Moving to a new town and settling in is always hard, but Charlie and Mary Racz were always ready to go above and beyond. In 1972, the pair moved from Portage LaPrairie to Calgary, and in July of that year they opened Professional Skate Service in Calgary. They were heavily involved with the figure skating community but felt that their town lacked a quality skate sharpening service and thus, sought to create a solution. Since opening, the store has evolved to cater to both figure skating and hockey! We certainly feel lucky to have Pro Skate Sports Excellence as a part of our 200 Strong team.
Pro Skate Sports Excellence is recognized for their skating expertise, but did you know about their intriguing family history? Charlie and Mary Racz passed the store down to their child but eventually, the store was purchased by key manager Josh Esler, along with a former NHL player and an NHL Linesman. It was the first time since the store’s opening in 1972 that the company was owned by someone outside of the family. However, serendipitously, Charlie and Mary’s granddaughter Melissa married Josh. Through this perfectly fitting union, the business once again became a family legacy.
Throughout these business developments, Pro Skate has consistently provided specialized expertise with a personal touch. Since opening, they have become well-known as the go-to place for high-quality skating products and unparalleled service. Today, the shop has a full range of hockey products, which includes a satellite store specializing in goalie equipment right next door to Pro Skate. Of course, the store also maintains an excellent stock of figure skating products in addition to an unbeatable knowledge of skate sharpening that’s been passed down through generations.
In fact, during the 1988 Olympics held in Calgary, Professional Skate Service founder Charlie Racz was named the official skate sharpener for all figure skaters! Nothing but the best for our top athletes.
To this day, Pro Skate Sports Excellence maintains the same passion for skating and love for its community. One of the greatest joys of shopping from local businesses includes knowing the fact that you aren’t just getting excellent services and products; you’re also taking part in a family’s carefully crafted and lovingly maintained legacy.
Please remember to shop local.
We are 200 Strong.
