Hockey Shops in Des Moines

[Scarecrow 0]

I'll be in Des Moines for a tournament this weekend and would like to check out the local shops. Can anyone recommend a shop in Des Moines?

Thanks.

[Eddie20 0]

I know of 3 shops in town. Plus a few other places you can find some gear

Alien Hockey

www.alienhockey.com

2700 University Ave West Des Moines:

Very active in the hockey community, probably the most utilized store in the area. So so selection of gear, limited brands. Decent glove selection, very limited protective otherwise. Helmets pretty much limited to Mission. If I needed a skate sharpening, I'd probably head here first though. Before I got t-blades, they did the nicest job on my skates.

JT's Slapshot Hockey Shop

http://www.slapshotonlinestore.com/

7380 Hickman Rd Windsor Heights:

Good selection, lot of brands to choose from, typically lowest prices of the 3 area stores. Owner has negotiated prices on some items in the past, though that is never a guarantee. Located very close to the KGGO Hockey arena (where the USHL Des Moines Bucs play), and a short drive from the Metro Ice Sports Facility. This is my prefered choice of shops in the area. Owner seems to have the best knowledge of gear compared to the other shops, tries to get quality gear, not just what is the popular choice or his own personal preference.

Irwin's Bike and Sport

http://www.irwinsbikes.com/

5500 Merle Hay Rd Johnston:

This is a Bike shop with a hockey section. I haven't been in for a while, but their selection was better than Alien's but not as good as Slapshot's. Prices seemed a bit high. Closest store to Metro Ice Sports Facility, not terribly far from KGGO arena. Very easy to get to from I-80/35. Some staff members play in the local adult leagues, so there are some hockey players on staff, but its a Bike shop first and foremost.

There is a sports authority not far from the Alien Hockey store. They don't have much of a selection, but they had some Synergy SL's going for $80. Mix of right and left handed, mostly 100 flex Iginla and Forsberg patterns left.

There is a scheels in town, but about the only thing they have left is a bunch of left handed blades (most woodies, but a few Easton synthesis blades going for $20).

Hope that gives you some help

[Scarecrow 0]

Thanks a bunch for the detailed info. We are staying at I-80/35 and Merle Hay Rd. Games are early both days so definately going to hit the hockey shops, son needs a new pair of gloves. I think I'll call Scheels regarding the LH blades.

On a side note, someone recommended the Iowa Beef Steakhouse for dinner. He said you cook your own steak. Have you ever been?

[Eddie20 0]

Thanks a bunch for the detailed info. We are staying at I-80/35 and Merle Hay Rd. Games are early both days so definately going to hit the hockey shops, son needs a new pair of gloves. I think I'll call Scheels regarding the LH blades.

On a side note, someone recommended the Iowa Beef Steakhouse for dinner. He said you cook your own steak. Have you ever been?

The Irwins shop is located a few blocks north of I-80/35 on Merle Hay (West Side of the road) Very easy to get to, so you might want to stop in. I heard something about a big sale they are having on hockey gear, but I haven't been in, so you might have to find that out for yourself.

Scheels is located in the Jordan Creek Town Center http://www.jordancreektowncenter.com/html/ Selection is pretty limited though, so do call. Hockey gear was on the second floor, kinda by the tennis and golf stuff if memory serves me correctly, stuffed into a corner. Easy to miss.

I've never been to the Iowa beef steakhouse, but I hear its good. Its a bit of a drive from you though (probably 15, 20 mins). If you are coming from the North, there is a great Mexican place located pretty close the interstate in Ankeny called El Charro. Good food, good service, try the happy burritos, they are excellent. A little closer to Merle Hay, I've heard nothing but good things about the Flying Mango. http://www.flyingmango.com/ And on Merle Hay there are a ton of fast food type places of pretty much any variety.