Thoughts on winning the CanadianSME National Business Award
Winning the CanadianSME National Business Award is an incredible honour and a meaningful milestone for our entire team at Swift Hockey. When I started the company, the goal was simple: make hockey more accessible by providing high-performance equipment at a fair price. To have that mission recognized by CanadianSME is incredibly rewarding. This award represents the hard work of our team, the trust of our customers, and the support of everyone who has believed in our vision. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but even more excited about what lies ahead as we continue to grow and create a lasting impact.
A special message or advice to small business owners
Don’t be afraid to challenge an industry that’s always done things the same way. Some of the best opportunities come from questioning the status quo and solving problems that people have simply accepted. Building a business isn’t easy, and there will be setbacks, but consistency, resilience, and a willingness to learn will carry you further than perfection ever will. Stay close to your customers, surround yourself with great people, and keep your mission at the center of every decision. If you genuinely create value, the growth and recognition will follow.
Zechariah Thomas
CEO & Founder of Swift Hockey Inc.
Zechariah Thomas is the Founder and CEO of Swift Hockey, a Canadian hockey equipment company making high-performance hockey equipment more accessible. A former competitive hockey player, he founded the company to help reduce the cost barriers in hockey. Zechariah has been featured by Forbes (30 Under 30 – Sports), NHL.com, The Athletic, CBC Sports, CTV National News, CityNews Toronto, Global News, and many other major media outlets. Under his leadership, Swift Hockey has grown rapidly while remaining committed to affordability, innovation, and community impact. He is passionate about inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and athletes.
