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It depends on what you want and what you are trying to accomplish really:

-Guidance on structuring and running a practice, then the USA Hockey and Hockey Canada materials recommended by others are helpful.

-How to teach specific skills or focus on skills, then youtube channel "itrain hockey" and "hockeyshare" (m2m hockey) are excellent. Especially the itrain "train the trainer" series.

-Overall team play and learning the game - I've used this one for my inline teams, modified slightly for 4v4:

http://www.amazon.com/Hockey-Plays-Strategies-Ryan-Walter/dp/0736076344/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1462802162&sr=8-5&keywords=hockey+drills

-One of the most overlooked elements of coaching is learning how to communicate with athletes, manage parents, and run the team itself. A really helpful tip a coach gave me was to "Put Jim's and Joe's before X's and O's". Get registered with AAU and take the Positive Coaching Alliance certification courses. It's some of the best instruction I've received.

Good luck!

I'd buy one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Portable-Ventless-Folding-Machine/dp/B01AVGCPN2/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_265_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=830ET0CZK4N9X86FFD4Y

I have one and it was some of the best money I’ve spent on hockey. The physical footprint of this is small enough to fit in a closet, though probably not a wall locker. Not only does my gear not smell, it is also always perfectly dry and ready to use. I’m both a player and a ref and this has been great as it allows me to play in my night men’s league, dry my equipment, and have my skates and shins all ready to use again in the morning to ref. It also breaks down pretty small so you could conceivably pull it out of a locker or from under a bunk, dry your gear in about an hour, and then stow the gear in your bag and the dryer back under the bunk.

I'd recommend hockey plays and strategies and coaching hockey successfully yes they are coaching books, but essentially you're just reading what a coach would read, and then coach to you. The first book is pretty high level stuff, a lot of systems and stuff you might not use but it does contain some fundamentals in there as well. The second book is much more x's and o's and basics with good teaching points thrown in.

You may also like simply the best and simply the best players: players performance

Not op, but I got the EZ Goal setup from Amazon. Excellent home tool, but be sure to buy the two inch pole. I've dented a place here and there, but they are extremely subtle dents. I'm very pleased with it.

These are the exact gel sleeves I wear on my ankles but I’m a 5’1” woman so I get two out of this, you cut them to fit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFTW43I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9QjwCbW7EP9EY
I get an identical sleeve for toes, it’s just smaller. Ballet shops sell the best quality ones but try some cheap Walgreens ones first.

Most of the products listed here are very high quality things to address foot pain & help customize shoes. Gaynor makes an adhesive foam pad for the toe box of pointe shoes that works well for the toe box of hockey skates. Toe tape is another option if the toe sleeves are too snug. You can find the same products but usually lesser quality (also often thicker) at Walgreens/Walmart/etc https://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/accessories/page1?rfilter=Category%23Accessories%3ASubCategory%23Accessories%21Pointe+Shoe+Accessories

I like my skate a little snug bc I grew up figure skating and it’s what I’m used to. But unless you want to spend gobs of money or hit up every used hockey shop for that Cinderella pair a little DIY customizing & shit on your feet can go a long way.

If I was you and I couldn’t return that pair I’d use some of these options until I got that perfect pair.

I received a sports dryer like this for Christmas, and I love being able to hang and dry my equipment as soon as I am home from the rink. It reduces the amount of washing required for my equipment, and it keeps my equipment really smelling like new. Great investment, in my opinion.

Hello! I am a girl so I am normally a size 7/8 shoe and I am a size 3 skate. The toe box has a bit of space but I plan on using powerfoot. (https://www.amazon.com/Powerfoot-Hockey-Skate-Performance-Insert/dp/B01A9EMLR6) to cover the bit of extra space. Definitely swing by your shop and get fitted. My toes brush the end lightly and it feels perfect on the ice!

If you just need to patch a tear, I've used tent-repair tape on my socks with pretty good success.

Welcome back! I recently got a pair of Powerfoot Hockey Skate inserts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TFY490E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sNjjybR42A2BK for my new Bauer skates and LOVE them. They fill the negative space above your toes and I noticed a difference the first time I skated with them. Granted, I am not a great skater but it definitely helped with the fit of my skate and stability.

