Hockey Parents: How to Stretch Your Gear Budget This Season
With costs rising across the board, here’s how smart hockey parents are making every dollar count:
- 
Buy Direct-to-Consumer Gear 
 Avoid retail markup — brands like Swift Hockey offer elite gear for half the cost.
- 
Stick to Essentials (for now) 
 Focus your budget on skates, helmet, and stick — the three most critical pieces for development.
- 
Trade or Sell Old Gear 
 Local Facebook groups or Play It Again Sports are great for offsetting costs.
- 
Buy Durable, Not Flashy 
 That flashy $400 twig may snap just as fast as a $140 Swift.
