craigdailypress.com

Photo by Mary Austin

A rack of hockey sticks displayed in Samuelson True Value Hardware, located at 456 Breeze St.

As winter and hockey season approach, replacing old, worn gear or getting equipment for a first-timer becomes a top priority.

While hockey never has taken a major hold in Craig, it does have a loyal following.

That is why Samuelson True Value Hardware, 456 Breeze St., sells hockey equipment during the sport’s winter season.

Storeowner Mark Samuelson has been involved with hockey for years and wanted to provide a place in town for parents and players to be able to gear up.

“It’s a convenience for people, and at one point I had six people in my family playing hockey,” Samuelson said. “All six of us were playing. I used to have partners, then we just decided to move it into the store to give it better hours.”

Samuelson said the sales do not create a boon to business during the winter months because most people who play hockey in Craig already have the gear they need.

“The thing is hockey, is a small sport for this area,” he said. “There’s plenty of teams, but from year to year, once you reach a certain age your gear stays intact. It’s the kids’ stuff that they outgrow and needs (to be) replaced.”

The equipment is available all season, Samuelson said, but it typically does not move much while the ice rink in Craig is closed.

“It’s there all season, but once the rink closes nobody is thinking about hockey anymore,” he said. “There’s a few people who play over in Steamboat. Their rink is open year-round. So a little bit of stuff goes then.”

Nate Waggenspack can be reached at 875-1795 or nwaggenspack@craigdailypress.com