Twenty years at Players Bench

Since 1993, Players Bench Sports in Cranbrook has provided equipment and service to local athletes

1 of 2Dave Snopek has owned and operated Players Bench Sports in Cranbrook, B.C., since 1993. — Marie Milner photo

2 of 2Players Bench Sports sells equipment for baseball, soccer, lacrosse and hockey. — Marie Milner photo

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Players Bench Sports has five locations in Canada, with its home office in Lethbridge, Alberta. Dave Snopek, one of the company owners, left the home office in 1993 to open a Players Bench store in Cranbrook, B.C. He and his wife, Barbara, liked the natural beauty and the lifestyle available in Cranbrook, and decided to make a home there with their three sons.

A business foundation

Snopek’s earlier years as an athlete involved in a variety of sports gave him a solid base for his present business.

“I played in the WHL for the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Lethbridge Broncos,” Snopek said. “In my last year with the Broncos, I signed a pro contract with the New York Rangers, and I played in the American League for four years until I had a career-ending injury to my knee and my shoulder.”

Snopek went back to school, attending the University of Lethbridge, and worked as an assistant coach for the Lethbridge Pronghorns hockey team. Eventually he had the opportunity to buy in as an owner with Players Bench Sports.

“We sell equipment for baseball, soccer, lacrosse and hockey—I’ve played all of those sports, so I’m able to weed out what’s good and what’s not good,” said Snopek. “I played senior men's A division slo-pitch in Lethbridge, and our team won the Canadian Championship in 1982 in Kentville, Nova Scotia.”

Perks and responsibilities

As one of the main buyers for the franchise, Snopek gets to check out the newest equipment at the trade shows and decide what to purchase and stock in the stores.

“I try all the new skates so I can pass on the information to the customers,” he said. “Skates are getting lighter and stiffer and stronger, so you can transfer your power through your blade instead of out through the side of your boot, giving you more speed and control. Helmets are evolving all the time, becoming more specialized because of the problems with concussions in hockey.”

Snopek said that his sons all played hockey in their younger years.

“When my boys were teenagers, I had them work in the store with me so that they got some practice and understanding of what it’s like in the retail world,” Snopek said. “Everyone should work in a field where they deal with the public at least for a short while. It was really good training for them.”

Family support and a steady focus

Snopek credits his parents for teaching him to always do his best, and his wife, Barbara, for being a strong and supportive partner.

“In professional sports you’re isolated, and it’s important to make yourself well rounded so that you can deal with people and situations outside of your field,” he said. “You’re under a magnifying glass; you have to be super aware that you’re likely being watched in every situation. You have to be very strong-willed and focused, and have people around you that are strong and believe in the same things you believe in.

“Passion helps get you through the tough times. You have to learn from your experiences and benefit from them to improve your character and your situation.”