Sports Excellence 2023 Hockey Congress & Dealer of the Year Award

MONTREAL, QUEBEC (November 10, 2022) – After over two long years, Sports Excellence brought their network of members and supplier partners together for a three-day Hockey and e-Bike Congress at the Toronto Congress Centre from October 24th to 26th, 2022. The Congress was well attended by Sports Excellence members, suppliers, and specially invited guests with over 400 people working and roaming the show floor of over 60 booths.

The Sports Excellence 2023 Hockey Congress kicked off the evening of October 24th with a member-only cocktail and magic show. The next morning began early with a breakfast followed by Sports Excellence-specific presentations with interactive content, and a member buy-committee panel.

“Given the unique circumstances, particularly the labour shortage, it was clear to us that we had to host this Congress and get in front of our members personally. We were so excited to be together again as one, all while being fully supported by our supplier partners,” explains Jamie Coughlin, V.P. Retail Performance at Sports Excellence Corporation.

The morning finished off with the presentation of the Tom Short Dealer of the Year Award being awarded to Evolution Sports Excellence, located out of Leduc, Alberta. The award is in lasting memory of Tom Short, one of our foremost members who epitomized what Sports Excellence members should aspire to be. The award is given to the member who best exemplifies the virtues and characteristics that have come to be associated with our departed colleague. COMMITMENT to excellence, DEDICATION to their enterprise and the industry, consistent SUPPORT of the group’s initiatives, and PARTICIPATION within their community are the cornerstones to success within their business as well as within the Sports Excellence group.

Evolution Sports Excellence team members Darrell Saunders and Matt Pilon accept the Tom Short Award on behalf of the Evolution Sports Excellence team at the Sports Excellence 2023 Hockey Congress. From left to right: Mark Donovan (President & CEO, Sports Excellence Corporation), Matt Pilon, Darrell Saunders & Jamie Coughlin.

The show floor officially opened on the afternoon of the 25th and the entire day on the 26th. Sports Excellence members were able to visit well-known suppliers such as Bauer, Warrior, True, and CCM, and visit new suppliers to the group, such as PVCK, Biosteel, and Chilly Moose. For the first time ever, the Sports Excellence show floor included an e-bike pavilion where members were able to meet new suppliers and test out the latest models of electric bikes. When members needed some downtime, they were able to relax in the Red Bull Lounge in the middle of the show floor, as well as in the Sports Excellence private lounge: The Hub. Check out the full video recap below.

The congress would not have been such a success if it weren’t for all the suppliers and Sports Excellence members that took part and were flexible while quickly adapting to the changing industry needs and timelines in moving the congress forward a month earlier than originally scheduled. Sports Excellence looks forward to seeing everyone again next year in Niagara Falls from October 16th to 18th, 2023.

About Sports Excellence Corporation

Your family is unique, and so are we.

Founded in 1950, Sports Excellence represents #200Strong independent retailers offering local service for real communities across Canada and the United States. When you shop local, you’re investing in friends and neighbors who are building the future of your hometown.

Every interaction is our chance to pair the right athletic gear and apparel with your fitness goals. But more than that, it’s an opportunity for us to connect, and provide a personalized experience you simply won’t find anywhere else. In store or online, we bring the knowledge, vast product selection and customized service your family needs to get out there and play.