By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_S_Musselman]Karen S Musselman
If you're really into hockey, you should definitely be using some hockey training programs not only to improve your skills, but to keep your body in the best shape for this sport, which is very fast and furious and very demanding. Playing hockey well requires players to be in good aerobic shape as well being strong and agile.
Aerobics really improves a player's endurance and the effort needed to stay out on the ice and in the game for what could be some grueling play! And while a lot of the aerobic and cardio training, and especially the strength training and weight lifting, in some hockey training programs are done off the ice, the best training programs will definitely incorporate a good bit of on-ice training as well.
Virtual training, which you can do with online programs or DVD courses can help with some of the initial training as well. There are some good hockey training programs on video today that provide some excellent virtual training off the ice.
You can actually get some pretty good information plus learn basic stick and puck handling moves, different ways to make shots, and even some skating maneuvers.
These types of programs are really popular for players who know many of the basics already and have hectic schedules requiring them to schedule their hockey training programs around full time job or school schedules.
Some of the following types of training can be done either from home using a DVD or online program, or by going to your local gym. And of course, your team coach should definitely be adding this type of training to the team schedule along with regular practice.
1) Hockey Strength and Weight Training
You use a lot of muscles when you play hockey. Hockey is probably one of the hardest sports on your body when it comes to wear and tear. You'll be training not only for strength and flexibility, but you'll also obviously be training for speed. So while you might think that hockey is all about your legs and knees, think again.
Sure, the strength of your legs is key enabling the ultimate in puck control, balance and fast skating while preventing any serious injuries. And since you need to keep your legs strong and flexible, and because hockey players take such long strides out on the ice, leg exercises should include moves that will work the groin area too.
But just as important are other muscles you'll use extensively during the game, which include your lower back, adductors, abductors, abs, glutes, hip flexors and extensors.
2) Hockey Cardio Training
If you've never done any serious cardio training, you want to start slow and as much as possible, reduce any type of exercise that's going to create stress on your joints, like running and jumping, especially right before the season starts. You can get excellent cardio and aerobic training without pounding the heck out of your joints.
Using a stepper or an elliptical machine will really build you aerobically and help build the endurance you'll need on the ice, but without wearing out your knees before the season even starts.
In addition to aerobic conditioning, you'll also need to increase your anaerobic level higher to withstand the anaerobic shifts out on the ice during the game. So make sure the hockey training programs you're using have you working out anaerobically for 45-second shifts during your aerobic training and you'll get yourself in the shape you need for the season.
3) Plyometric Training for Hockey Players
Hockey is a sport that requires some really fast movements like stopping short and changing direction in rapid speed, jumping over players and dropped hockey sticks, running fast, then turning quickly on the ice.
What Plyometric exercises do is trains your muscles, connective tissues and your nervous system so you can successfully make these fast motion moves on the ice. Doing Plyometrics will seriously help you with rapid direction changes, your overall agility and it will help increase your shooting power during your game.
The bottom line, however you decide to train for the season, overall hockey training programs should definitely include all of the above in addition to any other training or drills you'll be doing. A good rounded program will get you in the best shape and keep you in the best shape so you're always playing your best.
About the Author: [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com has articles and other free information for getting the best deals for all of your inline and ice hockey gear, including [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/ice-hockey-drills.html/]ice hockey drills to add to your training programs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Get-Ready-for-the-Ice-With-These-Hockey-Training-Programs-and-Exercises&id=6470280] Get Ready for the Ice With These Hockey Training Programs and Exercises
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Rick Rypien - Depression Is Tough in the NHL
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_D._Silver]James D. Silver
Sports fans are jealous people. We are people who envy professional athletes. Some of us need vicarious competition in a dull life, so we gravitate to athletes. Others wish they were athletes themselves, and live vicariously through the athletes as individuals. Some like the perceived fame and glory (and girls) that go with being a famous person and others just wish they had the money.
Sorry to shock the average sports fan, but pro athletes have all the traits of regular people and are not much different from your best friend or perhaps the guy you hate who lives across the street. Some are criminals and loathsome creatures. Some are that guy at church who seems to do everything perfectly. Some are mean, some are decent, some are family friendly, and some are annoyingly over-competitive.
