that Thermablade has initiated a project with over a dozen Kontinental Hockey League players to introduce its product to this burgeoning Elite league. "We are confident that these KHL players will really appreciate the benefits of Thermablades on the larger ice surface and the varying ice conditions across the league", and adds that the company has recently launched an exclusive distribution agreement for the Russian market to "capitalize on the rapid potential for sales growth in this large hockey-mad country."

Thermablades are rechargeable battery-powered skate blades designed to maintain a consistent steel temperature of approximately 5 degrees Celsius (45 deg F). This acts to increase the thickness of the water molecules between the blade and the ice surface, dramatically reducing gliding friction, vibration and starting resistance for skaters. The reduced friction allows players to reach top speed faster and to skate using less energy. Physiological benefits include a reduction in heart rate, increased stamina and less fatigue over the course of a hockey game. The biggest benefit, according to elite players, is the sensation of maintaining the feeling of fresh ice late into the period when ice quality becomes compromised. Because Thermablade technology helps create more water molecules, the blades don't dig into the ice as much so you glide higher on the ice surface and don't fight the build-up of snow and slush. "It's a little like having mini-Zamboni's on your feet" says Michael Chiasson, VP of Product and Marketing at Thermablade.

Commercially, the efforts for the new company will be on marketing the product to amateur hockey players worldwide who are seeking the latest in product innovation. "We have a unique product and therefore need a uniquely modern selling approach. As such we have initiated a direct sales platform to offer our products directly to consumers via our web-site www.thermabladehockey.com", says Hamm. He adds that early adopters and innovators at all ages and ability levels are the first to embrace new technology and that a direct sales model is a good fit with their buying habits and allows the company to have a more personal relationship with consumers.

ABOUT THERMABLADE HOCKEY CORP

Canadian skate blade maker Thermablade Hockey Corp is a Quebec-based manufacturer of thermally optimized skate blade technology that was invented by Alberta resident Tory Weber. Thermablade Hockey Corp is a technologically advanced skate blade that uses battery powered electrical energy to slightly heat the skate blade, thereby increasing the layer of water between the blade and the ice surface and reducing friction at the ice surface. Thermablades offer several proven physiological and performance benefits for hockey players, including a dramatic reduction in gliding friction and starting resistance, an overall increase in stamina and an overall decrease in fatigue.

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SOURCE Thermablade Hockey Corp.