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Some new and used equipment were given some new homes on Thursday during an equipment exchange hosted by Prince Albert Minor Hockey by their offices near the Art Hauser Centre. (Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)
Hockey Swap

Equipment exchange breathes new life into used gear

Aug 21, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Hockey season is on the horizon in Prince Albert, which means some people may be on the lookout for some new gear before the puck drops. 

However, the price of new equipment can be a barrier, with the latest sticks and skates from major retailers costing upwards of $450.

That’s why Prince Albert Minor Hockey hosted an equipment exchange on Thursday near their offices at Prime Ministers Park, where people could buy, sell, trade, and donate their used gear to either get something new for themselves or to help someone else who needed some equipment for the upcoming season. 

“We’re taking in a little bit of everything and recycling it,” explained Kelly Toporowski, the new general manager of minor hockey in the city.

“People that want to donate equipment can drop it off, those who want to find some low-priced equipment that’s been gently used, they can look at that, and people that want to do trades or sales on their equipment, we offer that too.” 


(Image Credit: Logan Lehmann/paNOW)

By giving some equipment back to the community, the association would reward donors with a free burger or a hot dog along with a drink, courtesy of Lake Country Co-op. Meanwhile, those who were attending just to buy and trade were charged $5, with the money being put towards future skills development programming in Prince Albert. 

Following the closure of Top Shelf Sports in March, which was the only secondhand sports store in the city, Toporowski said the event helps those looking for cost-effective options. He added that while there are programs that provide equipment to kids in the city for low costs, those programs are mostly focused on all sports while this event is dedicated to hockey. 

“This is our chance to get some equipment and give back to those that need it.” 

“It’s an idea that we came up with on the board of directors meeting on something that we could offer back to the community, kind of your first go at the hockey season and getting everybody out,” he continued. 

The equipment exchange also served as a place where parents could come by and complete any late registrations. Toporowski added that the association is hopeful to host similar events in the future.

Additionally, the event is a lead up to the Skills of Gold Development Camp slated for this weekend at the Lake Country Co-op Leisure Centre. More information about the camp, including how to register, can be found by clicking here

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com