And some have mental health issues. Of course, since athletes are macho men who focus on a body and mind that function at a physical optimum, it's tough to accept the fact that, notwithstanding all these attributes, one can still have mental health issues. We see it in athletes who act like spoiled brats, who seem to think everyone is persecuting them, or who are overtly angry. But, while sportswriters are willing to conjecture about physical injuries, they never conjecture about the mental health of an athlete. Is it because they are afraid of being sued? I doubt it.
Think of recent highly publicized athletes - how about the college quarterback with the "I am privileged attitude" who takes no consideration of coach or team. Or, what about the athlete who was into animal fighting? Or,how about the athlete who threw a football as far as he could in anger, making a ball boy chase after it? Look at the depths of these characters, and it is easy to see a mental health issue being critical in defining the individual. In all of these cases, the potential mental health issues surrounding the player should be discussed in detail, rather than burying them under the carpet.
This brings us to Rick Rypien, an NHL player for the Vancouver Canucks who battled depression for a decade. Can you imagine a pro athlete, making all that money, having all that fame and not being happy about it? What gives? How does this affect our dream world of athletes being different? This guy suffered from depression - a real disease which can bring anyone down. Winston Churchill suffered from it, as have many others. Today we have medication, but it isn't always effective, and yet we still don't talk about it.
Can you imagine the NHL game announcer for the Vancouver Canucks: "Sorry, fans, but Center Ryan Kesler won't be on the ice tonight because of a sprained ankle, and enforcer Rick Rypien is day to day due to a bout of depression that has taken a turn for the worse."
But we should consider this as an option. Perhaps if Rick Rypien and other athletes who suffer from this illness went public with it, then it would be easier for them to cope with it. There is a lot of stress involved in a public person hiding something from the public, although it is clear that Winnepeg Jets Assistant GM Craig Heisinger was aware of Rick Rypien's illness. The good news is that it was being treated. The bad news is that the treatment didn't succeed.
It would be easy to talk superficially about the boxer's son who was an rel=nofollow [http://sportadore.com/NHL]NHL enforcer. (Would we use the word "goon" if he were still alive?) It would be easy to say he had an anger inside that couldn't be dealt with.
So, let's get it out on the table. Let's talk about athletes who suffer from mental issues just as we talk about their MCL's and elbow strains. http://sportadore.com - where the world speaks of sports.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rick-Rypien---Depression-Is-Tough-in-the-NHL&id=6518769] Rick Rypien - Depression Is Tough in the NHL
Sports fans are jealous people. We are people who envy professional athletes. Some of us need vicarious competition in a dull life, so we gravitate to athletes. Others wish they were athletes themselves, and live vicariously through the athletes as individuals. Some like the perceived fame and glory (and girls) that go with being a famous person and others just wish they had the money.
Sorry to shock the average sports fan, but pro athletes have all the traits of regular people and are not much different from your best friend or perhaps the guy you hate who lives across the street. Some are criminals and loathsome creatures. Some are that guy at church who seems to do everything perfectly. Some are mean, some are decent, some are family friendly, and some are annoyingly over-competitive.
And some have mental health issues. Of course, since athletes are macho men who focus on a body and mind that function at a physical optimum, it's tough to accept the fact that, notwithstanding all these attributes, one can still have mental health issues. We see it in athletes who act like spoiled brats, who seem to think everyone is persecuting them, or who are overtly angry. But, while sportswriters are willing to conjecture about physical injuries, they never conjecture about the mental health of an athlete. Is it because they are afraid of being sued? I doubt it.
Think of recent highly publicized athletes - how about the college quarterback with the "I am privileged attitude" who takes no consideration of coach or team. Or, what about the athlete who was into animal fighting? Or,how about the athlete who threw a football as far as he could in anger, making a ball boy chase after it? Look at the depths of these characters, and it is easy to see a mental health issue being critical in defining the individual. In all of these cases, the potential mental health issues surrounding the player should be discussed in detail, rather than burying them under the carpet.
This brings us to Rick Rypien, an NHL player for the Vancouver Canucks who battled depression for a decade. Can you imagine a pro athlete, making all that money, having all that fame and not being happy about it? What gives? How does this affect our dream world of athletes being different? This guy suffered from depression - a real disease which can bring anyone down. Winston Churchill suffered from it, as have many others. Today we have medication, but it isn't always effective, and yet we still don't talk about it.
