If you’ve ever spent any time around a rink and a hockey team, you will learn very quickly that there’s a sub culture that exists, consisting of the team’s own slang, rules, and of course fashion. And one group that is working hard and has a great grasp of what hockey players LIKE to wear as well as fans of the game, it’s Danglers Apparel. We had the chance to chat with Nate Strah one of the brains behind the company whose slogan is “Hockey Apparel, made by players for players.”
HT – Nate, Tell us a bit about ‘Danglers Hockey’ and how it came into being?
NS – ‘Danglers Hockey’ was started by my friend and teammate Gary Astalos, his brother Kyle and I. We dreamt up the idea during juniors and went with it.
HT – What was your motivation for developing ‘hockey apparel’ and was there something missing in the market?
NS – Gary, Kyle and I felt that the current hockey lifestyle apparel market did not have consumer friendly priced product, so we developed competitively priced, quality fitting clothing for consumers.
HT – What are hockey players looking for in clothing? Why is it considered a lifestyle and not just some t-shirts and ball caps?
NS – Hockey players look for apparel that allows them to express their passion for the game while still maintaining a fresh image.
HT – You guys put together some creative videos. Why do videos, and what is the concept behind doing them?
NS – We like producing the videos because it allows us to portray stories that coincide with the hockey lifestyle and the message our apparel expresses.
The DIRTY Dozen
1. Which NHL Team would you like to see win the Stanley Cup in the future?
I would love to see the Colorado Avalanche win The Cup. However, Gary and Kyle grew up Red Wings fans…but we don’t let that affect our friendship.
2. What is your favourite item that you have created?
Definitely the soon-to-be released “The Hockey Life” tee. It has a great vintage appeal and is a tee you can wear to the rink or out rippin’ it up with the lineys on the town.
3. Puck bunny….term of endearment or bad nickname?
Depends on the bunny, some earn the respect by showing up to every game and actually knowing the rules and having a passion for the sport…others are more fond of the players than the game.
4. If you could get one hockey star to put on Danglers apparel who would it be?
Although I love the passion Jordin Tootoo brings to the rink everyday, I would have to say either Claude Giroux or Steven Stamkos. They are two of arguably the biggest danglers in the world right now.
5.What is one item of clothing every hockey player should have on the road?
A good hat, your flow is definitely affected from a long roady. A nice lid keeps it in check. Look Good, Feel Good, Play Even Better.
6. What will you never catch a hockey player wearing?
Skinny Jeans.
7. 50 goals or 50 assists?
Both
8.Nosebleed seats or ice level behind the goalie?
Ice level, its where the action is at.
9.What do you love the most about the game?
What’s not to love? The game, the lifestyle and the brotherhood are unbelievable.
10.What hockey related sites do you like to visit?
HockeyTube.net…it’s my homepage. Definitely USCHO.com, CHL.ca and the Gary Robert’s twitter page for all the up-to-date training info.
11.What is your favourite hockey memory to date?
1st Fight, that feeling and adrenaline rush can never be replicated again.
12.Finally, has hockey ever broken your heart? When and why?
Every season you don’t win the Championship. That’s everyone’s goal and whether you get last or second that final minute is a bitter feeling.
Thanks, Nate! We want to personally thank all the guys at Danglers Apparel for their support of our site. For us being ‘rockpiles’ you guys have been great! We want to encourage all hockeytube.net viewers to check them out at www.danglershockey.com.
