Archive for the Uncategorized Category
2019 Staff Stick Recommendations For Tourney Time
There is no more important time of year for a hockey player than tournament time! Tournament time is the culmination of the season. It also tends to be the time of the year when your stick has seen better days after numerous slappers, blocks and slashes. Fear not, this is a great time to consider a new stick and we have a few recommendations to narrow down the choices.
Bauer Nexus 2N Pro– This premium, pro level stick is the latest version of the Bauer Nexus line. Nexus stands out as the first of the “Hybrid Flex” sticks featuring a mid-kick point and Sweet Spot Technology for a natural flex. This is Bauer’s most versatile, elite stick.
Warrior QX Pro– A staff favorite for overall performance-to-value in a pro stick. This is the same stick used by junior hockey and college hockey teams. They are exceptionally lightweight and durable, and are offered in an extra tall. The QX line offers a “natural flex” coupled with the Saber Taper and Minimus Carbon 800 for a versatile, high performance experience. Compare this stick to sticks that cost $80-$100 more and you’ll have a new favorite too!
Warrior QRE Pro– Another staff favorite for overall performance-to-value in a pro stick. This is the same stick used by junior hockey and college hockey teams. They are exceptionally lightweight and durable, and are offered in an “extra tall.” The QR line offers a low kick point, the most popular kick point in hockey, coupled with the unique Edge Taper and Minimus Carbon 1000 for a high performance, quick release stick. Compare this stick to sticks that cost $80-$100 more and you’ll have a new favorite too!
CCM SuperTacks AS1– The new SuperTacks AS1 pushes the boundaries of performance and will become the new standard for Mid-Kick point sticks. The stiffness profile has been revisited to maximize loading while providing great stability and control. Not only can players benefit from a great, powerful stick, the feel has been substantially improved. The new X-Flow technology allows for a 10g weight reduction while improving compaction for better durability.
CCM Tacks 9080– Another stick that rates highly in the performance-to-value ratio. Featuring the same mid-kick, maximum loading taper and intermediate geometry as the AS1 in a more affordable stick. At nearly 1/2 the price of an elite stick, this is one of the best deals around.
Brian’s G-NETik IV Pro Goalie Gear
The latest generation of the ultra popular Brian’s G-Netik family of goalie gear is here! While remaining true to the G-Netik concept of softer, more “traditional flex, the new pads add the feature of more torsional flex than any other Brian’s model. Add to that all the modern features you’ve come to expect from Brian’s like simplified Smart Straps and Smart Cord boot strapping.
Pads-
- Smart cord
- Pro 2 Knee Pad System – Compatible with included Pro 2 Knee Pad, can be worn attached to pad or independent
- E-FOAM Technology – Lightweight foam used throughout pro products
- Smart boot
- Primo – Brian’s popular material known for its durability, produces a strong, smooth sliding surface
- Binding-less inside gusset – Creates less drag when sliding across ice, especially on snowy ice late in the game
- Firmer foam – Designed with higher density foam to create a firmer sliding surface
- Laced-in knee block – Reduces drag by creating a more solid connection point for the knee stack, keeping it from fighting the pad while driving the knee pad into the ice
- Torsion Flex Technology
- Internal knee rolls
The catcher and blocker remain true to their progenitors but incorporate the exciting BOA System that made the OPTiK series the talk of the goalie world
Catcher-
- BOA System – The placement of two individual BOA dials allows for the tension level on the hand and wrist to be customized ensuring the desired feel stays consistent all game
- Back-Hand – Tension keeps the hand secure over the break of the glove
- Wrist – Tension secures wrist pad as tight as desired without straps hanging sloppy out of the glove. The floating wrist pad ensures movement and wrist flex is fully attainable
- HEX-AIR – The floating wrist pad features HEX-AIR for increased comfort and air flow
- Digitech palm
- E-FOAM Technology – Lightweight foam used throughout pro products
- Double T
- 35° break angle
- True 1 piece cuff
- Redesigned closure – The glove has been completely re-designed on the backside to help enhance the closure and allow the glove backside to work in unison with the catching side. The glove also features a unique combination of lightweight materials to give the glove a much lighter, balanced feel
- Flat fingers
- Segmented back hand
- Elastic/Velcro back hand access
Blocker-
- BOA System – Replacing traditional backhand strapping, the BOA System allows the user to dial in a custom fit ensuring a secure, comfortable and consistent feel
- Beveled nose
- Digitech palm
- Squared blocker board
- Redesigned wrist strap
- Neutral hand position
- E-Foam technology – Lightweight foam used throughout pro products
- Firm, rigid HD blocker face
Brian’s G-NETik IV Pro goalie gear available now for purchase or custom order
Create New Goals With The CCM Ribcor Trigger 3D!
