Inuvik - Coach Tom Williams knows what it takes to be a success on the ice.

Tom Williams is a hockey coach and player in the old-timer's league. Since last year he has been selling a supply of hockey gear and equipment. He sells the products out of his home and also sharpens skates. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Now he is offering to help others find equipment to get started.

Williams has a home business that offers skate sharpening and a range of supplies and equipment.

Williams said the sharpening machine was once set up in the rec complex, but moved when the town bought its own machine.

"I had the machine in the complex a few years ago," said Williams.

"When the town bought their own machine, they pretty well kicked me out of the complex, so I brought the machine home."

Williams said he bought the sharpener from the minor hockey team.

"When we used to charge for sharpening at the rink, half of the money would go to the minor hockey league," he said.

Now, a small area in Williams' garage is set up with a shelf of various items for hockey players.

"We carry visors, helmets, tapes, a lot of different things," he said.

With the connections he has made in Edmonton, Williams is able to order any piece of equipment that is needed in town.

"It could be here within a week," he said.

For orders that might be more urgent, Williams added that he could have it flown in, but he usually has it come via truck or mail.

The big sellers are the single-piece composite hockey sticks.

"The composite sticks are more expensive, but it's worth it," he said.

"It's got a bit of a whip to it, they also last longer."

Williams thinks the popularity of the new stick is due to an increase in the number of pro players who use it.

"You see junior players using them, players on TV have them as well," he said.

"I think that's how the trend got started."

The average price for the composite stick can range from $100-$300.

He also carries the older style wooden sticks and blades for shafts.

Williams said he would prefer his shop be set up at the arena and is willing to lease the space from them to house his machine and gear.

"The Town office has been competing with me, which they shouldn't be," he said.

"I'd much rather be at the arena, because that is where all the action is."

During big events, such as tournaments, Williams said business is OK, because out-of-town teams know him.

Williams said that since most local stores don't offer a lot of equipment, he can fully outfit new players.

"Bring them through for a measurement, we'll get them sized up," he said.

He added he is waiting for his time to start a new store, which would be a full-scale equipment outlet.

"I'm looking into it, but waiting for the right time to get into that market," said Williams.