2017 Bauer Nexus 1N Composite Hockey Stick Available 12/2/16
Top shelf, bottom corner, even championships—hit what you’re aiming for every time with the new 2017 NEXUS 1N stick. With the new control shaft geometry and improved sweet spot technology, load your shot with ease and put the puck in the back of the net. The 2017 Nexus 1N is available 12/2/16
We Have Skates For The Whole Family!
Ice skates and ice skating are an essential part of fall and winter in the Northeast and beyond. From hockey to figure skating, from free skate to pond skating, from youth hockey to beer league hockey. Whatever you choose to do we have ice skates for you and your whole family! All our new skate include complimentary initial skate sharpening! From toddler to kids to adults we have we you need to get skating in the right direction
Introducing the New Brian’s GNetik 3!
On the heels of the popular G-Netik II, Brian’s introduces the G-Netik Pro 3 Series.
The Brian’s G-Netik Pro 3 Leg Pads feature a newly redesigned flat face designed for the flex the hybrid goalie desires with the stiffness the butterfly style needs
The Brian’s G-Netik Pro 3 Catch Glove feature a newly redesigned cuff angle designed to funnel pucks directly into the pocket to meet the needs of the active butterfly goalie.
Brian’s G-Netik Pro 3 Blocker features a newly redesigned palm designed to give the best balance and feel while giving the best rebound control for active butterfly goalies.
Come in and check out the new Brian’s G-Netik Pro 3 goalie gear today! Available now for purchase or let our goalie experts help you design the custom setup of your dreams!
Now Available: Tuukka Rask Pro-Spec Goalie Catcher!
Ever wonder what it’s like to suit up like an NHL goalie?
Now for a limited time, Sports Etc. is offering a deal on a brand new, unused pro-stock goalie catcher designed for Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask!
PRO SPECS INCLUDE…
- Vaughn T-5500 design with a split cuff for added flexibility in the wrist
- Double spine T web, which is stiffened so it does not curl over
- Adjusted glove angle that stands more straight when the glove is closed. This allows for an easy and effortless closing motion
- Boston Bruins colors
- NHL approved to meet all regulations on goalie equipment sizing
Normally $489.99, Now Available for $459.99! Call 781-646-1600 (Limited Number Available, While Supplies Last)
A Guide to the Safest and Best Fitting Hockey Helmets
As a parent, there are many things to think about when outfitting your hockey player. With all that we know about concussions, the most important piece of equipment is the hockey helmet. At Sports Etc. we like to highlight a few important pieces to focus on when fitting a hockey helmet. Most notably- proper fit, protection level and life span.
Proper fit: A proper fitting helmet should fit snugly on the player’s head. Any sign of a helmet rattling around, or fitting too loosely can be a major issue. Hockey players can take a variety of impacts, and a helmet that does not sit tightly on the head can lead to a variety of dangerous scenarios. Mainly, the helmet being dislodged from the player completely.
One of the commonly overlooked aspects of fitting a helmet, is how the cage fits onto the helmet itself. Many helmets are sold in “combo” form, with a cage already attached, but it is important to know that sometimes cage size and helmet size are not always consistent with each other. That is why we recommend buying the cage and helmet separately, to ensure the absolute best fit. The cage should sit right on the player’s chin, and should be firmly locked into the “J-Clips” on the side of the helmet. This ensures that the cage will not be driven into the players chin upon impact- which is a common factor in concussions.
Protection Level: Hockey hits come in all types, sizes and intensities. Often times, it is not necessarily the biggest hit on the ice that causes injury, but the most “awkward” hits. Different types of protection levels are essential in preventing concussions. Most helmets on the market help to protect against linear or direct impacts to the head. The difference between the cheaper and more expensive helmets though, is the quality of the foam used within the helmet. The best type of foam to look for is layered EPP or Poron. Most helmets in the $120+ range contain these materials. Low-end helmets often contain one layer of standard VN foam, which loses protective capability over time as it hardens.
The one aspect that differentiates the BEST helmets, from the lower-end helmets, is a helmets protection level against rotational impacts. Most helmets can withstand a linear or direct impact, and can sufficiently protect the player, but the rotational impacts typically have a more devastating impact on a players head. There are numerous helmets on the market that take this into account- most notably the Bauer Re-Akt series and the CCM 3DS series. These technologies help the head move independent of the helmet, so the awkward angle impacts, which cause the head to snap around with the helmet are mitigated.
Life Span: Another critical and overlooked area in preventing concussions, is paying attention to the “life span” of a helmet. Routinely, a player can wear the same size helmet for years and years. A lot of times, a youth hockey player can stay in that same size helmet until adulthood. Just like anything that gets worn down over time, a completely. The important piece to look at, is the foam within the helmet. The foam is designed to take repeated impacts, but over time as the impacts increase, and sweat is absorbed and dried out into the material- the foam hardens. As the player takes an impact, this hardened foam is driving into the head, which can cause major head trauma. At Sports Etc. we suggest changing out your helmet every 3 years. hockey helmet needs to be re-examined and at times replaced
The Top 3 Hockey Helmets that Sports Etc. Recommends:
CCM 3DS (Read More) $259.99
Bauer Re-Akt (Read More) $199.99
CCM FitLite (Read More) $199.99
Adjustable Ice Skates-The Perfect Introduction To Ice Skating
While it may seem great hockey players were born with performance hockey skates on their feet it actually isn’t true. Nearly everyone starts their road to hockey greatness with something far simpler. One of the best products we’ve found for first time ice skaters is the adjustable ice skate from Bladerunner/Rollerblade
These affordable ice skates work well for young skaters on a couple of levels-
- They are comfortable, supportive and easy to secure utilizing a lace/strap/buckle system. This ensures both the skater and parent have a positive, pain-free, frustration-free first experience on the ice
- The unique adjustable sizing feature allows the skate to “grow” with the skaters up to 3 full sizes! This eliminates the idea of “buyer’s remorse” and “sticker shock” that folks sometimes associate with ice skating and hockey
Now these skates aren’t designed for hockey or figure skating but rather introductory skating lessons and skating for fun. That said, they are the perfect first step towards hockey greatness…or for kids who just want to skate for the fun of it
Also Available In Rollerblade Skates!
