I'm gonna be nice and leave this small business with a neutral three stars, despite my experience…read more I'm a goaltender, and was getting a little fed up with the often inconsistent skate sharpenings from other places, so I went here. For the record, Preferred Hockey is basically just a single dude running a hockey repair shop out of his garage. He's been around forever, so I'm sure the repair work he does is professional and durable. But the skate sharpening experience... not so good. I asked for a 1/2" hollow on my skates, and the response was... "I only give one hollow to goaltenders, and I don't reveal what it is..." Ooookayyyy... Not sure what the deal was with the Kafkaesque goalie skate sharpening policy, but I decided to drink the Kool-Aid nonetheless. BIG MISTAKE... Played a game that night, and I literally could not stand in the crease. I don't know what the true hollow was, but it could not have been any sharper than a 7/8". Slipped and slid all over the place like a dying fish... Look, if you wanna go all Federico Fellini on me and not reveal your business secrets, fine. But the LEAST you could have done was tell me that your super-secret hollow is nowhere close to what I was requesting, and would most likely result in a sharpening I would hate. Instead, he took my five dollars without thought, and directly contributed to me letting down my team. It's too bad, because it's probably the last five dollars he'll ever get from me.

Best skate sharpening service for 50 miles. Dan does an outstanding job on sharpening as well as…read moreall repairs. Dan is like a skate doctor!

they are the best hockey store in Connecticut. every one in this store is so kind and will help you…read morewith whatever you need help with and need help finding.

Owners a great guy. The fella that sharpens my skates always forgets to separate them in my generic…read moreholder, which led to me having messed up edges when I needed to break out my spares for a game. The young ginger employee seems to be salty he didn't make it to the show. To bad the owner doesn't have better employees workin for him. But overall has potential to be a good shop

We visited this location for the second time this season. Both times CJ helped us. We felt well…read moretaken care of and left with no questions unanswered. His knowledge of hockey is great! He works with people well and even during busy times gives people the time they deserve and need. After our first time there and the amazing help we had received from CJ we hoped he would be working again today. We were in luck! He took great care of my son from buying a new helmet, looking at sticks, and purchasing new skates today. Wile this location is more than an hour from us we feel it's well worth the time. We have been greeted and helped all the employees have been kind and helpful. We greatly appreciated CJs want to explain everything so that we could understand and felt we were making the best investment for our child.

The salesman could only show me 2 skates for my larger feet, very surprised they didn't have more…read more Said most hockey players have smaller feet! Disappointing experience there. Won't go back.

I called about whether they could sharpen my daughters skates and the gentleman who answered said…read morethey'd even do them while I waited. I stopped in and it was true! Very nice shop and employees!

This is just one half of the Bertelli's empire, consisting of two businesses so logistically…read moredisparate and yet so humorously appropriate for each other... ice hockey equipment, and liquor sales. You can't make this stuff up. I traveled past many of Connecticut's finer equipment dealers to get here, because they had such a good deal on the leg pads I had my eyes on for months. Everywhere else on earth seemed to want $650 for them; I paid $540, a great deal in a sector of sporting goods that rarely sees deep discounts. The shop itself is relatively small, but still has a goodly amount of stuff in it. I'd say that if you're looking for something specific, call ahead and have them order it for you, like I did. And they'll do all the hockey basics here - sharpen your skates, sell you some tape, fix your equipment, and so on. A 3/8" hollow on my skates and a 2005 Chianti? The perfect combination.

Didn't know this place was so close to me. It's hard to find cleats for little kids. The guys…read morewere all nice and extremely helpful. They did have a limited stock but my daughter still had two different shoes to try out. Even though her favorite color is pink and it's hard rationalizing with a 6-year-old that comfort is better over color I made her try them both on and she actually chose the blue ones because they were more comfortable. Would definitely come here again.

Good deal going on this weekend for Memorial Day. Most of the running shoes they have are specific…read morebrands and more of a specific style, namely the minimalistic, lighter shoes. This type probably works for many people, though I personally need a more robust shoe and need to go elsewhere. I wasn't particularly impressed by the help we received today. We had to stumble through figuring out the best size and explicitly ask for advice on which shoe to pick. Maybe I am nostalgic for the olden days, where I'd get lots of attention in a brick-and-mortar shoe store. I guess if you're ok figuring out some things for yourself, the selection here is good and worth checking out. The store includes coolers, backpacks, helmets, water bottles, field hockey sticks, and lots of apparel.

We recently purchased skates from HSC. Had to make some fit adjustments that came out great due to…read moretheir expertise. Highly recommend this shop.

Have had good experiences- like that they take trade-ins for used hockey equipment from our 6 ft 3…read moreinch 13 year old!! Just went down to order xxl jerseys for the coming season- in and out in no time!! Wish they were a little closer to home but they do offer the option of ordering at our hockey rink in Watertown but we always seem to miss the date!!

I live in Maryland and still come here to pick up new hockey gear even though it's a 7 or so hour…read moredrive. Especially for goalie gear, this is one of the best stores as the goalie specialists are very knowledgeable about proper fitting and models, and are also fun to chat with. Although the prices for the gear are the same as all other hockey/goalie stores, they do have a very wide selection and also some used gear if you're looking to buy discounted equipment for a lot less and don't mind if it's been used a little.

