Anonymous wrote:Thanks -

You have confirmed my thoughts on a stick. Gift card is not exciting, but as another poster said useful. I'll pair it with a team shirt or jersey. Now, here can I buy a Hartford Whalers Jersey. . . .

strangely enough, it's easy to find Whalers gear. (although, forgive me, a 14 year old loves them? They've been in Raleigh for almost 20 years now!) The NHL owns the trademark, so they sell all sorts of Whalers stuff on their website, including jerseys.
http://shop.nhl.com/league/Vintage_Hockey/team/Hartford_Whalers/browse/featuredproduct/416368/partnerid/12724/source/ak1944nhl-pla?sku=1088342&003=14181470&010=416368

Offer to buy him any pair of gloves he wants. gift card of too much of a cop out, specifically say what you would like to get him and he will now you mean it more than here you go kid enjoy

Parent of a 12-year old player. The churn for new equipment is almost constant. Over the past 12-months we have bought new skates, helmet, shin guards, stick, pants, elbow pads, and more. Gift cards are not sexy, but they definitely make the most sense and, at least in our family, are very much appreciated. Depending on what kind of league the kid plays in, hotel gift certificates might be good too!! (We have had 14 or 15 hotel nights for each of the past two seasons!).

Thanks -

You have confirmed my thoughts on a stick. Gift card is not exciting, but as another poster said useful. I'll pair it with a team shirt or jersey. Now, here can I buy a Hartford Whalers Jersey. . . .

look at chalktalksports.com

They have tons of sports related gifts. You could pair something small from there with a gift card to Hockey Giant or Total Hockey

Agree with those above. But no bag either. Those are often travel team specific and personal size need/preference. Gift cards are t always fun but for travel hockey can be very helpful. Gear is super expensive and don't get me started on skates. This year we got a pair for $350 because we hit a 50% off sale. They can run way up. Last pair was $700. I have a kid the same age. It's awesome when they outgrow skates mid season.

Anonymous wrote:Stick choice is personal, particularly the higher the level you play at. Maybe skip gear, and buy something related to his favorite team? Jersey, sweatshirt.....

+1 Swag for local team or tickets to a game? Even if he doesn't live near a professional team - the farm teams and college teams are fun to go to as well.

Hockey bag , gift certificate to total hockey or hockey monkey. Do not buy him a stick unless you know what he likes. Make, Model, lie, Left handed or right handed.

Stick choice is personal, particularly the higher the level you play at. Maybe skip gear, and buy something related to his favorite team? Jersey, sweatshirt.....

I want to buy my young (14 year old) ice hockey playing cousin a gift. He plays on a traveling team so I am thinking he could always use another stick, so I am looking for a recommendation. Or if a stick choice varies by personal choice (I noticed that the shape of the blade, the stiffness of the blade, etc. can vary from stick to stick, another suggestion.