Finding the Proper Fit: Hockey Skates
Finding the right pair of hockey skates can be confusing with so many makes, models and changes to the hockey industry over the years. To simplify things, it is easier to break down skate fit into 3 categories: Tapered/Narrow, Contoured/Mid, and Traditional/Wide. Let’s take a closer look at what we mean and how it relates to the two major skate manufacturers; CCM and Bauer:
1.) Tapered/Narrow Fitting Skates
The tapered style skates generally have a narrower and shallower profile than other models, which allows for a nice, snug fit around the foot for optimum performance. This is the most popular fit within the hockey community and generally caters to an individual with an average foot, but is definitely not right for everyone, especially those with fuller feet. The tapered fit are products of the Bauer Vapor line, and the CCM Jetspeed line- our two best selling models.
2.) Contoured/Mid-Cut Skates
The contoured/mid-cut skates are perfect for someone with average to slightly full cut feet. It runs wider than the tapered line of skates, but still has a firm heel lock to provide a secure fit. This style of fit tends to be our second most popular seller, and offers a perfect blend between a narrow and wide cut skate. Examples of this skate would be the Bauer Supreme series and the CCM Tacks line.
3.) Traditional/Wide Fitting Skates
The traditional or wide cut skates are the fullest cut of any skate models on the market today. The more flexible boot and deeper heel allows for a relaxed and comfortable fit for those with wider feet. If you tend to have a narrow foot, this may not be the best option because the extra space within the skate may cause discomfort or hurt your overall performance. This style of fit is similar to that of a EE width, and has really replaced the need to seek out a different skate in a EE wide. The Bauer Nexus series, and the CCM Ribcor line offer this fit.
If you are able to narrow your search down to these three fit styles, selecting the perfect skate becomes much more manageable. With that said, the BEST way to ensure a proper fit is to come see the experts at Sports Etc!
Introducing The 2016 CCM Super Tacks Skates
After the successful launch of the CCM JetSpeed skates in 2015 it was with great anticipation that we awaited the 2016 launch of the CCM Tacks skates featuring the return to prominence of the legendary Super Tack skate! Five years in the making, the CCM Super Tacks skate represents one of the most revolutionary technologies found in hockey skates in decades. Some of the notable features include:
- The high performance carbon composite used in the Super Tacks skate is uniquely moldable to the player’s foot, providing an excellent customizable fit and high level of skating performance.
- MonoFrame 360 technology is a one-piece boot frame that eliminates the need for an outsole. It allows the skate to be molded 360° around the foot, for ultimate reactiveness and Direct Force Propulsion (DFP).
- The SpeedBlade Black consists of a premium oxide-treated steel that hardens the blade and helps provide a longer edge life.
The entire Tacks line is the most anatomical fit of the CCM family of skates with a slightly fuller toe box with an anatomical heel lock for the perfect balance of comfort and control. If you haven’t tried on a Tacks skate recently you really owe it to yourself to try one on.
Need more incentive to try out the new CCM Super tacks? How about a chance to win a pair of Super Tacks skates? For a limited time if you come in and check out a pair of new Super Tacks skates you will be given a key with a chance to “unlock” a pair of Super Tacks skates! Hey, even if you don’t win the skates we’ll still give you a free CCM hat just for trying the skates on! Click on the banner below for more details
Exclusive Vaughn Goalie Pads Featuring “Howie” Pro Design
Ever wanted to look like one of the most popular goalies in the NHL? Now you can with the Sports Etc exclusive V7 XR Carbon Pro Leg Pads featuring “Howie” graphics. The unique, exclusive features include:
- a tapered toe that allows a greater attack angle
- y-strapped calf wrap with a more generous leg channel for greater rotation of the lower leg
- an improved knee cradle and lift with unique strapping system
The stark white face with a single colored outside cheater roll makes these pads stand out from the pack. The overall effect is a clean looking, clean sealing pad that allows maximum attack angle for dominance across the crease
Contact us about our selection of Howie Pro Designed leg pads as well as the matching V7 Blocker and Pro Spec Vision Catcher
The New STX Surgeon RX2 Hockey Sticks- Setting Out To Reshape The Game
In the modern era of composite hockey sticks there have been many innovations and changes. The one thing that has remained constant is the shape. For the most part the shape of sticks has been square or, more specifically, rectangular. STX is looking to change all that with the introduction of the Surgeon RX 2 composite stick line featuring Puregrip Technology.
Puregrip Technology gives you an entirely new way to take control of the game. Its innovative, ergonomic design on the underside of the shaft fills the void in your hand left by a traditional shaped hockey stick. The angular shape on the bottom of the stick maximizes hand contact points for advanced stick control and quick, responsive play.
It has the familiar square top, but the bottom is like nothing you’ve ever played with before. It’s like the ultimate hybrid of a hockey stick and a lacrosse stick (STX being one of the leaders in LAX gear being completely coincidental). It has a great feel in the bare hand, but you really need to hold it with hockey gloves to fully appreciate just how different and comfortable this shape is. This unique ergonomic shape creates more contact points in the hand creating greater control.
The STX Surgeon RX2 sticks will be available on June 10th. Stop in and check out the shape of things to come!