New Sweaters
I'm in the always painful process of getting the guys new sweaters. How apropos that the Beer League video series that got me started on this blog just published their own new sweater story. Check it out at http://www.downholers.com/ (and don't miss the archives and the "sub goalie" segment -- yup. Been there.)
A Newer, Better Hockey Skate?
A friend of mine sent me the following. Interesting to note skate speed skaters experimenting with the idea a few years back led to the Olympics banning such skates. Made people too fast. Think if I got some of these, it would make the difference and I could make the NHL next season?
Probably not. Anyway . . .
http://www.manufacturingcenter.com/dfx/news/stories/feature-2.asp
The new Thermablade will be worn by eight to 10 NHL players in games this season. Purported benefits indicate a distinct physiological advantage as a result of increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
How it works: A small, rechargeable impact-resistant lithium polymer battery electrically warms the blade to 5°C, producing a thin layer of water between blade and ice to reduce friction at the surface.
Probably not. Anyway . . .
http://www.manufacturingcenter.com/dfx/news/stories/feature-2.asp
Fire on ice
The Great One says new skate will “revolutionize” hockey
Canadian skate blade maker Therma Blade Inc. and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky have unveiled a revolutionary new heated, battery-powered skate blade called Thermablade that eight to 10 NHL players will wear to test real-game performace in upcoming NHL matches.
The new Thermablade will be worn by eight to 10 NHL players in games this season. Purported benefits indicate a distinct physiological advantage as a result of increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
"There's no doubt that we are seeing the latest advance in the evolution of skating technology, and I see Thermablade being popular equipment among NHL players," says Gretzky, who is an investor in the new skate being produced in Quebec. "Thermablades are going to revolutionize the game of hockey. They represent the most significant advance in skate blade design in at least 30 years.”
The NHL has agreed to allow a small group of players to test Thermablade in games over the next few weeks, says Kris King, senior manager of NHL hockey operations. The NHL wants to confirm testing data provided by Therma Blade Inc. and establish the safety and reliability of the blade under NHL game conditions.
Thermablade is designed to maintain a consistent temperature of approximately 5°C using a small battery and a microprocessor stored within each skate blade holder. The warm blade acts to increase the thickness of the water layer between the blade and the ice surface, dramatically reducing gliding friction and starting resistance for skaters.
The reduced friction allows players to reach top speed faster and to skate using less energy. Physiological benefits include a reduction in heart rate, increased stamina, and less fatigue over the course of a hockey game.
The PSoC CapSense solution for capacitive sensing, from Cypress Semiconductor, was used in Thermablade. The PSoC solution allows the heat to be turned on and off using touch-sensitive controls, eliminating the need for mechanical buttons that can be broken or pressed accidentally, an important feature considering the very physical nature of hockey. The CapSense solution also is waterproof, a useful feature for hockey, as well as white goods such as washing machines and dishwashers, and industrial equipment. The skate takes advantage of a CapSensePLUS device in which the PSoC solution does much more than just on-and-off controls. The CapSense device also heats the skate blade and powers down the system during periods of inactivity to extend battery life.
The blade’s inventor, Tory Weber, of Calgary, spent more than $5 million over five years in researching and developing his hot idea. He contacted Gretzky and delivered a prototype in 2004 at the All-Star game in Minnesota. The Great One was so impressed, he agreed to invest and endorse the invention.
"This is an incredible day both for Thermablades and for the game of hockey," says Weber. "We have spent the last few years working extremely hard to develop our technology from the ground up, with input from both elite and recreational players, and we believe Thermablades are truly the next wave in hockey skate technology."
How it works: A small, rechargeable impact-resistant lithium polymer battery electrically warms the blade to 5°C, producing a thin layer of water between blade and ice to reduce friction at the surface.
Performance tests of the heated blades revealed benefits such as starting friction being reduced by 65% to 75%, sliding friction lowered by 50% to 55%, and vibration reduced by about 50%. As an example of one benefit, the reduced blade vibration increased the players’ feel and control of their blade edges. Players that tested the blades stated that they felt they could make tighter turns and that they were more confident in their cornering.
