About
It Is All About The Family
As a family owned business, we pride ourselves with exceptional customer service. Whether it’s in-store or online, brand new or trade-ins, you can expect the most personal and professional service from our friendly and well-knowledged staff. We will help you find the equipment that not only suits you and your family, but also at the most reasonable price you will find in the area. You are not just customers, you are friends and fellow hockey fans just like us.
1st Generation of Passerini
The Founders
How Our Story Began...
In 1969, after their successful sport careers, brother-in-laws Harold Passerini (far right) and Angelo Bertelli partnered up to open Bertelli's Skate Shop. Harold played Division I hockey at Michigan State before playing for the Springfield Indians. Angelo was a multi-sport college athlete who played quarterback for the Division I football team, Notre Dame. He earned the Heisman Trophy in 1943 and was later drafted into the NFL.
It didn't take long before Harold and Angelo outgrew selling hockey products out of the basement of Bertelli's Liquors. They would soon be taking over the two-story, 3,000 square-foot building space, and becoming one of the top suppliers of hockey equipment in the area.
2nd Generation of Passerinis
The Establishers
How Our Story Has Developed...
Growing up playing hockey, brothers Jay and Mike Passerini loved the sport as much as their father Harold did. Growing up surrounded by everything hockey, Jay and Mike loved using their hockey knowledge to help local families and teams to bring them the best quality products.
It was a seemless transition when Jay and Mike were entrusted with the business in 2004 after already working in the store for over a decade. Under their management, the store advanced and expanded tremendously. They added specialized skate sharpening services and started to offer team apparel and equipment. In 2018, they launched the online store, putting the well established name, Bertelli's Skate Shop, on a national scale.
3rd Generation of Passerinis
The Propellers
How Our Story Will Continue...
For Johnny and Mario, a lot of their childhood memories were filled in the shop. It is the place where they found their first pair of skates and earned their first paychecks. Hockey played a big role in their lives from a young age, so they have firsthand understanding of the needs of the hockey players and the meaning of the sports to their whole families.
2023 is an exciting year for the Bertelli's Skate Shop when the brothers took over the business. As they bring renewed energy and perspectives, big plans are on the horizon. By incorporating more technologies and utilizing social media and e-commerce, the young Passerinis are eager and prepared to grow and expand the hockey enteprise that their grandpa started over 50 years ago.
We & the Community
Giving back
In 2014, by working with the local high School Hockey Association, the Passerinin family established the Harold Passerini Award to honor and recognize a local (western Mass.) high school hockey player for"outstanding athletic, academic and community achievements".
Every year, local hocky coaches will each nominate a top hockey player who also excels in academic performance. The final awardee is picked by the Bessone committee.
Congrations to the 2023 Harold Passerini Award Scholarship receipient
Jojo Mikaelian! Keep up with the excellent work young man!