Can you imagine the NHL game announcer for the Vancouver Canucks: "Sorry, fans, but Center Ryan Kesler won't be on the ice tonight because of a sprained ankle, and enforcer Rick Rypien is day to day due to a bout of depression that has taken a turn for the worse."
But we should consider this as an option. Perhaps if Rick Rypien and other athletes who suffer from this illness went public with it, then it would be easier for them to cope with it. There is a lot of stress involved in a public person hiding something from the public, although it is clear that Winnepeg Jets Assistant GM Craig Heisinger was aware of Rick Rypien's illness. The good news is that it was being treated. The bad news is that the treatment didn't succeed.
It would be easy to talk superficially about the boxer's son who was an rel=nofollow [http://sportadore.com/NHL]NHL enforcer. (Would we use the word "goon" if he were still alive?) It would be easy to say he had an anger inside that couldn't be dealt with.
So, let's get it out on the table. Let's talk about athletes who suffer from mental issues just as we talk about their MCL's and elbow strains. http://sportadore.com - where the world speaks of sports.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Rick-Rypien---Depression-Is-Tough-in-the-NHL&id=6518769] Rick Rypien - Depression Is Tough in the NHL
Monday, December 26, 2011
Is a Selke in Darren Helm's Future?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jordan_M_Reis]Jordan M Reis
The name Darren Helm may not ring a bell to a majority of hockey fans, but in Detroit it's becoming iconic. In only two full seasons Helm has become the heir apparent to the new generation of the Grind Line along with teammates Justin Abdelkader and Patrick Eaves.
With blazing speed, a top-notch forechecking ability, and incredible work ethic Helm has defined himself as one of the best defensive forwards in the game all while largely staying under the radar.
Helm joined the Wings at the end of the 2007-08 season, emerging in the playoffs centering the fourth line scoring two goals and two assists en route to the Stanley Cup. Though he showcased his speed and penalty killing ability, Helm would return to the Griffins for the 2008-09 season again returning to the big club for the playoffs. The 2009 Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks is where Helm would solidify his spot on the roster with his one man penalty kill and eventual series clinching goal. He would go on to score a total six playoff goals before ever notching one in the regular season.
The 2009-10 season would be his first full season with the Wings scoring 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points, including 3 shorthanded goals, two of which came in one game against the Colorado Avalanche. Helm was described by coach Mike Babcock as "probably our best player from start to finish." earning himself a 2-year contract extension.
In the 2010-11 season Helm would improve his scoring totals to 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points all while developing his defensive game even further. Coach Babcock called Helm "an elite player, probably not a fourth-line player" during the Wings playoff run.
The one knock on Helm is his ability to finish. Teammates have encourage him to be patient with the puck and survey his chances. As the season went on it was evident that Helm was gaining confidence while improving his scoring touch. He has become one of the most consistent, defensively responsible forwards on the team along with Zetterberg and Datsyuk.
The 2011-12 season should see Helm's ice time increase while centering the teams 3rd line. At 24 he is quickly becoming a name that the 29 other teams should take note of. Now that his mentor Draper has retired look for Helm to take a more active role in the leadership department, with an increase in his confidence level and continued development on his ability to finish off his scoring chances, Helm could be on the verge of a major breakout season. Soon we should be hearing Helm's name in the same conversation as the Ryan Kesler's, Mike Richards', and Pavel Datsyuk's.
Jordan Reis
Detroit Hockey Report http://detroithockeyreport.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-a-Selke-in-Darren-Helms-Future?&id=6519865] Is a Selke in Darren Helm's Future?
The name Darren Helm may not ring a bell to a majority of hockey fans, but in Detroit it's becoming iconic. In only two full seasons Helm has become the heir apparent to the new generation of the Grind Line along with teammates Justin Abdelkader and Patrick Eaves.
With blazing speed, a top-notch forechecking ability, and incredible work ethic Helm has defined himself as one of the best defensive forwards in the game all while largely staying under the radar.
Helm joined the Wings at the end of the 2007-08 season, emerging in the playoffs centering the fourth line scoring two goals and two assists en route to the Stanley Cup. Though he showcased his speed and penalty killing ability, Helm would return to the Griffins for the 2008-09 season again returning to the big club for the playoffs. The 2009 Western Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks is where Helm would solidify his spot on the roster with his one man penalty kill and eventual series clinching goal. He would go on to score a total six playoff goals before ever notching one in the regular season.