In surveys of players who used the heated blades during product testing over the summer, about 85% of players said the Thermablades were significantly smoother to skate on than conventional blades; 68% said they skated farther with less effort; about 61% said they accelerated more quickly; 63% said they felt less fatigue while playing.
The NHL is taking things slow in warming up to the idea. There are ice quality issues, as well as questions as to what would happen should an errant slapshot shatter the heating elements across the rink during play.
Such a device would be illegal in international and Olympic competition, however. There are specific rules regarding heated blades after it was discovered that certain teams were experimenting with them before speed skating races.
Testing of Thermablade under controlled conditions showed that players using heated blades displayed reduced heart rates and lower lactic acid production. Overall performance benefits indicated a physiological advantage over conventional skate blades as a result of increased stamina and reduced fatigue.
Thermablades will be available in specialty sports stores in Canada at a suggested price of $399.99.
"Thermablades are about to change the game of hockey," says Weber, at the Hockey Hall of Fame. "The technology substantially enhances skating performance, and the heated blade has absolutely no negative impact on the ice surface at all."
As part of a launch event, an early prototype of the heated blades that Weber has been developing since 1975 — a skate blade with an electrical extension cord attached — was donated to the Hockey Hall of Fame for display.
Want more information? Click below.
Thermablade Inc.
Want more information? Click below.
Cypress Semiconductor
New Management: the Response, "Suck it."
I am unsympathetic to the complaints of some regarding the new management. Here is the (excerpted) response from the new management, who, apparently, share my view:
Captains,
I apologize for a lack of contact this weekend, I was away for a coaching clinic. I’ll try to touch on the issues that have been brought up here over the past few days.
1. Team rosters are a requirement to play in the league. You must go online and enter your team (with a number for each player) and you must bring a printed sheet for each game to have the players sign. The former so I can see who is USA Hockey registered and the latter so I can see who actually played on that given day. If you do not bring a printed sheet in, you can make a hand written one at the rink. I will not be providing you with your printed sheet. ("This isn't that hard. Stop being a baby.")
2. In order for your USA Hockey payment to translate into coverage, you must wear the proper USA Hockey equipment. This includes shoulder pads. This does not include cages or mouth guards.
I have not made up these rules myself and therefore there is no “wiggle room”. There will not be exceptions to particular rules made for particular divisions.
3. We are playing blue line icing and there is no overtime. This will be relayed to the referees. We play this way so that all games will start and end on time. ("You all know how annoying it is to show up for a 10:15 game, and not start until 10:45? This is intended to address that problem.")
. . .
I think that covers the major concerns. In the future, please do not “reply all” when responding to my e-mails unless it is absolutely necessary. I’m sure everyone doesn’t want their inbox full of Oakland Adult Hockey all year. ("Not everyone wants to hear your temper tantrum.") Aside from that, keep in mind that I am working with you. This league is not for me or about me. The schedule is being constructed with the goal of letting you play hockey, not me wanting you miss your family vacation. I have not changed any league fees or previously scheduled time slots. The rule changes are what come along with being USA Hockey registered. (We're trying to be reasonable, but we will still run this thing the way we run things.") The building has certainly been inspected and all necessary fix-ups will be happening. ("Rome wasn't built in a day.") So, while I certainly welcome your suggestions and feedback, there is a fine line between constructive communication and complaining. It is much easier for me to want to work with you when it’s kept to the first one. ("Quit your whining.")
New Management Part II: The Whiner
New management = changes. We covered that, right?
Not everyone got the message. Here's the response from one of the team captains out there in space when faced with the daunting task of providing the scorekeeper a player sign-in sheet prior to each game:
With all due respect I do wonder for what reason and how logistically it will be possible to have a captain provide a roster for each game that will require every player to sign in.
Why can't you make twenty copies (a season's worth) of each team roster and have them at the rink for your referees to demand signatures prior to each game. It seems like what you propose is a very large amount of red tape to go through but I guess it all comes down to trying your best to streamline the process of making sure that all players on the ice are usa hockey registered. I bet you wish that you did not have to adhere to that pain in the ass requirement, seems like it is hardly worth the 35 bucks everyone has to pay if it creates all of these hassles for you. (Bet he will think it's worth it after he takes a puck in the eye.) There must be some big payoff for you guys related to having us all signed up for the usa hockey program. Is it insurance or something more? (You know, because insurance isn't that big a deal, right?)
