08/14/2026
MarX Pro Shop Season Preview
Summer, as usual, always comes and goes so quickly. But that means a new season is almost upon us.
On the Lanes
Last year was a very successful year for our bowlers. I had the pleasure of being a part of the coaching team for Team Northern Ontario at the CTF Canadian Youth Championships, and that team put together one of the strongest performances Northern Ontario has ever seen, bringing home more hardware than ever before. I could not be prouder of the showing we got from every one of our kids.
MarX ran its 4th season of the Get New Gear League, which saw 50 bowlers sign up, a new high. Bob Cerutti came away as league champion, with 35 bowlers getting new equipment out of the league. Thank you to all who participated, and if you haven't yet, give me a call to book your appointment and get it ready for next year.
Last year, MarX Pro Shop debuted a new event series for Thunder Bay — Beat The Champ. We had 3 in-season champions crowned. Jesse Wilson, Aaron Craig and Andrew Stewart all held the belt at the conclusion of our 5 in-season events. And it was Andrew who reigned as our first-ever Grand Champion, holding the belt through the summer.
Beat the Champ is returning, with some minor refinements. We are hoping to create an even more competitive environment and crown even more champions, because who doesn't want to hold that glorious championship belt?
We do have some room to take on some additional sponsorship, so if anyone has any recommendations, I'd be happy to hear them!
See marxproshop.com for this season's schedule and any other updates.
In the Shop
This summer has been a very busy one for new releases. Since the regular season ended, the major bowling manufacturers have announced or released over 35 new bowling balls. There is definitely something for everyone in that list.
Some include:
Brunswick's new entry-level line — Fury — in 5 different colours. A new Deep Ocean Vibe, and some very promising pieces like the Warning Alert.
A returning favourite with Storm's new IQ Tour Pearl Sapphire, or a modern twist like the new Alpha Crux, revamped with modern cover and AI technology. (NO, not THAT AI.)
Motiv said goodbye to one of its all-time classics with the Jackal Ghost being discontinued. That Jackal had been in the line since January 2017, but this summer saw a new Jackal Ghost V2 with a stronger cover and the same proven Jackal Core.
We hope 26/27 will be just as successful in all aspects, and can't wait to find out what the season brings.
As always, MarX Pro Shop is your one-stop shop for all your bowling needs: Balls, bags, shoes, accessories, lessons — anything you need, I am here to help!
