Archive for the Recent News Category
Off-Ice Hockey Training Tools for Player Development
For many players and parents, hockey is a long season that involves many hours spent in the rink, but during the off-season there are some awesome training tools that can benefit all hockey players, from beginner to experienced.
Here are some of the best and most popular off-ice training tools on the market today that help improve shooting, passing, stick handling and skating:
- The Boomerang Passer Practice Ice Passing System is made of high density polyethylene to simulate an actual ice surface. It can be set up on virtually any level surface. The off-ice sheet is pre-drilled for proper mounting and comes complete with all the required mounting hardware. In minutes you can mount the Passer to the sheet and you are ready to set-up on your driveway, garage or basement floor.
- The Boomerang practice ice is perfect for practicing passes, one-timers or stick handling.
Get Your Boomerang Passer Today!
2.) Pro Guard Slide Board
- Slide boards are designed to build the quick, explosive strides that you will need to become a powerful skater on the ice. Pro Guard’s Slide Board lateral training helps improve power, change of direction, balance, agility, speed, flexibility and endurance.
- Ask any player in the NHL what the most important aspect of training is, and they will always refer to power skating. It is THE most important aspect of any player’s game, and this tool is an excellent way to build strength and speed off the ice.
Get Sliding Today!
3.) Smart Hockey Balls/Pucks
- The Smart Hockey Balls are excellent for simulating the actual weight and “feel” of a hockey puck. This off-ice training tool is the best way to improve stick handling. These Smart Hockey balls can be used on any flat surface- use it indoors or outdoors, you pick!
Get Stick Handling Today!
Bauer Supreme 1S Skates Available Now!
The new Supreme 1S Skates feature all of Bauer’s industry leading innovations to give you your most explosive stride to date. Entirely new and exciting technology includes C-FLEX Technology found in the tendon guard. This re-engineered tendon guard will feature custom inserts which vary in degrees of stiffness to allow you to choose how much flex can be exerted while skating. Popular additions from the Vapor 1X include Speed Plate footbeds and LS4 blades. You can get your hands on the new Supreme 1S skates NOW! #PlayExplosive
Bauer Supreme 1s Jr
Bauer Supreme 1s Sr
CCM Premier Pro Goalie Gear Available Now!
The new CCM Premier Pro goalie gear is available now! This update of the former Reebok goalie gear is much more than just a name change- utilizing new technology like D30 foam (a variation of Adiprene) and strategic positioning of straps to better suit the modern butterfly goalie. Available now for purchase or let us help you design your own custom set up!
CCM Premier Pro Leg Pads
CCM Premier Pro Blocker
CCM Premier Pro Catch Glove
CCM SpeedBurner Stick Review
We have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to test out the new SpeedBurner stick from CCM for a couple months now. Our conclusion: The SpeedBurner is the ultimate “shooter’s stick.”
CCM has once again partnered up with TaylorMade to create a “loaded blade” technology. This essentially creates a trampoline effect, similar to that of a driver head striking a golf ball. The puck really explodes off the stick, and your shot is noticeably harder. The one downfall to this comes when you catch/receive passes, or are attempting to stickhandle in tight spaces. The puck tends to “pop” off the blade, so if you do not have quick hands it can work to your detriment.
We also found that the Speedburner is noticeably stiffer than other brands. For instance, if you use a 95 flex in a Bauer, you might be better suited with an 85 flex in the Speedburner.
Overall, we would give the CCM SpeedBurner stick a solid 8 out of 10, and we would recommend it for any pure shooter with a heavy shot.
Brian’s and Their Sub Zero 3 Line Are Changing the Game
Brian’s has released the new Sub Zero 3 goalie line, and it is without a doubt one of the best goalie pad designs we have seen. The incredibly light feel, easy smart strap system and customization capabilities have all contributed to the rapid growth of the Brian’s brand. Their dedication to “Goalie’s Only” is evident in their high quality product. Below are some of the highlights:
Lightest Goalie Pad Ever
The new Brian’s Sub Zero 3 goalie pads are 10% lighter than the Sub Zero II, which was previously the lightest pad on the market. The thinner profile has allowed for a weight reduction, but the flat-faced design keeps the pad stiff.
Cutting Edge Design
The Brian’s Sub Zero 3 pads have ditched the leather straps for a smart strap system. The smart strapping system has made the goalie pad 100% adjustable, and allows the goalie to find the most comfortable feel for their game. The design also allows for a smoother pad rotation on the leg for butterfly goaltenders.
Customization Capabilities
The customization of the Brian’s goalie equipment is simply incredible. There is literally no custom design that Brian’s will turn away. The attention to detail is second to none, and the team at Brian’s is enthusiastic about new and challenging designs. Below is a collection of some custom designs that we helped put together at Sports Etc:
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- Custom USA Chest Protector
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- Old School Brian’s B-Star Design
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- Tanner Jones from Virginia Tech
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- Dave Cunningham from Amherst College
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- Ryan McConnell from Tufts University
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- Sihak Lee from BB&N School
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- Moe Bradley from Umass Boston
Fastest Growing Goalie Brand
Brian’s is without a doubt the fastest growing goalie company, and you will see it firsthand at the NHL level. They have increased to an 18% market share amongst NHL/AHL goalies. Brian’s has a small company feel with outstanding customer service. Their dedication to serving goalie customers is unmatched, and has contributed to their incredible growth.
