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 players putting on the Vapor FLY-W shin guards

Bauer Vapor FLY-W and FLY-G Hockey Protectives Review

To some, it may seem over the top, but to others, it’s necessary. This year, Bauer has launched their own collection of protective women’s hockey...

Katie Lakusta
Connor McDavid using a Jetspeed FT9 Pro stick with the caption

A Close-Up Look and Review of CCM's Jetspeed FT9 Pro Hockey Stick

The Jetspeed FT9 is the next level in CCM’s hybrid kick point line. We’ll take a look at how CCM has elevated one of their...

Katie Lakusta
a hockey player skating on the ice

The Effect of Travel and Time Zones on Hockey Teams

The travel aspect of hockey can be challenging. Not only are you on the road for multiple hours straight, but bus and plane legs can...

Katie Lakusta
Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov faceoff Heated Rivalry poster

From the Screen to the Ice: The Cultural Impact of Heated Rivalry

Can Heated Rivalry’s cultural impact translate to real-world change? As the series implies, will it be a true game changer? In this article, we’ll examine...

Katie Lakusta
Vancouver Goldeneyes scoreboard

The Vancouver Goldeneyes and Women's Hockey in the West

The expansion of the league to the west and the Goldeneyes being the first to have a designated rink of their own marks another stepping...

Katie Lakusta
a lock on a keyboard

Don't Get Deked Out by Scams: A Game Plan for Safe Online Holiday Shopping

is the season for festive cheer and gathering with loved ones—but let’s not forget to protect ourselves in the digital space too. The Christmas season...

Katie Lakusta
Sarah Fillier strapping the FTW helmet on

CCM Jetspeed FTW Hockey Helmet Review

The new FTW helmet is the final piece of CCM’s goal to create a full set of hockey gear designed from the ground up for...

Katie Lakusta
Brian's Iconik 2

Brian's Iconik 2 Leg Pad, Catcher, and Blocker Review

The Brian’s Iconik 2 goalie gear builds on the success of the original Iconik line with subtle but meaningful upgrades. Featuring a new single-strap system,...

Jonathan Holloway
Bauer Pulse Review Goalie Stick

Bauer Pulse Goal Stick Review

The Bauer Pulse Goalie Stick represents the next evolution in Bauer’s Innovation Series. Combining technologies from past releases like the Agent and Protocol with new...

Jonathan Holloway
Renata Fast shooting with a Bauer PULSE stick

Innovation Incoming: Bauer Pulse Stick Hockey Stick Review

Bauer has finally released the PULSE stick, the next iteration of their innovation series of equipment—and a stick we’ve been literally anticipating for years at...

Katie Lakusta
promotional image of the FTW skate with a

Redefining the Sport: CCM Jetspeed FTW Hockey Skates Review

CCM is back with their next addition to their skate line with the new Jetspeed FTW skates. We'll break down the skate's innovative design to...

Katie Lakusta
CCM Vizion Goal Stick Review

CCM Vizion Goal Stick Review

The Vizion marks CCM’s boldest goalie stick launch yet. Packed with new features like ALUPLI composite and HYPETEX, it promises durability, control, and accuracy. Here’s...

Jonathan Holloway
Danielle Serdachny shooting with a Flylite stick

Bauer Vapor Flylite Hockey Stick Review

Bauer has revived a classic name in the new Vapor Flylite hockey stick, featuring both returning and newer tech from Bauer's innovation Twitch stick. We’ll...

Katie Lakusta
Hero shot of the FT8 Pro glove with

CCM Jetspeed FT8 Pro Hockey Gloves Review

Hockey is a game of split-second decisions—but when overheating can fog up your focus, even elite players lose their edge. Enter next season with the...

Katie Lakusta
CCM Phenom Review

CCM Phenom Goalie Gear: Leg Pad, Catcher, and Blocker Review

CCM’s new Phenom gear isn’t just smaller—it’s smarter. Built specifically for young goalies, this junior-specific line focuses on fit, comfort, and performance to help developing...

Jonathan Holloway
CCM Eflex 7.9 Review

CCM EFlex 7.9 Leg Pad, Catcher, and Blocker Review

Discover the all-new CCM Eflex 7.9 goalie pads, featuring new Cross-Glide slide tech, a new comfort leg channel, and a redesigned glove. Our in-depth review...

Jonathan Holloway
CCM Eflex 7 Review

CCM EFlex 7 Leg Pad, Catcher, and Blocker Review

Discover the all-new CCM Eflex 7 goalie pads, featuring new Cross-Glide slide tech, Infinite Power Rebound core, and a redesigned leg channel for enhanced mobility...

Jonathan Holloway
FT8 Pro protective equipment

CCM Jetspeed FT8 Pro Protective Equipment Review

Building on the legacy of the FT6 Pro line, the next-generation Jetspeed FT8 Pro protective equipment introduces a few targeted upgrades across each piece of...

Katie Lakusta
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