The 2009-10 season would be his first full season with the Wings scoring 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 points, including 3 shorthanded goals, two of which came in one game against the Colorado Avalanche. Helm was described by coach Mike Babcock as "probably our best player from start to finish." earning himself a 2-year contract extension.
In the 2010-11 season Helm would improve his scoring totals to 12 goals and 20 assists for 32 points all while developing his defensive game even further. Coach Babcock called Helm "an elite player, probably not a fourth-line player" during the Wings playoff run.
The one knock on Helm is his ability to finish. Teammates have encourage him to be patient with the puck and survey his chances. As the season went on it was evident that Helm was gaining confidence while improving his scoring touch. He has become one of the most consistent, defensively responsible forwards on the team along with Zetterberg and Datsyuk.
The 2011-12 season should see Helm's ice time increase while centering the teams 3rd line. At 24 he is quickly becoming a name that the 29 other teams should take note of. Now that his mentor Draper has retired look for Helm to take a more active role in the leadership department, with an increase in his confidence level and continued development on his ability to finish off his scoring chances, Helm could be on the verge of a major breakout season. Soon we should be hearing Helm's name in the same conversation as the Ryan Kesler's, Mike Richards', and Pavel Datsyuk's.
Jordan Reis
Detroit Hockey Report http://detroithockeyreport.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-a-Selke-in-Darren-Helms-Future?&id=6519865] Is a Selke in Darren Helm's Future?
Saturday, December 24, 2011
5 Kitchener Rangers in the Hockey Hall of Fame
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tom_Samworth]Tom Samworth
The Kitchener Rangers have been a mainstay in the Ontario Hockey League since they were moved from Guelph for the start of the 1963-64 season. The Max Kaminsky Trophy has been awarded to the OHL's top defenseman since 1969-70. The Rangers have had only one winner of the Kaminsky in all those years, yet the team has produced four Hockey Hall of Fame defensemen.
Of the five Kitchener Rangers grads that are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, only Bill Barber was not a defenseman. Barber was among the top ten point-getters in the league in each of the three seasons he played for the Rangers, 1969-70 to 1971-72. In his final two seasons with Kitchener, he surpassed the 100 point plateau and finished sixth in his final season.
Barber was a seventh round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. Bill played his entire career in a Flyers uniform (1972-73 to 1983-84) winning two Stanley Cups with the team and finishing fourth in league scoring in 1975-76 with 112 points. Barber was the first Rangers grad to be inducted into the Hall, entering in 1990.
Larry Robinson was teammates with Barber on the 1970-71 Rangers. Despite Barber's offensive output and Robinson's defensive abilities, the team didn't have much else going for it. The Rangers finished 6thout of ten teams that season with a lackluster 26-32-4 record.
1970-71 was the only year Robinson played in the OHA. He was taken by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, 20thoverall and spent the next year and a half with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the AHL.
Larry's NHL career spanned form 1972-73 until 1991-92, mostly spent with the Canadiens with his final three years played in a Los Angeles Kings jersey. Robinson won six Stanley Cups with Montreal and was named the Conn Smythe winner as playoff MVP in 1977-78. He won the Norris Trophy twice as the NHL's top defenseman and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
By the time Paul Coffey got around to playing for the rel=nofollow [http://www.ohlalumnicentral.com/kitchener-rangers/]Kitchener Rangers, he was on his third OHA team. His career started with the Kingston Canadians in 1977-78. He played the full 1978-79 season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He started the next season, his last in junior, with the Greyhounds but after 23 games was shipped to Kitchener. Interestingly, despite a 68 game schedule that season, Coffey played 75 between the two teams.
Coffey was a sixth overall pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL from 1980-81 to 2000-01 with the Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. He played on three Stanley Cup winning teams with Edmonton and one with Pittsburgh. Coffey won the Norris Trophy three times, twice with Edmonton and once with Detroit. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Scott Stevens and Al MacInnis were teammates on the 1981-82 Kitchener Rangers team that won the Robertson Cup as OHL playoff champions and the Memorial Cup as Canadian major junior champs. Fittingly, both were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame together in 2007.
MacInnis played three seasons with the Rangers from 1980-81 to 1982-83. In his final season, he tied Bobby Orr's OHL record for most goals by a defenseman (later broken by Bryan Fogerty of the Niagara Falls Thunder) with 38, en route to becoming the only Kitchener Ranger to date to win the Max Kaminsky Trophy.
