In addition to the season’s hottest equipment products, One Million Skates is loving these Top 10 “must-have” items for hockey families. From keeping sibs busy at the rink to airing out gear and working on “wicked fast” hands, we’ve got you covered from home to car to ice.
1. Ice N’Go Reusable Portable Backyard Ice Rink
The Ice N’Go rink is a complete kit that allows you to easily and quickly build a watertight framework for a backyard ice rink. Everything you need — including the frame components, the liner, and a special cap system to protect the liner from skate and shovel cuts — comes in one box. No need for tools, but the temperature must be below 32 F (0 C) in order for water to freeze. Starting at $199. For details, visit icengo.com.
2. Handmade Sterling Silver Hockey Mom Necklace by ChipmunkHollow
Show your pride with this beautiful, custom hand-stamped, oxidized and brushed sterling silver hockey mom pendant with player’s name. Complete with a Swarovski crystal, the Italian box chain is available in 16-inch (40.6-centimetre), 18-inch (45.7-centimetre) and 20-inch (50.8-centimetre) lengths. $44 at etsy.com/shop/ChipmunkHollow.
3. PROlocker Hockey Equipment Home Storage System
Keep your hockey equipment off the floor, organized and in top shape with a home locker system from PROlocker. Choose a stand-alone piece, a complete stall or a combo unit fit for the whole family. All PROlocker products are constructed from solid Baltic birch and finished with durable urethane. Shelves are made of brushed aluminum rods and all hardware is brushed-nickel plated. The systems are durable and moisture resistant, and can be finished to your favourite team colours. Prices vary. Available at prolocker.ca.
4. The Hockey Book for Girls by Stacy Wilson
Packed with expert advice from one of the top women’s hockey players in the world, this book for girls six to 12 is a unique resource for those who love to play hockey or would simply like to learn more about the game. Includes tips on improving your game, equipment know-how, practice drills and more. Approximately $7.95 at chapters.indigo.ca.
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5. ProToast or ProToast Elite Compact Two-Slice Toaster
ProToast
ProToast Elite
Start your early morning practice off right with eggs on specially toasted bread featuring your favourite team logo. Adjustable settings for desired toasting levels. Styles and prices vary. Available at amazon.com and amazon.ca.
6. Halo Wrist Trainer
The Halo is a unique, new training aid that simulates stickhandling moves to help teach proper wrist shots, crisp passing and “wicked fast” hands. Inserted into any hockey stick shaft, it cups a street hockey ball for a “fun, addicting and killer” workout. Available for $15.95 at halohockey.com or hockeyshot.ca. 
7. Connect Four Travel Game by Hasbro
Although this classic game was first introduced by Milton Bradley in 1974, it is still a fan favourite among kids and adults alike. The travel version is perfect for keeping siblings busy at the rink. To win, drop the checkers into the grid and be first to get four in a row in any direction. Approximately $7.99 at toysrus.com.
8. Hockey Holiday Greeting Cards
Canadian hockey families will love these “From the True North Strong & Frozen!” holiday greeting cards designed by Canadian illustrator Wendy Hancock. The retro-styled illustration with glitter accents features a red and white clad hockey player. Inside, the message reads: “Wishing you a Happy Holiday, eh!” $15.95 at chapters.indigo.ca. 
9. Professor Noggin’s Hockey
For hockey lovers aged seven and up, Professor Noggin’s Hockey is an educational card game chock full of trivia, true or false and multiple choice questions guaranteed to keep kids interested and challenged — all while having tons of hockey fun! Included is a special three-numbered die that promotes player interaction and communication. Perfect for long car rides and travel. Approximately $12.99. To find a dealer, visit outsetmedia.com. 
10. Realistic Hockey Puck Soap
Sure to be a favourite in any hockey house, this realistic four-ounce hockey puck soap is made in a mould cast from a real puck! It is scented with a small amount of pure star anise essential oil, so it smells like a black jelly bean. Its gentle, pH-neutral glycerin base offers a terrific lather but leaves no soapy film behind. The shrink-wrapped puck measures three inches by one inch. Available online for $5 at daisycakessoap.indiemade.com.
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