There are some moments in life you will never forget. Experiences morphed into images, fueled by emotion, can latch onto your soul for all eternity. The passion I felt to release Outer Edge Threads into, let’s face it, an already saturated industry is best described through one of those very memories.

The date and city do not matter. I was staying with my dear friend, Nicole, and her family consisting of one hubby, three cats, and a dog. Being fellow animal lovers, Nicole confided in me that Bailey, the ever aging canine, had a cyst of sorts on her back that was quite concerning. I agreed to check it out despite her warnings of being unpleasant.

Bet you thought I was going to tell some epic hockey story of glory and honor, right?! It’s ok, we just started this relationship, we’ll know how the other takes their coffee soon enough. Anyways…

I have animals. I’m a tough cookie. No cyst could be that nasty. So, I leaned over my pal as she parted the thick hair of the german shepherd mix to expose the problem area. About a three inch radius was raised up like one killer mosquito bite. Nicole offered another warning which I brushed off with dramatic hand gestures and then watched…

Nicole strategically placed her fingers along the edges of the pimple-gone-wrong and started to push. Simple words in a simple blog will never fully grasp the horror I witnessed. A thick, pale worm made of smelly paste spewed and curled from an unseen hole. It lasted hours and I wasn’t right for days.

You may be thinking, “What in God’s name does this have to do with starting an online hockey apparel company?” That’s a great question, as I’m not quite sure…reliving that experience has scrambled my brain.

Oh yeah, I remember. Finding time between a full-time job and a freelance sports writing gig (not to mention skating, games, etc…) to start a company is not very convenient. Like Bailey’s volcanic cyst, it isn’t opportune, but something desperately wanted out of me. Yes, I’m comparing my creativity to vulgar pus.

I wanted to spread hockey love. I wanted to give stick taps to every billet family, teammate, equipment manager, fan, and coach that help make the game great. I felt I had design ideas that may do just that…I just had to get them out. Welcome baby OET to the world.

It may not always be fun. It may not always be pretty, but like Bailey’s cyst, it will be interesting. We will carry threads for adults to youth and games to glassware. OET will also feature an artist seasonally to benefit various charities. Merchandise is rolling in and I hope you enjoy. Salute!