Thanks for pointing that out, bobio... skates have nothing to do with hockey, right?
I didn't expect as many folks to chime in on the subject when I asked my question (and thank you to those of you offing advice - I appreciate it) - I was under the impress the thread had already run its' course. It wasn't my intention to derail it, in other words.
Anywho... this sounds like it's going to be a blast - I hope this cold cold cold snap is gone by then so there will be a good turn out.