Hockey Skates Recommendation

[MarchHare]

My parents asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, and I've decided on a new pair of skates. For now they will mainly be used just for recreational skating (at Olympic Plaza or wherever), but I'll probably join a beer league at some point and will want to use them for hockey too. My budget is around $200 or so, but I'm not afraid to go over that, as I'm hoping these will be the last pair of skates I ever buy.

Obviously the best way to pick a pair of skates is to try them out, but since stores don't have an ice surface, I'm kind of out of luck there. So does anyone have a particular model they really like that's in my price range? Or is there a store that has great staff, selection, and service?

[Reaper]

Go to B & P Cycle on the corner of 52nd Street and 17th Avenue SE. Ask for Jeff. Tell him Jason sent you to get fitted for a pair of skates. Fit is everything when it comes to skates and different brands fit different types of feet. They'll treat you right there and make sure your skates fit.