"Nike got crushed like a cockroach" - Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary questions Duzter's business model 

Shark Tank season 16 episode 14 saw a pitch from Duzter owned by Martin E., the CEO of the company. He was accompanied by his father Martin A. and their product is a cut-resistant fabric that can be made into tees and pants for people who play hockey. They sought for $200,000 for 10% of the business.

Martin and Maryin demonstrated how, while playing hockey on ice, the players have to defend themselves which often turns into fights. Even their skating equipment is made of very sharp blades that could cause harm to another player.

This is what prompted them to make their product Duzter Hockey. Martin explains that their products have "compression base layers with cut-resistant fabric designed for youth hockey players."

They give added protection around the neck and arms "without compromising comfort or mobility." Even their pants are made of the same material and offer "protection around the ankles and the thighs."

The entrepreneurs invited Rashaun Williams up on the stage for a demonstration where they used a pool noodle and cut it in half with the hockey skating blade. It was easy to slice in half.

However, the second noodle wrapped around with Duszter fabric, did not budge at all and the noodle was safe inside of it. The sharks then even pointed out an accident in hockey where a guy got killed and due to it, Duzter had sold out completely in just two days.

Then Shark Tank's Kevin talked about the company's sales and Martin revealed that their lifetime sales of less than two years are around $326,000. They are doing direct-to-consumers as well as pro shops.

Their shirt for youth players costs around $26 to make while they sell it for $85. However, Kevin soon pointed out the "three giant players" on the hockey field that have not let anyone enter the market.

They have dominated the skates, the helmets, the pads, and the sticks and Mr. Wonderful says that no one has ever been able to go against them. Even though the entrepreneurs had the spirit to go against the existing oligopoly, Kevin warned by saying,

"I must remind you Martin and Martin, Nike got crushed like a cockroach in the hockey equipment business."

Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary warns about the oligopoly in the hockey industry

Martin and Martin, the entrepreneurs who pitched Duzter Hockey on Shark Tank, were relentless in trying to fight against the big players in the industry and claimed that it would not stop them. They are already in six NHL locker rooms while there are three patent applications for their product pending.

Soon, Shark Tank investors, Daymond and Kevin opted out as the latter claimed that the hockey industry does not have a lot of space to grow. Rashaun Williams followed suit and said that he does not know the hockey industry that well and thus, is opting out.

Lori also felt like the licensing deal would be a great option because the big three companies that exist right now, handle the distribution in all the major cities and thus, opted out.

A ray of hope came when Shark Tank investor, Mark Cuban offered Duszter $200,000 but for 20% of the company. Without any further negotiations, Martin accepted the offer and they made a deal. The dad of the company, after exiting, said that now he can focus on the business more because Cuban has joined their team.

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Shark Tank season 16 episodes are released weekly on ABC at 8 PM Eastern Time on Fridays. They are later available to watch on Hulu.

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