Written by Abigail Guevara, Senior Content Writer, Freelance
Durham Region has a strong passion for sports-and hockey is no exception, especially with local business Swift Hockey leading the way.
At just 22 years old, Zechariah Thomas, founder and CEO of Swift Hockey runs a successful company that produces and sells carbon fibre hockey sticks both locally and around the world.
“My love for hockey started in Oshawa. I was about nine or ten when I noticed how intense the hockey scene is in Durham,” remembers Zechariah. “It seemed like everyone in Oshawa wore the Oshawa Minor Hockey jacket, which really caught my eye at that age. I ended up playing a lot of hockey and grew to love it.”
His encouraging parents first signed him up for figure skating to teach him how to skate properly, before he transitioned into playing hockey.
Zechariah dedicated himself and became a skilled player.
From local leagues to professional play
Kicking off in the Oshawa house league system, he moved on to rep hockey with the Oshawa Minor Generals. After making his way through the rep system, he finally earned the coveted Oshawa Generals jacket that he admired as a kid.
“It was amazing to actually represent them,” says Zechariah.
But he didn’t stop there. Recognized for his talent, Zechariah was selected for traveling teams and reached AAA player level-the top tier of minor hockey in Canada.
“I went on to Junior hockey, playing in Florida and Connecticut, and then minor pro in Quebec in the Austria General’s League as well as minor pro in New York.”
Turning pucks into profit
A seasoned player at just 21 years old, Zechariah had paid his dues while climbing through the ranks of hockey. Yet many were unaware that along with being an impressive player on ice, Zechariah was also an emerging entrepreneur.
“I always had side businesses going on. Since I was 13 years old, I tried out different ventures like selling hats and bracelets. During COVID-19 when everything shut down, I focused more on my online drop shipping business and built many connections with international e-commerce platforms,” explains Zechariah.
With years of experience playing hockey combined with knowledge about the industry and e-commerce skills-plus his drive to make hockey more affordable-Zechariah launched his latest venture: Swift Hockey.
“Swift Hockey produces around 200,000 hockey sticks each year,” he mentions. “In fact, we often sell out.”
Selling since 2022, Swift Hockey’s carbon fibre sticks are light (weighing about 350 grams) but durable enough to handle rigorous practices and games.
“The costs associated with playing hockey make it hard for many young people and their families,” says Zechariah. “That’s why our mission is focused on providing affordable pro-level sticks that are much cheaper than others.”
Making dreams come true without breaking the bank
Diving into his experiences during his playing days, Zechariah saw firsthand how financial barriers can impact kids’ ability to play-not just their skill level. He explains that some kids quit because they break their sticks and can’t afford replacements-which usually run over $300-alongside other equipment costs and ice rental fees. By keeping Swift Hockey’s prices well below national averages for sticks helps immensely.
“We do everything we can to keep our expenses low so we can maintain lower prices,” says Zechariah. “Other companies spend huge amounts every year paying players big bucks for endorsements; we skip those costly marketing strategies so we can offer affordable prices.”
The goal at Swift Hockey is also to donate as many sticks as possible to children who need them most. With an entrepreneurial spirit mixed with kindness from day one; this initiative has always been close to Zechariah’s heart as they now proudly provide product samples and sticks to families who require help. “We’re committed to giving away sticks,” says Zechariah.
The right place at the right time: Why Durham Region shines
Swift Hockey initially began its journey in Oshawa with support from local officials including mayoral attendance during its launch event before growing yearly prompting relocation efforts towards Whitby alongside new office developments set up within New York State borders!
Durham boasts substantial representation among various levels ranging from youth development programs straight through senior-league participants while featuring major NHL franchises such as Toronto Maple Leafs-that stands tall due mainly brand power historical achievements market influence wise!
“We’re situated right inside this vibrant hub; thus attracting tremendous backing locally!” shares enthusiastic thoughts expressed by none other than Mr. Tomases.
Your hometown roots lead globally
Products from swift include apparel items plus quality crafted high-performance sporting goods sold across nearly all nearby professional shops specializing particularly within Play It Again Sports chain locations covering approximately seventy-five percent throughout North America! This establishment also directs deliveries directly connecting customers spanning countries including Canada United States Europe too!
Supported by twelve employees working collaboratively driven forward outstanding marketing strategies generating upwards exceeding ten million monthly views reaching primarily youth demographics attracts broader audiences overall benefiting society!
“My appreciation goes out firstly towards teammates present behind scenes secondly towards parents who’ve acted not merely mentors rather greatest supporters” adds heartfelt comments reflective upon gratitude felt consistently shared within family dynamics throughout growth periods experienced thus far…
A promising future ahead
As success continues rolling forth regarding swift operations planning upcoming expansions looks likely involving introduction new goalie oriented designs targeting price points substantially lower than competitors currently established markets charging anywhere close four hundred dollars retail price tags attached existing models presently available elsewhere.. Through efforts made already countless individuals benefit affording high-quality alternatives previously unobtainable budgets limited only remaining obstacles overcome entirely ensuring everyone able participate truly enjoy sport loved greatly throughout community outreach endeavors undertaken continually adapting process improvement feedback received! “I founded swift because believe wholeheartedly everyone should pursue dreams inclusively accessibly what makes us happiest ultimately share joy surrounding momentous occasions carried forth deriving satisfaction knowing together changing sport landscape improving financial accessibility vast majority future generation” concludes resonating sentiments beautifully articulated embrace core values instilled guiding principles shaping vision moving forwards! Innovation & Inclusivity In Action From Stories Originated Within Local Black Professionals Entrepreneurial Networks (DRAPBE) reflect exceptional narratives unfolding successfully across regions today!
