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OCTOBER 2015
PRO STICK REPAIR VICTORIA MAKES HOCKEY MORE AFFORDABLE Hockey equipment and maintenance specialist focused on giving back
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ICTORIA – ‘Making Hockey Affordable’ is the name of the game for equipment and maintenance specialist Pro Stick Repair Victoria. The company got its start by developing a business plan to repair broken composite sticks and getting them back into the players hands and out of the landfills by using a unique procedure that repairs the broken shaft. Since then it’s grown to offer a number of exclusive product lines, in addition to focusing on making the sport itself as accessible as possible to others. “To have your job center around your passion is an incredible feeling,” says owner Glen Klassen. “I love what I do, I love this game, and I do my best at every opportunity to make sure that as many people as possible are able to play it. This community has given so much to me over the years, the relationships I’ve built through this sport have meant a lot, and now I have an opportunity to give back and help others. “Pro Stick Repair Victoria has given me the opportunity to make
Klassen behind the bench in his role as Assistant Equipment Manager with the Victoria Royals
Pro Stick Repair Victoria repaired and pro stock inventory
PHOTO CREDIT: JON HOWE ONE LION PHOTOGRAPHY
a sport that’s traditionally pretty costly, a little more affordable and by keeping these sticks out of the landfills it’s the ultimate form of recycling. As the business has grown I’ve also been able to expand our product offerings and provide unique services that add more value to my customers, I also support several individually owned and operated Pro Stick Repair Franchises across North America helping making hockey affordable to all hockey players, I’m excited about what the future holds.” K lassen’s ownership of Pro Stick Repair Victoria began a year and a half ago, after taking over operations from the business’s founders. “Everything came together
Klassen in front of the Pro Stick Repair Victoria skate-sharpening machine so organically,” he says. “I had always supported the original owners when they were having trouble dealing with the workload, as they had a number of other projects on the go at the same time. I found out there was an opportunity to become involved almost immediately after my long-term assistant manager position in an electronics retail business ended when the company restructured and the store was permanently closed. Naturally I jumped at the chance to take over Pro Stick Repair Victoria. “I feel like life has prepared me for this, my background is in customer service and retail management, a nd I’ve a lways been involved with hockey in some capacity. I really enjoy connecting and interacting with people, and helping them in whatever way I can. This was a natural fit for me, and since taking things over, the company has started to see some significant growth.” That success has given him the freedom to support local minor hockey programs, recreational leagues and athletics focused non profit organizations. “At the end of the day I want to give back and assist others as much as I can,” says Klassen. “If an organization or an individual reaches out I’m going to do my best to help them out. I’ve been able to help young hockey players find affordable equipment through my contacts, and the
company supports initiatives like KidSport, Ryan O’Byrne Youth Sports Society, The Remembering Elliott Dagg Foundation ‘swap n shop’ fundraiser and many others. “It’s been a very rewarding experience so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the company can contribute to the community even further. Recently I started a monthly 3 Stars Social Media Contest that rewards people with prizes for sharing their experiences with Pro Stick Repair Victoria through their own networks. It’s my hope that as the company continues to grow, that I have more opportunities to help out, give back, and enable others to enjoy the game as much as I do.” Currently, Pro Stick Repair Victoria provides customers with a 35 day warranty at the point of repair for all of the reconstructed composite sticks, 5 days longer than one that would come with a brand new stick. Klassen’s focus on delivering value allows his clients to purchase 4 repaired sticks for the price of 1 new stick . In addition, he offers ‘pro stock’ sticks, professional grade equipment not generally available to the public. His pro shop services also include Sani Sport equ ipment cleaning, skate sharpening, heat molding, rivet repairs, Howie’s tape, laces and wax, Gitch Hitch laundry loops, Superfeet insoles, Wipe2Perform blade cleaning products, skate guards, team apparel, team equipment orders
and custom bags. “Every single product that I carry is there to improve my customer’s hockey experience,” he says. “The Sani Sport system protects players from potential infections and bacteria issues, the Gitch Hitch is there to help team trainers and parents of multiple players organize laundry/ apparel better. The blade cleaning wipes prolong the life of the skates blades and prevent rust, and the other products I provide all there for the sole purpose of helping make the game of hockey safe, enjoyable and affordable.” In addition to running the business, Klassen is entering his 5 th season as the Assistant Equipment Manager for the Victoria Royals of the WHL , a nd has worked in the same capacity for the Victoria Salmon Kings, a former ECHL team. Organization’s currently using Pro Stick Repair products include the Victoria Grizzlies and Cowichan Valley Capitals of the BC Junior Hockey League, the Peninsula Panthers of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League, the South Island Royals Midget A team, as well as the Inter Section Hockey League (ISHL) based out of CFB Esquimalt which is comprised of Canadian Armed Forces and DND employees, in addition to a wide range of regular individual customers. Facebook - Pro Stick Repair Victoria Twitter - @ProStickRepair Instagram - ProStickRepair www.prostickrepair.com
Victoria Business Examiner Program Insert Banner Ad Specs 9.8" W x 3.125" H Victoria’s Home of Hockey with Heart!
Kids Programs | School Programs | Adult Programs
+1 250-590-7811 | www.icevictoria.ca
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Proudly suppor ng the Community in Making Hockey Affordable
Skate Sharpening including Flat Bo om V
Skate Heat moulding, Rivet repairs, Eyelets
Tuuk, Steel Replacement
New & Repaired Pro Stock S cks Custom Team Equipment Bags Custom Team Apparel
For More informa on please contact
#MakingHockeyAffordable
ProStickRepair
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ozone equipment sani zing machine
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Tape, Laces, Wax, End Plugs, An Fog, Etc. Authorized Superfeet Dealer New & Used Equipment (Custom Team Orders available) Shop Hours Posted Weekly On Facebook, Twi er & Instagram 35 Day Warranty at point of repair *Some Restric ons Apply*
Glen Klassen Owner @ProStickRepair
Premium Blademaster Sharpening Equipment Hockey Tournament Sponsorship/Dona ons Proud KidSport Supporter Check out our Monthly 3 Stars Social Media Contest
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Cell
250 858-2349 Pro Stick Repair Victoria