Don’t think you can afford the pro-level Sub Zero 3? Try the Brian’s Sub Zero 7.0 series. One of the best value pads currently on the market. We would put it up against many other companies’ pro-level pads. The stiff face creates an incredibly durable pad, at an affordable price.
Customize your next pair of SZ3’s —->Brian’s SZ3 Customizer
CCM Speedburner LE & SE Hockey Sticks Available Now!
Don’t miss out on the Limited Edition and Special Edition versions of the red hot CCM Speedburner stick. Don’t delay as when they’re gone they’re gone!
Bauer Supreme 1S Stick Available NOW!
The eagerly anticipated Bauer Supreme 1S is here! Check out what they are calling the best Supreme stick ever!
Bauer Sup 1S Sr
Bauer Sup 1S Int
Bauer Sup 1S Jr
Holiday Gift Ideas For The Whole Family!
It’s holiday time and Sports Etc is your one stop for all the skaters and hockey players on your list! We have great gifts throughout the website, but here are a few of our most popular gifts this season!
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Details
- The most durable hockey shooter tutor available! Will last your entire hockey career.
- Patented “Lift Up Design” pull cord allows for easy collection of pucks.
- No exposed bungees to break.
- Rated as the top hockey shooter tutor by the Pros.
- Easily installs on any regulation size net.
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Details
- 20 tiles (20 Sq. Ft.) per box (i.e. 3 boxes = 60 tiles or 60 Sq. Ft.)
- Each tile is 12″ x 12″ (1 Sq. Ft.)
- UV protected for use outdoors as well as indoors
- Mimics the slickness of real ice to give you that on-ice feel
- Tiles snap together in seconds
- Prevents wear and tear on your hockey stick blade
- Durable enough to drive and park on, making them perfect for garages and driveways
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Details
- Extremely durable – made to last
- Perfect for use both on and off the ice
- SweetHands Rookie = 4-Piece Set
- Use the two four foot units to create T or L shaped drills
- Perfect coaching and stickhandling aid for players of all ages and skill levels
- Helps players learn everything from basic stickhandling moves to complex toe-drags and how to incorporate them into a sequence.
- Combine with our PassMaster for the ultimate stickhandling training tool
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Screw in spikes included for on-ice use
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Details
- The only puck passer that has 3 usable sides.
- Let’s you master the critical hockey skills needed to dominate the game.
- Great for working on one-timers and developing quick hands
- Use the PassMaster anywhere you want – the driveway, garage, basement, dryland area and on-ice.
- High quality industrial strength band ensures season after season use
- Comes with removable spikes for on-ice use
- Constructed of heavy-duty steel so it will last season after season!
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Details
- Table hockey game with NHL-inspired design
- Includes 1 extra team
- Size: 96 x 50 cm (L x W)
- All parts are replaceable
- Minimal installation required
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Details
- 2 SuperDeker rebounder bands
- 1 SuperDeker ePuck
- 1 bottle of SuperDeker Zero Friction Ice Spray
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Details
- PLAY SURFACE: New center ice graphics on the 1/4″ thick hardboard surface
- MISCELLANEOUS: Solid wood corner banks & goal zone obstacles
- IN THE BOX: Two hardwood pucks and two plastic hockey sticks
- MADE IN THE USA!
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Details
- Improve your passing, receiving and shooting skills
- Enhance Player creativity
- Create great stick handling speed and accuracy
- Develop quick and soft hands
- Practice with your actual game sticks off the ice
- Practice accurate toe-drag skills
- Train virtually anywhere without the need of a partner
- Set-up and practice real game situations
- Used by all ages at all skill levels
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Details
- Structure: Vinyl outer lined with dual density foam padding in the ankle area and a flex notch
- Lining: Synthetic fur and velvet lined footbed
- Closure: Laces with lace hooks
- Outsole: Molded
- Blade: Carbon steel figure
- Available Sizes: 1-10
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Details
- Expands up to 4 full sizes as your child grows.
- Sizes: 12-2, 2-6, 5-8
- Supportive Liner – Securely holds foot in place no matter the size it’s adjusted to.
- Bladerunner Performance Wheels – 72mm Sized wheels, perfect for little feet learning to roll.
- ABEC 3 Bearings – Keeps wheels turning as young skaters keep moving.
- Durable Integrated Frame – Offers a lower center of gravity for enhanced control.
- Tough Shell – Creates lateral support and protection from hard hits.
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Details
- Expands up to 4 full sizes as your child grows.
- Sizes: 12-2, 2-6, 5-8
- Supportive Liner – Securely holds foot in place no matter the size it’s adjusted to.
- Bladerunner Performance Wheels – 72mm Sized wheels, perfect for little feet learning to roll.
- ABEC 3 Bearings – Keeps wheels turning as young skaters keep moving.
- Durable Integrated Frame – Offers a lower center of gravity for enhanced control.
- Tough Shell – Creates lateral support and protection from hard hits.
