CigarScott

The closest rink to me that does the NHL Learn to Play with free gear is almost 2 hours away. My rink used to do it, no idea why they don't any longer. https://www.nhl.com/predators/fordicecenter/little-preds-learn-to-play

Yes, they're allowed to do skate lessons at our rink at 2 1/2 years old and typically 4 for LTP but they said that my boys will probably be allowed to start at 3 since they're already rink rats.

Not any longer. Trust me, I wish it was.

Greetings all, My twin 2 year olds are going to be starting learn to play hopefully in the next year and I'd like to get them on the ice in some stick n pucks sooner than that. I'm trying to weigh my options for how to outfit multiple kids without having to sell a kidney. I've looked at the Bauer VAPOR X-TEND PROTECTIVE KIT and the comparable kit from Sherwood as well as True. I like how Bauer expands in size so it should, in theory last several years but I also like Sherwood being built into base layers which we'd have to buy anyways and it should be more mom-proof in case she has to help dress them. Anyone have any experiences with these or any other gear for your little ones? Should I look at going one these routes or try buying used? We have a relatively small hockey community where I live so used gear isn't as plentiful as it would be in, say Toronto or Boston and I don't think buying on Ebay or Sideline Swap will be that cost-effective once factoring in shipping costs.

Anyone needing 2xl shoulder pads, pro stock hockey has a stash of them. Hard to find so take advantage of them. https://www.prostockhockey.com/player-protective/shoulder-pads/size-xxl-sher-wood-5030-shoulder-pads/

They are definitely thinner than the Howie's, never seen a Pro Guard one. The smaller base on the screw-on top is a dead giveaway compared to everyone else's bottles.

It looks like A&R discontinued these style water bottles. The plastic is much thinner than standard water bottles which is easier on my carpal tunnel-laden wrists. Does anyone know anywhere that may still be sitting on these? Clear or white are fine. https://www.hockeymonkey.com/accessories/water-bottles/ar-hockey-accessories-water-bottle-tip-white.html While I'm at it, has anyone come across a pair of these Under Armour jock loose jock shorts for sale in size 3xl anywhere, by chance? It seems that I bought the only pair in existence.

I see both sides of the argument but me living in a hockey desert, I think it's fantastic. I was fitted by a store manager at a major retailer for my True skates and they still had to remake the pair. I think cutting out the store (and people who may or may not know their ass from a whole in the ground) is great, especially for people like me who have all kinds of foot and and ankle issues that I wish I could have been fitted like this with True. I also live in a state with literally two places you can buy hockey gear. One, is very good for repairs and things like this, the one five minutes from my house literally doesn't have a single person working in there that has ever played hockey so I would never in a million years trust them to fit me for custom skates, even if they offered it (they screw up Sparx sharpenings). I had to plan and schedule my True fitting when I was several states away for work. For those of us that don't live in Minnesota or Ontario, this is a welcomed innovation.

Looks like Tackla is having a sale in case anyone who belongs to the big & tall lifestyle needs some pants: https://www.tackla.com/shop/tackla-pro-9000-nhl-hb-z-hockey-pants-sr-jr-black-12556-black.html?___SID=U

I'm sure it affect sales amongst youth players wanting to look like their favorite player but I doubt it has any affect on adult beer leaguers. But I did buy Callaway clubs since I'm a Phil Mickelson fan and also left-handed, though... 🙂

CCM bought Step so I doubt that they can get their hands on it for a reasonable wholesale price.

If anyone needs some big pants on the cheap, these popped up on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/174362949407

Has anyone seen what sizes and widths would be offered with the retail models? I haven't found that info anywhere.

Our rink reopened yesterday, played last night. I forgot how much I missed it.

I forgot about moving the tongue. That will help eliminate negative space on the top of the toes, if that is the issue. If you want the tips of your toes to touch the toe box, True usually will tape in some space pads. They should be able to ship you some if you need those. If not, I may still have mine in my box of hockey junk.