Archive
Get The Perfect Fit! The CCM 3D Hockey Skate Scanner
CCM Hockey jumps headlong into the 3D skate scanner market with the launch of the new CCM 3D Fit Scanner. The CCM 3D Fit Scanner combines elements of other popular skate scanners resulting in the most versatile scanner on the market. The CCM 3D Fit Scanner can be used 3 ways-
- Skate Recommender- The 3D scanner interface can be used to analyze any set of feet and recommend the ideal size and line of stock CCM skates. It even gives you the second best choice.
- 3D Custom Mold- The 3D scanner interface can be used to order a set of 3D custom molded skates. In this process, a 3D model of your foot is created and a Super Tacks AS1 is pressure molded to the model giving you a perfect fit right out of the box! This process takes about 8 business days and is the best option for a custom fitted skate.
- Total Custom Skates- The 3D scanner interface can be used to create a true custom skate. The process is the same as the 3D custom skate, but your options are greater. Among the options are a choice of Super Tacks AS1, Jet Speed FT1, Ribcor 70K, different sizes for left and right foot, different tongues and many more options. Total Custom Skates take 2-4 weeks for delivery.
The CCM 3D Fit Scanner will be at Sports Etc. Follow us on social media for updates on the CCM 3D Fit Scanner!
The Sports Etc Stick Cellar: Now Open!
In early April we started demolition on what will be our new, dedicated hockey stick room in the basement of our Arlington, MA store. When completed this room will hold 1,000+ hockey sticks.
In recent days, all the electrical has been wired, wall studs placed and plastering has been completed.
Painting and slat wall should be completed by early next week. The hockey stick room will include a shooting area to test out demo sticks from companies like Bauer, CCM, Warrior, Raven, and more!
At the rate the project is moving, we plan on a soft launch in late May with an official Grand Opening in early June. Follow the progress on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts!
Update May 25, 2018– The Sports Etc Stick Cellar is nearly complete. Carpeting is down, electrical completed, slat wall hung and A/V system installed. The shooting alley, one of the highlights of the Stick Cellar, is finished and awaiting a custom shooting tap. There is still work to be done but we’re all excited as we get closer and closer to a Grand Opening!
Update June 12, 2018- It’s finally here! It’s the Grand Opening of the Sports Etc Stick Cellar! Come join us 6/14-6/18 to check out our new dedicated, exclusive, stick room and score great deals on sticks all weekend long! As a special attraction, meet Boston Bruins Ryan Donato and Noel Acciari On Thu 6/14 from 5:00-7:00 (thank you to our friends at Warrior Hockey)
Update June 27, 2018
The Sports Etc Stick Cellar is officially open! We recently added demo sticks from Warrior, Bauer, CCM and Raven. The shooting booth is fully operational and we just added some super comfortable custom Bauer stadium seats. We are very proud of the finished product and look forward to everyone getting a chance to check it out
Sports Etc Stick Cellar Gallery
Introducing the Raven Ninja III Hockey Stick
New for May 2018, the Ninja Gen3, has a new look and enhanced features for players under 120 pounds. Here are some of the highlights:
- World’s Lightest Junior Stick- Built with 25x BLACKMOND ultra lightweight and thin performance carbon, the Ninja III from Raven is far lighter than anything on the market today.
- Same Pro Feel- Despite the new carbon, Raven has kept the same hand-built, mid-kick response.
- Blade Stiffness- The new 25x BLACKMOND carbon pattern delivers more power transfer and velocity to the puck with less vibration and twisting. This creates less blade “opening” during the shot, which helps deliver more powerful and accurate shots.
Ninja III 20 flex= 250 grams
Ninja III 30 flex= 270 grams
Ninja III 40 flex= 290 grams
Ninja III 50 flex= 310 grams
CCM Premier II Pro Goalie Gear Arrives April 2018!
The latest edition of the ultra-popular CCM Premier goalie gear, the Premier II Pro, arrives in late April. This is the lightest, most innovative version of the Premier series ever. Here are a few of the features:
Premier II Pro Leg Pads
Litecore Technology- 20% lighter core than the original Premier with structural integrity to help the pad seal to the ice.
Max Rebound Technology– Directional energy transfer foam offers powerful rebound control, eliminating the second shot.
Quick Motion Strap System– Responsive system for faster drop velocity and butterfly recovery.
Premier II Pro Catch Glove
Double T Pocket– Increased visibility in the pocket.
D30 Technology– Increased protection and shock absorption.
Adjustable Hand Strap– Improved fit for optimized snap.
Premier II Pro Blocker
Redesigned Inside Thumb Protector– Lightweight and optimized weight balance.
D30 Technology– Impact protection when the puck rolls up on the paddle.
Anatomical Cuff– Increased wrist mobility for playing the puck.
Pre-Order Now: Premier II Pro gear will be available to purchase on April 29, 2018!
New to 2018: The CCM Super Tacks AS1 Hockey Skates
The CCM Super Tacks was the first skate in 2016 to introduce the one-piece benefit to the hockey world. Building upon that design for 2018, is the new CCM Super Tacks AS1 skate. Featuring the engineered and patented Monoframe 360 technology, the Super Tacks AS1 pushed the limits further than ever before! Here are some of the key features-
One Piece Benefit– A newly designed fully anatomical shape that molds to every inch of the player’s foot and helps provide more foot-to-skate contact
Carbon Composite Frame– A one of a kind carbon composite material that helps players generate extreme power in their skating stride
SpeedBlade Black– A premium, oxide treated runner that helps provide advanced performance, a longer edge life, and higher resistance to corrosion
CCM Super Tacks AS1 will launch on April 27, 2018
The Best Value Hockey Sticks of 2018
With so many hockey sticks to choose from, and prices topping out at $300+, it is important to find the best value when shopping for a hockey stick. Here is a list of the top 5 sticks for 2018 based on the best bang for your buck:
1. The Warrior Alpha QX Pro Hockey Stick- $199.99
The Warrior Alpha QX Pro may be the best value in a performance level, quick release composite stick that we’ve seen. The QX Pro delivers at about 2/3 the price of most pro sticks– and contains most, if not all the benefits of a high-end hockey stick. The QX Pro is essentially a “team stick” that is used at the collegiate/junior/European professional league level, and is now being offered to consumers that are looking for a high-end stick at an affordable price.
