Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Graf skates are the way to go. I am on my second set of player skates for Graf and have had my pair of goalie Graf skates for at least 5 years. I have tried on other boots and just cant feel the same comfort as the Graf. One of the rare companies still using solid material in all price ranges too. And like mentioned, a great WIDE skate for my fat feet.

My peewee team was in another tourney on the weekend and made it to the finals again. Unfortuantely we lost this one as we were clearly gassed. OH well, win some, lose some, have a cigar either way!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Scott nothing wrong with that. If yoy can't hype your kid here I will stop posting. That's what this thread is all about. Congrats to you.

Congrats also Al. Nice to see you post.

Mike atleast they got there right. Better to get to the dance then not have a ticket.

As to the Grafs
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...y/IMAG0250.jpg
If you have big feet or a foot issue you can't go wrong. What I love about the boys skates are while they cost a few bucks more then the ccms, the build quality and comfort is so worth it. Micah can't wear easton or bauer do to boot depth and width issues.

EJ just order them. I had to order Micahs. No local shop even wanted to order them. Funny after I took them in to get sharpened one dayat one of the shops that refused we bad a talk about what a nicw boot it is.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Graf is huge here in Ottawa, and mostly where ever I go in Canada. You are guaranteed to see a good portion of people who are playing competitive hockey and higher wearing them. After my first bottom line pair with them, I got an $800.00 pair 2 years ago for just around $500.00 and my feet have been in heaven since.
The only issue I have ever had with Graf, is that the boot is almost too high quality. The leather they use and material on the boot is so good that my eyelits for my laces pop out very often. I also use them almost daily so that helps...
Wouldnt trade my grafs for anything.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Agreed mike. The only pair he has had that was near as good was a pair of 892 tacks. When he out grew them I had him pick and he wanted the white Grafs. :r. Hes got a little flash in him. After confirming the build quality I ordered and couldnt be happier. Having had foot pain with most skates its really nice not dealing with it. My wife says I turned my son into a premadonna with his foot comfort and gear preferences. What ever. Hes happy, fast and comfortable. His foot is wide,fat, and tall. This or the CCM/Reebok's are the only option. I thought about the flexlites, but...... well Grafs won the cool factor. Hes the only kid with them in his league which I think is weird.

I always try to explain to parents of kids in our league if your feet hurt you dont want to skate or you cant stop thinking about it. If you cant skate you cant play. I never understand how parents will spend all this money for their kids to play then buy the wrong skate for the kid and make the kid miserable.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I completely agree. I have had the privilege to coach with the Ottawa Sens skating coach and he is also Team Canada National Womens Skating coach, and he couldn't emphasize more to our parents and kids to stop spending money on sticks, and save some of that for a great pair of skates. If you cant skate, your stick will do nothing!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Anyone make a size 14 skate, preferably in a wide (E) width?

I found some Hospeller's years ago in a 13 and they were the only 13 that didn't smash the hell out of my toes. They do however kill my arches and heel. I still have them but, they are not wide enough I don't think. Not sure, I've only ice skated 5-6 times in my life, but I would like to get a pair that work for me. I really want my son to get into it so I'd like to take him to the rink or on a nearby pond.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Mike what size shoe do you wear. Generally skates sizes run a size(bauer/Easton) to 1.5 (ccm/reebok) smaller then shoe size. Graf really seems to vary from model to model.
What you may have experienced is the different boot designs effect the way the skate feels.
CCM Reebok have a deeper and wider boot with a low to non existant arch.
Bauer has the shallowest and narrowest boot with a well defined arch.
Easton is in the middle of Bauer and CCM/Reebok. Some arch not a ton a little wider and deeper then Bauer but not as much as CCM/Reebok.

When you add in arch width and deepth it all effects what you are percieving in your mind as to fit. A Bauer and CCM of same sizes fit me very different. The Bauer will cause me great pain and I need an E width, the Reebok is usually pretty good standard width.

