MIKE'S ICE ADVICE

People always ask me what equipment should my kids wear when they are starting out as very young players, and then continuing to wear as they get older.

The answer is quite simple. Most parents will go into a hockey store like the one I prefer ( Just Hockey) Don Mills, walk around ,grab some elbow pads or shoulder pads and the rest of the gear without even asking questions. They take it home and hope that it fits their child. That in my opinion is wrong!!

Whether they are 6 or 16 the importance of having equipment that fits them properlry should be of the highest importance. Bring your kids to the store for heavens sake, they are the ones that are going to wear it. The employees of the store are there for you to ask questions, and at the same time take you to each equipment area to make sure you have the proper fit.

By not getting the sizing correct you are leaving a little window to where they could fall awkwardly and hurt themselves, or if it is too big or too small they will be uncomfortable which in turn could lead to them saying “I’m not having fun” and don’t want to paly anymore.

The most expensive and critical piece of equipment are the skates. DO NOT CHEAP OUT!! They will live in them for countless hours so they need to be fitted by experts with the proper ovens, and sharpeners. Hockey is EXPENSIVE , and if you want your kids to enjoy the game and hopefully become competitive enough to move forward as they get older “Please” make sure that the equipment they are going to wear fits then properly!!

If you live in the Toronto area then please visit my friend Dave Beaton at SOURCE FOR SPORTS- DON MILLS. Tell him Mike Tanev sent you. Not only will he get you the proper fitting for your child, but he will by mentioning my name also help out pricing wise. They are fair and by far in my opinion the most knowledgeable, and that is what you are looking for when making your EQUIPMENT purchases.

Good Luck!!

Mike Tanev

mtanev24@gmail.com