(Part 2) Top products from r/hockeyplayers

Aside from the obvious (gear), some great gifts/accessories under $50 are....



Antibacterial spray. Spray this stuff on after every use while the gear dries. Helps reduce the stink. Everyone should use this stuff.



https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Gear-Disinfecting-Spray-Bottle/dp/B00BMLJOLM/ref=asc_df_B00BMLJOLM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216559542401&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3669663079032918150&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9008162&hvtargid=pla-354323861212&psc=1




For those of us that sweat, these liners are a godsend. I played once without one the other week by mistake and sweat would not stay out of my eyes. These are a must.



https://www.amazon.com/No-Sweat-Golf-Liner-Protection/dp/B016ZH8I28/ref=pd_aw_sim_12?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B016ZH8I28&pd_rd_r=9306cb00-696d-43a6-8373-8ae0aa46aba7&pd_rd_w=zhJGK&pd_rd_wg=RZCHj&pf_rd_p=469620d9-3e90-496d-9dc8-b19f900ba5fe&pf_rd_r=8V2WZ8B31YXSCBVJ350Z&psc=1&refRID=CQYS1VGPV81BPZE2Y770





Superfeet carbon or hockey comfort. I was skeptical at first, but they really are great. Worth the price of admission



https://www.amazon.com/Superfeet-CARBON-Professional-Performance-Insoles/dp/B01CGBDJTY/ref=pd_aw_sim_10?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01CGBDJTY&pd_rd_r=9306cb00-696d-43a6-8373-8ae0aa46aba7&pd_rd_w=zhJGK&pd_rd_wg=RZCHj&pf_rd_p=469620d9-3e90-496d-9dc8-b19f900ba5fe&pf_rd_r=8V2WZ8B31YXSCBVJ350Z&psc=1&refRID=CQYS1VGPV81BPZE2Y770




I enjoy stick wax. Helps keep my blade a little cleaner, tape lasts a little longer, and I get a nice smell.



https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Wax-Hockey-Stick-Coconut/dp/B010GJXECK/ref=pd_aw_sim_20?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B010GJXECK&pd_rd_r=9306cb00-696d-43a6-8373-8ae0aa46aba7&pd_rd_w=zhJGK&pd_rd_wg=RZCHj&pf_rd_p=469620d9-3e90-496d-9dc8-b19f900ba5fe&pf_rd_r=8V2WZ8B31YXSCBVJ350Z&psc=1&refRID=P9XFMPX39FC3EHS6EQ49




Too much volume in the toes of your skates? Bauer clearly realized this as their latest lineup has an anatomical toecap which effectively does exactly what these do.



https://www.amazon.com/Adrenaline-Design-Powerfoot-Hockey-Performance/dp/B01N7Z4QBI/ref=pd_aw_sim_11?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N7Z4QBI&pd_rd_r=9306cb00-696d-43a6-8373-8ae0aa46aba7&pd_rd_w=zhJGK&pd_rd_wg=RZCHj&pf_rd_p=469620d9-3e90-496d-9dc8-b19f900ba5fe&pf_rd_r=8V2WZ8B31YXSCBVJ350Z&psc=1&refRID=CQYS1VGPV81BPZE2Y770



It’s a personal preference, but I switched to Tacki Mac over a year ago in place of traditional hockey tape. It really does extend the life of your gloves and lasts a lot longer.




https://www.icewarehouse.com/Tacki_Mac_Command_Wrapped_Texture_Stick_Grips/descpage-TMWT.html?from=Google&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj_XpBRCCARIsAItJiuR0m-mKBOswtEXQZjdx-qvklb7OomYZh2iAu5_QptbMwN90AxmmEA8aAg9yEALw_wcB

This was the exact stick I bought when I first started playing about 6 years ago, except mine was an 85 flex. I loved it, it's name was "Animal Mother". It eventually got worn out enough I replaced it.

First, the Draper blade is now the Henrique with Warrior (also used to be Kopitar). I got a Warrior AX1 on clearance, but it seems like many websites are getting really low on stock of these. I found it to perform very similar to the AK. I prefer the matte finish, but the grip on the AX1 works great. It's not what I would call tacky the way normal "grip" sticks are. I'm pretty sure any of the Warrior Dynasty sticks would be comparable to your AK.

