The Hockey Centre was born from Hurst Hockey and Bablock Sports in the mid 1980’s and owed much to the passion and energy of International Goalkeeper John Hurst and his wife Philippa. Their belief in the sport and energy within the business saw it at the front of the retail trade and they have continued to drive it forwards for the last 30 years. They saw the change from grass to Astroturf, the move from wood sticks to composites and the development of GK kit from cane and leather to today’s lightweight high-rebound foam equipment.

However, all good things must come to an end and we would like to announce that they are retiring from the business. We would like to thank them for all their hard work. Without their vision and commitment The Hockey Centre would not be the business it is today. We wish them well for the future and hope they are as happy watching the business continue to grow from outside as they were within it.

This change has been the catalyst for a restructure that will see both the London shop on Lavender Hill, and the St Albans shop at Beech Road, close at the end of the month.

These closures however, will be accompanied with the development of a new website, an investment in the e-commerce side of the business designed to give an exceptional customer experience offering a broad range of hockey product to the business’s growing customer base, with a launch expected at the beginning of July.

The Goalie Gear concept shop at the Woking address will also continue to expand and will offer a full range of GK equipment from several of the market’s leading equipment providers. This is supported by an appointment service, allowing ‘keepers to book a session with an experienced staff member, to personally size and fit them with the kit they need. (email info@goaliegear.co.uk for more details).

The closure of the two satellite stores will result in our club order systems changing, with different ordering and delivery processes. Any clubs currently on the system will be contacted to explain the new Bronze, Silver and Gold packages and discuss the service levels and products required. If you want to contact us before we get to you, please email simon@bablocksports.com and he will pass on your details to the relevant member of the team.

So, for now, we would like to once again thank John and Philippa for their support, leadership and energy and wish them all the best. If anyone wishes to also send them a message, feel free to email Simon (address above) and he will pass on the good wishes.

Best wishes and thanks

The Hockey Centre Team.