Industrial power tools manufacturer DeWALT has inked a partnership with Dion Phaneuf and Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs for 2010. “Both players continually give 100 per cent night after night with their strong defensive plays and hard hits. Our slogan is “Guaranteed Tough” and like our tools, Dion and Luke will stand up to anything thrown at them,” said Brett Maves, director of marketing for DeWALT Canada. “This partnership is a natural evolution of our involvement with hockey in Canada.”
Dion Phaneuf, formerly of the Calgary Flames and now a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is a two time NHL All-Star and was a Norris Trophy Finalist, awarded to the league’s top defenceman in 2008. In 2009, Phaneuf averaged the highest number of minutes per game for Calgary and was recently rated as the #1 Open Ice Hitter by The Hockey News. Phaneuf has represented Canada internationally three times in his career, winning silver and gold medals at the World Junior Hockey Championship in 2004 and 2005 respectively while being named to the first all-star team both times. He also won a gold medal at the 2007 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.
“DeWALT is a brand that I personally use and would recommend to anyone. The tools can take a beating and never let you down,” said Phaneuf. An avid woodworker, Phaneuf uses DeWALT tools in his workshop.
Playing in one of the toughest hockey markets hasn’t fazed Luke Schenn, who was named to the NHL’s 2009 All-Rookie Team. Believed by many to be a future captain of the Maple Leafs, Schenn’s willingness to stick up for his teammates and physical play has earned him a loyal fan base. Schenn has represented Canada in the international arena including the 2007 Super Series against Russia, as a member of the gold-medal team for Canada at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships and the silver-medal team at the 2009 World Championships. “I am very happy to have DeWALT as a corporate sponsor,” Schenn said. “They are known for their quality products, which is something I can identify with.”