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Details
- One strap system
- Comfort nylon liner
- Available sizes: 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, 12/13
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Details
- One strap system
- Comfort nylon liner
- Available sizes: 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, 12/13
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Details
- Structure: Vinyl outer lined with dual density foam padding in the ankle area and a flex notch
- Lining: Synthetic fur and velvet lined footbed
- Closure: Laces with lace hooks
- Outsole: Molded
- Blade: Carbon steel figure
- Available Sizes: 1-10
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Details
- Structure: Lightweight, articulated upper
- Push-button adjustment mechanism
- Lining: Padded velvet including tongue
- Closure: Cuff buckle, 45° powerstrap and laces
- Blade: Carbon steel
- Sizes: US 12J – 2, 2 – 5, 5 – 8
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Details
- Structure: Lightweight, articulated upper
- Push-button adjustment mechanism
- Lining: Padded velvet including tongue
- Closure: Cuff buckle, 45° powerstrap and laces
- Blade: Carbon steel
- Sizes: US 12J – 2, 2 – 5, 5 – 8
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Details
- Built to last with durable non-marking wheels, ABEC 5 bearings, and lightweight plastics.
- Improve your skating stride and endurance at the same time.
- The RollerGard is a great addition to any skater’s bag.
- Skate into the rink, out of the rink, and anywhere that has smooth hard surfaces.
- The Rollergard uses indoor/outdoor wheels with an 89A durometer and ABEC-5 bearings.
- Secure fit with non-slip strap and lock notch strap technology.
- One Size Fits All!
What to Look for in a Goalie Stick
- When choosing a goalie stick, there are some important features to look for when trying to identify the right stick.
- Paddle Height- One of the most common problems that we see in young goaltenders is incorrect paddle height on their stick. It is important to have a good “balance” when you are crouched in the butterfly position. Too often young goalies have paddles that are too large, which throws off their overall balance, and exposes them to bigger rebounds and more areas for the shooter to score. The below picture of Tukka Rask is exactly how you want to be “balanced” when you’re in net. Tuukka gets very low in his stance, so he uses a much smaller paddle than other goalies. There is no uniform measurement for having the properly sized goalie stick, so it is essential to identify what stick height best fits your style of play.
- Weight- The weight of a goalie stick is another overlooked aspect, especially in younger goaltenders. Many times younger goalies have difficulty handling heavier wood sticks. Composite sticks are much lighter, and we typically recommend them to anyone just starting out. For goalies playing at the high school level or higher, we recommend foam core wood sticks. They are slightly heavier than composite sticks, but goalies typically have a much better “feel” for the puck because of the wood construction.
- Feel- Typically, foam core wood goalie sticks generate the best “feel” for the puck. The wood construction allows for a better handle on the puck, and works to “deaden” shots on net. Conversely, composite sticks generate a strong bounce or deflection because of the materials that make up the stick.
- It is important for every goalie to find the best combination of height, weight and feel to find the perfect stick for your game. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice one aspect to achieve another. Make sure to consult the goalie experts at Sports Etc. before your next purchase!
Hockey Parent’s Guide to Fitting Shoulder Pads
In the physical nature of hockey, it is important to have properly fitting shoulder pads. One of the common tendencies when fitting shoulder pads is to look at the shoulder caps themselves. While this is important, there are many other factors to look at when evaluating the fit of a shoulder pad. Below are some of the key features of a good shoulder pad:
- Shoulder Caps- Shoulder caps come in many different shapes and sizes. One of the common misconceptions is that a bigger shoulder cap is more protective. Bigger is not necessarily better. Many shoulder pads now come with a more tapered fit around the shoulder, but offer the same level of protection. You want to make sure the shoulder caps sit directly on top of the shoulders. A shoulder pad that is too large, will slide down the arms of the player and will be more susceptible to shifting around. One that is too small will not properly cover the shoulder.
- Clavicle Protection- Many shoulder pads do not come with a reinforced clavicle protection, so it is important to make sure that there is a reinforced piece of protection over the collar bone. A good shoulder pad will offer this protection.
- Upper Arm Protection- This part of the shoulder pad is often adjustable, and can be slid up and down to offer the best overall protection for the upper arm. The arm of the shoulder pad should meet the top of the elbow pad to ensure the most quality fit.
- Sternum Protection- One of the often overlooked pieces of protection is the sternum. A quality shoulder pad will contain a reinforced piece of padding directly over the sternum area. Many cheaper shoulder pads will offer limited or no protection through this area of the chest.
- Spine Protection- Another extremely important piece of the shoulder pad is the spinal protection. A quality shoulder pad will have a reinforced padding all the way down the spinal cord to ensure protection in an extremely sensitive area of the body. A cheaper shoulder pad will not contain this piece of padding.
Fit Instructions- You want to make sure that the shoulder caps sit directly over the shoulder bone, fully covering the collar bone on each side. The upper arm should meet the top of the elbow pad to fully cover the arm. The shoulder pad should also cover down to at least the middle of the stomach in the front, and midway down the back, where it should meet the hockey pant for full back and kidney protection.
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Email: info@sportsetc.net