Given the size of your foot you need to find a vendor with Grafs and a vendor with CCMs and start their.

http://www.brunoshockeyshop.com Think he is in your neck of the woods. Great customer service. Or maybe some others can recommend a place. SHould be a lot of good vendors in your area. You need to get sized by a competent person and start their. Buying boots blind on the web will be a waste as your odds of getting the right boot for your foot are slim.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Mitch loved Grafs (my wallet didn't). I told him for years they were too heavy. He gave me the look of "right". Anyway, when it came time for new skates last year he said, "I want Bauers, Grafs are too heavy".

Now why didn't I think of that!?

When you figure kids out let me know. :D

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I wear a 14E shoe size. My right foot is almost a half size smaller though, but I can't even get my right foot into any size 13s I've seen at stores.

I've checked most shops around and find nothing higher than 13s.

Looks like Graf makes a Supra 705 that goes up to a 15 wide, but Bruno lists them at $480
http://www.brunoshockeyshop.com/coll...graf-supra-705

Bauer Vapor X40 comes up to a 15 too for around $330
http://www.hockeyworld.com/index/pag...Skates-+Senior

Any thoughts on these two skates?

I will check out Brunos. maybe they have some of those Supra 750s in stock that will fit. Perani's isn't too far from my work either. That is where I got the ice hockey equipent I have. I bought it and played one game as a fill in for a friend's team. Broke my thumb thanks to a slash I got in a "no checking league". I didn't know it until after the game. All I knew was that it hurt. I wouldn't mind playing ice hockey, problem is there aren't too many 31 yr old beginners. I have some stick skills and I have even played goalie a little, but it was all street, floor, and/or roller hockey. Ice is different.

Thanks again Mike

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I think the bauer will be shallow. You really really got to try on the skates. Given your size you may end up paying a few extra bucks. The thing is as we mentioned above it doesnt matter how nice yoyr stick and gloves are. If you cant skate you are a plug.

As for league check for an over 35 league. We have one out here if I play again i am going over 35. I am 35 now and have no interest in playing against mr. Game 7 rec leaguer. I need to work for a living. A lot of rinks will have beginer skills classes start there.

Al you are crushing my dreams right now of having micah stay in grafs.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Supra 705's were my first skate, were a bit thinner then I hoped, so I went one skate size higher. Dont recommend this but I got away with it. My skating has improved drastically since getting a skate that will fit perfectly.
If you get a Graf, I can vouch that it will probably be the last skate you will buy for yourself. I dont plan on replacing my current boots ever, just getting repairs done.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

but in the end you just go in and try them on, everyone has preferences. I went with my friend for his first pair of skates and we tried on at least 5 different pairs, then he went with Graf!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Thanks guys.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I have to admit that I cannot feel a noticeable different in weight in the Bauer X60, RBK 11K and the Graf G5 when holding them in my hand. The post interested me enough that I ask a shop to weigh them and I will report my findings…. Assuming they actually follow up….

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Pretty emotional day yesterday. Funeral for Dave and then a game that night. The team had a pretty big part in the graveyard ceremony and the funeral in general I guess. Tough stuff, could not imagine going through it as a parent/kid.

Anyway, I wish I had sound to these pics. What a great finish to the day. When Dave's son went out on the ice, his first time out there since the accident, it was a roar like you could not put into words.... I am not too proud to admit that I didn't have a dry eye then...and don't now and I remember and type. There are special moments in life and I experienced one then. I know that kid could feel the love and support from a huge community of people....it was inspiring.

Big win, he didn't let in a goal....special night.

Taking the ice and a response to the crowd....
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3...rthridge21.jpg

Assume this was a good to have you back tap before the puck dropped.
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1...rthridge20.jpg

End of the game....
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6...rthridge31.jpg
http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/9...rthridge32.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/750...rthridge36.jpg

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Nothing wrong with shedding some tears.
I have had a few moments in my life where I couldn't stop from doing it. I checked and I still got my man card.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Gotta love sport, brings sooooo many people together... Tears are always allowed in cases like this...

