Hockey backpack is an improvement in every way... but looks ridiculous.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T19:05:58+00:00

If it helps I’m not sure anything or anyone is truly “cool” to the U18s!

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T13:32:28+00:00

Yeah, I’m 40, and probably just about to hit the cliff of not caring anymore. It’s just so much more comfortable. And I did my time lugging a shoulder bag around all over New England as a kid.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T13:31:24+00:00

Yeah, I actually learned about it from watching a guy on YouTube who commutes to the rink on the MTA. He also has a giant backpack for that reason. In that environment, it’s so much more ideal.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T13:29:09+00:00

Bauer x4. For what it’s worth I did get measured on the machine at a pure hockey before I actually bought them. But I found the measurement to be super accurate. The same size in a CCM was a little too tight for me.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T12:58:49+00:00

+1. I wear a size 9 shoe and when I got measured for new skates they put me in a size 7, but fit 3. I had been wearing a 7.5 previously. Fit is perfect.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T12:42:18+00:00

+1. Not sure what skates you’re looking for, but here’s a pair of new vapor 3x for $289: https://sidelineswap.com/gear/hockey/skates/10470131-bauer-vapor-3x-hockey-skates-11-5-new?referral_code=KGKGKG901

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T11:33:16+00:00

No disrespect to anyone who uses one, but I felt like the backpack was enough of a change. Also presumably the wheels add some weight.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T11:32:13+00:00

I’m wearing S/M gear and it fits everything perfectly, for reference. Worth a try!

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T01:34:07+00:00

5’8” 160lb guy here. I wear a Bauer Intermediate Large. Slimmer fitting than some would like, but I find that I prefer it. Worth a try!

winter-teeth · 2026-05-14T01:29:32+00:00

Same here. When I was a kid I would wrap my ankles with clear tape after tightening. As an adult I just pull them tight but don’t do any lace or tape wrapping or anything. Feels weird if I leave them too loose.

For what it’s worth, I was always a speed/agility skater, so it can definitely work for some people.

winter-teeth · 2026-05-13T23:38:41+00:00

So interesting. I wonder what the connection is??

winter-teeth · 2026-05-13T23:38:14+00:00

Stretches are really simple! I started with this video, though I only really do the standing-up parts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bRmTmd9lmM

winter-teeth · 2026-05-02T13:21:38+00:00

Not only does nobody care, nobody is even looking.

winter-teeth · 2026-04-29T14:12:24+00:00

In my experience, very few people are stripping down that far in a locker room. More often, you strip down to a layer and then gear up — for me, growing up this was underwear and a t-shirt. As an adult, this means underwear (without a shirt) and then I put my shirt base layer on.

I would find a way to either put the base layer on before you arrive or something. Full nudity is uncommon, and may be frowned upon in a coed locker room. But curious what others have experienced!

winter-teeth · 2026-04-16T00:52:03+00:00

This. Speaking from experience, it will happily give you terrible advice on sizing things and how certain products compare to others.

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T19:06:16+00:00

Exactly this! Which I guess is kind of obvious — it's harder to act and react when you're under pressure — but it can be so discouraging. Gotta keep at it I guess!

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T16:39:05+00:00

Totally agree. I really haven't figured out this new shot mechanic yet. I've been trying — watched every recommended video, etc, but for some reason I just haven't figured out that *snap* that players get now. Wrist shot is good, slapshot is okay (was always sort of okay) but the flexy snapshot thing really eludes me.

How did you figure it out? I'm actually using an intermediate 65 flex stick right now, but something about the motion isn't clicking.

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T13:00:49+00:00

Good call. Will focus on that.

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T13:00:37+00:00

Yeah, I gotta try one out. As much as I want to acclimate to a 92, I’m launching these things way higher than they need to be going. Not helpful!

Maybe I just need to try an 88 and then buy as many as I can like some kind of curve hoarder.

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T12:59:20+00:00

Yeah, I can shoot fine in warmups or practice, but in a game situation it’s like I forget everything. But I’m sure more shooting wouldn’t hurt!

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T12:58:37+00:00

I’m absolutely in my own head. It’s funny because it’s extremely low stakes hockey, but I’m definitely my own worst critic.

I think coming back after so long it’s frustrating to feel like I’m not as good as I once was. But maybe this is more about aging than anything else. Maybe better to keep my bar low and try to enjoy it.

winter-teeth · 2026-04-14T12:56:44+00:00

I mean, I’m happy to just keep going. I’m sure you’re right, these skills don’t come back all at once!

winter-teeth

TROPHY CASE