Sparx Hockey, inventors of the Sparx Skate Sharpener, announced it has acquired BladeScan, creator of the BladeScan laser-measurement machine.
Based in Minnesota, BladeScan has developed customized hardware and software to measure the geometry of a skate blade and uses the information to improve and optimize skating performance. BladeScan’s patent-pending technology bolsters Sparx Hockey’s skate sharpening products.
Currently, more than 25 National Hockey League teams use the Sparx Sharpener, and the company said it estimates that more than five million pairs of skates a year are sharpened globally using its technology.
In addition to acquiring all BladeScan technology, patents and assets, BladeScan founder Joe Tracy will join Sparx Hockey as director of Strategic Projects.
“Adding BladeScan’s unique technology and patents, as well as Joe’s expertise in laser metrology puts Sparx Hockey on the forefront of precise measurement capabilities for skate sharpening and profiling,” said Russell Layton, CEO and founder, Sparx Hockey. “As the global leader in skate sharpening, this acquisition strengthens our Research and Development capabilities and solidifies our position as the only company solely focused on developing the most precise automated skate sharpening products for the at-home consumer, teams of all levels and retailers around the world.”
Tracy’s extensive experience in software development and laser measurement will provide Sparx Hockey with additional technical expertise for future product development.
“It is exciting to join Sparx Hockey, continue the work we have done with BladeScan and take it to the next level alongside the world’s most technically-focused skate sharpening company,” Tracy said. “Maximizing skating performance is imperative to gaining a competitive edge and at BladeScan we have been focused on optimizing skate profiling and skate sharpening for each player’s specific needs. That focus, combined with Sparx Hockey’s commitment to performance and innovation, is only going to raise the bar on the future of skate sharpening.”
