Able Planet Names Former NHL Star Alexei Gusarov as new Chief Athletics Officer

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Able Planet, founded on the principle of preserving hearing and a leading provider of award-winning, innovative audio and communication devices, today announced that former NHL great, Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion ice hockey defenseman Alexei Gusarov has joined the company in the newly created post of Chief Athletics Officer. Reporting to the CEO, Gusarov will engage and manage Able Planet's relationships with top professional athletes in supporting and promoting the company's mission to empower the hearing impaired.

Gusarov is one of the few members of Hockey's Triple Gold Club, having won the sport's three most prestigious awards -- the IIHF World Championship, the Olympic gold medal, and the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Over the course of his career, Gusarov earned 27 medals, 23 of them gold, and titles including National, European and World Champion.

After retiring from Hockey in 2001, Gusarov founded and ran Goose Racing, a company that fielded teams racing late model NASCAR cars.

"Our new 'I Am Able' initiative is all about removing barriers and empowering people to achieve their full potential, and Alexei truly exemplifies that level of achievement," commented Kevin Semcken, Able Planet Chairman and CEO. "We're thrilled to welcome an athlete of his caliber and accomplishments to our team. He brings an in-depth knowledge of both the sports and the business worlds that will be invaluable in helping us develop sponsorship programs and build relationships with top professional athletes to support and promote our mission."

"When I learned about Able Planet, and their mission to help people with hearing loss to live full, rich, successful lives, I wanted to be a part of that," said Gusarov. "Able Planet products will change the world for people with hearing loss, and while my hearing is normal, I also think they sound great. Being their Chief Athletic Officer is a perfect way for me to work with other top professional athletes to give back to the community and to help people with hearing loss get active in sports and life. I also see it as an opportunity to support young up-and-coming athletes with all levels of hearing ability to reach their potential, and to further Able Planet's mission to eliminate barriers to success through innovative technologies."

Career Highlights for Alexei Gusarov

After winning his first medal while still in his teens, Gusarov went on to win the Soviet Union National Championship five times, the European Championship five times, the World Championship title three times, and took the gold in the European Cup seven times. He was instrumental in helping the USSR win the gold medal at the Calgary Olympics in 1988.

Drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1988, he played an integral part in the club's resurgence as a powerhouse, culminating with its first place finish in the 1995 season. Gusarov stayed with the team when it relocated to Colorado as the Avalanche, winning the Stanley Cup the following year in 1996. He was inducted into the European Hall of Fame Triple Gold Club in 1996. Gusarov went on to play for the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues, competing in a career total of 607 games before retiring from the league following the 2000-01 season.

About Able Planet

API designs and manufacturers audio and communication devices for people with normal hearing to those with severe loss, For All Levels of Hearing. The company's products include headphones, headsets, and assistive listening devices with proprietary technologies that enhance sound quality and clarity. The company has won over 21 awards in the past four years, including 17 International Consumer Electronics Show awards for innovation and design. The company's products are marketed worldwide through Able Planet, resellers, audiology networks, non-profit foundations and strategic partners. The privately held company is headquartered in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For more information, visit www.ableplanet.com

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