Knapper

What Knapper does

Knapper is a Quebec-based manufacturer of ball hockey and broomball sporting goods, headquartered in Saint-Hyacinthe and operating a direct-to-consumer Shopify storefront at knapper.com alongside a wholesale network of over 200 retail partners across Canada, including Canadian Tire, SportChek, Pure Hockey, Source for Sports, and various dek hockey rinks. The product portfolio spans ball hockey sticks (entry-level ABS through 100% carbon fiber Kevlar), gloves, shinguards, shoes, helmets, protective clothing, equipment bags, hockey balls, broomball equipment, and accessories, organized in three performance tiers — AK3 (entry), AK5 (mid), and AK7 (elite). Differentiated technologies include Exostretch flexible zones in gloves, Airshield breathable backhand protection, Hyperfabric reinforced toe caps on shoes, Pro Fluid temperature-tailored hockey balls (Pink/Orange/Red variants), and high-resistance polymer knee shells in shinguards.

The company generates revenue through one-time unit sales of physical goods at price points ranging from $3.99 for a single hockey ball to $279.99 for the premium AK Kevlar 365G stick, with free shipping on orders over $99.99 CAD and gift cards available in fixed denominations. Its go-to-market combines e-commerce (knapper.com and a separate KnapperUSA site for US customers) with wholesale distribution, federation partnerships (Ball Hockey Canada, ISBHF, Czech Ball Hockey Federation), brand ambassadors (NHL players Jonathan Huberdeau and Pierre-Luc Dubois), and grassroots sponsorships including the Circuit Relève Quebec youth league. The customer base is segmented into ball hockey players (primary), broomball players, youth and junior players, and league/tournament organizers, with marketing executed through Instagram, Facebook, blog content, email newsletters, and tournament sponsorships.

Name

Knapper

Legal name

Knapper

Website

https://knapper.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Knapper is a Quebec-based manufacturer of ball hockey and broomball equipment, selling proprietary AK-series sticks, gloves, shinguards, shoes, and accessories directly via knapper.com and through 200+ Canadian retail partners to recreational and competitive players.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ball Hockey Equipment

NAICS

Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing (33992), Sporting Goods Retailers (45911), Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42391)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Team Sports Protective Gear & Sports Medicine Retail (CRAMAEAJ)

Keywords

• Ball hockey equipment
• Broomball equipment
• Hockey sticks
• Protective sports gear
• Dek hockey

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-Hyacinthe

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Direct e-commerce sales: Knapper operates an e-commerce storefront at knapper.com selling directly to consumers, offering the full range of ball hockey and broomball equipment with various payment options and gift cards available
2. Wholesale/Retail distribution: Products sold through over 200 retail partners across Canada including sporting goods stores, department stores, and specialty hockey shops

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Knapper designs, manufactures, and sells ball hockey and broomball equipment including sticks, gloves, shinguards, shoes, helmets, protective clothing, hockey balls, and equipment bags. The company serves recreational through professional players across Canada via its e-commerce store and over 200 retail partners, with product lines spanning entry-level (AK3), mid-range (AK5), and elite tiers (AK7 and AK Kevlar).

Product overview

Knapper is a Quebec-based ball hockey and dek hockey equipment company offering a comprehensive product portfolio spanning sticks, gloves, shinguards, helmets, shoes, protective clothing, accessories, and broomball equipment. The core product lines include the AK-series (AK3, AK5, AK7) with varying performance tiers - entry-level (AK3), mid-range (AK5), and elite (AK7) - along with the premium AK Kevlar carbon fiber sticks. Key products include ball hockey sticks with multiple carbon composite levels (10%-100%), the Pro Fluid temperature-tailored hockey balls (made in Canada), AK7 v2 gloves with Exostretch™ and Airshield™ technologies, AK7 v2 shinguards with high-resistance polymer shells, and AK7 v2 shoes featuring Hyperfabric™ toe reinforcement. The company also offers broomball equipment and branded apparel, with products sold through over 200 retailers in North America.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AK7 v3 Stick Top-tier composite ball hockey stick with 90% carbon fiber construction, 430g weight, low kick point for rapid-release shots, and Max Blade for ball height control. Available in CB92 and P28 curves with multiple flex options. For elite ball hockey players.
• AK5 v3 Stick Mid-range composite ball hockey stick with flex and length options for right and left-handed players, designed for versatile performance at various skill levels. Starting at $99.99.
• AK3 v3 Stick Entry-level composite ball hockey stick offering reliable performance for players at beginning levels. Starting at $79.99.
• AK Kevlar 365G Stick Premium lightweight stick weighing only 365g, made from 100% carbon fiber for elite players seeking maximum responsiveness. $279.99.
• AK Kevlar 390G Stick High-performance carbon fiber stick weighing 390g, offering excellent balance and durability for competitive play. From $224.99.
• AEGIS Goalie Stick Specialized goalie stick designed for ball hockey goalkeepers, providing the durability and performance needed for the position. $229.99.
• AK7 v2 Gloves Elite protection gloves featuring Exostretch™ zone for flexibility, Airshield™ breathable protection, and dual-density foam with PE plates. Full AX Materials suede palm for maximum grip. Sizes 11-15. $159.99.
• AK7 v2 Shinguards Premium shinguards with high-resistance polymer knee shell, redesigned sleeve construction, and removable straps for customized fit. Sizes 11-16. $89.99.
• AK7 v2 Shoes High-top ball hockey shoes with padded lace cover, Hyperfabric™ reinforced toe cap, EVA midsole with stabilizing reinforcement, and specially formulated outsole for tile surfaces. Sizes US M 4-13. $149.99.
• Pro Fluid Balls Temperature-tailored hockey balls with liquid interior for reduced rebounds and enhanced handling. Available in Pink (0-15°C), Orange (15-25°C), and Red (25°C+). Federation-approved. Made in Canada. From $3.99.
• AK5 Helmet Ball hockey helmet with personalized fit system and advanced ventilation, designed to accommodate players wearing glasses. Available in Black, Red, White. $74.99.
• BK7v1 Broomball Pants Specialized broomball pants providing protection and comfort for broomball players. $99.99.
• BK6 Broomball Shoes Dedicated broomball footwear designed for the unique demands of broomball gameplay. $134.99.

