Gear up at Hockey Armor

It wasn’t a quest for huge profits that caused Hockey Armor to open.

Instead it was an attempt to draw a line in the sand for Spokane-area hockey enthusiasts. With rinks shutting down and leagues of all types folding, owner Terry D. Smith thinks it’s time for somebody to lead by example.

“I’m going to start a place and make it bigger than it needs to be,” Smith said. Hockey Armor opened Oct. 2 and though some of the boxes weren’t unpacked, Smith was ready to start selling and hopes his store will inspire kids to stay in the sport.

“This is what a kid needs to come into,” he said. “The key for the whole hockey world is young people.”

To attract kids, Smith has taken the name of his store, Hockey Armor, to a literal level. He’s ordered replica suits of armor to display in the store. Medieval armor, he said, is similar to the gear worn by hockey players.

The structure of metal-plated shin guards closely matches the way modern hockey shin guards are built, he said.

“It’s fun for the kids to go through and see,” he said.

Hockey Armor is a full-service shop featuring many brands. Smith’s son also works on repairing equipment and sharpening skates.

The store is probably the biggest in the area, Smith said. Most hockey shops are small and located in skating rinks.

Hockey season is just starting to pick up, he said, and when it winds down next March, he’ll start carrying lacrosse equipment for the summer.