Q 1. What is Dasher Dad Hockey all about?
A place where hockey parents (and the odd grandparent who can’t figure out how to fold a skate sharpener into stocking stuffers) swap wisdom, war stories, and wallet‑saving hacks—served with equal parts humor and heart.

Q 2. Who’s behind the keyboard?
I’m Lee—hockey dad, chef by trade, territory manager, serial skate‑tyer, certified expert tape job master, and chief storyteller. When I’m not interviewing my kid in the car post‑practice (“How’d it go?” “Good.”) I’m turning those one‑word answers into articles so other parents feel less alone.

Q 3. How early can kids start playing ice hockey?
Most learn‑to‑skate programs welcome kids around age 4–5, but there’s no statute of limitations—newcomers at 10, 12, or even 40 (looking at you, beer‑league rookies) can still thrive.

Q 4. What’s the difference between house, travel, AA, AAA… and does it really matter?
Think of it like coffee sizes: house = “small,” travel = “medium,” AA = “large,” AAA = “I probably shouldn’t order this at 8 p.m.” The higher the letter count, the greater the time, cost, and mileage. Skill develops at every level; choose the one that still lets everyone smile on the car ride home.

Q 5. How much does youth hockey really cost?
Somewhere between “a bit more than soccer” and “surprise, we own fewer kidneys now.” Expect registration, ice time, equipment, travel, team swag, and post‑game pizza. I break it down for real life expectancies.

Q 6. Should I buy new or used equipment?
Start with used until your player stops outgrowing everything every six months. Splurge on skates, helmet, and mouthguard; save on sticks that become toothpicks after two slap shots.

Q 7. How often should skates be sharpened?
Roughly every 8–10 hours of ice—sooner if your kid hits more concrete than cross‑overs. Pro tip: write the last sharpen date on a strip of tape inside the skate.

Q 8. Any advice for new hockey parents?
Yes—twenty pieces, actually. Check out “Dear New Hockey Parents: 20 Things We Wish We Knew Before the First Season.” Spoiler: buy mittens, not gloves.

Q 9. How can I stay updated?
Join the mailing list on the home page! I promise zero spam—unless we’re talking about the cost of ice time or the new cost of NHL seats…