How SkateWorks stands apart from traditional hockey retailers
The hockey retail landscape is dominated by traditional equipment stores that focus primarily on product sales. While these retailers serve an important role in the hockey community, SkateWorks offers a fundamentally different approach by integrating retail, training, and ice access into a single comprehensive destination.
This page compares SkateWorks' innovative business model with established hockey retailers like Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey, highlighting the unique advantages our integrated approach offers to hockey players of all levels.
| Feature | SkateWorks | Pure Hockey | Hockey Monkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Integrated hockey destination combining retail, training, and on-site ice access | Traditional retail model with 80+ physical stores and e-commerce | Multi-sport retailer (hockey, lacrosse, baseball) with physical and online presence |
| Retail Experience | Premium equipment with on-site testing capabilities and expert staff | Wide selection of equipment with standard fitting services | Broad inventory across multiple sports with basic fitting services |
| Training Facilities | Comprehensive on-site training with NHL-level coaching through ELEV802 partnership | Limited or no dedicated training facilities (partnerships with external training providers) | No integrated training facilities |
| Ice Access | Dedicated on-site ice rink for skills development and team rentals | No on-site ice facilities | No on-site ice facilities |
| Equipment Testing | Immediate on-site testing of purchased equipment on synthetic ice and real ice | Limited in-store testing areas, no ice access | Basic in-store testing areas, no ice access |
| Skill Development | Integrated progression from equipment selection to training to on-ice application | Equipment only, skill development through external partnerships | Equipment only, no integrated skill development |
| Strategic Partnerships | Industry-leading partners (JR286, ELEV802, Bauer Hockey, Custom Ice) | Partnerships with equipment manufacturers and technology providers | Standard relationships with equipment manufacturers |
| Customer Experience | One-stop destination for all hockey needs with seamless integration | Primarily transactional retail experience | Multi-sport retail experience with hockey as one category |
Traditional hockey retailers like Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey operate primarily as equipment providers, with limited or no integration with training facilities or ice rinks. This siloed approach requires hockey players to visit multiple locations for different aspects of their hockey experience.
SkateWorks breaks this mold by bringing retail, training, and ice access together in one location. This integration creates a seamless experience where players can purchase equipment, receive expert coaching, and immediately apply their skills on ice—all under one roof.
While traditional retailers employ knowledgeable staff for equipment sales, SkateWorks extends expertise across the entire hockey development journey. Our partnership with ELEV802 brings NHL-level coaching directly to our facility, providing players with professional guidance from equipment selection through skill development.
This comprehensive approach ensures that players receive consistent, expert support at every stage of their hockey experience, rather than piecing together advice from different sources.
Traditional retailers may offer limited in-store testing areas, but SkateWorks revolutionizes the equipment purchasing experience by allowing customers to test products in real-world conditions on our synthetic ice and dedicated ice rink.
This capability transforms the buying process from a transaction to an experience, giving players confidence that their equipment performs as expected before leaving the store. Neither Pure Hockey nor Hockey Monkey offers this level of integrated testing capability.
While Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey function primarily as retail destinations, SkateWorks is designed to be a community hub for hockey enthusiasts. Our integrated facility encourages players to spend more time on-site, fostering connections and building a strong hockey community.
This community-centered approach creates loyalty beyond transactions, establishing SkateWorks as a "home away from home" for hockey players rather than simply a place to buy equipment.
The traditional hockey retail model, exemplified by Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey, focuses primarily on equipment sales through physical stores and e-commerce platforms.
These retailers have expanded through acquisition and organic growth, with Pure Hockey now operating 80+ stores across 30 states and Hockey Monkey expanding from a single California store to a multi-sport online retailer.
While these retailers excel at providing a wide selection of equipment, they typically do not integrate training or ice access into their core business model.
The hockey retail market is evolving, with companies like Pure Hockey beginning to form partnerships with technology providers like Helios to offer smart technology for player development.
These partnerships represent a step toward a more integrated approach, but still maintain separation between equipment retail and training/development services.
Other trends include enhanced online presence, omnichannel strategies, and value-added services like skate trade-in programs offered by Hockey Monkey.
SkateWorks represents the next evolution in hockey retail—a comprehensive destination that integrates equipment, training, and ice access in one location.
This model addresses the fragmented nature of the current hockey experience, where players must visit separate locations for equipment, training, and ice time.
By bringing these elements together, SkateWorks creates a seamless experience that better serves players' needs and establishes a stronger community connection than traditional retail models.
Traditional retailers require players to visit multiple locations for equipment, training, and ice time. SkateWorks consolidates these services, saving valuable time for players and families.
Unlike traditional retailers that focus only on equipment, SkateWorks provides a complete development pathway with expert coaching and immediate application on ice.
While traditional retailers offer transactional experiences, SkateWorks creates a community hub where players connect, train, and grow together in their hockey journey.
Traditional retailers offer limited testing. SkateWorks allows players to test equipment in real conditions before purchase, ensuring satisfaction and performance.
While traditional retailers have knowledgeable staff, SkateWorks offers NHL-level coaching expertise through our ELEV802 partnership, providing superior guidance.
Unlike the fragmented experience of traditional retail, SkateWorks offers a cohesive journey from equipment selection to on-ice application.
While traditional retailers like Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey have successfully established themselves in the equipment market, SkateWorks represents the future of hockey retail—a comprehensive destination that addresses the full spectrum of players' needs.
By integrating retail, training, and ice access, SkateWorks creates a unique value proposition that cannot be replicated by traditional retail models. This integrated approach not only enhances the player experience but also establishes stronger community connections and brand loyalty.
As the hockey market continues to evolve, the SkateWorks model sets a new standard for what players can expect from their hockey experience—convenience, expertise, and community all in one destination.
Learn More About SkateWorks