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Got the Super Tacks a couple of weeks ago for a price I couldn’t pass up. Been very happy with them so far.

Happy for Ovi and rooting for him to raise the Cup.

That “one dude” in CT has been the distributor of Tackla in the US as long as I remember. NHL usage died out once Vaughn stopped distributing them in Canada/NHL. That happened once they acquired Eagle. The rest of the manufacturers caught up and it became a niche brand.

Here's the recent topic that has been banging around in my head: I am a proud owner of Tackla Air 9000 NHL pants and love them. I had to order them directly from Tackla in Finland since I couldn't find anyone that had a pair in my size in North America. Thankfully, I was able to get them when they had some 22% off sale so I was still able to pay rent that month. From what I remember and have read, they were THE hockey pant for a long time in the NHL and now no one, at least overtly, wears them any longer. Did Tackla refuse to pay the NHL lisensing fee which is why nobody in the league is wearing them or did other companies catch up to them and make a comparable product that is much easier to obtain in the Western Hemisphere? Also, I see on their site that they make gloves and other protective gear but I've never seen anyone use them or know anyone that has ever put their hands on any of their stuff. Occasionally, you see the odd pair pop up on Sideline Swap and Ebay but I've never seen a shop in the US sell any of their stuff other than on closeout. Did something happen that their distribution collapse in North America or did they just say "screw it" and let one dude up in Connecticut have the exclusive rights to sell their stuff in North America? Thanks for reading my random thoughts...

I dont know, if that is the case i agree, he should do it. I still think it is goofy. But I am glad the Pens don’t put their heels together, pin their arms to their sides, and waddle down the ice when they score though ;)

Just got my medium in the mail and it appears to be a nice snug fit. My only concern is that the Velcro strap has a bit longitudinal movement (without adjusting it to the point of my blood cirulation get cutting off), so hopefully it'll work underneath some gloves/wrist guards. But, for normal day-to-day use, it feels just as good as tape. Thanks for the recommendation.

1.) Depends on your skill level. You'll want ankle strength and skate mileage before diving into a super stiff pair of skates. Since you're used to using softer skates, you may find the stiffness not to your liking and/or overwhelming. As such, I'd recommend a pair of mid-level skates. Not too stiff, not too soft, like a s180 or perhaps s190 if you want something a little stiffer. Going from a s160 to a 2S is a large jump in stiffness and I personally wouldn't recommend it. A good indicator that you'll want to move up to a higher tier of boot is if the boot prematurely breaks down (within 1-6 months). Take this fictional scenario into account: "I'm used to using an intermediate 67 flex, but several people said my shot will improve if I move up to a stiffer flex. I'm thinking about using a 112 flex, do you guys think that's a good idea?" 2.) If you find that the Supreme line of skates fit your needs: Fit, comfort, and durability, then I see no reason to go custom. For me, the custom skate has always been more about stepping on the ice and not remembering I'm in a pair of skates (fit and comfort), but rather I'm in the moment, playing the game. That's been my indicator for gear. If it's working and it's working well, I'll never even notice it. If it's not working, then it becomes center stage and the gameplay takes a seat in the audience. Unfortunately, for me, the latter was what I felt and experienced when I went with retail skates. Here's the reason why I went custom. If your dogs are barkin' every time you step on or off the ice, then you can try boot stretching/punching, and if that doesn't work, then you can try a different brand/model AND if that doesn't work, go custom. Also, never buy off-the-shelf or pro-return custom skates. That includes Bauer and CCM. The boots were made for that particular player's feet. And unless you're lucky enough to have the exact same left and right foot dimensions as them, stick with retail or get your own custom set.

Hey hey!!!! I am here!!! Woooo!!!! And yes- I want to play goalie!!!!!

The Supreme line is not being discontinued.

What size?

Dunno, just irritates me. Probably the stupid arm flapping thing. Not hatred like I feel toward Wilson, just a healthy dislike :)

It’s funny but not a new or hockey specific phenomenon. What’s more enticing to the average consumer?- “a bubble of visible plastic under your heel” or “AirMax”.

Even being a finnish brand, they don't have their products in any usual retail stores that sell hockey equipment. I have no idea what their business model these days is. Our beer league team did order team jerseys and socks from them though. Back in the 90s everyone here had either Tackla, Koho or Jofa equipment. Now only those that have old or second hand equipment wear them. https://www.tackla.com/company.html

thanks Chk hrd, and everyone who offered advice. my son elected to sign with the AA team. At the end of the day He wanted to be In a more competitive division. I like his decision. Hes worked out with the team for some power skating and 4 on 4. I really believe he made the right call. The coaches are strong willed no-nonsense guys, with loads of experience. My son always has done the best with a strong no BS coach and I think that’s exaclty what he’s got. Thanks again!

