I know this isn't the first time I've mentioned it, but managing summer hockey can really be a pain in the ass. To deal with the comings and goings, we've bumped our roster from 15 (14 skaters and a goalie), to 20 (18 skaters, 2 goalies), and we still struggle to get two full lines. The other night was a microcosm of summer hockey:
3 guys on IR
1 guy on vacation
6 maybes (two showed)
1 guy had to be at work too early for the late game
So with 18 skaters on the roster, we had 9.
One of the goalies had a last minute family commitment, but we couldn't reach the other one. And our backup was out of town, too. So the first came, took an emotional beating from the family, and showed up late.
So we start the game with eight skaters (another was running late) and no goalie. The other team did the right thing and took a timeout (after ours) to start the game. That gave us as much extra time as possible, but it still wasn't enough (and by the way, that's the right thing to do). We finally get a goalie on the ice about 5 minutes in (remarkably without giving up a goal.
At the end of the first period one of our guys needs to drop a load, so he misses the last 5 minutes of the period. Who does he think he is, Manny Ramirez? WTF!?!
On top of it all, for the first time ever, I forgot my skates. I live 25 minutes from the rink, so there was no going home for them. Luckily one of the guys lives close and has an extra pair. His wife drove them over to us and I laced 'em up. They were more or less the right size, but O-L-D! No ankle support left, dull blades, and my skates are rocked a little forward and these weren't. I was like a rookie peewee out there. I couldn't accelerate, couldn't turn, couldn't stop, and could barely skate backwards. Lovely. And I remember thinking as I left my garage, "huh, bag feels a little light tonight." Dumbass. I was one of our three D, so I was out there a bunch. God help me if I make that mistake again.
We won. We were playing a team that isn't as good as us. But it was sloppy throughout.
Ah, summer hockey.
Showing posts with label Equipment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Equipment. Show all posts
Cage vs. Shield?
So, I'm on record opposing the half-shield; it's a good way to get your jaw broken, lose a tooth, or even get a nasty eye wound. It's better than nothing, but worse than reason. Anyway, that's not the point. I was watching some of the NCAA hockey tournament and I got to thinking, what ever happened to the full shield? That's what all the college players wore back in the early 90s. The cage was considered old and clunky. Now you rarely see a full shield, and the college kids are all back to the cage. What happened there?
Speaking of Ringers and Fancy Sticks
Gotta love the Downholers . . .
Love the mixed-league softball reference, too. Classic.
Love the mixed-league softball reference, too. Classic.
Karma: the New 1-Piece
I'd been holding off on buying a one-piece stick for a while. They're just so expensive. But, it has literally been two seasons since I broke a blade, and I don't love my current shafts (I seriously think I've been through as many shafts as blades over the last four years, but it's probably my fault for buying $5 demos off of ebay).
So there it was, nice and shiny in my favorite pro shop. A dazzler. Retail: $239. On sale: $109. The catch? Pro-return; this is the real deal. But: "NO WARRANTY." It's written there right on the side of the stick. As I understand it, most of these hot new numbers come with a 30-day warranty, or some such thing (as if getting 4-6 games out a stick will somehow take the sting out of losing a $150+ stick on day 31).
Anyway, I can afford it, and I haven't spent much money on sticks in a while, so . . . ring it up.
And it's sweet. Light as a feather, great kick point. I love it. Ok, I didn't score a goal with it in game one, but it still felt great, and in game two, I buried one on a breakaway. It's gotta be the stick, right? LOVE IT.
Karma. Game three with the sexy little number, and midway through the second period I kneel to block a shot coming from the point, and lay the paddle down. Hard shot hits twelve inches from the butt, and bam. Just like that, my new stick is now two sticks.
Ouch. Just shy of $20 per period.
Now, the guy who runs the pro shop has offered me another at a serious discount, which is cool. He certainly isn't obligated -- it was just bad luck for me. There's also the option of sending it out for repair with the SRS repair system (www.srshockey.com/usa). Maybe. Seems like a cool idea.
Either way, a dubious way to start my career playing with a 1-piece. And how to explain to the wife?
