Playing Ice Hockey Again

Update

I actually went out and purchased 2016 CCM Tacks… a photo below that compares the 1981 version against the 2016 version.  It appears that all skates adopted the Lange style boot — i.e., hard shell that is baked at 200F and theoretically formed to your foot.   I’ll let you know in subsequent updates how the new skates work out.

December 23, 2016

After 35 years, it’s time to get back playing the sport of my first passion:  Ice hockey.

I found my CCM Super Tacks from my playing days (see attached photo).  They’re not in bad shape for being 35 years old…  Unfortunately I was 5’11”, 180lbs when I last used these (versus 6’3”, 240lbs).   Stated another way: You typically wear skates a size smaller than your shoes.  However, these skates are size 8. I now wear a size 11… Ouch.

The heavens have raised the stakes for me to get back on the ice – I’ll have to invest in new skates.

I see that CCM still uses the Tacks brand name, but there are all types of variations.  $900 for Super Tacks!??  The Tacks 2092 for $75?   WTF!

I recall when I first started playing at age 9 and my dad was yelling at my mom about the cost of the equipment she was buying for me (including my $20 Canadian Flyer hockey skates).  The cost of equipment for this sport is still crazy.

I’m overwhelmed by the number of brands, variations, etc.   It used to be one or two pro quality options from CCM, Bauer, and Cooper.  And where are the black blade holders on the current skates?  You can only get white?   I always favored black tape on my stick and black tuuks for my skates – the better to hide the black puck.