Hey! I was thinking about trying to do some of those learn to play hockey clinics at either IcePlex or RecZone. I had a couple of questions because I'm guessing many of you have played hockey before....

1) Any thoughts on which place is better? Specifically for beginners?

2) What would you all recommend for starting gear? I know the list of everything if you play in a league--but obviously I'd like to get the minimum for learning to play at the clinics/free skate stuff, then if I like it get the rest. What would you recommend to get? Is Five-Hole Sports the best place to get this stuff?

3) Any tips on where you can go cheap versus where you need to pay money in terms of equipment? Or perhaps a better question, what pieces of equipment do you need to invest in versus things that matter less.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!