We all like the location plus the guys who play in our forty and over league are all great sports and fun to compete with so because of this we will be willing to put up with a few additional inconveniences but I do want to point out that placing a high priority on shoulder pads while allowing helmet restrictions to be optional does not make any sense to me. I have a player who wears a certified helmet and cage but who has such big shoulders that he refuses to wear the shoulder pads and I don't blame him. Do I have to tell him that after seven years he has to sit out of this league because of your equipment requirements? He just happens to be one of the best players in the league. (Well, if he's good, that means he can't get hurt, right? The rules forcing shoulder pads but not face masks are a little arbitrary, but, hey, that's what the insurance requires.) If you can't bend then we may have to back out.
Let's talk soon to see what wiggle room you really have on these issues. You can reach me at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
I have been holding off on turning in our team fee of which I have the full amount until we were certain that this new management is going to work with us. ("We're special. Besides, one of our guys is one of the best players in the league.") Please let me know just how cumbersome the new rules will become and what if any new restrictions are going to be imposed in the future. (Something tells me the new management won't shed any tears if this guy decides to opt out. "Cuz, you know, it's not really hockey if you have to wear shoulder pads.")
My favorite response, from another captain:
I have no problem with the small amount of paperwork before each game. I think that just comes with being a captain on a team. Shoulder pads don't seem to be an issue either. I've noticed since the captains meeting that the over 40 boys seem to be fighting every change that comes along.
Gonna make a lot of friends with that one. Good thing he's in a different division. But he's right. The whining is stupid, the rules aren't that difficult to comply with (and are an attempt to ensure that each team is actually playing its players), and insurance is no small thing.
Not everyone got the message. Here's the response from one of the team captains out there in space when faced with the daunting task of providing the scorekeeper a player sign-in sheet prior to each game:
With all due respect I do wonder for what reason and how logistically it will be possible to have a captain provide a roster for each game that will require every player to sign in.
Why can't you make twenty copies (a season's worth) of each team roster and have them at the rink for your referees to demand signatures prior to each game. It seems like what you propose is a very large amount of red tape to go through but I guess it all comes down to trying your best to streamline the process of making sure that all players on the ice are usa hockey registered. I bet you wish that you did not have to adhere to that pain in the ass requirement, seems like it is hardly worth the 35 bucks everyone has to pay if it creates all of these hassles for you. (Bet he will think it's worth it after he takes a puck in the eye.) There must be some big payoff for you guys related to having us all signed up for the usa hockey program. Is it insurance or something more? (You know, because insurance isn't that big a deal, right?)
We all like the location plus the guys who play in our forty and over league are all great sports and fun to compete with so because of this we will be willing to put up with a few additional inconveniences but I do want to point out that placing a high priority on shoulder pads while allowing helmet restrictions to be optional does not make any sense to me. I have a player who wears a certified helmet and cage but who has such big shoulders that he refuses to wear the shoulder pads and I don't blame him. Do I have to tell him that after seven years he has to sit out of this league because of your equipment requirements? He just happens to be one of the best players in the league. (Well, if he's good, that means he can't get hurt, right? The rules forcing shoulder pads but not face masks are a little arbitrary, but, hey, that's what the insurance requires.) If you can't bend then we may have to back out.
Let's talk soon to see what wiggle room you really have on these issues. You can reach me at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
I have been holding off on turning in our team fee of which I have the full amount until we were certain that this new management is going to work with us. ("We're special. Besides, one of our guys is one of the best players in the league.") Please let me know just how cumbersome the new rules will become and what if any new restrictions are going to be imposed in the future. (Something tells me the new management won't shed any tears if this guy decides to opt out. "Cuz, you know, it's not really hockey if you have to wear shoulder pads.")
