Greetings!
 

We hope you had the opportunity to attend the Let's Play Hockey Show recently held in Las Vegas. It was a great opportunity for the staff of the Hockey Dealers Association (HDA) to meet many new dealers and manufacturers.

While there, the HDA staff did a lot of listening.  Many dealers and manufacturers visited our booth, and shared their thoughts about a variety of subjects including the Internet.  It was surprising to hear such divergent opinions about its use and value. Some dealers told us they have no Internet presence, while others told us they do 100% of their business on the Internet.  And of course, many dealers told us they use both on-line and brick and mortar selling.

Many dealers praised the Internet, while others described it as a destructive tool being used against their brick and mortar businesses. One of the online only dealers told us that at the 2010 show, the exhibitors were reluctant to accept orders from him, but at this year's show, he could place orders.

Show timing was another popular topic. It was often expressed to us that the show was too late for the big dealers, but the timing was just right for the smaller dealers.  Yet, we talked to one of the largest hockey dealers in the country who praised the show for allowing him to uncover new sources for hockey accessories.

And of course, we heard about the absence of "The Big Three" exhibitors. It was generally acknowledged that the orders had already been placed with these companies back in the Fall, but we were told that their participation would have been a way of showing support for the Hockey Industry.

HDA Welcomes its

Newest Members 

The San Diego Ice Arena 

Georgetown Stars Pro Shop, Jenison, MI

Open Net Pro Shop, Baldwinsville, NY

Crystal Sports, Newark, DE

Ice Palace