2. The CCM Ribcor Pro PMT Hockey Stick- $149.99
Combined with its low kick point, optimized flex ratio, and PopMatrix technology, the Ribcor Trigger Pro PMT delivers excellent feel and a quick release in all situations of the game. One of the better value sticks on the market with high-end technology at an affordable price point. You will be surprised how light this stick is at a $150 price point. It has the weight and feel of a top-end hockey stick.
3. The True T-Pro Hockey Stick- $149.99
The True T-Pro “pro stock” may be one of the best stick bargains on the market today. This performance stick is used in professional leagues across Europe, and has an excellent overall value. Similar to the Warrior QX Pro, this is a can’t miss deal. A unique opportunity for a consumer to buy an affordable “team stick” used by professional hockey players overseas.
4. The STX Stallion HPR Hockey Stick- $249.99
The STX Stallion HPR has a lighter blade, which allows the ability to redistribute the weight up the shaft, providing you with a higher balance point for a lighter feeling stick, without compromising durability. This stick is extremely light at 420 grams, but is designed to be more durable than your average high-end stick. At around $50 cheaper than your average top of the line stick, this stick is an excellent value.
5. The Bauer Supreme Comp Hockey Stick- $119.99
The Bauer Supreme Comp has the same kick-point and feel of the Bauer Supreme 1S. The kick-point is located higher on the stick, which makes it ideal for powerful slap-shots and snap-shots. At 475 grams, the Comp has a similar weight to high-end Bauer sticks such as the X900, S190 at a more affordable price.
Order Your Custom CCM Premier II Goalie Gear Now!
If you’ve been waiting in anticipation to order your CCM Premier II custom setup, fear not, the wait is over! The CCM Premier II customizer is online now! This will allow you you design your own custom set up. When you’re ready to order, just select Sports Etc as your store and we’ll get the wheels rolling on your new gear!
Tourney Time Checklist 2018
It’s tourney time! End of season tournaments are, without a doubt, the most exciting time of the season. It is also the most critical time as the games mean more and the competition is even greater. For these reasons it’s worth taking the time to take a few precautions with your most important gear!
Helmet– Check to make sure all your screws, snaps and straps are secure and in place. Most skate shops can help get your helmet in working order in no time. Consider buying an extra chin strap as tourney time tends to be the one time refs check on these things. Having an extra mouthpiece is also strongly recommended.
Skates– Make sure your skates are sharpened. No matter when the last time you got them sharpened was, this is the time of year to have them done before each game. Losing an edge can happen at any point so don’t take any chances! Have your blade height checked by an expert. If they are getting low on steel, get them replaced. If you have Bauer skates with the LS2 Edge holders (trigger) investing in a backup set of blades and having them sharpened and ready to go is a very worthwhile purchase. We recommend Tydan Performance Blades.
Sticks- Obviously, the importance of your sticks can’t be stressed enough. Check the condition of your stick. Oh, and the condition of your backup. If you’re in the market for a reliable primary or backup stick, check out some of our Staff Recommendations.
Goalies- Grab an extra set of toe laces just in case you cut or break one during the course of play. Check out all of your clips and buckles to make sure you have them all and they are all functional. Check the condition of the cage on your mask and if it’s badly dented, get it replaced. Having a backup stick is also strongly recommended. The TRUE A4.5 is one of our favorites. Like with players skates, if you have skates with Bauer Edge Vertexx (trigger) holders, we strongly recommend having a second set of runners, pre-sharpened and ready to go. Check Out Tydan Performance Blades. While you’re at it, grabbing an extra dangler would be a great idea!
Miscellaneous– Make sure you have enough hockey tape, clear tape, and hockey laces to get you through the next couple of weeks! The relatively low cost versus peace of mind makes this an essential purchase.
Introducing Tydan Performance Skate Blades
Tydan Specialty Blades Inc. was founded in 1996, specializing in the manufacturing of industrial blades. The Tydan Performance Blades Skate Shop was born in July of 2012. Shortly there after, Jim & his son Tyler began dealing with replacement blades, but were never completely satisfied with the quality or performance. They decided to take matters into their own hands and created the first prototype of Tydan Blades. 5 years later, Tydan Blades are one of the best quality, high performance replacement blades on the market.
You can find Tydan steel used by professionals, junior and minor hockey players all over the world! Tydan Performance Blades are manufactured with an extremely high quality stainless steel, which are put through an extensive heat treating & annealing process. The end result is a harder, tougher blade than anything else on the market today!
Here are some of the highlights and benefits of Tydan Performance Blades:
– Added height to blades for sharper turns & faster acceleration, better attack angles & stronger push-offs (similar to the height advantages of the Bauer LS3/LS4 steel).
– Harder steel for better edge retention & longer sharpening life.
– Tougher steel to avoid fractures & breakages.
Sports Etc is happy to offer Tydan Performance Blades for Bauer LS Edge (trigger) player skates and LS Vertexx (trigger) goalie skates. Player steel retails for $89.99, while the goalie steel retails $109.99.