First of all, go Oilers! Fuckin' eh! Game 7, baby!

Now...before shinny tonight, we were discussing how much we spent on playing hockey per year. Now, this year was particularly expensive for me, since I bought goal equipment; but I'm not going to count that.

Ice Fees: $200/year. Goalie play for free, but I also play out about once a week.
Skate sharpenings: Free! My dad does them for me with his grinding wheel.
Disposables: $50/year. Stuff like tape and pucks.
Sticks: $100/year. I break about two sticks a year.
Replacement Equipment: $250/year. In the last year, I bought new pants and gloves to replace existing equipment, as well as stuff like different-coloured jersies and socks. New skates are in the future, as well as a new catcher.
Gas: $500/year. That's the kicker. Going cross-town three times a week just for hockey takes its' toll.

Overall? $1100/year. I would have guessed around $500, but that estimate wouldn't have factored in gas. You can add around $800 this year for the investment in goal equipment.

On the other hand, that goal equipment will pay for itself in less than a year, because ice fees for a skater, three times a week, is around $1200 a year. Goalies play free.

What else is in the future? I'm looking in joining a men's league this upcoming winter. I'm signed up as a free agent for next season in two men's leagues. The guys at Sunday night shinny put together a team last year; maybe they'll do the same this year. Worst case, I'll look into joining the Comp. Sci. intramural hockey team at the U of A. Alumni are always welcome.