Quantifiable outcome

• AK Kevlar 390G stick weighs only 390g - among the lightest in the sport
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Jonathan HuberdeaucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional NHL player (Florida Panthers star forward) and brand ambassador. Huberdeau announced his partnership with Knapper in 2022 to promote dek field hockey. He participated in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game and appeared at media events to showcase Knapper products.
• Pierre-Luc DuboiscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNHL professional hockey player endorsing Knapper products. Mentioned alongside Jonathan Huberdeau as a professional player endorsing the brand.
• Ball Hockey CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial partner organization for Canadian ball hockey, one of Knapper's three official federation partners shown in product page branding.
• ISBHF (International Ball Hockey Federation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational governing body for ball hockey, official partner of Knapper. Products meet federation standards for international competition.
• Czech Ball Hockey FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational governing body for ball hockey in Czech Republic, official partner of Knapper. Supports product development for international standards.
• Circuit RelèveminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQuebec youth ball hockey development league with 12 teams (Armada Lanaudière, Arsenal Beauce, Badgers Granby, Inferno Montreal, Jarrets Noirs St-Georges, Legacy Laval, Lions St-Eustache, Loups Joliette, Rapides Beau-Château, Spiders Drummondville, Titans Sherbrooke, Circuit Releve Team QC). Knapper provides sponsorship and team merchandise.
• Tournament and Event OrganizersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFormal sponsorship program accepting applications for tournaments, fundraising events, and brand ambassador opportunities. Organizations can apply through the website sponsorship form.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Grit Inc. Grit Hockey produces street and ball hockey sticks, gloves, and accessories targeted at the same recreational and competitive ball hockey player as Knapper. Its mid-priced stick lineup and retail distribution in sporting goods stores make it a close competitor in the same product categories.
• Tour Hockey: Tour Hockey is one of the most recognized ball and street hockey stick and equipment brands in North America, directly competing with Knapper in sticks, gloves, and protective gear sold through sporting goods retailers. Its product breadth and long-standing retail presence make it the closest head-to-head competitor.
• Winnwell: Winnwell is a Canadian sporting goods brand offering hockey equipment, including ball and street hockey sticks and accessories, sold through mass-market sporting goods retailers. Its broad, value-priced catalog overlaps directly with Knapper's entry-level and mid-tier offerings.
• Mylec: Mylec is a Massachusetts-based manufacturer specializing in inline, street, and dek hockey equipment, including sticks, balls, goals, and protective gear. Like Knapper, Mylec focuses on off-ice hockey variants and serves similar dek hockey rink and retail channels.
• Hespeler Hockey: Hespeler Hockey specializes in street and ball hockey sticks, gloves, and apparel, positioning itself in a similar niche to Knapper with comparable price points and product focus. Both brands serve dek hockey and street hockey players through online and specialty retail channels.

Broad incumbents

• Bauer Hockey: Bauer is the dominant global ice hockey equipment brand, with a much broader portfolio that occasionally extends into street and ball hockey accessories. Its scale, retail relationships, and R&D budget make it a structural threat to specialty ball hockey brands like Knapper.
• Sher-Wood Hockey: Sher-Wood is an established hockey stick and equipment brand with a long heritage, offering products across ice, street, and ball hockey categories. Its broader portfolio and historical brand equity create overlap with Knapper's stick and protective gear lines.
• Easton Hockey: Easton produces a wide range of hockey sticks, gloves, and protective gear across ice and street/ball hockey. Its long-established brand and broad distribution provide incumbent pressure on niche ball hockey specialists such as Knapper.
• Warrior Sports: Warrior (a New Balance brand) manufactures ice and street hockey sticks, gloves, and protective gear, serving overlapping consumer segments with Knapper. Its marketing scale and professional endorsements make it a broader competitor in adjacent hockey equipment categories.
• CCM Hockey: CCM is one of the largest ice hockey equipment manufacturers, with sticks, gloves, and protective gear that overlap Knapper's categories. Its brand recognition across hockey consumers creates competitive pressure wherever Knapper's products are retailed alongside CCM's.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KnapperBallHockey
• Instagraminstagram.com/knapperballhockey
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/knapper

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Knapper