Without going too in depth; -Smaller brands like STX, Warrior and True are invaluable, most of what you'll sell is mid-range in price and you can maximize quality and profit with the guys i mentioned. They also have reasonable minimums where you wouldn't need to use a distributor. -When buying, remember who grows out of things, and replaces gear regularly, focus your buying there (Hint; it's kids) -Don't impulsively stock every product some guy says "you've gotta have, everyone wants it." Often these suggestions are by lookers, not buyers -Definitely stock Howie's tape and accessories, they're close to you and run a great business -If you're successful for one year, do some research on joining a buying group -Get to know your reps well, they are a great resource when you have problems that arise. Touch base with them every other week or so, and don't call them only to complain -Utilize company closeout lists to stock products at a bargain, but remember it will be on clearance everywhere else as well -If floor space is limited, don't waste it. Don't make a business of used hockey gear in your store, rather organize a used swap prior to the season, or something of the like. -Depending on how you plan to fund this, a Cag-One machine and Sani-Sport type machine will bring in foot traffic and pay for themselves in short order -Make sure you sharpen well but are expeditious about it. If you take 15 minutes to perfectly do one pair, and you've got a line 12-15 pair deep on a busy game day... do the math. You're also missing in store sales at this time.

Howdy, For me, I use a local store for service, cheap consumables, impulse buys, and emergency needs. Oh, and skates, but I don't think its realistic that a small shop could compete here in any way other than as a custom order/fitter place that doesn't need to have any inventory. For service... I think you have to offer (good) sharpening. Sparx has taken that need away for me, but that's not the norm for folks and I don't imagine it will be any time soon. What I can't do myself is repair stuff or higher end services like profiling. So, being able to do rivet replacement, holder swaps, etc. etc. Don't ignore figure skaters here... They need skate work too. :-) Cheap consumables... Tape / laces / wax / water bottles (branded to you!) Pick a brand (Howie's?), buy enough that you get it cheap. And again... Figure skaters. Surely they have inexpensive stuff they need to replace regularly? Impulse buys... For me, this is the general "cool shit that costs under $30 or so" kinda thing. Fun t-shirts (pick a couple designs targeting your rink residents. Do it in small batches, do new designs. Brand with your logo somewhere). Tape Tiger tools. Sweet Stick emergency sharpener tools. Lace tighteners. Water bottles with your brand. De-stinkify sprays. anti-fog sprays, etc. Emergency needs... Skate steel in common sizes / types. Cheap jerseys in common sizes in a range of colors (buy closeout Tron or ebay stuff for crazy cheap?). Cheap socks. A small selection of basic sticks. Small selection of protective (jocks, elbows/shins, helmet, etc.). Your goal with this is more to have something someone can make work for the "Fuck, I left my XXX at home and I'm here for a game". Cheap (for you and the buyer both) is key. Its not going to move fast. Buy closeout Tron stuff when it comes available. Other thoughts... A used shop is an interesting idea. Either in consignment form or as a play it again sports type of approach where you own the stuff, but take trades in, etc. If you do this, then you can also fill your emergency role out this way, vs. buying new equipment. Sell coffee / long term storage snacks. I can't count the # of times I've taken my son to a morning practice and forgotten my damn coffee. :-) And kids like candy. Dragging mom/dad into your small shop so they can get that $1 piece of sugary goodness as an "after hockey" habit is a great way for them to see that perfect t-shirt for grandma... :-) Match your hours to when people will be there. If your rink sees a lot of adult league stuff, opening at noon on weekdays is kinda pointless for that market. Make your hours 4pm to 10pm or whatever. Be the "if you need jerseys, I know how to make that happen" guy / team order of sticks / whatever guy. No clue on if there's any margin / profit area here though? All just my "I've never been there or done that" thoughts. :-) If it were me doing this, I'd be talking privately with guys like JR, Buzz, etc. :-) Mark

Being a specialty store will help. Especially on skates. tongues, repairs, shot blockers, holders, profiling will all help you immensely. What level are the travel teams? I would definitely look at doing team supply if possible, but you will have to talk to the OEM's about what they can do for you, but if you're able to outfit an entire association it could be a good stream of cash flow. Additionally, become friends with an embroidery place that can take care of name bars and stitching for any apparel and jerseys that could end up going through your shop. another viable opportunity.

Can be done, with the right boot punch. The only one that does that is @customskateworks‘s boot punch. @EBondo should have one in his store in Sterling, VA. If he isn’t up to speed on how to operate it, I can consult.