| In our current economic times, everyone is trying to | | | | come to mind but there are others. These companies |
| reduce spending as much as possible. Discretionary | | | | are located in Canada, have been around a long time, |
| spending is almost a forgotten term. Salaries are being | | | | and make an excellent product, which cost less than |
| reduced and jobs are being lost. We are more | | | | the large corporate brands. Hockey manufacturers like |
| sensitive with our food and entertainment budgets, our | | | | these claim the money they save on high end |
| charitable donations have been cut way back, and in | | | | endorsements is put back into their products and the |
| general we are "trimming the fat". | | | | customer's pocket. |
| Yet, I have noticed parents trying to keep pace with | | | | Generally, you will find these smaller type companies |
| ice hockey expenses for their children. There are the | | | | will carry a full line of ice skates, and some of the |
| league fees, the hockey skates, the hockey sticks, | | | | other hockey equipment that we as parents purchase. |
| helmets, pants, face masks and the list goes on. | | | | If you examine the construction quality of their ice |
| Double A hockey is more expensive than single A, and | | | | hockey skates, you will observe that they stand up to |
| Triple A hockey is more expensive than double A. | | | | scrutiny. These manufacturers even have patents and |
| Many Triple A families are being forced to drop to | | | | patents pending for their products including first fit |
| double A to save money. What are the hockey | | | | technology, and their ankle support systems. |
| manufacturers doing about it? The hockey | | | | In conclusion, I would suggest you surf the web. There |
| manufacturers don't really seem that interested in | | | | are so many sites that sell ice hockey equipment, and |
| lowering their prices because those guys in the | | | | look for the alternative manufacturers. Keep shopping |
| boardroom have profit quotas to meet. | | | | til you are convinced you have the best deal. I hope |
| What is a parent to do? | | | | this article has helped you during these difficult |
| One suggestion would be to try a smaller, quality | | | | economic times, and don't forget, the bottom line is to |
| hockey equipment manufacturer. There are two that | | | | be a shrewd consumer. |