This is also super in-depth and a great reference. Too much to take in in one sitting, you'll keep going back over time. https://www.amazon.com/Hockey-Plays-Strategies-Ryan-Walter/dp/0736076344

I get blisters on sides of my legs about 3" above the ankle as well. I have small feet and notice that the tongue of smaller skates are not wide enough to protect my legs from the corners of the skate boot (where the eyelets are). I even have custom skates with extra length added to the boot.

A while back I ended up using silicon pads, they work great, small enough where they are not noticeable at all.

Silipos 10845 Gel Tubing Ankle Sleeve, 3 Inch x 10 Inch (1/Bag) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JFTW43I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KtaJDbYQEZ2R6

Not sure what youre going for or have looked at. This might be way off, but i looked up 'j hook' and these are pretty nice id buy 2 of them.

Paste what you were looking at... maybe thatll help narrow it down.

Also try Bunga Lace Bite Pads. Wear them like an ankle brace. Perfect position, never shifted, great gel padding. 6 weeks, lace bite was all better.

https://www.amazon.com/Bunga-Pads-Lace-Bite-Pad/dp/B004E5ODO6

Skate Fenders are really nice to have and not part of the default gear load-out.


An accessory bag (something like this) is really useful for keeping small loose stuff like tape, wax, honing stone, extra laces, etc contained instead of rattling around in your bag.


A Boot Dryer is great for after the game keeping your skates and gloves from getting nasty and helping them last longer.


Air Freshner/odor absorber for the bag. Especially if you dont air your gear out. Even something as small and simple as these can help a lot.


A multi-tool. Doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. Just something to tighten up loose screws with, cut tape or torn bits of gear, and maybe occasionally open a bottle with.

They don't look tight enough. Invest in a skate key to help you pull the laces or just get something strong that will allow you to pull them tighter.

Thanks - it looks like Amazon pricematched Target since it was $139 when I looked a couple days ago. Ordering from Amazon now. Link here: https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-Backstop-Targets/dp/B00DGX30Q4

I sweat a lot, so a good headband or whatever helps you to block to sweat from your eyes is good

I've got one of these and it's awesome
http://www.amazon.com/Halo-Headbands-H2BLACK-Headband-Black/dp/B002JS64LU/

Honestly there are some quality regulation goals on amazon for ~maybe $140~

[Found one for 69 bucks and it folds for easy storage.]
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093U9RUC/ref=s9_simh_gw_g200_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=1RA5ME69QVAZKWXH33TK&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=6aad23bd-3035-4a40-b691-0eefb1a18396&pf_rd_i=desktop)

Buy a boot dryer. 25 bucks new, best way to dry gloves and skates ever if you play frequently.

50ish bucks will get you a setup that does gloves and boots and you can control heat.

https://www.amazon.com/DryGuy-Forced-Boot-Dryer-Garment/dp/B010A5J5FU

A boot dryer is ideal. I bought 2 on clearance at Costco for around $35 each that are similar to this one: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/store/product/heavy-duty-boot-drying-station-in-black-grey/1045413636?skuId=45413636&mrkgcl=610&mrkgadid=3281585207&rkg_id=0&mcid=PS_googlepla_nonbrand__&product_id=45413636CA&adpos=1o2&creative=258661016819&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlqLdBRCKARIsAPxTGaUyZQyHZk6AWdTL3a0DVO-1TwecVPKrS1gk3o6scLrMxiHUMpLBZOcaArgaEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

They'll dry your skates well, plus you can use them for your helmets and even shin guards. I put my gloves on there too, but turn the heat off on the one that the gloves is on so that the palms don't get dried out.

For the rest of the gear I use a knockoff version of the Rocker Dryer called the Panda Dryer: https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Portable-Ventless-Folding-Machine/dp/B01AVGCPN2

That will dry everything really well in an hour or two.

I’d look into getting an EZ goal. https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-Backstop-Targets/dp/B00DGX30Q4

Cheaper and supposedly good quality. If I had space to make a shooting area, that’s what I’d get.

When I first started playing again after several years, I tried the velcro ones and these. The ones I linked were much more comfortable for me and prevented further issues. I don't use either after lacing my skates properly. Try them both and see what works for you!

You could try these and see if they help. Worth a try before jumping straight to new skates.