Seems like you have it mostly covered. I got the Concept 3 (I liked it a lot better than the Hybrid) and it came with a protective bag. But a shirt would work fine as long as it's thick enough and it'll actually stay on.

I bought THESE, and they do seem to help with fogging a bit, though the main advantage is less sweat dripping into my eyes.

Another concern is water, though your Hybrid will be a lot easier to drink with than my Concept. Problem I've seen is people with stubby water bottle tips (Like the standard Gatorade bottles) have a hard time drinking through the slots. Just make sure you have something with a straw (I have the 90 degree bend squeeze bottles) or you're prepared to drench yourself occasionally if you squirt it through the bars and miss. Otherwise you're unclipping your straps every time you want to drink.

Edit: This is what came with my Concept. Might be worth it if you don't want to mess around with a shirt, or risk having your helmet come out.

I use Zogs because coconut is my favorite thing in the world and it's pretty relaxing to me to tape and wax my sticks after a long day and enjoying the scent while doing it.

It's also pretty decent at its job of preventing snow buildup so your stick doesn't look like an old garage freezer after every shift.

Jills: just go get on and wear it even if you're not ready for the sock set up yet. The jill part does feel a little weird but I wear one less because of a puck to the groin but for "cup checks" or "sawing the nuts". Not all players are "awesome" and will put their stick in your crotch and some players think a board battle is the right time to punch you in the cup. It's not a common issue but it's one you mise well protect against.

I'll link the jill I use as the Bauer one that came with my pants wasn't up to par IMO. If I'm going to wear one I want one that I actually think will protect from pucks, sticks, and punching. Just take off the harness part and put it in the cup part your pants/shorts come with. The silicon that goes around it makes it pretty comfy. It can get out of order just like anyone's cup can but once I'm on the ice I don't notice it.

https://www.amazon.com/Lo-Bloo-Aeroslim-Protector-Protection-Adjustable/dp/B019NGWZMC/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1500902190&sr=1-2&keywords=lo+blow

I've played for 20+ years and would never sharpen my own skates. I'd just get a touch up tool like this one http://amzn.to/2eRwHjC and make the drive/get my skates sharpened when I can or its convient. Back in the day a "stone" was used, but the new touch up tools certainly are improved. Additionally, skating on "dull" skates isn't the worst thing!

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

I use Sex Wax, but get the cold water surf wax like the 2X here. It's softer and stickier than usual hockey wax.

Plus it smells fantastic.

Looks like right now the following are still in stock and on sale:

AX1 - 75 Grip
-----------------------
http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Senior-Dynasty-Hockey-Zetterberg/dp/B00BNRHHN2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407737419&sr=1-1&keywords=Warrior+Senior+Dynasty+AX1+75

• Burrows (L)
  
• Chara (L/R)
  
• Kovalev (L/R)
  
• Kremlin (L)
  
  
  AX1 - 85 Clear
  -----------------------
  http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Senior-Dynasty-Hockey-Burrows/dp/B00BNRH1E2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407737432&sr=1-1&keywords=Warrior+Senior+Dynasty+AX1+85
  
  
• Burrows (L)
  
• Chara (L)
  
• Kopitar (L)
  
• Kovalchuk (L)
  
• Zetterberg (L)
  
  
  AX1 - 85 Grip
  -----------------------
  http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Senior-Dynasty-Hockey-Burrows/dp/B00BNRGU44/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407737432&sr=1-2&keywords=Warrior+Senior+Dynasty+AX1+85
  
  
• Burrows (L)
  
• Chara (L/R)
  
• Kopitar (L/R)
  
• Kovalchuk (R)
  
• Kovalev (L)
  
• Kremlin (L/R)
  
• Zetterberg (R)
  
  
  AX1 - 100 Grip
  -----------------------
  http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Senior-Dynasty-Hockey-Kopitar/dp/B00BNRGCII/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407737982&sr=1-1&keywords=Warrior+Senior+Dynasty+AX1+100
  
  
• Borrows (L)
  
• Chara (L)
  
• Kovalev (L)
  
• Kremlin (L/R)
  
• Zetterberg (L)
  
  
  AX1 - 100 Clear
  -----------------------
  http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Senior-Dynasty-Hockey-Zetterberg/dp/B00BNRGOE0/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407737982&sr=1-2&keywords=Warrior+Senior+Dynasty+AX1+100
  
  
• Burrows (L/R)
  
• Chara (L/R)
  
• Kopitar (L/R)
  
• Kovalchuk (L/R)
  
• Zetterberg (L)

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.

