My 8-year-old son is going through a phase where he wants to try out every single sport there is. Last summer, he joined soccer and T-ball teams, while the fall was reserved for basketball and Pop Warner football. I think it's great that he wants to see for himself whether or not he likes these sports, so I'm encouraging him to keep going. That could be one reason he wants to try ice hockey next winter, and has already asked to go shopping for skates and other equipment.

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The one drawback to something like this is the expense that I incur when outfitting my boy for each new team. Soccer and basketball don't cost a whole lot, obviously, but ice hockey skates are a different story. Every kid needs to have his own pair to ensure a proper fit and avoid potential injury. This makes sense, of course -- but it sure doesn't do anything to lighten the load on my wallet. So I'm currently shopping around for cheap ice hockey skates that my son can use for his inaugural season. After that, I can get a more expensive pair if he shows sustained interest in the game.

I've actually been shopping for ice hockey skates online because it's easier than driving the hour to the pro shop out near the rink. Once we're ready to buy, I'll take my son out there to get him measured up so we know exactly which size to get, and will likely make my purchase there as well. While I've already seen some really good deals at some Internet stores, I think ice hockey skates are one of those purchases that should be made in person. Plus, I know the pro shop offers things like a few free sharpening s and periodic "comfort adjustments", where they manipulate the boot to make it fit better.

Anyway, for now I'm reading reviews and just getting a general idea of what each skate manufacturer offers. For instance, I know that Nike Bauer ice hockey skates, a joint venture, are a popular brand with both professionals and amateurs alike. In addition Easton, CCM, Koho, and Reebok (RBK) are brands that have carved a name for themselves in the sport. I don't know enough about what to look for in a skate to make a judgment as to which brand is the best for which purposes, but that's one of the reasons I'm doing all this research.

I have no idea how long my son will stick with the sport, but at this point he really seems to be into it. He's excited about shopping for new or used ice hockey skates, as well as a stick, gloves, helmet, and pads. I'm excited that he'll be playing one of my favorite sports, and am looking forward to spending many weekends at the rink watching practices and games.

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