Top Shelf: A Hockey Blog

The Hockey Shop's latest blogs and articles featuring reviews of the most sought after hockey and goalie equipment. Detailed guides on the basics of hockey, and updates on current events in the world of hockey.

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Hockey goalie in CCM Axis gear making a save on ice, TheHockeyShop.com branding visible.

CCM Axis 1.9 Blocker & Trapper Review

After taking the new A1.9 series from CCM out on the ice, read our take on the step down from the Pro level Axis model. The A1.9...

Mike Ball
Bauer UltraSonic black and white goalie leg pads, hockey equipment at TheHockeyShop.com

Bauer Ultrasonic Leg Pad First Look Review

New locked in knee block, new strapping top to bottom, adjusted flex profiles, and multiple new custom options. Check out our first look review from...

Mike Ball
Bauer Ultrasonic goalie blocker and trapper gloves in black and white, The Hockey Shop

Bauer Ultrasonic Catcher & Blocker First Look Review

A question that gets asked a lot in the goal equipment world is, how do you improve on a winning formula?  The Bauer 2S Pro...

Chad Purdy
CCM Axis goalie blocker with black, yellow, and silver design on ice at The Hockey Shop

CCM Axis Catcher & Blocker On-Ice Review

CCM brings us the all-new Axis catch glover and blocker. This new line brings in a ton of major improvements and features to bring out...

Chad Purdy
Bauer Nexus ADV hockey stick blade with green accents and marketing tagline, TheHockeyShop.com

Bauer Nexus ADV Hockey Stick First Look Review

Here's what you need to know about this revolutionary new stick. The Nexus ADV just redefined what a hockey stick looks like. Weighing in at...

Chad Purdy
TRUE Dynamic 9 Pro SR white hockey helmet with chin strap, TheHockeyShop.com

True Dynamic 9 Helmet Review

TRUE’s first entry into the protective category of helmets introduces the Dynamic 9 Pro to us. The Dynamic 9 Pro has some unique features we...

Chad Purdy
Brian's Optik 2 Pro SR goalie pads in white, black, and blue from The Hockey Shop

Brian's Optik 2 Pro Leg Pad Review

After the success of the original Optik series from 2017, this year Brian’s improves on much loved features while also borrowing technology from their recent...

Mike Ball
Brian's Optik 2 Pro SR white, black, and blue goalie catcher glove on white background

Brian's Optik 2 Pro Trapper/Blocker Review

Read our review of Brian's Optik 2 Pro trapper and blocker. If you were a fan of the original Optik, find out what changed and...

Mike Ball
Hockey player using Warrior Alpha DX stick on ice rink, wearing Bauer skates and gear

2019 Warrior Alpha DX Hockey Stick Review

New for 2019, the Elite level Warrior Alpha DX Grip Senior Hockey Stick is a forgivable, quick release hockey stick. Warrior has incorporated 4 technologies...

Mike Ball
Warrior Alpha DX SR black shin guards with yellow accents, hockey protective gear

Warrior Alpha DX Protective Review

Availability: In Stock - now shipping. Building off of 2017’s Alpha QX protective line, Warrior aims to continue their ascension up the hockey equipment ladder...

Chad Purdy
Bauer Reakt 150 hockey helmet with visor worn by player on ice rink at TheHockeyShop.com

Bauer Re-Akt 150 Helmet Review

Availability: In Stock - now shipping. We knew the Bauer team had something remarkable up their sleeves when they announced another helmet release only a...

Mike Ball
Shoppers examining CCM goalie pads at The Hockey Shop event, with hockey equipment on display.

TENDYFEST 2019 RECAP

It was great day to be a goalie. You know what I mean if you were able to join us for this year’s TendyFest 4...

Chad Purdy
Bauer Vapor 2X Pro hockey skates in action on ice rink at The Hockey Shop

Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Senior Hockey Skate Review

With a focus on improved fit and out of the box comfort, head turning graphics, and a boatload of redesigned features, the Bauer 2X Pro...

Chad Purdy
Hockey player using Warrior Fantom QRE stick and gloves on ice at TheHockeyShop.com

Warrior Fantom QRE Hockey Stick Review

The Warrior Fantom QRE stick is ridiculous. Ridiculously light. Ridiculous pop. And ridiculously sexy. The Fantom was originally exclusive in store for the first month and...

Chad Purdy
Warrior R/G/GT2 Pro goalie chest protector detail from The Hockey Shop

Warrior GT2 Pro Chest Protector Review

To round out Warriors GT2 line comes the new and improved GT2 pro chest protector, with added protection, new materials and tapered pieces to reduce...

Chad Purdy
CCM E4.9 senior goalie blocker and leg pads on ice, hockey goalie gear at TheHockeyShop.com

CCM E4.9 Blocker and Trapper Review

CCM makes minor improvements to their mitts to round out the new Eflex 4 line and trickling down to the E4.9 and E4.5. ...

Chad Purdy
Close-up of Warrior RX2 Pro black hockey goalie pants from The Hockey Shop

Warrior RX2 Pro Goal Pant Review

The Warrior Ritual X2 pro goal pants touch on areas that needed improvement without changing the pants too much from their predecessor. ...

Chad Purdy
CCM E4.9 senior goalie leg pad in red, white, and black on ice at hockey rink

CCM E4.9 & E4.5 Leg Pad Review

CCM has released the 4th Extreme Flex pad series, with the new E4.9 as their performance pad and the new E4.5 for recreational goalies. The...

Chad Purdy
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