Even so, switched back to the old lumber, and sure enough, picked up another goal. Empty-netter, sure, but hey, I need the points.
So there it was, nice and shiny in my favorite pro shop. A dazzler. Retail: $239. On sale: $109. The catch? Pro-return; this is the real deal. But: "NO WARRANTY." It's written there right on the side of the stick. As I understand it, most of these hot new numbers come with a 30-day warranty, or some such thing (as if getting 4-6 games out a stick will somehow take the sting out of losing a $150+ stick on day 31).
Anyway, I can afford it, and I haven't spent much money on sticks in a while, so . . . ring it up.
And it's sweet. Light as a feather, great kick point. I love it. Ok, I didn't score a goal with it in game one, but it still felt great, and in game two, I buried one on a breakaway. It's gotta be the stick, right? LOVE IT.
Karma. Game three with the sexy little number, and midway through the second period I kneel to block a shot coming from the point, and lay the paddle down. Hard shot hits twelve inches from the butt, and bam. Just like that, my new stick is now two sticks.
Ouch. Just shy of $20 per period.
Now, the guy who runs the pro shop has offered me another at a serious discount, which is cool. He certainly isn't obligated -- it was just bad luck for me. There's also the option of sending it out for repair with the SRS repair system (www.srshockey.com/usa). Maybe. Seems like a cool idea.
Either way, a dubious way to start my career playing with a 1-piece. And how to explain to the wife?
Even so, switched back to the old lumber, and sure enough, picked up another goal. Empty-netter, sure, but hey, I need the points.
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
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.
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 . . .
Would have done these,
So I went with these:
Happy shopping, anti-shoulder pad crowd!
The Wet Bathing Suit Problem
Hockey gear can be nasty stuff. You sweat in it a ridiculous amount, which means it's smelly. If you don't air it out after a game, it will be wet and NASTY when you next put it on. Nothing like putting on a wet bathing suit full of several days old sweat. Ewwww.
Then there's the problem of where to put it when you get home. If you've got a family, a roomate, or just like having people over . . . ever . . . there's no way the spouse or your social relations are letting you keep it in your bedroom or the living room. It's gotta be in the garage or the basement (if you have such a thing -- most folks in California don't). You could put it outside, which would be ideal if it weren't for ant infestations (that happened to an old goaltender of ours) and other vermin deciding all that sweat makes it a perfect snack.
So, after your weekly adult-rec game, you spread it out in your garage to let it dry. Problem is, especially for the family guys, you're always running a little late getting to the car, so you're stuffing your gear in your bag, hoping you don't forget something, as you're running out the door. Which leads to,
"Anybody got an extra elbow pad?" You just can't play without elbow pads. You can't. Nasty injuries await those who make that mistake. I've done it once. Never again.
"Anybody got an extra shinguard?" Can't even consider playing without one of those. Yikes.
"An extra sock?" "Someone got a white sweater?"
"Where's my #&%$ing jock!?!" Had that one happen last week. Nerve racking, I tell you. It's not like you can ask if someone's got a spare . . .
And that's the important stuff. There's also the towel for the shower, soap, undershirt, mouthguard, water bottle. Sheesh.
Of course, you can just leave the stuff in your bag, and resign yourself to the wet bathing suit, and this . . .
Then there's the problem of where to put it when you get home. If you've got a family, a roomate, or just like having people over . . . ever . . . there's no way the spouse or your social relations are letting you keep it in your bedroom or the living room. It's gotta be in the garage or the basement (if you have such a thing -- most folks in California don't). You could put it outside, which would be ideal if it weren't for ant infestations (that happened to an old goaltender of ours) and other vermin deciding all that sweat makes it a perfect snack.
So, after your weekly adult-rec game, you spread it out in your garage to let it dry. Problem is, especially for the family guys, you're always running a little late getting to the car, so you're stuffing your gear in your bag, hoping you don't forget something, as you're running out the door. Which leads to,
"Anybody got an extra elbow pad?" You just can't play without elbow pads. You can't. Nasty injuries await those who make that mistake. I've done it once. Never again.
