Since I don’t play hockey, this entry has to go under the Pictures section of my site.
Anyway, have I lost my mind? Well no, but I would like to get a helmet before I try skating backwards and/or attempting hockey-style stops as my friend Jeremy is perfecting (he starts refereeing kid-level games soon). The explanation for buying my own is the dislike of rentals. Somara and I have been hitting the rink at (what used to be) Northcross Mall practically every week so it’s an investment in protecting my feet. Unlike bowling, skating is trickier when the gear doesn’t fit exactly. I often see teenagers not lacing up all the way, trying to maintain their coolness factor to go with the impractical, fashionable attire; seeing them wearing shorts gives me a sinus headache. I’ll bet they’ll appear cool when their ankles twist or better yet, no front teeth after a nice Superman-esque launch into the boards.
Enough editorializing. I took the plunge in anticipation of another upcoming Stars and Fans event. Otherwise I was going to wait a bit longer, namely after Molly’s dental work. Buying online may also be cheaper yet I am very satisfied with my purchase through the nearby Chaparral Ice. These babies are a sweet Bauer-brand pair they offered for under $200. Sharpening included! I then scored blade covers made in Canada. They didn’t have my team (Flyers in case you forgot), hence I went with the only one offered that I respect.
Should the upcoming forecast for Central Texas not cripple the area and cause a panic for bottled water and toilet paper, I will be officially breaking them in at the rink this upcoming Thursday. Then my next goal (no pun intended) is to wear them on CPC’s ice like my AHL team gets to.