NHL Players Buying Canadian Franchise

Date

May 11, 2009

(Port Coquitlam, BC)--- NHL Veteran Defenseman Jamie Heward has purchased the Puckmasters Hockey Training Center Franchise Rights for Regina, Saskatchewan, his hometown along with another NHL Veteran Mike Sillinger, Regina Pats GM Brett Parker and Director of Scouting Todd Ripplinger. Heward, a current member of the Toronto Maple Leafs has played almost 400 NHL Games. As a member of the Capitals in 2005-06, Heward played 71 games and led all Capitals defenceman with career highs in assists (21) and points (28). Heward’s teammate… some say the best player in the game today… Alexander Ovechkin.

Puckmasters Founder Pete Fry is excited to have Jamie Heward as part of the team. “Jamie obviously has a strong hockey background yet the think I really like is he brings a strong business background as well to the Puckmasters System”. Fry says. Puckmasters’ year-round, indoor hockey training centers provide high-caliber training – including unique 1-on-1 coaching - that is designed to develop the highest skill levels of youth hockey players ages 18 to 6 by focusing on the mental aspects of the game.

“One-on-one coaching has tremendous advantages over team coaching because a personal coach can focus specific attention to the students’ individual needs,” Fry said.

In addition, Puckmasters training rinks also feature exclusive, ProSpeed™ Resistance Skating Surfaces (R.S.S.) that provides natural resistance to improve skating, along with shooting simulators and core strength training programs. Skating treadmills are being introduced throughout the system.

Puckmasters is primed for growth in both Canada and the U.S.

“There are a lot of one-man hockey schools and camps,” the 42-year-old Fry said. “Puckmasters offers franchisees a business opportunity that is built around proven systems of success. I see a lot of similarities to Blockbuster. When it first began there was a lot of competition and most of it was from small mom-and-pop stores. ”

Prospective Puckmasters franchisees are strong, results-oriented leaders with proven sales, marketing and management skills. Past hockey experience isn’t necessary and but franchisees must have a passion for the game and teaching it to children. About 20 percent of Puckmasters franchises are owned by individuals with extensive playing experience, including Mike Wilson, an eight-year NHL veteran who operates Puckmasters in Cleveland.

A typical day for a franchisee presents an array of responsibilities such as setting up marketing and cross-promotional opportunities with local rinks and sports stores and making presentations to youth hockey leagues. Puckmasters realizes the reputation of its brand extends beyond what takes place on the rink. Its centers are always clean and attractive and staffed by uniformed employees who are devoted to customer satisfaction.

“We’re looking for enthusiasts who have an entrepreneurial spirit or strong sales and marketing experience who want to be involved in a fast-growing concept,” Fry said. “This is an opportunity for them to live their passion. To me there is nothing better than to be able to do something you love and know that’s it making a huge difference in the lives of our students while also having the opportunity to operate a profitable business.”