Welcome Joe Sloan

Sport Central is pleased to introduce Josef (Joe) Sloan as our incoming Manager of Bicycle Operations. He starts his first week in the position this Monday, May 2nd, although he has been in the Shop a few days already. John Younie remains as his Assistant Manager. 

Joe resides in the Parkland Country area and has a broad base of experience and certifications that will help him in his role leading our Bicycle Program. Most directly related to his new position, Joe started and managed his own business called BAR Inc. For 11 years his bicycle assembly services were contracted by a major Canadian retailer where he managed bike technicians at multiple locations. He estimates there were approximately 220,000 new bicycles built over those years at an average of 20,000 bicycles per year. As the owner, he had to train employees, deploy staff and implement quality control processes. 

Most recently, Joe worked almost 4 years as a Parts Technician at Herbers Autobody where he handled order processing, parts tracking, job costing and scheduling. He received his Journeyman Parts Technician from NAIT during that time. In his younger years, Joe was a Store Manager for Athletes World and also a Hardgoods & Service Manager at Sportchek learning the details of communicating with customers and leading staff. 

A few other certifications Joe has acquired are:

•         First Aid & CPR/AED Level C                      
•         Fall Protection Training
•         OH&S training for Supervisors
•         WHMIS 

Joe is an active cyclist, plays softball with his wife Lisa and they also enjoy fishing & backcountry hiking with their two St. Bernard’s (Rosie and Ellie). He is dedicated to continual learning, improving, and is pleased to be back working with bicycles and the tools to repair them. Please join us in welcoming him to the Sport Central team!

Also, a special shout-out and thanks to Barry and John who looked after our bike area and ensured the department remained running smoothly, while we were looking for a manager.

Congratulations Bob!

At the end of each season, Hockey Edmonton recognizes the outstanding contributions to hockey in our community.

The Life Member Award recognizes an individual volunteer of the EMHA or Member Organization for dedication and service rendered to the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association’s hockey program as a sincere tribute to their outstanding contribution.  

Congratulations to Sport Central volunteer Bob Krewenchuk who is the 2021-22 recipient!

Sport Central welcomes the following Summer Students to our Bike Shop, Warehouse and Office:

• Noah Oleksyn
• Andy Giang
• Ethan Shaigec
• Ramadan Elkureji
• Brooke Pohohlka-Baldry

Ray’s Story

Although today he is a paid employee for Sport Central, Ramadan known affectionately as “Ray” came all the way to Canada from Syria in 2017 and as a newcomer at the age of 17, he was referred to Sport Central to get a bike. His experience was so awesome that he decided to become a volunteer! He often rides to work on the very same bike he received from us back then. As a side note, he has become so fluent in English that he has been accepted to attend NAIT to study engineering. 

Way to go Ray! We’re very proud of you!