It wasn't exactly a stick up, but Gatineau cops are chasing a pair of bandits currently on a breakaway with a slew of hockey sticks.

Around 10 p.m. on Jan. 12, two men broke into Marc Sport Source for Sports at 455 Maloney Blvd. East and stole $28,000 worth of adult hockey sticks. Police believe the thieves will likely try to resell the sticks, so if someone on your beer league hockey team has suddenly found his scoring touch, it could be that his stick really is hot.

"We believe there might be people out there trying to sell cheap hockey sticks," said Sgt. Jean-Paul LeMay. "It happens once in a while. A while ago, the (Gatineau) Olympiques were robbed of sticks in their storage room."

Marc manager Simon Morin says about 100 sticks are missing from the store. Each stick sells for around $300.

"It was pretty bold," he said. "Only 10 O'clock at night."

Maloney Blvd. is one of the busiest streets in Gatineau. Security camera video footage shows the pair of thieves running with arm loads of sticks right out the front door.

One of the suspects appears to struggle with the large load -- occasionally getting stuck in the doorway -- while his partner in crime opts to take more trips with fewer sticks, but in full-stride.

"It only took about five minutes," said Morin.

It's the second time this month the store has been targeted.

Around 11:40 p.m. on Jan. 7, there was a failed attempt to break in. The vehicle used was a white cargo van reported stolen in Ottawa the day before.

Cops managed to find the abandoned van a few days later in Gatineau.

Morin says sticks are the second-most expensive item in the store, but fairly tricky to steal because of their size. He figures the thieves chose the front door because the back door has no handle. There is talk of upgrading the store's security system and locks, he said.

The suspects were both wearing dark clothing and gloves. The first man had a dark tuque, balaclava and sneakers with white soles.

The second man had a hood, winter boots and wore a coat with a white patch on the left arm.

Anyone who can provide the identity of the suspects or any other information should call Det. Sgt. Marie- Eve Leclerc at 819-243-2345 ext. 7625.

Twitter: @DougHempstead