Top Shelf: A Hockey Blog

Gear Reviews, Guides & Hockey Culture

detail image of the R\G7 Pro text logoGoalie

Warrior Ritual G7 Goalie Gear Review

The updated G7 line builds off the success of the G6 by incorporating several user-friendly changes inspired directly...

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Cedric Hastings
7 min
close-up of tthe side of the XF Pro skatePlayer

CCM Tacks XF Pro Skate Review

CCM’s newest addition to their renowned Tacks skate family, the XF Pro, is designed for players who want...

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Katie Lakusta
3 min
hockey player stickhandling the puck while skatingGuide

Hockey Basics: 8 Drills to Improve Your Stickhandling

Stickhandling is a crucial skill to prioritize, particularly if you want to take your game to the next...

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Katie Lakusta
18 min
FTW Launch PartyArticle

Celebrating Women's Hockey - CCM FTW VIP Launch Party with Jessie Eldridge

Join us as we review the exciting CCM FTW Launch Party featuring PWHL star Jessie Eldridge. Celebrate the...

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Makenna Bergen
5 min
Team China vs Team USAPlayer

Pioneers on Ice: Celebrating Asian Heritage Month in Hockey

Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore and learn more about the culture and history of Asian...

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Katie Lakusta
15 min
CCM XF Goalie Gear ReviewGoalie

CCM Axis XF Goalie Pads: Improved Fit, Enhanced Rebounds.

Discover the CCM Axis XF line: goalie gear with enhanced performance, fit, and protection. Updated pads, catcher, and...

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Cedric Hastings
9 min
Bauer Hyperlite 2 Goalie Pads ReviewGoalie

Bauer Shadow Goalie Pads Review

While the Mach brought improved durability and the next evolution of their bracketing system to the already popular...

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Cedric Hastings
9 min
Bauer Hyperlite 2 Goalie Pads ReviewGoalie

Bauer HyperLite2 Goalie Pads: Long-term Review

New for 2023, Bauer released the successor to their ever-popular Vapor Hyperlite line. Through new features and technology,...

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Cedric Hastings
10 min
Preview Image: Timur Gabbassov from the New Westminster U15 A1 team waving a white towel at the 2024 NHL playoffs in Rogers Arena, VancouverHistory

NHL History: Popular Playoff Traditions of the League

From player-driven superstitions to fan-driven rituals, hockey traditions add an extra layer of excitement to playoffs. In this...

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Katie Lakusta
8 min
Connor McDavid with CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro StickArticle

CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro Hockey Stick Review: Feel the speed, control the game

We review the CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro stick. Unleash your potential with the CCM Jetspeed FT7 Pro stick,...

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Mike Ball
7 min
hockey player putting on Jetspeed FTW elbow padsPlayer

CCM Jetspeed FTW Series Review

For this season, CCM has taken a combination of the results from their research and collaboration with female...

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Katie Lakusta
9 min
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...

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Katie Lakusta
14 min