If the sweet perfume of zamboni fumes and hot chocolate is luring you back rink-side, but you’re bladeless and kinda broke, there are options. Equipment and service shop Sportswheels (209 Sackville Drive, 865-9033, sportwheels.ca) sells used pairs, starting at around $20 for women’s figure skates, $50 for men’s hockey. What’s available depends on what’s been traded in, so it’s a good idea to check before heading out to Sackville, but the shop also offers some reasonably priced new models. If you’re planning on skating at Dalhousie Memorial Arena, you might want to pick up some head gear too. As of January 1, all skaters, regardless of age or skill or dork level, are required to wear a hockey CSA-approved helmet.
