A respected equipment expert and entrepreneur, Rob Gagne, affectionately known as Gags, passed away suddenly on December 17, 2025, at the age of 57.
He was a highly regarded hockey equipment expert and skate sharpener who worked for several hockey teams, like the Adirondack Red Wings, Detroit Red Wings, Providence Bruins, Portland Winterhawks, and Cleveland Barons junior teams.
For a lengthy time of over 20 years, Gags became like family to players, coaches, parents, and anyone who stepped into the rink at the Cleveland Barons arena.
Rob “Gags” Gagne is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine, and his extended family.
He operated the Skate Shop inside the Cleveland Barons arena in Parma for over 2 decades. Gags specialized in skate sharpening, contouring, repairs, and providing hockey equipment.
Players and teams widely praised him as the best in his craft for handling equipment needs and averting “crises” with his expertise.
Gags ran his own skate shop right inside the arena. He could pull out the perfect pair of skates or a helmet or whatever was needed, often saving the day when something broke at the last minute.
Before settling in Cleveland to open his shop and be closer to family, Gags spent years as a professional equipment manager.
He worked with the Adirondack Red Wings from 1992 to 1998, then moved on to the Detroit Red Wings, the Providence Bruins, and the Portland Winterhawks.
His experience at that level made him a real expert, and he brought all that knowledge to the local youth and junior teams.
Gags was adored and loved by everyone who knew him. Following his sudden demise, several groups and people across the area have shared their grief.
The Cleveland Barons organization expressed its grief, addressing him as their family, writing:
The very best at his trade, Gags, our skate sharpener, equipment expert, Detroit sports enthusiast and loyal friend. We will miss him immensely.
Cleveland Barons
They created a special helmet sticker in his honor, and all their teams will wear it. The stickers are available for anyone in the hockey community, starting right outside his shop door at the arena.
Parma Hockey Association spoke about how he enriched lives with his friendship and dedication.
Elyria Panthers Hockey Club said the rinks will feel quieter without him.
Mark Bisler said no one could fill the void he left at the Barons’ rink, writing:
Rest in Peace Rob ! Rob Gags Gagne was part of the fabric that is Cleveland Hockey ! I’m not sure anyone can fill the void left by his passing at the Barons rink ! May God rest your soul Rob !!
Mark Bisler
He will be missed immensely, but his impact on the ice and off will stay with the Cleveland hockey family forever.
Gags’ family has yet to publish the details about his funeral and memorial services as they are grieving in private.
During this challenging time, we pray for the strength of Gags’ wife, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Peace, Rob “Gags” Gagne!