My favorite response, from another captain:
I have no problem with the small amount of paperwork before each game. I think that just comes with being a captain on a team. Shoulder pads don't seem to be an issue either. I've noticed since the captains meeting that the over 40 boys seem to be fighting every change that comes along.
Gonna make a lot of friends with that one. Good thing he's in a different division. But he's right. The whining is stupid, the rules aren't that difficult to comply with (and are an attempt to ensure that each team is actually playing its players), and insurance is no small thing.
The Goal Scorer
We've had two over the years. Guys that just know how to score. They were both very good, though I'm not sure they were the "best" players on our team. Other guys could skate better, defend better, handle the puck better, hustled more . . ., but these two just knew how to put the biscuit in the basket.
It's a special talent: the ability to score. One I don't have. Being in the right place at the right time. Getting shots off quickly and accurately. Knowing how to get around that last defenseman for a clear shot.
The first of our goalscorers left us many moons ago. Moved to Alaska. I think we only played one full season with him. It was lower competition, but his line scored 75 goals in 20 games, and he was responsible for over 30 of them. He wasn't in great shape, and sometimes that caught up with him. But he changed gears to shoot around opposing defenseman like they were standing still. A few minutes into a game, the other team knew it was coming, but they still couldn't stop it. And his shot always seemed to find net. As soon as he went down with a knee injury in his second season with us, our team started to falter. It never recovered. Not long after his move to Alaska, we (the tribal council) started over again with a new team.
Our next goal scorer. Again, a very good player. Our best? Maybe, maybe not. Certainly not our fastest, and our other top center was likely better end-to-end and on the defensive end. But the goal-scorer's hands . . . He could make the puck dance, and regularly did around opposing defenseman. And he, too, found the net with regularity. He was our leading goalscorer last season, and he only played the first 1/2 of the season, scoring about 1.5 goals per game, and opening up the ice for everyone playing with him. But he too up and left, back to the midwest, to Wisconsin. Again, without him, our team really took a dive.
So, now we're starting a new season, and through our two preseason games, the lack of a goal scorer is looking like a problem. Talent-wise we're one of the better teams in our league, but we need to find a way to generate goals.
Oh, to have a goal-scorer.
It's a special talent: the ability to score. One I don't have. Being in the right place at the right time. Getting shots off quickly and accurately. Knowing how to get around that last defenseman for a clear shot.
The first of our goalscorers left us many moons ago. Moved to Alaska. I think we only played one full season with him. It was lower competition, but his line scored 75 goals in 20 games, and he was responsible for over 30 of them. He wasn't in great shape, and sometimes that caught up with him. But he changed gears to shoot around opposing defenseman like they were standing still. A few minutes into a game, the other team knew it was coming, but they still couldn't stop it. And his shot always seemed to find net. As soon as he went down with a knee injury in his second season with us, our team started to falter. It never recovered. Not long after his move to Alaska, we (the tribal council) started over again with a new team.
Our next goal scorer. Again, a very good player. Our best? Maybe, maybe not. Certainly not our fastest, and our other top center was likely better end-to-end and on the defensive end. But the goal-scorer's hands . . . He could make the puck dance, and regularly did around opposing defenseman. And he, too, found the net with regularity. He was our leading goalscorer last season, and he only played the first 1/2 of the season, scoring about 1.5 goals per game, and opening up the ice for everyone playing with him. But he too up and left, back to the midwest, to Wisconsin. Again, without him, our team really took a dive.
So, now we're starting a new season, and through our two preseason games, the lack of a goal scorer is looking like a problem. Talent-wise we're one of the better teams in our league, but we need to find a way to generate goals.
Oh, to have a goal-scorer.
The Pro Shop(s)
A new season is upon us, so, as always, its time to evaluate your gear and figure out if anything needs to be replaced.
So, where to buy your snazzy new gear (or cheapest, lightest possible shoulder pads, as the case may be)? Back in the old days, before the internet, you basically had two options in California: (1) buy from your rink's pro shop, or (2) there might be one hockey store in the area, at least in the Bay Area. Those were the bad old days. As a part time antitrust lawyer, I can attest the lack of options meant a lack of competition, and corresponding high prices. Maybe if you had family back east you might have had a couple more choices, but it's not as though the local sporting goods store was going to help any.
