Zechariah Thomas was born in Jamaica and raised in Oshawa, Ontario

Oshawa, Ontario, is known for its strong community spirit and deep-rooted Hockey culture. Oshawa has long been a breeding ground for Hockey talent.

May 27, 2025

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CEO at Toronto Hockey Store & Goalie Heaven Ltd.

May 21, 2025

Zechariah Thomas was born in Jamaica and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, a city known for its strong community spirit and deep-rooted Hockey culture. Oshawa has long been a breeding ground for Hockey talent, with generations of families supporting local rinks, minor league programs, and the storied Oshawa Generals.

Growing up in this environment, Thomas quickly became immersed in the Hockey scene. The community welcomed him, and the rinks became more than just places to play; they were where friendships were built, values were learned, and dreams began to take shape. Oshawa’s supportive network of coaches, volunteers, and families helped inculcate in him a deep love for the game while reinforcing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and giving back. That early exposure would later shape his mission with Swift Hockey: to make sure every kid has a chance to play the game, no matter their background.

Zechariah Thomas’ roots are grounded in the common man's experience, humble, hard-working, and shaped by the places that once felt like home but are no longer there. His journey, from the streets of Jamaica to the rinks of Oshawa, Ontario, mirrors the path of so many who have left behind familiar soil in search of opportunity and belonging. With its proud Hockey tradition and close-knit community, Oshawa became the cradle that nurtured his dreams. It wasn’t just the game he fell in love with; it was the people, the stories, and the quiet resilience of families who faced adversity with grit and grace.

For Zechariah, life has felt like a spiral staircase, each step forward grounded in the past, each level built on the support of those below. It’s a climb marked not by status, but by spirit. His company, Swift Hockey, is more than a brand; it’s an extension of that philosophy. It brings together community and family, bound by a shared purpose: to ensure that no child is left behind simply because they can’t afford a stick. His mission is clear: when people stand together, they can overcome anything.

In Jamaica, the grandmother is revered. She is the heart of the home, the keeper of traditions, and the guiding force across generations. For Zechariah Thomas, his Jamaican grandmother played a profound role in shaping his values, his sense of purpose, and his family connection. Her strength, wisdom, and belief in him became a quiet but powerful compass on his journey.

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