[Sylvanfan]

I haven't kept up with all the latest in equipment technology, but don't they have like eversharp blades now where you swap out the blades every 15 skates or so.

Personally I used to like really sharp skates and when I was playing mens league of 50 or so games a year, I'd get them done after every two games and only played on indoor ice. Than again back in those days, skating was likely my strongest attribute. As for taping the stick, do whatever you like. I think I did that once a week as a means of entertaining myself. As a defenceman who liked to use the lumber and spent a lot of time trying to knock pucks off other guys stick my stick usually was hacked up pretty good after every game.