Kenesky’s closes its doors

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Hamilton said goodbye to a piece of hockey history today. After a century in business, Kenesky Sport and Cycle on Barton street has closed its doors. Most of the merchandise was sold earlier this month.

The store has been open since 1915 and is credited with being the birthplace of the modern goalie pad. At one time, every NHL goal tender wore pads that were made in this shop.

The store’s legacy is most evident in a room on the second floor, where a wall contains the signatures of many hockey greats. This afternoon, there was a steady flow of people who stopped by to reminisce with owner Joel Hulsman.

The building has been sold to a company owned by Ron Joyce. It will be demolished and a new health complex will be built on the corner of Barton and Wellington. There will be a plaque marking it as the original location for Kenesky’s.