The CCM Ribcor line has been a favorite amongst the “low kick” crowd for years now. With the launch of the Ribcor Trigger 3D we see some major changes in technology without affecting the long time appeal. CCM used an all-new speared shaft construction and X-Flow Resin Technology that significantly improves energy transfer, durability and overall playability. The unique RibCor Shaft Geometry is much more gradual this year, which better allows energy to transfer through the stick and into the puck for a quicker, harder shot release. Here are the specs-
- Construction:
- Speared one-piece construction with Sigmatex 18K Carbon Fiber
- Flatter, spread two weave that is lighter, stronger and more responsive than ever before
- Provides a superb level of durability, strength, and stiffness in the lower hosel area
- New speared construction provides a more direct feel for the puck and more efficient transfer of energy through each shot
- Enhanced RibCor Pop Matrix Technology
- Smoother integrated of the Pop Matrix allows for a more effective energy transfer
- Optimized construction keeps performance fibers in permanent tension while the shaft corners help to protect them
- Performance fibers have been re-engineered to deliver an even quicker shot release and a more efficient energy transfer process than the previous generations
- X-Flow Technology
- New manufacturing process that provides better a strength-to-weight ratio by using less resin and more carbon fiber
- Speared one-piece construction with Sigmatex 18K Carbon Fiber
- Flex Profile:
- Optimized Low-kick Point
- Ideal for the “finesse” shooter who’s looking to get a shot off as quick as possible
- Enables for the x and y-axis of the stick to unload at the same time for better efficiency and effectiveness
- Optimized Low-kick Point
- Geometry:
- Straight sidewalls with rounded corners
- Grip:
- Grip stick coating
- Blade:
- Ascent Blade 3 Construction with tactile blade surface
- Soft heel that gradually gets stiffer as it nears the toe for excellent puck feel for stickhandling and deadly accuracy when shooting
- Ultra-lightweight design raises the balance point for enhanced playability
- Aramid fiber reinforced heel and toe for significant durability improvements
- Ascent Blade 3 Construction with tactile blade surface
CCM Ribcor Trigger 3D is available for purchase 11/2/18
Introducing Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Stick- Welcome To Boomtown!
The new Bauer Supreme 2S Pro stick continues the legacy of the Bauer “power” line. The shaft will also continue to use TeXtreme carbon fiber, but will now include a new DuraFlex resin system which will help lead to a stronger and more durable shaft. Maximum Power Kick flex profile that we’re now familiar with on the Supreme line. The MPK flex profile leads to a 14% more energy stored during a shot while 20% more power is unloaded due to the stiffer and thicker lower third of the shaft and more flexible upper handle. Bauer has also upgraded the blade with Advanced Carbon Layering, which involves optimizing the fiber placement in order to improve durability and the strength to weight ratio. Here are the specs-
- Construction:
- Lightweight TeXtreme® Carbon Fiber
- TeXtreme® is 20% lighter and manages impact stresses 20% better than traditional carbon fiber
- Monocomp Technology
- True one-piece compression molding process, eliminates “fusion” or connection point between shaft and blade
- Gives players an unreal responsive and consistent feel from top to bottom
- Best process available for a lightweight and balanced hockey stick
- Duraflex Resin
- Next-generation shaft resin that focuses on handling stresses from impacts and flex
- Provides better durability causing by continually bowing out the stick as players trend down in flex rating
- Lightweight TeXtreme® Carbon Fiber
- Flex Profile:
- Supreme Power Taper
- The .520 power taper boost torsional stiffness to maximize loading with less torquing and twisting for better control and precision
- Maximum Power Kick (MPK) Mid-Flex Profile with an Extended Transfer Zone
- 11% more effective Transfer Zone provides the same big-time shot power but is now much more efficient on the quicker releasing snap and wrist shots
- The re-engineered mid kick point was designed to release more energy, more efficiently