Nice DIY solution, but as a heads up, the rocket driers are under $70 for the non-branded version.


https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Portable-Ventless-Folding-Machine/dp/B01AVGCPN2/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=portable+dryer&qid=1567649114&s=gateway&sr=8-5



I’ll still stick to my $10 repurposed shoe rack. I could always point a fan on it, but never have issues with gear not drying out overnight



https://media.fotki.com/2v2Ewvoprx1YqB.jpg

The understanding of skating dynamics in the 1890s was pretty limited. There are tons of books today on power skating and skating movement, including comprehensive breakdowns of the kinematics, muscle groups involved, etc.

For example: https://www.amazon.ca/Laura-Stamms-Power-Skating-4th-Stamm/dp/0736076204

Also, decent mix of text/video:

http://howtohockey.com/how-to-ice-skate/

Ive been using this. I'm 6'3 and 200 so our gear is similar. The bag has worked great and fits everything.

http://www.amazon.com/Northstar-Diamond-Ripstop-16-Inch-Black/dp/B002ON8YFY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394585065&sr=8-1&keywords=40+inch+duffel+bag

There's potential for a system of metrics in this book Complete Conditioning for Hockey. In chapter 2, Tests for Hockey Fitness, I believe they have some on ice tests that can be recorded, the data could be tracked for progress, and used toward developing individualized goals.

Panda Dryer is the same thing as Rocket but a lot cheaper. Toss the gear in there, spray it with some antibacterial and good to go.

This book explains a lot about the differences between distance running (aerobic fitness) and its benefits (V02 max IIRC) and anaerobic fitness (doing wind sprints for the amount of time you'll be on the ice). Running is good for overall endurance, but you'll also want to factor in sprints as that is what hockey is all about.

I got a pair of these (https://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Bunga-Pads-Ankle-Sleeve/dp/B000289XWQ/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=bunga+pad&qid=1556205967&s=gateway&sr=8-3) when I retired my first pair of skates because the stiffer boot was putting more pressure on my ankle from the top of the boot. It's just a bit of gel padding and stays in place pretty well

I have the same issue. I use the Bunga pad ankle sleeve and it works like a dream. I’ve had mine for over a year and it’s still holding up with ~2 skates a week.

Absolute Bunga Pads 5" Ankle Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000289XWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tmHcBbNN7A156

I'm a figure skater who used to get pretty bad lace bite on my ankles... I use these, exactly the same thing as the Bungas but way cheaper. And it's 10" so I cut it in half like you said but it covers way more. I'll never skate without them now, they're so comfortable!

I've heard good things about these pads, though I haven't tried them myself. Maybe give them a shot?

The other comments are great, but if you're still having trouble you might want to try getting some lace hooks, which help get things tighter if you're a little new at this.

I've considered going the VH route due to lace bite and may at some point when money is less important to me. Until then I make due wearing Supremes with a "bunga" sleeve cut in half in the front of each one of my socks and skipping eyelets on my skates. For <$15 on Amazon you're silly not to try it. (https://www.amazon.com/Silipos-10845-Tubing-Ankle-Sleeve/dp/B00JFTW43I?th=1)

The bone spur hotspots you should definitely have punched out at a skate shop.

This may be an easy fix for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Tenacious-Fabric-Repair/dp/B005BLQTEE/ref=pd_lpo_200_bs_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=WD6WP7TXEVH39VR0D4WA

Good point. My current skates need toe caps as they were too tall in the toe. These have a world of difference.
https://www.amazon.com/Powerfoot-Hockey-Skate-Performance-Insert/dp/B01A9EMLR6

I've been playing in these for a while:

https://smile.amazon.com/Skate-Fender-Pro/dp/B005RSHOPY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500576116&sr=8-1&keywords=skate+fenders

Doesn't really change my skating style, and it's an extra something between the puck and your skate. I've taken two pucks off of them (but to be fair, no serious clap bombs) and it does seem to make a difference. Seemed to spread out the impact and deaden the impact some. Wish the velcro straps were a little neater, they seem kinda cheap.

70 bucks and some ribbing in the locker room or an ER visit and a few weeks off. No brainer for me.

For a cheap gear bag I recommend this. It's a simple 16" x 40" duffle bag. I got this one and it fits all my gear.

Yo. Don't buy the rocket dryer.

