Man...just signed up recently and trying to read all the posts, quite a bit :/ Anyways, I just got into hockey and I'm thankful to say so far I haven't done anything you guys consider pet peeves...phew. I cannot say enough about how important good customer service is. I have two LHS I [can] go to, one is close and the other is about a 45 min drive (not huge but not tiny either). Unfortunately, the close one doesn't have the best service so I only go there for minor things like getting some pucks and such, so basically whatever doesn't require much customer service. I rather drive further and use up more gas (even with the high prices) because their service is just so much better. Any question, anything you need it's done no matter how long it takes. I'm sure many of my questions have been on the stupid side of the spectrum but regardless they have always been patient, courteous and helpful. In fact, I bought my helmet one time with a guy and was looking for skates they didn't have (but ordered) and was there maybe 30 minutes? Anyways I went in 3 or so months later and he came up and asked me if I got my skates and how things were going, etc.