Today it's a brave new world. The internet resources are tremendous, and competition is here. Prices are lower, you can comparison shop, you can peruse every brand. It's awesome.
Here are my online resources: Hockey Giant, Hockey Monkey, epuck, and Peranis.
Hockey Giant and Hockey Monkey are essentially the same. Big stores, have just about everything, competitive pricing, and often good deals on last year's fancy new stuff. Having read Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat, I suspect that these two don't have very much actual stock, they just have direct links to the manufacturer/suppliers. I suspect this because they invariably have exactly the same things in stock and for sale (down to the sizes and colors available). I've used both and my only real complaint is that they both have stores in California, so in addition to shipping, I have to pay sales tax. Bummer. I think there is a Goalie Monkey, too. But I'm not a goalie, so I don't much care.
Epuck is a much smaller operation. They have far less to choose from and a site that isn't necessarily the easiest to navigate, but they make up for it with excellent pricing. If they have what you need, they likely have it at the lowest price. And I don't remember having to pay sales tax on what I ordered from them.
Peranis somehow feels the most authentic to me. Going to their website (and now you have to go a step further to Hockey World, their subsidiary) it just feels like you've entered a place that was built by some old hockey dudes who have been retailing hockey gear forever. It's not fancy, pretty, all that user friendly, but it's got a bunch of hockey stuff from every real hockey supplier in the world, not just the "Nike/Bauer," Reebok, CCM, Easton, and Mission Stuff. Besides, they sell all kind of ancient stuff that hasn't been made in years (Cooper, for instance) that must still just be collecting dust in their brick and mortar stores (in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas (!?!)). If you're looking for a deal on something that's out of print, Peranis is your place. And no sales tax in California!
Those are my online stops. I'm happy to buy most protective equipment online. I haven't changed much in size in a long time, and I tend to stick with a brand (Jofa, now Reebok, for shin and elbow pads), so I'm not all that concerned with trying the stuff on in a store first. There's no reason not to buy stick blades, tape, facemasks, etc. on line, if you can beat the brick and mortar prices.
That said, I like the old hockey shop. I like walking in and picking stuff up. I like trying stuff on, flexing sticks, perusing the hockey sweaters, the whole experience. In the Bay Area, the old hockey shop was M-Sport. They also set up shop as the local pro shop in several of the area rinks, including Oakland. They weren't bad on price, but neither were they great. I think they are 100% gone now. In Oakland, in M-Sport's old place on Hegenberger Road, is Hockey XSport (located on the web at http://www.hockeyxsport.com/). I know a bunch of guys use this place, and they guarantee low prices, so that's nice. I haven't been since it was M-Sport back in maybe 1991, so I have no idea, but guys seem to like it.
My favorite place is East West Hockey (http://www.eastwesthockey.com/) in San Carlos (the opposite side of the Bay from Oakland, about 20 minutes south of San Francisco). I think the place is owned by the Figone family, and Jason Figone seems to run it. He owns/runs a hockey store becuase he loves hockey. You walk in there and you know you're dealing with people who are serious about the game and can help you find the right stuff. It doesn't have the greatest selection in the world, but what they have is all high quality stuff, and normally at reasonable prices (that's what the internet will do for you). Actually, basically all he carries is high quality stuff, so if you're looking for the cheapest shoulder pad in the world, he's probably not your best option. Also, he carries a lot of pro return equipment, so if you want the real deal, he can get it for you. Moreover, if you buy your skates there (and you simply can't buy skates online -- you've gotta try them on first), they will sharpen them for $3 a pop. Not a bad deal. And they are good at skate sharpening. Way better than the old Oakland Ice Pro Shop (M-Sport) guys were. Moreover, you can get custom skates from Jason. Again, if you want the NHL Bauers, rather than the retail Bauers, he can hook you up. In addition, Jason's got one of those cool shooting ranges. Want to buy a new stick? Take it into the cage and see how it actually performs. Pretty cool (and humbling to find out just how bad my aim is).
