There is nothing in the game of hockey that brings me more joy than being part of a team... We are teammates for life. – Chris Wideman
After 12 seasons of pro hockey, Chris Wideman retired in 2024 with a reputation for grit, leadership, and heart – on and off the ice. Now, he’s stepping into a new kind of jersey.
We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to Titan BattleGear as a Strategic Advisor, where he’ll help lead the charge in building smarter, safer gear for the next generation of players.
From player to protector
Chris didn’t join Titan just to stay close to the game. For him, it was about vision, leadership, and impact.
“The intersection of sports and business has always caught my attention,” Chris said. “Titan is best in class. The leadership team are entrepreneurial problem solvers who know how to build successful opportunities for consumers and investors. I’m fully aligned with the vision – it’s a lot of fun to see entrepreneurs working in a sport that’s given me so much.”
As a player, Chris had worn just about every kind of gear available – and didn’t hold back about where it fell short. “I never felt like the performance was worth the additional protection,” he said. “To get real safety, gear was always too bulky. And the lighter stuff didn’t actually protect. There was never a product that made sense.”
That changed the first time he put on Titan.
“It fit seamlessly. I barely noticed the added neck protection,” Chris said. “It was lightweight, properly fitting, and I couldn’t believe it had protective qualities.”
Built for his kids – and yours
Chris is now a father of two, and that role has sharpened his perspective. “Becoming a dad definitely opened my eyes to player safety in a new light – not just for my kids, but for all players in hockey. My children will wear the most durable and safe equipment in every category. Safety is paramount as a parent.”
He believes protective gear should be as essential to the game as lacing up your skates. “My hope is that someday our protective wear is as much a part of outfitting a player as putting on a pair of skates.”
For him, it’s about shifting the culture, not just improving the gear. “There’s still this idea that protection makes you soft. That’s got to change,” he said. “Players need to understand – your highest earning potential is with you on the ice. Gear that keeps you there isn’t optional. It’s smart.”
Helping lead the next chapter
At Titan BattleGear, Chris will play a hands-on role across the business – especially where it matters most: players and product.
He’ll work closely with teams, leagues, and associations to help them adopt higher safety standards without sacrificing performance. As a trusted voice in the hockey community, Chris understands how to meet players where they are – and how to reframe the conversation around modern protective wear.
On the product side, he’ll be actively involved in on-ice testing and development. Having played at the game’s highest levels, Chris brings an elite standard for fit, comfort, and performance. “Titan protects at the highest level without restricting mobility,” he said. “It’s the first gear I’ve worn that doesn’t compromise.”
He also brings an operator’s mindset, shaped by experience in business and investing. His post-hockey career has included ventures in real estate, franchises, hockey equipment, and energy—always guided by leadership, attention to detail, and long-term value creation. “In both hockey and business, sometimes being a great teammate is more important than having the next great idea,” he said.
The game keeps going
Chris may have stepped away from professional hockey, but his commitment to the sport – and to the people in it – is as strong as ever. In this next chapter, he's focused on helping protect the players coming up behind him and making sure they have access to gear that performs at the highest level.
“I’ve always taken pride in helping my teammates,” Chris said. “That hasn’t changed. I’m here to make an impact – and Titan is the right place to do it.”
We’re honored to have Wides on the Titan BattleGear team. Let’s raise the bar – together.
