Ovechkin rumored to switch endorsement from CCM to Bauer

By MATT WILSON

A rumor sparsely circulated Tuesday that Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin would not be renewing his CCM endorsement, and as a result, would endorse Bauer this season.

Alexander Ovechkin is shown here using a Bauer hockey stick prior to his endorsement with CCM.

On Wednesday, Washington Post Capitals beat writer Katie Carrera confirmed rumors through unofficial sources that the Russian star will be using  Bauer gear after a light 32-goal 2010-11 season.

Ovechkin has had no problems making headlines this off-season from sporting an out-of-shape physique to endorsing a candy bar. This reported endorsement change will quip more connections with last season’s performance.

For some players, having the right stick is everything. For others, big contract deals tip the scale, and they’ll adjust despite personal preference.

Ovechkin’s goals drought last season can be attributed to head coach Bruce Boudreau overhauling the Capitals’ offensive structure. More specifically, they’ve changed with less of the run-and-gun, which Ovechkin has had success with, obviously.

However, Ovechkin’s contract with CCM runs up next month, so we’ll likely see him go back to the stick he was seen sporting prior to, which is said to be the Bauer One95.

So, we’ll likely see Ovechkin’s weakest season linked to the fact he has been using a line of CCM sticks he doesn’t feel as comfortable with as the Bauer.

We’ll know all the details once Capitals training camp begins, and a shelf of Ovechkin sticks are taped and ready to go.

Question: How important is player endorsement for hockey sticks, or any product for that matter? Out of CCM, Bauer and Easton, which stick do you shoot with?

Matt Wilson is co-editor of Center Ice Chat. He can be followed on Twitter @Mattjw24.

Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Bauer, CCM, Washington Capitals