Getting a grip on your family sports budget
TAPING IS THE MAIN way hockey players protect and add grip to their sticks.
Some players, especially the pros, even have a unique taping ritual they perform before each game. However, April and Lee Wright found that taping was not a cost effective solution for their kids’ needs. That’s why they founded Sniper Skin, which offers sports accessories that extend equipment life. The aim of their patentpending products is to improve the game experience and reduce the effort required to prepare equipment for play.
The first Sniper Skin grip was created after April and Lee grew frustrated with upkeep on their son’s delicate carbon fibre hockey stick. But they had trouble finding a product that would protect the blade of the stick better than tape. So, Lee invented a blade cover and grip that also helps protect their son’s expensive gloves.
“As parents with kids in sports, we respect the investment made in equipment,” says April, co-founder of Sniper Skin. “Our accessories extend the life of this equipment and have the added bonus of making players feel like pros with customized options.”
Sniper Skin products come in several colours and players can add their name, number or team logo to the grips and blade.
The company is expanding its reach, offering products for other sports, including lacrosse and baseball. Additionally, more than 35 stores across Canada and the U.S. now carry Sniper Skin products and the team continues to grow with the recent addition of shipping to Europe.
Despite this tremendous international growth, the Wrights plan to keep their headquarters in Hamilton.
“I was born and raised in Hamilton and want to teach our children the value of local businesses and fostering the community you live in,” says April.
Lee cites his favourite customer story of a son having difficulties scoring on his hockey team. After installing Sniper Skin on his stick, he scored his first hat trick ever.
“When we are part of our customers’ hockey moment, it feels good,” says Lee. “It reinforces why we did this in the first place, as parents and hockey lovers.”
Sniper Skin products are available for sale at www.sniperskinsports.com and at select equipment stores across Ontario and Canada.