Players Bench owner Russ Hunter (left) and son Bennett, now an assistant equipment manager with the Kamloops Blazers, have turned hockey into fulfilling careers. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Adam Donnelly

KAMLOOPS HOCKEY FAMILY

Hunter family turning passion for hockey into fulfilling careers in the game

Feb 5, 2020 | 4:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — Sharpening skates has been a big part of Russ Hunter’s life. The owner of Players Bench Sports has been in the hockey business for over two decades.

“I had a big hockey background as a kid, playing in Kamloops,” Hunter explains. “I parlayed that into a chance to buy a fledgling business on the North Shore back in ’98.”

Now located downtown, Players Bench has been one of the main suppliers of hockey equipment for the thousands of minor hockey players in the city. For several years, that included Russ’ own son Bennett.

“He started off in a bassinet in year one when we bought the store,” Russ tells CFJC Today. “Nice to see him step up at 15 and move his way through, to the point where he’s at now, and obviously able to help the Blazers.”

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

15h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

22h ago

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: December 12, 2024

Dec 12, 2024

Bennett added, “I found out [Blazers’ trainer] Toledo [Robinson] needed some extra help. I got someone to ask if he wanted my services, and he said ‘yes.'”

Hunter the Younger has been working with the Blazers as the assistant equipment manager since the start of the 2018-2019 season. The 20-year-old TRU student took the skills he learned at the family business and has carved out a niche with the local WHL club.

“Skate-sharpening was the big one, and I had obviously done if for almost five years,” Bennett explains. “Luckily enough, [Robinson] put some trust in me to take care of that for him. It’s something he takes pride in. He wanted someone who had some skills to take it over for him.”

Along with sharpening, Bennett is responsible for a multitude of game-day duties that help ensure the Blazers are ready for anything that comes their way.

“We’ve got a couple extra helmets in case one breaks or falls off. Same thing with gloves. Extra blades for each player, organized by size and number in case they lose an edge during the game,” explained while preparing for Saturday night’s game against the Vancouver Giants.

For a kid who made his way through the minor hockey ranks, the best part of the job for Bennett is being a part of a team building toward something big.

“Everyone being part of one goal and working toward one goal, it’s pretty impressive to see from management, all the way down to the players all working together,” said Bennett. “It’s probably been my favourite part — the comaraderie.”

Witnessing Bennett take that step and use those skills he learned in the family business has been pretty neat for his dad.

“It’s real nice for his parents to see him take his hockey career into what is now a trainers position because he, too, loves the game. He played for many years and now he’s able to give back in that role. So proud moments.”

Now both Hunters are hoping for a long playoff run in Blazer Nation.