San Jose Sharks forward Collin Graf is prepping for what could be his first full season as an NHL player.
In an exclusive interview last summer, Graf said that his summer training was a lot easier after joining the NHL.
“Just having access to more resources with the Sharks is going to be really beneficial,” Graf said. “They literally have everything. Things like food, strength, whatever it could be. Having access to that has been big.”
Now, after a full season in professional hockey, the Sharks youngster can add to his off-season training plan. For Graf, part of his summer training also comes with tweaking his gear setup.
Graf appears to be switching his gear to Bauer. The San Jose Sharks forward has almost always used Bauer skates, but CCM for the remainder of his outer equipment (stick, glove, & helmet).
A quick search of ‘Collin Graf Quinnipiac’ on Google images would show the forward using CCM gloves, stick, and helmet during his time in the NCAA. With the AHL being sponsored by CCM, a switch to Bauer could also mean something about Graf’s spot on the NHL roster.
Graf played 33 games for the Sharks last season. The 22-year-old didn’t make the NHL roster out of training camp and started in the AHL. He scored five goals and six assists, and Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky utilized him in many roles.
According to GearGeek.com, the Sharks haven’t had too many players be part of the Bauer gear family, but that seems to be changing. Will Smith is arguably the most notable member of the Sharks who uses Bauer.
“The once CCM and Warrior-dominated Sharks are slowly turning into a team where Bauer-branded gear is no longer an outlier but a growing norm. It’s a subtle, but telling shift in culture and player preference within the organization,” Matt Stathopoulos wrote.
Smith made a subtle but significant gear change in 24-25 by changing the kick point of his Bauer stick.
Graf has been spotted wearing Bauer gloves, a helmet, and a stick during the HD Pro Summer Hockey League.
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