My peewees won 2-0 last night to the worse team in the league. They had 2 shots on our net. We should have won 15-0. They played like poop. Oh well a W is a W

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Forgot to mention EJ as the skates you posted they are all not the super light skates.
For bauer go pick up the supreme one, easton the s17, s15, ccm u+cl. With those you will feel the weight difference. That said I think the vapor is still the most used skate in the nhl.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Ordered the G5's today at the request of the Little Man..... We talked a little last night about trying something new, the information that some of the other skates may be a little lighter on his foot ect. He said something to the effect that he knows what the G5's are on his feet and that is what he wants.

About to head to the rink.... Big game against a rival.... LM is a bit grumpy.....think he gets that from me....:sh

(4 beers and a Shark in....hope the photos are not effected....:r)

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Big game! Good luck

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Solid game, 4-0 win.

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/2...brighton25.jpg

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Micah kept his goal streak alive for the 4th game.
He got tripped from behind on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot and buried it. I was griping as it was his last shift.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Article about Dave Brown in our newspaper....

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/...ockey.html.csp

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

:banger:banger...NICE

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Great article!

My peewee kids are in a darn slump, but winning... Our forwards have hit such a dry patch, but thank god our defense are scoring. Over the last week we have faced the 3 worst teams in the league, only to win 3-0, 2-0, 2-0. We are the highest scoring team as well so these were a bit disappointing. And of those 7 goals, 5 came from a D. Last night to send a message to our forwards, we started the 3rd period with 5 D. Yup, they scored a goal. Oh well, the great teams are the ones who get through slumps while still winning! 13-2-2 at the half way mark is alright with me!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Can't complain too much about 3 straight shutouts....:tu

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Our boys made it to the final of the Mid American Silver Sticks, Peewee AA but fell short.

They had jumped up to #15 on 98rankings.com but I suspect the 2 losses (1 to a higher ranked team, 1 to a lower ranked team) this weekend may drop them a bit.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Tough break Scott. Sorry to hear.

EJ I was behind the net and forgot to record his penalty shot. Dad fail moment.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Just getting that far is GREAT! What a cool experience for this kids....




Come on Mike! That would have been SWEET!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

My dad once recorded a full semi final game with the lens cap on...

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

:r

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

thank god we lost and I didnt wanna watch it again lol

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Anyone ever seen "The Tournament"? I swear we have moments like those all the time...Parents who are like some of those in the series, situations, etc etc. I think I need to rewatch em again!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Your telling me I was sitting there and all ofa sudden as he puts the puck on the ice I think SHIZ. I grab my phone, but to slow. I was actually really disapointed. Now I got to hope he gets another this year.

Scott the league here has a ton of policies, but not sure if any are actually enforced.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Friggin stupid. They make all kids play goal at this age atleast once. This week its Micahs turn. Practice was ugly to put it nicely. :r. Hes a screen door. Its going to be the same as last year. By the end of the game he will be frustrated, upset, and not want to play goalie.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Think they are hoping a few of them get the bug to play between the pipes... I know they just enacted a rule here for 2011 that if your HS team has more than 2 goalies, you have to make one available to be poached by teams without one....or something to that effect. I just went looking for it and cannot find it....

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

ARRRGGUUUUHHH...... Ordered the LM's skates online on Friday morning after my B&M shop was told by Graf Canada 5-6 weeks. I have heard HORROR STORIES about waits from Graf Canada and didn't want to be sitting around in March pissed off without skates, so online I went....

I decided that I didn't want the different graphics of the LE skates(I found these online a bit ago), so contacted Hockeymonkey, told they didn't have an 11W. Contact Totalhockey.com and they have them instock and ready to ship same day.

So what happens, my order is still not "processed", even though I was led to believe it would ship same day, then assured yesterday it will "be pulled and go out today"...

It is not so much it not shipping Friday or Monday, but why do I have the feeling that I am going to get the dreaded "backordered" email, even though I have been assured the skates are(were) in stock....

