The Chicago Blackhawks made two noteworthy announcements as training camp opened on Thursday, naming Belle Tire as the team’s official helmet sponsor for this season and disclosing that every player attending training camp is fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
The agreement with Belle Tire features an exclusive helmet sponsorship on both the team’s home and away helmets. Belle Tire will also be serving as the team’s official tire retailer, according to the team’s news release.
Belle Tire will serve as the exclusive helmet sponsor for the Chicago Blackhawks. (Photograph courtesy of the Chicago Blackhawks)
“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,” said Jaime Faulkner, Chicago Blackhawks President of Business Operations, in the release. “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.”
Additionally, General Manager Stan Bowman announced during his media availability Thursday morning that 100% of the players attending training camp have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, joining a number of other teams around the league.
“It’s pretty challenging if you have players who aren’t vaccinated…it’s just a sign of the players’ commitment to try to be safe,” Bowman said during his media availability.
The Blackhawks’ first preseason contest is scheduled for Sept. 29 against the Detroit Red Wings. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. at the United Center.