If it's on the lower butt (right where your butt touches the chair when sitting), getting better pants is not going to really help since that area isn't usually padded.

If you're looking for the heftiest protection, I'd go with the Tackla 9000 pant or Reebok 9k girdle.

I have a tendency to fall right on my sit bones where hockey pants aren't padded well, so I wear butt pads under my pants. [link] I bought them "used - like new" so >50% off.

I'm intrigued! Do they come in something other than Nashville colors? ;)

Edit: wow you were serious, they're actually called that.

Hillbilly Impact Shorts, X-Small https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CSX2S6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1zyQAb9M3A4VV

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/

I'm 6' 1'' and just recently went to this bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OD5K6DE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did have a roller bag, and I love my new carry bag in comparison, it's cheap, has a couple side pockets, and it's actually lighter than my roller bag was.

I have this net and have been very pleased with it. I got one with a few more accessories on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/EZGoal-Folding-Backstop-Shooter-Targets/dp/B00E2560CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005006&sr=8-1&keywords=ez+goal

How about these - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002AQPSWW/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3C_ST1_dp_1
They don't absorb the sweat but they move it out of the way. At least one guy on our team uses it and thinks that they are effective.

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

I wear this pelvic protector and have found it really comfortable. I wear compression shorts, and then just slip that over them under my hockey pants. I don't have the shorts with the velcro and to be honest have yet to have problems with my socks falling down (knock on wood). I just tape them over my shin pads.

These work well:

https://www.amazon.com/No-Sweat-Doctor-Hockey-Helmet/dp/B016ZK2UN8/ref=sxin_0_ac_d_rm?ac_md=3-3-bm8gc3dlYXQgaG9ja2V5IGhlbG1ldCBsaW5lcg%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&keywords=no+sweat&pd_rd_i=B016ZK2UN8&pd_rd_r=de9bff70-549d-4997-8fed-2248621a17c1&pd_rd_w=JrSE4&pd_rd_wg=FZKUZ&pf_rd_p=404c4843-2c96-4d0d-a5fe-2b0598693e61&pf_rd_r=HW1VBK9G6V86EKZ5TT11&qid=1569374075

​

or

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016ZH8I28/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B016ZH8I28&pd_rd_w=iib5P&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=n5o1r&pf_rd_r=2015XV6Z0FFQNXD7TKFG&pd_rd_r=7a0959e6-ebc9-4fb7-adcf-35585437b485&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFUSFRNM0pGV0cwUEEmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzMTY1MjAxMFRXVURHUUE3TTVGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNDE4NTBMMEIzQUhQT0tMNlEmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

>https://www.amazon.com/No-Sweat-Golf-Liner-Protection/dp/B016ZH8IA0/ref=mp\_s\_a\_1\_7?keywords=sweat%2Bhelmet%2Bliners&qid=1563657831&s=gateway&sr=8-7&th=1&psc=1

how long do they last? Do you have to replace them often or can you just use one for like 25 games?

Hahaha the name is misleading. Its wax originally created for surfers. You can find it here:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LU2GVKU/ref=pd_sim_468_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T2RDJKSQJ949MQG2ECM5

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.

I use something like this

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.

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

And a fan.

These work well: https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-C018-Soft-Cooler-Sleeve/dp/B00LGVTW5Q

I got this no name bag from Amazon. Been holding up.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00OD5K6DE/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The ol sweat gutr http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AQPSWW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

power foot

I ordered these this week, sorry if someone else already mentioned these.

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

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

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.

AFAIK any time you rent skates it kind of just gets pulled off the shelf, and you have no idea when the last time they were sharpened. If this is something you're not sure you want to stick with long term yet, and therefore don't want to buy your own skates yet, I'd at least get one of the stones that can correct the edge on your skates real quick. The edges are most likely fked up and aren't giving you a good feel for how turns/stops should be. I busted my skate in the middle of a game two weeks ago and had to use rentals, and the edges were so bad I was falling all over. I went to the locker room and got my stone and gave it a few swipes and they were usable. I have this re-edger which as been great.

As for skating, are you hunched over because you're leaning on your stick? In general you want to be leaning forward (you'll hear people say, stay low) in order to to make strong/long strides to build speed, but you shouldn't really be 'hunched'.