Jenelle Kohanchuk and Bailey Bram at the

Game On Lounge

Jarret Hannah is a marketing guy . He ’ s owned Winnipeg ’ s GEL Marketing Group since 2008 and he ’ s spent that time providing marketing and growth strategies for companies large and small . In his spare time , he ’ s part of an ownership group ( that includes St . Louis Blues star Alexander Steen ) in Winnipeg ’ s Great Big Adventure .

Chad Balmer is a Selkirkbased financial advisor who has dedicated his life to hockey . He played and coached at the Triple A level and is a former member of the KJHL ’ s Selkirk Fishermen . He is a high-level coach who also owns and operates his own hockey school .

Together , they had what they thought was a good idea , but when they decided to take that idea and make it real , they didn ’ t know what to expect .

At least , they had no idea until they held the first

Canadian Hockey Expo in June of 2016 . When they looked out of the morning of Day 1 and saw that lineup at Winnipeg Convention Centre , they were convinced .

“ When we asked people about the concept and whether or not they wanted to be involved , it ’ s been almost unanimous ,” said Balmer . “ Hockey people want the Canadian Hockey Expo .”

The CHE Mission Statement is simple : “ Our objective is to provide you with a vast array of vendors to offer you a holistic view inside the sport of hockey . You will discover the latest trends in equipment , learn about injury prevention and treatment , and find out what it takes to maintain a proper diet . Within the show , you will also be introduced to leading edge training facilities , camps and educational faculties . Whether you are new to the sport , looking to reach the next level

or just a hockey enthusiast , the Canadian Hockey Expo will have something for you .” There is no doubt about that .

On Sept . 23 and 24 , 2017 , the Canadian Hockey Expo will embark on its Second Annual Consumer Hockey Trade Show . This year , however , Hannah and Balmer have decided to expand , and will hold the event at The Red River Exhibition Park Grounds .

Building on the success of its first show , the CHE looks to further engage Manitoba ’ s hockey community .

“ We understand that Winnipeg is a hockey-mad market , so our first year was spent simply trying to put on a well-run consumer show for the public ,” said Balmer . “ It hadn ’ t been done in a long time . We ’ ve learned a lot from our first year in operation and we ’ ve come to understand what it is our vendors and attendees are looking for .”