So I call Totalhockey.com and am informed "Oh, we don't have those in stock anymore, we can send you the 11R's" WTF would I want the 11R's if I ordered the 11W's....think I just like the W on the box? Second, I am not so worried about you not having the skates, just tell me that to start..... Like Lt. Vincent Hanna said.... "DON'T WASTE MY MOTHER &^%*@%$ TIME!"

So I call General Sports in MN and then decide that I will call Hockeymonkey(I emailed the first time)....and what do you know, they have them..... Skates should be on their way today....

May that was a round about way of tracking down some skates....

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

It will be worth every minute of time you spent!

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Yea, he has been very happy with his last 2 pair of G Series skates, I am sure it will all be worth it....a smooth transition.

Now the uncomfortable walk of shame, when I take them in to be sharpened and baked at my skate shop....:o

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Well I grabbed 2 of the 5k youth sticks for micah as the price was awesome. Hope total hockey doesnt pull any crap.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I got that email too.

We haven't ordered online, but we have been to their stores in Chicago and St. Louis and have been very happy with the product and prices.

Hope all goes well.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

What'd I miss? I didn't get any stinkin' email from HM....:td






Man I was all over the place with the camera tonight... Took A LOT of photos and seemed to be missing everything.... Case in point, great shot of a goal(abit very noisey)....just don't have the shooter....:sh

http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/7990/vvjv1.jpg

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

EJ go to total hockeys site and type in 5k in the search. They have awesome prices on the sticks right now and free shipping for over 75.00 No tax for me.
I grabbed two of the 5k youth sticks at 29 each grabbed so little things to hit 75.00 Way cheaper then buying his sticks local and I got some little things I needed.

Also dont know if these will fit your daughter but youth size 12 reebok azure roller hockey skates for 64.99 with 3.99 shipping.
Only one pair left. I just bought the size 11s for Micah so they are gone from the site. These are a good skate and use the tri d system which mimics ice more as only the front or rear wheel and middle wheel are on the ground at any time. not a flat chasis where all wheels are on the floor. The new reebok 1k ones are 109
http://www.sportsfanoutlet.com/hocke...lack-blue.html

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I have a pair of rocker roller blades and they are fantastic. So much more like skates...

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I traded a fake rolex tonight for a Easton 70flex shaft and blade...

I love the barter system!

My kid now has a stick waiting for him at the end of this year or beginning of next :)

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Got these thr other day. 10inch so a little big for micah but he will use them soon enough.
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...y/IMAG0267.jpg

Monkey has other eagle 10inch for 19.99
http://www.hockeymonkey.com/eagle-hockey-glove-x3.html

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I have often thought about the title of this thread. As I sit in the local pub waiting for Alina to return from Penn State with Jr for the holidays and Mitch off to the city to see the GF I think back to the past 18 or so years. The vacations missed, money spent, friends made, family time spent to and from rinks all over this country and others and the memories of it all. This game of ours has taught my sons more about life, sacrifice, respect, honor, code, discipline, work ethic and the like more than I could in a life time.

For that, I'm thankful to be a hockey parent.

Enjoy the time, it goes by way to fast. Trust me.

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

:banger:banger........Well put Al....and I am trying to enjoy/absorb every bit of it.... May even try to coach the Little One....as my competitive nature seems to be subdued with her(is that sexist:sh)

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

Mike, the Little Man wore X3's....... They were his first Eagle gloves... Still disappointed that he has TPS gloves on his hands right now.....:r



Skates arrived today.... Baked and will start to skate in them over the holiday and play in them first game after the New Year.....

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/6430/newskate1.jpg

http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/8973/newskate2.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3979/newskate3.jpg

Oh...and I already was informed that the Orange laces are being switched over....:rolleyes:

Re: Being a Hockey Parent
 

I like the white ones :r. Look like micahs 370.

Micah played goalie today
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...y/IMAG0268.jpg
Two games. 1st game 3-3 tie. Second game they won 8-7. Looked bad in the beginning the other team jumped out to a 5-1 lead. Was proud of our boys they kept plugging away.