Archive for the Uncategorized Category
Tournament Time Equipment Checklist
For most hockey players the end of the fall/winter season culminates with a tournament to decide the champions! It is, 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 blades 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.
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. 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.
Limited Edition CCM E-Flex III Authentic Carey Price Custom Setup
It’s a rare opportunity to get new goalie gear before it’s available to the general public. It’s an even rarer opportunity to get authentic pro goalie gear built to the exact specifications of one of the NHL’s best and most popular goalies. Now you can have both with this numbered, limited edition CCM E-Flex III authentic Carey Price custom setup!
These are as authentic as it gets. From the hand angle of the glove to to length of the pads (34+2″) these are the real deal. This is an awesome setup for any high level goalie, Carey Price fan, or goalie gear collector.
Even if authentic pro pads aren’t your thing, don’t miss a chance to check out the new, soon to be released CCM E-Flex III pro goalie gear weeks before they are available for purchase.
Please call 781-646-1600 or email us at info@sportsetc.net with any inquiries regarding this awesome authentic pad setup.
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
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
Boys Adjustable Ice Skate
Girls Adjustable Ice Skate
Also Available In Rollerblade Skates!
Girls Adjustable Rollerblade
Boys Adjustable Rollerblade
Spring Is Here, Time To Get Rolling! Roller Hockey Skates & Rollerblades For The Whole Family
Spring has arrived and its time to hit the street running…or make that rolling! We offer a great selection of roller hockey skates and Rollerblade inline skates for the whole family. Get your new skates now and get rolling!
Bauer Vapor X300R Sr
CCM Tacks IR92 Sr
Bauer Vapor X300R Jr
CCM Tacks IR92 Jr
Bauer Vapor X400R Sr
Bladerunner Phoenix Boys
Bladerunner Phoenix Girls
Rollerblade Men’s Zetrablade
Rollerblade Women’s Zetrablade
Rollerblade Men’s Macroblade 80
Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 80
Rollerblade Men’s Macroblade 90
Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 90
Rollerblade Men’s Macroblade 80 ABT
Rollerblade Women’s Macroblade 80 ABT
The Top 5 Hockey Skate Brands
1.) Bauer Vapor Line
- The Bauer Vapor series has been a staple in the hockey skate industry for over a decade now. The Vapor line continues to be a best-seller because of its reliable, excellent fit. The narrow, tapered fit allows the skate to fit snugly on a players foot, which most hockey players desire to achieve the best performance.
- The new “trigger” holder from Bauer has also had a tremendous impact on the popularity of the brand. The ability to change out broken blades, or freshly sharpened blades on the fly has proven to provide excellent value to the skate.
2.) CCM Jetspeed Line
- The only skate that has been able to successfully put a dent in the Bauer Vapor line, has been the new Jetspeed skate from CCM. The fit is very similar to that of a Bauer Vapor, in that it is a narrow, tapered fit, which allows the boot to sit securely on the foot. Once you get this skate on someone’s foot, it has been an easy sell.
3.) Bauer Supreme Line
- The Bauer Supreme series has been Bauer’s second best-selling skate for a number of years now. The Supreme fits a little bit wider than the Vapor, so if someone has a “fuller” foot and wants a Bauer skate, this is generally the skate for them. The contoured fit around the ankle provides an excellent heel lock, while the spacious mid-foot area creates a comfortable fit.
4.) CCM Tacks Line
- The new CCM Tacks line mimcs the fit of a Bauer Supreme- the contoured boot locks the heel in place, while the slightly wider mid-foot adds space for those with “fuller” feet. The Tacks of a few years ago were extremely wide, and created a very sloppy fit, but have been newly redesigned for a more secure fit.
5.) CCM Ribcor Line
- The CCM Ribcor Line is one of the most comfortable “out-of-the-box” fits on the skate market. The slightly wider width allows for a generous fit, while the softer boot creates a forgiving and comfortable fit. Ideal for any player that values comfort over anything else.
Bauer Supreme 1S OD1N Available Now!
The new Bauer Supreme 1S OD1N goalie gear propels Bauer headlong in goalie innovation. Using cutting edge, proprietary technology to bring something new and exciting to the crease. The 1S OD1N gear will be available for purchase now! Want to design your own custom set up? Go here:
Bauer Supreme 1S Od1N Customizer and choose Sports Etc as your store!
Bauer Supreme 1S OD1N Blocker
Bauer Supreme 1S OD1N Catcher
Bauer Supreme 1S OD1N Pads
Hockey Parent’s Guide to Fitting a Helmet Properly
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. There are 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 Resistance 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 hockey helmet needs to be re-examined and at times replaced 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.
Bauer Vapor 1X Skate Available NOW!
Bauer Hockey’s most researched, designed, and tested hockey skate in their long history, the Vapor 1X, arrived on April 24, 2015. While the skate is still classic Bauer Vapor there have been some significant changes such as:
- The 1X is built off Bauer’s 3D Lasted Composite upper, but we are introduced to a flashier version of an Aluminized Curv® Composite material.
- The 37.5™ liner technology dry up to 5 times faster than similar fabrics without it. 37.5™ helps to regulate your core body temperature, keeping your foot drier for longer, which enhances control and performance.
- Tuuk Lightspeed Edge holder complemented by an elite grade stainless steel Tuuk LS4 runner, which adds another three millimeters in profile height. This further increases the angle of attack, expands on your profiling options, increases the longevity of the steel with considerably more sharpenings, not to mention the performance enhancements of energy transfer and strong edges offered by such premium steel.
- Bauer’s SPEED PLATE™ features a recovery alloy technology, which basically means that this footbed is customized to your foot. It essentially marries the shape of your foot to the skate and puts the center of pressure more over the blade, which allows for better balance, control and performance.
Bauer Vapor 1X Junior Hockey Skate
$649.99
Bauer Vapor 1X Senior Hockey Skate
$899.99
Location: 
Phone: 
Email: info@sportsetc.net