Where to Buy Equipment
Now that you know all of the equipment that you will need – where do you get it?
The best place to get equipment is to get used equipment from another player that no longer needs it. Used gear is great as long as the equipment is still in good condition. Hockey can be expensive enough as it is, so having some hand-me-downs is a great way to save some money, especially since your child will eventually outgrow each piece of equipment.
If you are eligible for the Flyers Rookie Program, that is a great way to get (new) equipment for first time players who are age 5-9. We strongly recommend the Flyers Rookie Program for new players who are eligible.
If you need to go out and buy equipment you can go to retail shops, online stores, or online exchanges:
Pro Shops: most hockey rinks have a Pro Shop that carries hockey equipment. Some pro shops may be a bit small, so they may offer limited sizes or models in stock (although they can likely order additional sizes and items). The staff at the Pro Shop can help with sizing and providing recommendations. Many of the people who work in the pro shops also play hockey, so they may be able to answer questions and provide recommendations. Pro shops can also assist with skate sharpening and other repair services.
Hockey Retail Stores: we are fortunate to have a Pure Hockey store in Exton. They are a large hockey-specific retail store that offers a wide variety of equipment in stock (they can also order stuff or get it from another store, if they don’t have it in stock). They also have staff that will be able to assist you with fit and sizing. Many employees are also players and can answer questions and provide recommendations. Hockey Retail stores also offer skate sharpening and other equipment repair services.
Used Sporting Goods Stores: Play It Again Sports is a great way to get used equipment at a lower cost as compared to new equipment. They sell new equipment as well as used equipment at a discounted price. It might take you a little time to sort through the racks and bins to find exactly what you need. Please make sure that the equipment is in good working shape and fits properly. We have a Play It Again Sports conveniently located in Berwyn.
Sporting Goods Retail Stores: large sporting good stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Modells often have a section of their store that has hockey equipment. Their selection is often limited, and the staff working there may not be as familiar with hockey equipment.
Online Stores: If you know what you need and don’t need try the equipment on in person, you can also purchase gear online. Online hockey shops like Pure Hockey and Hockey Monkey offer an extensive selection of new equipment (including close outs on older models). You can also order equipment from other online retailers. The downside to buying online is that you cannot try on the equipment beforehand. If the item doesn’t fit or doesn’t meet your requirements you may need to pay additional for return shipping. If you purchase online from Pure Hockey, you can likely return the item in person to their Exton location.
Online Equipment Exchanges: You can also purchase both new and used equipment through online exchanges. In addition to online exchanges like Craigslist, eBay and Facebook groups, there are also online exchanges like SidelineSwap which specialize in sports equipment. Make sure to pay close attention to the product description and ask the seller questions before making a bid or purchase. If you know what you are looking for, and know what size you need, you might be able to find some a great deals on new and used gear which is still in good condition.
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