The Capitals forward's brand features built-in cut-resistant technology.
The Capitals forward's brand features built-in cut-resistant technology.
Washington Capitals forward and Warroad protective gear founder T.J. Oshie saw his brand's TILO neck and wrist base layer sell out after former AHLer and Elite Hockey League forward Adam Johnson died after taking a skate blade to the neck in a game on Saturday.
The brand is trying to restock its supply of the shirts, which came out at the end of September. Warroad's built-in neck collar on the new shirts is made from Kevlar, which the company says is five times stronger than steel.
Oshie and his company received hundreds of orders over the weekend following Johnson's death during a game. Johnson's neck was cut open by a skate blade during a game between the Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers. The 29-year-old later died in the hospital.
"Our thoughts are with Adam's family and community as they mourn his loss. Although we remain steadfast in our mission to prevent these kinds of injuries, that does nothing to ease the sorrow caused by this accident," Warroad co-founder Jason Olden wrote in an email sent by the company on Monday. "As news of this tragic event travelled through the hockey community, it created a heightened demand for skate-cut protection. The number of orders we received yesterday, in a single day, was unlike anything we've seen before or could have even imagined."
Oshie first founded Warroad in 2018 after wanting to create a base layer and gear that didn't irritate his skin, as he was prone to rashes. He also wanted something to keep his elbow pads in place and protect him from skate cuts after hearing stories of people who suffered from serious skate blade injuries.
He then developed the "TILO Pro Stock" top and bottoms featuring cut-resistant technology in the arms and legs, and a few weeks ago, the company released their shirts with built-in neck guards.
Several of the Capitals, including Tom Wilson, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, Nic Dowd, Nick Jensen and Darcy Kuemper, and multiple NHLers across the league have taken to wearing Oshie's gear.
The 36-year-old told AP Sports' Stephen Whyno on Monday that he received hundreds of texts inquiring about the technology, and that his company is working hard to rapidly restock its product.