Buy the Panda Dryer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVGCPN2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And these hooks: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P7QTF59/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's literally the same dryer just way cheaper. I put my wet stuff in here after a game. It dries, I put it back in my bag, zip it up, and you can't smell a damn thing. My girlfriend doesn't notice any smell.

https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Gear-Hockey-Equipment-Dryer-Rack/dp/B004CVZXNC/

And a fan.

/u/thelitt recommended these headbands to me. I need to order one myself.

If you have a garage, the simplest way is a couple of these bike hooks, of course I only used them for like 2-3 sticks at a time, but I imagine there'd be larger hooks you could use.

Check this dryer available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Portable-Ventless-Folding-Machine/dp/B01AVGCPN2?th=1&psc=1

Probably this: https://www.amazon.com/Powerfoot-Hockey-Skate-Performance-Insert/dp/B01A9EMLR6

I ordered on yesterday. Also ordered Bauer 2.0 feet inserts.

this?

Same thing, half the price: https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Portable-Ventless-Folding-Machine/dp/B01AVGCPN2/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1523552365&sr=8-12&keywords=clothes+dryer

I counter your answer with this answer:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Silipos-10845-Tubing-Ankle-Sleeve/dp/B00JFTW43I/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_200_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2VF5Y4KQGX4BVRCRRAG9

​

Thicker 'gel', more than twice as long. Same price.

Pick your flavor.

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-2-Inch-White/dp/B0093U9RUC

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-67109-Heavy-Duty-Official-Regulation/dp/B00LW5YCII

https://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Hockey-Folding-Backstop-Targets/dp/B00DGX30Q4

https://www.amazon.com/Goal-Folding-Steel-Hockey-Backstop/dp/B00E2560CQ

Check out the book "Complete Conditioning for Hockey"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0736060340

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MTT9KI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426290662&sr=8-1&keywords=unwaxed+hockey+laces&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008MTT9KI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426290662&sr=8-1&keywords=unwaxed+hockey+laces&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Here is your answer.

Bunga Pads Lace Bite Pad
by Bungapads
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004E5ODO6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_awdo_38GwCbQBPT08C

I use one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CVZXNC/

Works great as long as it has atleast a day to dry.

It used to smell, but since I wear a long sleeve base layer now under my gear smell is no longer an issue

Also. If you are serious about understanding how your body works in the game of hockey this is a good read. I found it very informative.

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Conditioning-Hockey-Sports-Series/dp/0736060340/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375203743&sr=8-1&keywords=hockey+conditioning

The author, Pete Twist, is the real deal. Read his bio here: http://www.twistconditioning.com/learn/workshop-series/PeterTwistBIO.htm

I haven't used them, but I know some people swear by the Bunga Lace Bite sleeves/pads.


https://www.amazon.com/Bunga-Pads-Lace-Bite-Pad/dp/B004E5ODO6

In Laura Stamm's Power Skating book, it has a part relating to skates fitting. The way she teaches to lace up the skates is to be loose (not too much of course) near the toe and the top eyelets, tight in the middle section. That way it's tight enough to transmit power, and yet still loose enough when flexibility is needed to bend knees/execute inside-outside edge works.

Check these out. I was having the same problem. Bought this and it's helped significantly. The package only comes with 1 but you can very easily cut it in half and it still provides plenty of coverage where you need it.
Absolute Bunga Pads 5" Ankle Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000289XWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_U1qJyb7S3J143

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tCOdm7ubh8

For keeping skates tight. Also can try a lace puller. I use them. Don't go too tight and cut off circulation though.

https://www.amazon.com/Skatebuys-Metal-Lace-Pullers-Hooks/dp/B0007DGCX4

Things you can try -

• insoles
  
  
• Powerfoot (https://www.amazon.com/Powerfoot-Hockey-Skate-Performance-Insert/dp/B01A9EMLR6) pads. I have these in my size-too-big skates.
  
  
• Put a cut up sponge over your foot under the tongue to take up room (I also do a variation of this).
  
  
• Wear two pair of thin socks (I also do this).
  
  Man I need to buy new skates.

I was having real problems with sweat in my eyes too. I am currently using this Halo Headband and it works really well. It does not take up much space in my helmet either. Also it is reusable unlike No Sweat liners.

For the Sweat Sting, I've starting using a headband under my helmet. No eye sting. No cure for Hockey Asthma though.