"Anybody got an extra shinguard?" Can't even consider playing without one of those. Yikes.
"An extra sock?" "Someone got a white sweater?"
"Where's my #&%$ing jock!?!" Had that one happen last week. Nerve racking, I tell you. It's not like you can ask if someone's got a spare . . .
And that's the important stuff. There's also the towel for the shower, soap, undershirt, mouthguard, water bottle. Sheesh.
Of course, you can just leave the stuff in your bag, and resign yourself to the wet bathing suit, and this . . .
Shoulder Pads?
Like most adult-rec leagues, ours is "non-checking." Plenty of contact, but nothing compared to a full-bore checking league. Several years ago I bought a new pair of Jofa shoulder pads. Nice bulkly ones. And I promply went out and got clobbered in the slot, landing shoulder first. I spent the next month praising the new purchase that had saved me.
About 2 months ago, unbeknownst to me, my shoulder pads fell out of my bag on the way through the rink lobby. I realized I didn't have them in the locker room, went back out and couldn't find them, so I assumed I must have accidentally left them at home (better that than say a shinguard and an elbow pad . . . which happened to one of our guys a couple of games ago). So I figured what the hell, I'll play without them. And I loved it. I felt lighter, faster, better. (As I left that night, my pads were sitting on the counter at the entrance.)
A handful of guys go without shoulder pads in our league, and ever since that first night a while back, I've been one of them. I really like it. In addition to feeling like I skate better, I don't lose as much fluid during the game. What's not to like? I guess the fact that after two weeks ago when I knocked open a door during the game, I'm still looking at nasty bruises on my shoulder where I hit it. And at any moment I could get drilled like I was four years ago, landing shoulder first.
Do I put them back on?
Do I go out and get some old-school Gretzky style pads?
This is my dilemma.
About 2 months ago, unbeknownst to me, my shoulder pads fell out of my bag on the way through the rink lobby. I realized I didn't have them in the locker room, went back out and couldn't find them, so I assumed I must have accidentally left them at home (better that than say a shinguard and an elbow pad . . . which happened to one of our guys a couple of games ago). So I figured what the hell, I'll play without them. And I loved it. I felt lighter, faster, better. (As I left that night, my pads were sitting on the counter at the entrance.)
A handful of guys go without shoulder pads in our league, and ever since that first night a while back, I've been one of them. I really like it. In addition to feeling like I skate better, I don't lose as much fluid during the game. What's not to like? I guess the fact that after two weeks ago when I knocked open a door during the game, I'm still looking at nasty bruises on my shoulder where I hit it. And at any moment I could get drilled like I was four years ago, landing shoulder first.
Complicating this, when the rink changes management, they will implement USA Hockey's equipment requirements, which include shoulder pads . . . think they will notice if I'm not wearing them?
So, do I keep skating without them? (I survived the Baby Huey game/incident just fine.)Do I put them back on?
Do I go out and get some old-school Gretzky style pads?
This is my dilemma.
Mommas, Don't Let Your Kids Grow Up To Play Hockey
So I was at the hockey store this weekend buying some stuff, having some skate maintenance done, etc., and a dad walks in with his teenage and pre-teen sons. The teenager needs a new stick. $175 +tax later, the chip off the 'ol block had the newest, fanciest, coolest Bauer/Nike Vapor XXX one-piece stick. Which, at some point over the next year will get jammed into the boards at a funny angle and break.
When I was starting in hockey, Easton had just released aluminum shafts, and very few people would spend the nearly $100 (gasp!!!) to get one. I traded in my wooden sticks (the old Sher-wood 5030, Coffey curve) for a composite shaft a few years back, but I don't even have a "nice" shaft. Got mine from an ebay closeout.
Did I mention the other kid that came in with his dad for new skates? Probably around 12 or 13, too. Wears a 4 1/2. Brand spanking new, special order skates. How long do you suppose those will fit?
Anyway, getting your kids into hockey isn't getting any cheaper, is it?
When I was starting in hockey, Easton had just released aluminum shafts, and very few people would spend the nearly $100 (gasp!!!) to get one. I traded in my wooden sticks (the old Sher-wood 5030, Coffey curve) for a composite shaft a few years back, but I don't even have a "nice" shaft. Got mine from an ebay closeout.