One thing about the brick and mortar hockey shop. They know the internet is out there undercutting them. They are willing to make a deal. Hockey X-Sport is explicit about it: they'll match any price. The brick and mortar place is willing to cut a deal to make the sale. So if you think you're overpaying, let them know. Or, if you find what you want online and you like your local shop, give them a call and see if they will match the price to make the sale. I generally like supporting the local guy, even if its at a little discount. Heck, I'll pay a little more . . . but only a little.
So, where to buy your snazzy new gear (or cheapest, lightest possible shoulder pads, as the case may be)? Back in the old days, before the internet, you basically had two options in California: (1) buy from your rink's pro shop, or (2) there might be one hockey store in the area, at least in the Bay Area. Those were the bad old days. As a part time antitrust lawyer, I can attest the lack of options meant a lack of competition, and corresponding high prices. Maybe if you had family back east you might have had a couple more choices, but it's not as though the local sporting goods store was going to help any.
Today it's a brave new world. The internet resources are tremendous, and competition is here. Prices are lower, you can comparison shop, you can peruse every brand. It's awesome.
Here are my online resources: Hockey Giant, Hockey Monkey, epuck, and Peranis.
Hockey Giant and Hockey Monkey are essentially the same. Big stores, have just about everything, competitive pricing, and often good deals on last year's fancy new stuff. Having read Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat, I suspect that these two don't have very much actual stock, they just have direct links to the manufacturer/suppliers. I suspect this because they invariably have exactly the same things in stock and for sale (down to the sizes and colors available). I've used both and my only real complaint is that they both have stores in California, so in addition to shipping, I have to pay sales tax. Bummer. I think there is a Goalie Monkey, too. But I'm not a goalie, so I don't much care.
Epuck is a much smaller operation. They have far less to choose from and a site that isn't necessarily the easiest to navigate, but they make up for it with excellent pricing. If they have what you need, they likely have it at the lowest price. And I don't remember having to pay sales tax on what I ordered from them.
Peranis somehow feels the most authentic to me. Going to their website (and now you have to go a step further to Hockey World, their subsidiary) it just feels like you've entered a place that was built by some old hockey dudes who have been retailing hockey gear forever. It's not fancy, pretty, all that user friendly, but it's got a bunch of hockey stuff from every real hockey supplier in the world, not just the "Nike/Bauer," Reebok, CCM, Easton, and Mission Stuff. Besides, they sell all kind of ancient stuff that hasn't been made in years (Cooper, for instance) that must still just be collecting dust in their brick and mortar stores (in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas (!?!)). If you're looking for a deal on something that's out of print, Peranis is your place. And no sales tax in California!
Those are my online stops. I'm happy to buy most protective equipment online. I haven't changed much in size in a long time, and I tend to stick with a brand (Jofa, now Reebok, for shin and elbow pads), so I'm not all that concerned with trying the stuff on in a store first. There's no reason not to buy stick blades, tape, facemasks, etc. on line, if you can beat the brick and mortar prices.
That said, I like the old hockey shop. I like walking in and picking stuff up. I like trying stuff on, flexing sticks, perusing the hockey sweaters, the whole experience. In the Bay Area, the old hockey shop was M-Sport. They also set up shop as the local pro shop in several of the area rinks, including Oakland. They weren't bad on price, but neither were they great. I think they are 100% gone now. In Oakland, in M-Sport's old place on Hegenberger Road, is Hockey XSport (located on the web at http://www.hockeyxsport.com/). I know a bunch of guys use this place, and they guarantee low prices, so that's nice. I haven't been since it was M-Sport back in maybe 1991, so I have no idea, but guys seem to like it.
