There was a neat commercial running last year that showcased young TimBits hockey players and how Sidney Crosby got his start. Many of the NHL greats started young and through thick and thin, their hometowns have rallied behind them and their careers. Looking at some of the top-ranked players in the league last year, I decided to briefly highlight where each of them got their start.

Vincent Lecavalier grew up in Pointe-Claire, Quebec and went to John Rennie High School before heading to Notre Dame in Saskatchewan. He played for Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning and was dubbed the "Michael Jordan of hockey". Upon winning the Stanley Cup in 2004 he returned home to Pointe-Claire and walked the halls of his old high school, holding the cup above his head in victory.

Daniel Briere, now of the Philadelphia Flyers, spent his childhood in Gatineau, Quebec and went to private school at College Stain-Alexandre. He took part in the National Midget Hockey Championship in his hometown (where his jersey number has been retired) and played three seasons with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL.

Jarome Iginla is from St. Albert, Alberta, near Edmonton. He played with the Bantam AAA Sabres and the Midget AAA Raiders where he soon led the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey league (AMHL) in scoring. The now-Captain of the Calgary Flames stayed in St. Albert throughout his entire minor hockey career and then played in the WHL with the Kamloops Blazers.

No matter where players get their start, however big or small it was. Whether it began on a backyard rink, in a local arena, or by simply being a fan of the sport, the possibilities are endless for those who have passion and determination.

^{Image © 2008 Tim Hortons.}

When it comes to hockey team jerseys I once heard that the Everett Silvertips of the WHL had the most popular sweaters when it came to retail purchases - and this is including NHL teams.

Let's face it, there is no better way to show your support for your hometown team than to wear its gear; hats, scarves, jerseys, t-shirt, socks or even coffee mugs and mouse pads. Growing up in Surrey there were so many minor hockey teams to which one could pledge allegiance however at heart I was always a fan of the Surrey Minor Hockey logo. At the time, they didn't sell any gear and I knew some players who always wanted to keep their jerseys after the season because it meant so much to them to have that logo on their chest.

Sometimes it's hard to find the right logo. Just look at the heat the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL received when they switched to what some call the "Buffa-slug" look (although it always looked like a form of hamster to me as well). However in the middle of the 2007 season they were selling 6 of the top 10 jerseys in the league, from Briere to Drury (source: Kukla'sKorner)

In BC we have approximately 150 associations with unique names like the Salmon Kings, Bull Dogs, Smoke Eaters, and the Clippers, all with players that are just as distinct in their own right. Check out your team store today and if you don't have one already, it may be a great idea to get one going. Wearing your favourite team's logo with pride is a great way to show support and also it helps bond fans with a sense of camaraderie and unity.

Also, be sure to upload your team photo to HockeyStars since you never know, maybe the Nelson Nippers will lead off the next big fashion trend.

When the weather starts to cool off, leaves lose their green, and a sunny day becomes a rare occasion I actually get excited because I know hockey season is on the way. Next to purchasing binders, pens, and notebooks for students in the fall, it's pads, helmets and tape that top of the list for hockey kids.

So what's new - what are the trends for gear in Fall 2008?

Smelly pads and pants have always been a part of hockey (no matter how unfortunate that sounds) but it seems the odor-free or odor-reducing gear is all the rage this season. Lately, clever TV commercials have caught my eye with their promises of "stink proof" gear, which almost seems too good to be true. It could be that they offer great protection and comfort, but combine that with promise of less nose-holding and fewer air fresheners and parents are probably rejoicing just as much as the players.

The technology behind this innovative gear has many names; from the "enzymatic odor management system" for the Winwell brand, Fury's Croslite, which is "anti-microbial and odor resistant" or even the Power Dry equipment bag with the ability to deodorize and dry wet gear with its "carbon filter discharge vent and exhaust system".

Aside from shelling out some extra dollars for the smell-free technology here are some other ways to get your favourite gear (from the same trusted brands you're used to) smelling like spring.

1. When you get your gear home, make sure to wash whatever gear you can (socks, jersey) in the washing machine.
2. I found a source online that said a no-tear shampoo with a sponge and water is a great way to clean a helmet.
3. Some rinks offer dryers for gear that can't normally go in the wash like gloves and pads. Costs may vary so it would be worth inquiring about.
4. Keys to keeping your gear clean are to get it out of the bag and hung up to dry. You can buy inexpensive racks at your local sports store that will allow you to air everything out.
5. Once it's dry you can apply fabric scents and cleaners.

When it comes to hockey, having the right gear is just as important as having the tools and supplies you need for learning in school throughout the year. Skill and knowledge of the game can only take you so far if you don't have the proper gloves to hold your stick and shoot the puck. Having clean hockey gear will not only keep you safe and less distracted, it can also keep you healthy by not irritating cuts, bumps, or leading to colds and infections.

Regular maintenance not only protects your equipment it helps keep you safe and healthy. Hockey Canada's easy-to-follow Equipment Tips covers the basics of proper fitting, protective quality and maintenance. From undergarments to facial protectors, this timeless guide will help you get the most out of your gear.

HockeyStars is an online hockey community with tools for coaches to manage their team. It’s a site for amateur players, coaches, managers, parents and volunteers who have a passion for the game.

At HockeyStars.com you can:

1. Create your hockey player profile
2. Add your team and invite your teammates to join
3. Share photos and videos with your family, friends and team
4. Share messages with teammates and participate in the HockeyStars community
5. Share your game schedules and stats
6. Earn HockeyStars points

HockeyStars points are automatically awarded to your profile when you register. Then, points continue to be awarded for the things you do on HockeyStars. Get all the details on Points in the help section. As HockeyStars gets rolling, we'll continue to update the community about points right here on the blog. We'll also be sharing training tips, equipment tips and coaching advice! So be sure to check the blog regularly (or subscribe via RSS) to stay up to date with what's new.

Thanks for checking out HockeyStars. We made it good, you'll make it great!