New mobile skate shop looks to fill gap in hockey services

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Jessie Sprague has sparked some conversation on social media this week after announcing the launch of her new mobile business, Sprague Skate Shack.

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In Prince George, there are only a couple of options when it comes to getting skates sharpened and serviced, whether that be for replacing rivets or blades, or even new laces. And the wait times are usually inconvenient for families.

The Sprague Skate Shack is built inside a truck, similar to a food truck, which gives Jessie the ability to pack up and head from rink to rink, whether it be at the parking lot of the CN Centre/Kin Centres, or going to the various outdoor rinks the city will have this winter.

“I quit my job. I didn’t tell my husband, I just quit,” laughed Sprague. “And then, about a week later, we went to Trench (Brewing) and we started the day there and ended the day there, and hammered out the idea for the business.”

For two decades, she worked with kids but needed a change of scenery. Starting up a mobile skate service was a way for her to not only be close to the sport her family loves but was also a way for her to work for herself and with her family. Her husband, Trevor, is the general manager for Cariboo Hockey, and the rest of the Sprague family is actively involved with the game.

With the new business, Sprague recognizes the advantage she has over those fixed storefront locations, being able to be at the arena bright and early to open up and provide services as arenas are starting to see people file in.

“We just want to fill the gap [in service] I guess,” she explained.

Like any business, the Sprague Skate Shack has obtained a licence to operate through the City of Prince George.

Using a unique piece of equipment that cost $20,000, Jessie is able to sharpen a pair of skates on the Blackstone Fireball skate sharpening machine hands-free and at a fraction of the time compared to a traditional by-hand sharpen.

The hope is to also be offering custom jerseys and apparel in the future as well, but right now she’s just hoping to get up off the ground and gain some traction with the local hockey community.