- Lower 1/3rd of the stick is stiffer and thicker than before, which helps to push the kick point higher
- Supreme Power Taper
- Geometry:
- Squared corners with straight sidewalls
- Offers a traditional, boxy feel in the hands for maximum grip
- Squared corners with straight sidewalls
- Grip:
- Tacky grip finish
- Blade:
- RenewCore with TeXtreme 18K Carbon fiber
- Provides next-level durability and shot power with a pressurized, liquid state gel core
- As cracks begin to form inside of the blade, the pressurized gel fills them in to help provide support and strength for a longer lasting entire blade
- The gel’s unique properties increase shot power and overall puck feel by absorbing the energy and directly returning it into the puck
- Provides next-level durability and shot power with a pressurized, liquid state gel core
- ACL (Advanced Carbon Layering) Technology
- 13% thinner internal carbon layers with more fiber angles reduce weight without sacrificing strength
- Advanced design technique with an optimized fiber placement increases durability and strength-to-weight ratios
- eLASTech Technology
- Proprietary resin with carbon nanotubes reinforcements and tougheners that provide a 56% increase in strength compared to standard resin
- Extends the life of the stick by helping to keep micro-fractures from growing and spreading
- RenewCore with TeXtreme 18K Carbon fiber
The Bauer Supreme 2S Pro is available for purchase on 11/2/18
SuperDeker Advanced Training System Available Now!
\SuperDeker is here! The most exciting, interactive, and fun off-ice training tool to come along in years is now available at Sports Etc. The SuperDeker Training System is great fun for all ages. The system helps keep skills fresh and also helps players of all ages develop new skills with the 3 different game modes- Training, Hot Shot, & Speed Passing. Stop by the new Sports Etc Stick Cellar to experience SuperDeker for yourself!
Click Here To Purchase
Snipers Edge Dryland Training Gear
We believe to improve your game on ice you need to put in the work off ice. We are excited to add dryland training gear from Snipers Edge to our other off ice training products. Snipers Edge offers a range of products to help improve your game. Here are just a few of the most popular items
Slick Tiles Hockey Flooring– This is where it all starts. CCM Sniper’s Edge Slick Tiles Dryland Flooring Tiles by shooting, stick handling and passing in your very own home hockey training area. Perfect for hockey players who want to take their game to the next level, Slick Tiles Hockey Floor Tiles allow you to have a dryland training area almost anywhere. Sold in boxes of 20 tiles
PassMaster Rebounder– The PassMaster™ is the best selling hockey passer and one-timer training aid of all time. The reason is simple! It’s the most versatile hockey passing aid available, offering the most features for the lowest price. While other copy-cat products are made of cheap plastic and only offer one or two passing lanes, the PassMaster’s solid steel construction and THREE sided band design makes it the most durable and best hockey puck passer on the market. Use one, two or even all THREE sides to give you ultimate flexibility in the various drills you can master. The PassMaster hockey passing aid can be used to work on passing accuracy, short bullet passes, rocket fast one-timers, catching passes with soft hands, and more
SweetHands Stickhandling Trainer-
SweetHands hockey stickhandling aid will greatly improve your speed, timing, eye-hand/stick coordination, precision, and consistency when dangling with a puck or stickhandling ball, and can be used either on or off the ice. (Screw in spikes for on-ice use included) After technically mastering each individual skill, the player will advance to higher speed movement drills as well as partner passing, utilizing forehand, backhand and saucer passing.
Snipers Edge dryland training products will be available at Sports Etc starting in June 2018
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!
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!
CCM Premier II Customizer
CCM Premier II Goalie 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.
Location: 
Phone: 
Email: info@sportsetc.net