Top Shelf: A Hockey Blog

Gear Reviews, Guides & Hockey Culture

hockey Goalie making a blocker save while in butterfly position
Player

Goalie Basics: How To Pick The Right Goalie Leg Pads

From flex profiles to slide skin, we're breaking down the key things you should consider when buying your next set of goalie leg pads.

Jonathan Holloway 7 min read
hockey player adjusting the straps on his Bauer Mach elbow padsPlayer

Beginner's Hockey Equipment Buying Guide

From helmets to skates to gloves, each piece plays a crucial role in your performance and safety on...

rack of CCM pro stock hockey sticksGuide

What is Pro Stock Equipment?

What exactly is pro stock, and how is it different from retail stock equipment? This article will go...

Warrior Covert blade on the ice with a puckGuide

Hockey Stick Basics: Guide on Stick Blades

Blade curves might seem minor to many players, but they can play a significant role in how you...

hockey player holding a SYNC stick in the dressing roomGuide

Hockey Stick Science: Why does my hockey stick break?

Every modern composite stick is measured and classified by multiple different factors: flex, curve, kick point, etc. These...

hockey player looking at his AS-V Pro hockey stickGuide

Hockey Stick Basics: Guide to Kick Points

Selecting the perfect stick can be tough— but understanding stick kick points can really help when figuring out...

close up of a hockey player's Mach skatesGuide

Hockey Skate Sharpening: Precision for Peak Performance

If your skates aren’t up to par, then that could greatly hinder your performance on the ice— it’s...

person doing maintenance on a hockey skatePlayer

Equipment Maintenance: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hockey Gear

Hockey gear can be quite the investment, but with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan significantly. In...

Close-up of Bauer Nexus hockey sticks with black and blue design, The Hockey Shop equipmentGuide

Hockey Stick Basics: Shaft and Materials

Over the years, the materials used to make hockey sticks have evolved; some materials stood the test of...

Hands tying Bauer MACH hockey skate laces, close-up from The Hockey Shop equipment selectionPlayer

Lace Bite in Hockey Players: Causes and Treatment

Hockey is constantly changing and getting faster and faster—and your feet and legs need to be in optimal...

hockey player picking a hockey stick in the dressing roomGuide

Hockey Stick Breakdown—Guide to Buying a Hockey Stick

Hockey sticks are constantly changing and developing—likely the most of any hockey equipment. The Hockey Shop has a shooting...

Close-up of inline hockey skate wheel and frame detail from The Hockey Shop equipment selectionGuide

Roller Wheel Maintenance: Swapping & Rotating Inline Skate Wheels

Inline hockey and roller skating can be great ways to keep up your training and play in the...

Brian's goalie skate and pad with white straps on ice, hockey equipment at TheHockeyShop.comGuide

Brian’s Smart Strap Toe Tie

This small accessory could have a big difference on your game’s performance as well as reducing the time...