There's nothing worse in hockey than putting on wet gear

After helping the Hornets (MD) to a 3-1 win last night (1G, 1A!), I put my equipment out to dry out before Saturday's contest against the Bears. Unfortunately, the porch where I can lay out my stuff is not covered and completely open. This morning, I awoke to the sound of rain on the windows. I rushed downstairs...only to confirm my gear is completely soaked. I then took it inside the basement to dry out. I didn't like that as my first choice as that's the cat's area, and cats seem to find my gear all too appealing. Been there, done that, had the stinky equipment (not to mention my allergies going hayway at the game).

Now I can understand perhaps the pure genius Dave Friewald used to employ by always leaving his gear inside his car trunk---sure, it stunk so bad that it could kill you if you had over-exposure, but at least his gear never got rained on or had cat hair/smell all over it. ;-)

Last season I noticed some manufacturer selling an equipment bag that had an "air circulation system" and air pump, designed to move airflow in your bag, allowing you to basically keep your gear in your bag. Price tag was steep ($180 total?), but times like now, I think it might be worth it.

I hate putting on wet gear.