Sparx Hockey

  1. Home
  2. Wiki
Sparx Hockey
Company typePrivate
IndustrySporting goods, manufacturing
Founded2013; 12 years ago (2013)
FounderRussell Layton
Headquarters
Acton, Massachusetts
,
U.S.
SubsidiariesBladeScan (acquired 2022)
Websitewww.sparxhockey.com

Sparx Hockey is an American company that develops and manufactures skate sharpening equipment for ice hockey, figure skating, and sled hockey. It was founded in 2013 and is based in Acton, Massachusetts.

History

[edit]

Russell Layton founded Sparx Hockey in 2013.[1][2] The company introduced its first consumer product, the Sparx Skate Sharpener, in 2016 following a 2015 crowdfunding campaign.[3][4]

In 2018, the company partnered with former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Garret Sparks.[5] Private equity firm North Castle Partners invested in Sparx Hockey in 2020.[6] During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sparx repurposed part of its facilities to produce face shields for healthcare workers.[7][8][9][10][11][12]

The company acquired BladeScan, a blade measurement technology firm, in 2022.[13][14] Its sharpeners have been adopted by hockey programs such as Shattuck-St. Mary’s.[15] In 2023, U.S. Women’s National Team player Taylor Heise donated a Sparx Sharpener to her local hockey program.[16]

Products

[edit]

The company produces automated skate sharpening machines, including the Sparx Sharpener.[17]

Recognition

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Engineering Alumnus Revolutionizes Ice Skate Sharpening - Northeastern University College of Engineering". Northeastern University College of Engineering. Archived from the original on 2019-12-27. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  2. ^ Thomsen, Ian (2019-08-23). "From the NHL to the local rink, he's helping ice hockey players stay sharp". Northeastern Global News. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  3. ^ "Sparx Hockey Expands Executive Leadership Team". sgbonline.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  4. ^ "Sparx Hockey Secures Equity Funding". sgbonline.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  5. ^ "Sparx Hockey Partners With Toronto Goaltender Garret Sparks". markets.businessinsider.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  6. ^ "North Castle Partners announces strategic investment in Sparx Hockey". Lincoln International LLC. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  7. ^ "Sparx Steps Up in Time of Need - MYHockey". myhockeyrankings.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  8. ^ Thomsen, Ian (2020-04-15). "COVID-19 threatened his company. He fought back from his garage". Northeastern Global News. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  9. ^ "Central Mass. manufacturers are joining the coronavirus fight". Worcester Business Journal. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  10. ^ Mahoney, Patty. "Acton's Sparx Hockey steps into the rink to help frontline workers". Wicked Local. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  11. ^ "Acton skate-sharpening company back to work — making medical masks". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  12. ^ Sachdeva, Sonny. "How hockey world united in 'collective mission' to equip front-line personnel". www.sportsnet.ca. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  13. ^ "Sparx Hockey Acquires Minnesota-Based BladeScan". www.metrologyworld.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  14. ^ Parker, Kevin (2022-02-03). "Sparx Hockey Acquires BladeScan". citybiz. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  15. ^ Nelson, Tom (2022-04-17). "Returned skate sharpener highlights hockey's 'huge sense of community'". Southernminn.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  16. ^ Schlegel, Martin (2023-12-20). "Forever a fixture in Winger hockey history: Red Wing, Heise share gratitude". Republican Eagle. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  17. ^ "Sparx Skate Sharpener aims to bring professional skate sharpening home". New Atlas. 2015-03-31. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  18. ^ Hockey, Sparx. "Sparx Skate Sharpener Wins Prestigious Good Design Award for Outstanding Product Design". www.prweb.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  19. ^ "The Chicago Athenaeum". www.chi-athenaeum.org. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  20. ^ "Good Design 2016 - Awarded Product Designs and Graphics and Packaging" (PDF). www.good-designawards.com. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  21. ^ "Here Are The Fastest-Growing Companies In MA". www.patch.com. 2019-08-23. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  22. ^ Rockwood, Kate. "Sparx Hockey Russ Layton Ice Skates Sharpener 2019 Inc 5000". www.inc.com. Retrieved 2025-09-08.
  23. ^ "Check out Velasa Sports on Inc.com". Inc.com. Archived from the original on 2021-09-24. Retrieved 2025-09-08.