EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE--(Marketwired - Mar 3, 2014) - Bauer Performance Sports Ltd. (TSX:BAU) ("BPS" or "the Company") has hired Rich Wuerthele to serve as Executive Vice President of Hockey, a newly created position within the BPS organization. Wuerthele, a seasoned management executive with more than 20 years of experience, will lead Bauer Hockey, the world's No. 1 hockey business, and drive its continued growth.

"Building brands and sports are two of my passions so it is exciting to join a company with such an accomplished history of elevating the performance and safety of athletes," said Rich Wuerthele, Executive Vice President, Hockey. "With an iconic brand and an industry-leading R&D team, I'm looking forward to the opportunities ahead of us as we continue to grow our business while maintaining our focus of delivering the most innovative equipment in the industry."

Rich brings a wealth of knowledge in sales, marketing and operations to this executive role. He has a proven track record of growing businesses and achieving results, most recently as President, Tools Business Segment, for Newell Rubbermaid.

Prior to his 11-year career with Newell Rubbermaid, Rich held other top executive roles in sales and marketing at The Black and Decker Corporation and Danaher. In those roles, he worked on global brands such as Black and Decker, DeWalt and Craftsman.

"Rich brings a valuable combination of management, sales and marketing experience to our team at an important time for the overall Bauer Performance Sports business," said Kevin Davis, President and CEO, BPS. "As our portfolio of brands and sports continues to expand, our hockey business remains the core of our high performance platform, and it is essential that we expand our already strong management team to meet the needs of our evolving company. Rich's proven track record and expertise will ensure that we keep the necessary focus on increasing market share in every hockey category."

Bauer Hockey, the No. 1 brand worn by National Hockey League players, has grown global market share from approximately 28 percent in 2006 to 53 percent in 2013, while BPS has expanded its presence in other sports, including lacrosse, baseball, softball and soccer.

ABOUT BAUER PERFORMANCE SPORTS LTD.

Bauer Performance Sports Ltd. (TSX:BAU) is a leading developer and manufacturer of ice hockey, roller hockey, lacrosse, baseball and softball equipment as well as related apparel. The company has the most recognized and strongest brand in the ice hockey equipment industry, and holds the top market share position in both ice and roller hockey. Its products are marketed under the BAUER, MISSION, MAVERIK, CASCADE, INARIA and COMBAT brand names and are distributed by sales representatives and independent distributors throughout the world. Bauer Performance Sports is focused on building its leadership position and growing market share in all product categories through continued innovation at every level. For more information, visit www.bauerperformancesports.com.