My favorite place is East West Hockey (http://www.eastwesthockey.com/) in San Carlos (the opposite side of the Bay from Oakland, about 20 minutes south of San Francisco). I think the place is owned by the Figone family, and Jason Figone seems to run it. He owns/runs a hockey store becuase he loves hockey. You walk in there and you know you're dealing with people who are serious about the game and can help you find the right stuff. It doesn't have the greatest selection in the world, but what they have is all high quality stuff, and normally at reasonable prices (that's what the internet will do for you). Actually, basically all he carries is high quality stuff, so if you're looking for the cheapest shoulder pad in the world, he's probably not your best option. Also, he carries a lot of pro return equipment, so if you want the real deal, he can get it for you. Moreover, if you buy your skates there (and you simply can't buy skates online -- you've gotta try them on first), they will sharpen them for $3 a pop. Not a bad deal. And they are good at skate sharpening. Way better than the old Oakland Ice Pro Shop (M-Sport) guys were. Moreover, you can get custom skates from Jason. Again, if you want the NHL Bauers, rather than the retail Bauers, he can hook you up. In addition, Jason's got one of those cool shooting ranges. Want to buy a new stick? Take it into the cage and see how it actually performs. Pretty cool (and humbling to find out just how bad my aim is).
One thing about the brick and mortar hockey shop. They know the internet is out there undercutting them. They are willing to make a deal. Hockey X-Sport is explicit about it: they'll match any price. The brick and mortar place is willing to cut a deal to make the sale. So if you think you're overpaying, let them know. Or, if you find what you want online and you like your local shop, give them a call and see if they will match the price to make the sale. I generally like supporting the local guy, even if its at a little discount. Heck, I'll pay a little more . . . but only a little.
Characters: Dude, Get a Life
I figured I'd run through our cast of characters, that is the guys I play with. We'll start with me.
Seriously, writing a blog about rec hockey that next to no one reads? Get a life. I spend way too much of my waking time thinking about this stuff. I send potential lines to one of the alternate captains during the week. I can only imagine him rolling his eyes everytime he gets them. I take this stuff way too seriuosly. It still bothers me when guys show up late. I fret over wins, losses, and statistics. I bought a hat that loosely resembles our team's colors and name, just because, well, it loosely resembles our team's name and colors. Season starts this Thursday, I'll break it back out for all the world to see . . . ("Man, that guy takes this stuff way too seriously.")
I send copies of plays to run to everyone. I know that gets the eyes rolling. Then it's game time.
"Ok guys, (1) let's keep the penalties down, and (2) no mouthing off to the refs." I promptly go out and take a bad retaliation penalty, then mouth off to the ref. I'm that guy.
Out of shape, don't handle the puck that well, can't shoot to save my life, but I make myself a center because, well, I run the stats and the administrative details. Go figure.
To my credit, our team is pretty well organized, and normally people know when its their turn to bring the beer.
Besides, when one becomes a family man, (a) you start to realize why the dads are always the ones running late, and (b) you need hockey. That special time once a week that belongs to just you, when you don't have any real responsibility other than trying to cover the slot and staying out of the penalty box.
I don't need a life. I have my family and hockey. What more is there?
Seriously, writing a blog about rec hockey that next to no one reads? Get a life. I spend way too much of my waking time thinking about this stuff. I send potential lines to one of the alternate captains during the week. I can only imagine him rolling his eyes everytime he gets them. I take this stuff way too seriuosly. It still bothers me when guys show up late. I fret over wins, losses, and statistics. I bought a hat that loosely resembles our team's colors and name, just because, well, it loosely resembles our team's name and colors. Season starts this Thursday, I'll break it back out for all the world to see . . . ("Man, that guy takes this stuff way too seriously.")
I send copies of plays to run to everyone. I know that gets the eyes rolling. Then it's game time.
"Ok guys, (1) let's keep the penalties down, and (2) no mouthing off to the refs." I promptly go out and take a bad retaliation penalty, then mouth off to the ref. I'm that guy.
Out of shape, don't handle the puck that well, can't shoot to save my life, but I make myself a center because, well, I run the stats and the administrative details. Go figure.
To my credit, our team is pretty well organized, and normally people know when its their turn to bring the beer.
Besides, when one becomes a family man, (a) you start to realize why the dads are always the ones running late, and (b) you need hockey. That special time once a week that belongs to just you, when you don't have any real responsibility other than trying to cover the slot and staying out of the penalty box.
I don't need a life. I have my family and hockey. What more is there?
Shoulder Pads, Part Deux
So, with the new management, new rules. USA Hockey is enforced, meaning shoulderpads are no longer optional.
