Updating Hockey Gear

Hockey season is right around the corner and sure enough, that means updating some hockey gear. This year there were some big ones, namely skates for N. His old skates are too small, and now we have to upgrade, so off to Stateline we go. Normally I'd look for a bargain but I've learned that with certain pieces of equipment, you just can't skimp too much. I've tried and been burned. Online shopping will only get you so far, and truth be told, I like the idea of supporting a local business, especially one that knows us and cuts us a break whenever possible.

With skates, he really needs to try them on and get a good fit. He's a good player and a big boy now, so buying cheesy or used stuff isn't really an option. Plus, for something like skates, fit is important. Over at Stateline they will attempt to expand a pair of skates with some sort of machine they have, but it had limited utility in this case, so we tried on a few options. Even with the new ones they had to heat mold them and tweak them a little, but once that was done, N said they felt good. That makes me feel better, and I think his outlook on things improves when he knows he's got the right gear. It's a guy thing.

Fortunately we upgraded his sticks last year (much thanks to MB), so with the exception of a pad here or there, I think he's good to go. It's hard to really grasp that hockey season is right around the corner, but it is, despite the fact that we're still hitting the beach to catch waves. This will surely come to an end, but until it does, I think we'll straddle both worlds.

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Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Havard Stranden for the pic.