I asked Nick to help my son with his goalie leg pads. This man looked the pads up and down with a…read morequick glance troubleshot the problem instantly. The assurance he had in knowing the issue, is why we always return to this store. I drive 35 miles to come here so I know my son will be outfitted in the proper gear while being a goalie. Wesco will always be our store. Louis and Marco

Posted for a friend…read more To the owner of Gateway Hardware, Thomas McCarthy. As the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club Family Center, I am completely disgusted on how you treated me today. I came in to personally introduce myself, and to let you know that the Springfield Ballers along with my Club, with several dedicated people, are working to launch our city's first youth Lacrosse program, and we want to work directly with you. You are a Springfield based business and we want to direct our youth and families to buy their equipment from you...NOW THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!!! I waited patiently for 15 minutes as you were helping another customer. I held a conversation with one of your associates that was very excited that the city is finally launching our Lacrosse program for the youth. We laughed and also talked about how many kids we see getting the opportunity to further their athletic careers into college, and with Lacrosse, so many more doors will be open for them. Once you were free, your associate tried to get your attention for me so that I could take a few seconds to introduce myself and also to hopefully begin to build a relationship with your business. My goal was to set up our personal account with you so that we could purchase the needed lacrosse equipment and also let our youth and families know that we will be working directly with you in the future. You're response when you looked at me... "WHAT DO YOU WANT? I'M BUSY...WHAT DO YOU WANT?" My first response after the smile was completely wiped from my face. "Are you serious?" "YES I'M SERIOUS! WHAT DO YOU WANT?" You looked at me as if I was bothering you, and that I was also not worthy of your time. In response to your ignorance, I let you know who I was and that I would not tolerate your blatant disrespect of me or anyone who looks like me that walks into your establishment. I then turned to your associate and thanked him for his time and for being so cordial. In my opinion, you saw a black man walk into your business and thought that I was lesser than you. Your response and how I was treated, allowed me to see who you are. I will NEVER set foot into your business again and I will make sure to let everyone that I know not to frequent your store. You lost a future loyal customer and everyone that our organization will touch. In this midst of my anger, #Andreswestsidesportsshop has offered to work with our Club to make sure that our youth and families are treated with the upmost respect and I am glad that they are excited about what we are bringing to the City of Springfield. HAVE A GOOD DAY!!! 6/22/2021

As always Great Service! They were very busy on Sunday afternoon. Took the time with my son to make…read moresure he got the right fit on all his new equipment. We drive 20 minutes and have two hockey shop closer to us but we only shop Gateway. Since our first visit five years ago with a three year old needing his first skates we've only shopped Gateway. Good customer service goes a long way.

The new building they've moved into is huuuge. Tons of items to choose from and with a bunch of…read morepeople working there to help! Love it.

I really hated my experience, it was my second time selling there today. I came in with maybe…read more40-50 golf clubs today, mostly boys and then a partial set of great quality/desirable adult clubs. Long story short, after about forty five minutes of giving them as much space as possible to discuss the value amongst themselves, they came up with about $90. When I asked what they were taking, they said "whatever isn't there anymore", and wouldn't show me. When I asked what all it consisted of, they read down a list of about14 clubs. Then because I opted for a check that ninety something was suddenly $56 and change for the list of 14 clubs, when I'd already agreed to the higher value. I asked if this was the norm, and he said yes about 30-40% difference between store credit and check. As soon as it was clear that I didn't have it in me to continue insisting to see a break down, a few of the other employees watching the interaction left with smug smirks knowing they'd gotten over on me. The experience overall felt incredibly predatory. I went in there as a reseller myself, knowing they obviously need to make a profit for their investment and time. I've also sold golf clubs there a few years back and the lady who helped me was very transparent and had no problem telling me how much was being offered for what. It was close to closing time, and I'd been there for about 45 minutes with my ten year old. Needless to say, $56 for 14 clubs when a single one could easily demand that or more is just taking complete advantage. I will not be returning to this business. I feel incredibly gaslit by the way the employee gave me a number, then it was cut nearly in half when I was not going to spend it there. Then he couldn't negotiate (because of the limitations of his system) or show me my items that were being sold. When I asked about a crazy number on the other clubs, I was told by another employee that I could leave them there for scrap because they have a guy, when there was probably plenty (out of about 30) that would have been sold had I opted to do so. I was putting my trust in them since they specialize in this area, and I anticipated and was happy to leave a healthy profit margin, but they took complete advantage of the situation and we will be finding an alternative outlet. I regret doing business there today, and left feeling completely violated.

I went in there today in a panic because i needed football cleats for my kid for today!!! The…read moreowner Janet was nothing short of amazing!!!! She helped us get a good fitting pair of shoes, reminded me of other things we might need WITHOUT actually trying to sell us stuff. She was so helpful - she saved our butts today. I had been in there before and also got great service. Its the kind of service big chains cant match on their best day! Janet - I can not thank you enough. Sports equipment needing people - go see Janet. Thanks Alicia & the kid

Burnt by the return policy .Purchased a golf putter on June…read more9,knowing the golf club return restrictions.(shame on me)There is no area provided for testing clubs.Used club on June 10 wasn't what I hoped.,went to the store with putter on June 11 to try to receive a store credit for my purchase and once again was met with the policy.Asked for owner or upper management info,I was informed that I was speaking to him.I was then handed back the club and told maybe something could be done but due to my attititude NoWay! My only request was for a store credit. Not he place to purchase golf clubs