Hockey parents are a special breed. If you’ve ever stood in a freezing rink at 6:30 a.m. with a coffee that’s already gone cold, this one’s for you.

First, there’s the smell. That unmistakable combination of sweat, wet gear, and… something else. It lives in the car, the garage, and sometimes, unfortunately, the living room. You get used to it. Kind of.

Then there’s the schedule. Weeknight practices, weekend tournaments, and road trips that somehow turn into mini-vacations (minus the relaxing part). You’ll become an expert at packing snacks, finding rinks in towns you’ve never heard of, and running on way less sleep than you thought possible.

Of course, let’s not forget the cost. Every new season seems to come with a longer shopping list: sticks, skates, helmets, jerseys, tape—so much tape. Sometimes it feels like the only thing that never wears out is your credit card.

But here’s the thing. Despite the chaos, the early mornings, and the expenses, you wouldn’t trade it for anything. The look on your kid’s face when they score a goal, make a big save, or just skate off the ice grinning from ear to ear? That’s what makes it all worth it.

And if we can help make the gear part a little easier—and a lot more affordable—you’ll have more time (and money) for the good stuff.