Did I mention the other kid that came in with his dad for new skates? Probably around 12 or 13, too. Wears a 4 1/2. Brand spanking new, special order skates. How long do you suppose those will fit?
Anyway, getting your kids into hockey isn't getting any cheaper, is it?
The New Skate Dilemma
Last summer my velveteen rabbit skates, a pair of 1990 Bauer 3000 Custom Supreme's finally gave out. The upper started to separate from the sole, and no amount of new rivets was going to save it. Plus, I'm working now, and 16 years later it might be time for new skates. So I went shopping.
I had two friends who were extremely unhappy with the new skates they bought (Bauers, of course) because they were so stiff they could never be broken in. So I was leary, and did some research. I learned two things of note:
(1) My velveteen rabbit skates, which I had worn for 16 years, were always too big for me. I wear a 10 to 10 1/2 shoe, and my skates were 9 1/2s. I always figured that was right. Turns out I'm now properly in an 8 1/2 skate, and I LOVE IT. Huge improvement.
(2) People often pay more for the "better" skate. But "better" often means stiffer, and depending on your weight that's not necessarily "better."
So, for those of you looking for new skates, take a look at Scott Noble's take on new skate buying, which was extremely helpful for me: http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908
Scott also published a book, Hockey for Weekend Warriors. The lessons in it are really directed at the novice hockey player, but the equipment buying sections are quite good for players at any level. And he's pretty funny (funnier than me, anyway).
Note: No, I'm not Scott's friend.
I had two friends who were extremely unhappy with the new skates they bought (Bauers, of course) because they were so stiff they could never be broken in. So I was leary, and did some research. I learned two things of note:
(1) My velveteen rabbit skates, which I had worn for 16 years, were always too big for me. I wear a 10 to 10 1/2 shoe, and my skates were 9 1/2s. I always figured that was right. Turns out I'm now properly in an 8 1/2 skate, and I LOVE IT. Huge improvement.
(2) People often pay more for the "better" skate. But "better" often means stiffer, and depending on your weight that's not necessarily "better."
So, for those of you looking for new skates, take a look at Scott Noble's take on new skate buying, which was extremely helpful for me: http://www.epinions.com/content_3832651908
Scott also published a book, Hockey for Weekend Warriors. The lessons in it are really directed at the novice hockey player, but the equipment buying sections are quite good for players at any level. And he's pretty funny (funnier than me, anyway).
Note: No, I'm not Scott's friend.
The Facemask (I like my teeth)
My 2-year old daughter has a favorite book for me to read her, John Newby's "Heart of the Game." Guess what it's about . . .
(Found at fine booksellers everywhere) You'll note that the little guy on the cover has a facemask. For some reason that's my girl's favorite thing to talk about. She just loves the facemask. So do I.
In our league, a facemask, although strongly recommended, is optional. As a result, several guys don't wear masks, and the half-shield is the choice for others. One of our better players, four years ago or so, was skating along the boards at the blue line during warm-ups when one of our lesser players decided it was a good time to practice her slapshot (yes, "her" -- we were co-ed back then). 19 stiches, and 5% less vision in his left eye later, he switched to the cage.
Karma will get you. Just a few weeks back, our guy had graduated back to the half shield. And he got hit in the face, lacerating his tongue. Ouch. I swear a stick gets up in my grill at least once a game. Of course, several guys on my own team continue to wear the half-shield . . . better them than me.
Now, there's one rule I take issue with USA Hockey over. They state that any high stick that draws blood (causes injury is actually what they say) is an automatic major penalty. What that really means is that if a guy is stupid enough not to wear a cage or full shield, and gets high sticked, the other player is guilty for his stupidity. I think this should be changed. If a player without a mask or with a half-shield is cut as a result of a high stick, there should be no major penalty unless the high stick was malicious (in which case it wouldn't matter if there was an injury). But that's just me. In the mean time, enjoy explaining your cuts, breaks, and missing teeth to your significant other, boss, co-workers, friends . . .
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