But I still don't want to wear this:
But I still don't want to wear this:
Gotta go light . . . so this:
To nice looking. This?
I was leaning towards the Sher-Woods -- classic old school, but the only place with them in my size right now wants to tack on a ridiculous shipping charge. So I went to www.peranis.com (then followed the hockey world link), where they have all kinds of old school / out of production (for good reason) pads . . .
Awesome! 
Now that's light!
Would have done these,
but they weren't in my size.
So I went with these:
$25.40, including shipping (again, a ridiculously steep shipping price). But just so it's clear, as my teammates would attest, I was not "born to play."
Happy shopping, anti-shoulder pad crowd!
This Just In: New Management = Changes
So, the Sharks are in charge. They held a Captain's meeting Tuesday night to discuss how things will operate going forward. To many captains' surpise things will be different! No! Really!?! Uh, yeah.
(1) Everyone needs to be a USA Hockey member. Oh the humanity! Management wants an easy way to prove that everyone is insured! What is the world coming to?
(2) Every team has to pay the full team fee. The whole fee!?! No more friendly discounts? Appalling.
(3) At some point in the season, free-subbing of players has to stop, even if the team is shorthanded. You mean we can't bring in ringers from the Platinum league game that just ended because we only have eight of our own guys? Oh, the tragedy of it all! Where's the flexibility?
Frankly, I can't think of a single thing the new management discussed that isn't a welcome change. In addition to the three things listed above, the referees will now all be trained and certified. USA Hockey standards of play will be enforced, regularly. There will be actual league record keeping. Teams will have to play with their own players, but will be allowed to create sub lists. Players will only be eligible for the post-season if they played regularly in the regular season.
Some things there are no changes to: the fee for the season is exactly as advertised by the prior management and the teams will play the same basic schedule they have been playing (which is good for most leagues, not so good for my league, but there is a chance they will remedy that).
Some of the grumbling was ridiculous, if you ask me (and by reading this, you implicitly are). Seriously, how hard is it to maintain a basic roster and a set group of subs that are all level-appropriate? Isn't it time to end the arbitrary practice of allowing friendly discounts to some teams, while others pay the full freight.
All in all, players should remember two things: management of the league has been arbitrary and practically non-existent over the last few years; and there's a reason the City (the owners of the rink) replaced the old management team: their policies weren't any good. So, in comes a team with a good reputation (a reputation that is actually at stake in the community at large) and lots of practice running great leagues. I'm all for it.
(1) Everyone needs to be a USA Hockey member. Oh the humanity! Management wants an easy way to prove that everyone is insured! What is the world coming to?
(2) Every team has to pay the full team fee. The whole fee!?! No more friendly discounts? Appalling.
(3) At some point in the season, free-subbing of players has to stop, even if the team is shorthanded. You mean we can't bring in ringers from the Platinum league game that just ended because we only have eight of our own guys? Oh, the tragedy of it all! Where's the flexibility?
Frankly, I can't think of a single thing the new management discussed that isn't a welcome change. In addition to the three things listed above, the referees will now all be trained and certified. USA Hockey standards of play will be enforced, regularly. There will be actual league record keeping. Teams will have to play with their own players, but will be allowed to create sub lists. Players will only be eligible for the post-season if they played regularly in the regular season.
Some things there are no changes to: the fee for the season is exactly as advertised by the prior management and the teams will play the same basic schedule they have been playing (which is good for most leagues, not so good for my league, but there is a chance they will remedy that).
Some of the grumbling was ridiculous, if you ask me (and by reading this, you implicitly are). Seriously, how hard is it to maintain a basic roster and a set group of subs that are all level-appropriate? Isn't it time to end the arbitrary practice of allowing friendly discounts to some teams, while others pay the full freight.
All in all, players should remember two things: management of the league has been arbitrary and practically non-existent over the last few years; and there's a reason the City (the owners of the rink) replaced the old management team: their policies weren't any good. So, in comes a team with a good reputation (a reputation that is actually at stake in the community at large) and lots of practice running great leagues. I'm all for it.
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