The Chicago Blackhawks announced that Belle Tire will serve as the team’s helmet partner, as the collaboration aids the tire company’s expansion into the Chicago market.
With a long history of supporting hockey at both elite and amateur levels, the partnership will see Belle Tire’s cartoon ‘Tire man’ logo appear on the sides of players’ home and away helmets.
Jamie Faulkner, Chicago Blackhawks President of Business Operations, commented: “As Belle Tire expands into the Chicagoland market, they are bringing with them a set of values that complements our vision for the future at the Blackhawks across all aspects of our business.”
With plans to open 60 stores over the next four years beginning in Naperville, Joliet, Shorewood and Villa Park, the enterprise estimates that its expansion will create nearly 1,000 jobs and have an overall $325 million economic impact in the region over the next four years.
“It’s these shared commitments to serving our local communities and growing youth hockey in Illinois that make us incredibly excited for the long-term potential of this partnership,” Faulkner continued.
Additionally, the company supports the Belle Tire Hockey Club, founded in 1997, to help youth players develop skills ‘on and off the ice’. The club has helped to produce players that have made it to the NHL, Division I collegiate level as well in the Ontario and United States Hockey Leagues.
Belle Tire President, Don Barnes III, added: “As Belle Tire approaches its 100th anniversary we are thrilled to partner with an organisation that is a local icon but also is part of the cultural fabric of the Chicagoland community.
“The company commits to all our neighbours throughout Chicagoland that we will get you back on the road fast and affordably starting with our commitment to the lowest tire price.”
Enhancing its kit sponsorships, earlier this year saw the Blackhawks sign an agreement with United Airlines which has seen the company logo appear on the team’s home and away helmets for the 2020-21 season. This partnership also saw the launch of Support West – a business grant recovery programme.
