Longtime owner of Hamilton’s landmark ‘Kenesky’ sporting goods store has died

The city of Hamilton and the hockey world lost a legend yesterday. Joel Hulsman who ran Kenesky’s at the corner of Barton and Wellington for decades died of a heart condition at the General hospital. His family says it is fitting he passed just steps away from where he grew up helping young hockey players.

Joel’s son, Eric Hulsman says, “his spirit lives on, and it’s very difficult to lose someone so special. Not just for me but for so many people in this city.”

Joel started working at Kenesky’s when he was only 12 years old, and when he was in his 30’s he bought into the company and helped run it until it closed in 2015.

“I remember them coming down here and tearing the store down and that shattered him…that’s history.”

Eric Hulsman says it makes sense that the day his dad passed away was the Heritage Classic at Tim Horton’s Field. “Around 4 pm is when he passed away, and that’s when the game was starting. I think he wanted to go watch the game.”

Joel had this to say back in 2015 when the store was closing, and it rings true today. “I just want to thank the people of Hamilton and the world for 100 years and being friends.” And that is how Joel Hulsman will be remembered, as a friend to everyone who walked into his store.