“Their presence across the Midwest makes this an especially meaningful addition as we continue to grow in key markets,” Pure Hockey CEO David Nectow said.
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Holliston-based sporting goods retailer Pure Hockey strengthened its Midwest presence with the acquisition of Michigan-based retailer Perani’s Hockey World.
Pure Hockey’s purchase of Perani’s adds 22 stores across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Tennessee, bringing the company to more than 110 locations in 32 states, the firm announced Tuesday.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Perani’s was established in 1976 in Flint, Michigan, by former minor league goaltender Bob Perani.
“Their presence across the Midwest makes this an especially meaningful addition as we continue to grow in key markets,” Pure Hockey CEO David Nectow said in the announcement.
Pure Hockey started as a single hockey equipment store in Worcester opened in 1994. Nectow and Sal Tiano purchased the business in 2008 and have been expanding its presence across the country.
The company has eight Massachusetts locations, with its lone Central Massachusetts store in Marlborough located about two miles away from the New England Sports Center.
In addition to Perani’s, Pure Hockey has acquired at least six other competing hockey sporting good firms since 2023.
The company has benefited from the growth of youth hockey across the United States. USA Hockey reported 577,864 youth hockey players participated in the 2024-2025 season, up 5.6% from 2021-22, with growth being led by the game’s expansion into non-traditional hockey markets like the Southwest.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries.
