The Union of Two Legendary Powerhouse Stores written By: Christopher Miller
I have written several stories over the past couple of years for OrangeLife Magazine, each is exciting and fascinating to cover in their own way. But, when I was told that I would be writing a piece about a new hockey equipment store that goes by the name, Bensen – Ferguson Hockey and Lacrosse Club, I was momentarily confused. FAMILY OWNED AND DEEP ROUTED Two of Connecticut’s oldest hockey equipment stores joining forces? Two pillars, staples, giants, of the hockey world that need no introduction in the hockey community combining? Could it really be? It could and now it is, and it’s located at 326 Boston Post Road, in the same plaza as Gabriele’s Italian Ristorante.
Both long standing businesses being local, hard-working family owned businesses that have customer service and trust at their foundations. Having played hockey in the area and purchased nearly all my equipment from one store or the other, I felt it almost an honor to receive this assignment. I had the opportunity to sit down with Kyle Bensen, one of the three owners (Michael Ferguson and John Ferguson being the other two) at the end of August, around three weeks after their grand opening on August 1st. We were seated in the back of
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Photo: Paula Severino
Ferguson’s Center Ice Sports of Orange and Whitie Bensen of West Haven have both been serving the surrounding communities for all lacrosse, figure skating, and of course hockey needs for decades.
From left to right: Owners, Kyle Bensen and Mike Ferguson
the store on wooden benches where the hockey skates are displayed and fitted. Aside from the nearly non-stop flow of customers congratulating Kyle and engaging in small talk, the interview went great! The obvious question had to be asked – how, why? Kyle explained that the COVID-19 pandemic brought this about. Mike
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Ferguson, one of Ferguson’s Center Ice Sports owners, who was a life-long friendly competitor, approached Kyle with the idea of joining forces and bringing the two stores into one. “Same morals, same ethics, no second-guessing that piece of the equation,” in reference to Mike. But, some deep consideration had to be done.
WINTER 2020