Al was a fifteenth overall pick of the Calgary Flames in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL from 1983-84 to 2003-04 with the Flames and the St. Louis Blues. He won the Conn Smythe in 1988-89 when the Flames won their lone Stanley Cup. A decade later, MacInnis won his only Norris Trophy as a member of the Blues. In 1990-91, he accomplished the rare feat for a defenseman by surpassing the 100 point plateau.
For Stevens, 1981-82 was his only full season with Kitchener. The hometown boy played just one game in 1980-81. Scott was a fifth overall pick of the Washington Capitals in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL from 1982-83 to 2003-04 with the Capitals, Blues and New Jersey Devils. Like MacInnis and Robinson, Scott's name is engraved on the Conn Smythe Trophy, winning in 1999-00 with the Devils.
Tom is the author of http://www.ohlalumnicentral.com/ (OHL Alumni Central). OHL Alumni Central is a daily updated blog featuring graduates of the Ontario Hockey League and their careers in professional hockey after leaving the OHL.
The centrepiece of ohlalumnicentral.com is the OHL Alumni Big List. The Big List is an on-going database of the whereabouts of all the active OHL grads.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Kitchener-Rangers-in-the-Hockey-Hall-of-Fame&id=6523861] 5 Kitchener Rangers in the Hockey Hall of Fame
The Kitchener Rangers have been a mainstay in the Ontario Hockey League since they were moved from Guelph for the start of the 1963-64 season. The Max Kaminsky Trophy has been awarded to the OHL's top defenseman since 1969-70. The Rangers have had only one winner of the Kaminsky in all those years, yet the team has produced four Hockey Hall of Fame defensemen.
Of the five Kitchener Rangers grads that are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, only Bill Barber was not a defenseman. Barber was among the top ten point-getters in the league in each of the three seasons he played for the Rangers, 1969-70 to 1971-72. In his final two seasons with Kitchener, he surpassed the 100 point plateau and finished sixth in his final season.
Barber was a seventh round pick of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. Bill played his entire career in a Flyers uniform (1972-73 to 1983-84) winning two Stanley Cups with the team and finishing fourth in league scoring in 1975-76 with 112 points. Barber was the first Rangers grad to be inducted into the Hall, entering in 1990.
Larry Robinson was teammates with Barber on the 1970-71 Rangers. Despite Barber's offensive output and Robinson's defensive abilities, the team didn't have much else going for it. The Rangers finished 6thout of ten teams that season with a lackluster 26-32-4 record.
1970-71 was the only year Robinson played in the OHA. He was taken by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft, 20thoverall and spent the next year and a half with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the AHL.
Larry's NHL career spanned form 1972-73 until 1991-92, mostly spent with the Canadiens with his final three years played in a Los Angeles Kings jersey. Robinson won six Stanley Cups with Montreal and was named the Conn Smythe winner as playoff MVP in 1977-78. He won the Norris Trophy twice as the NHL's top defenseman and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995.
By the time Paul Coffey got around to playing for the rel=nofollow [http://www.ohlalumnicentral.com/kitchener-rangers/]Kitchener Rangers, he was on his third OHA team. His career started with the Kingston Canadians in 1977-78. He played the full 1978-79 season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He started the next season, his last in junior, with the Greyhounds but after 23 games was shipped to Kitchener. Interestingly, despite a 68 game schedule that season, Coffey played 75 between the two teams.
Coffey was a sixth overall pick of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL from 1980-81 to 2000-01 with the Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes and Boston Bruins. He played on three Stanley Cup winning teams with Edmonton and one with Pittsburgh. Coffey won the Norris Trophy three times, twice with Edmonton and once with Detroit. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2004.
Scott Stevens and Al MacInnis were teammates on the 1981-82 Kitchener Rangers team that won the Robertson Cup as OHL playoff champions and the Memorial Cup as Canadian major junior champs. Fittingly, both were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame together in 2007.
MacInnis played three seasons with the Rangers from 1980-81 to 1982-83. In his final season, he tied Bobby Orr's OHL record for most goals by a defenseman (later broken by Bryan Fogerty of the Niagara Falls Thunder) with 38, en route to becoming the only Kitchener Ranger to date to win the Max Kaminsky Trophy.
Al was a fifteenth overall pick of the Calgary Flames in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL from 1983-84 to 2003-04 with the Flames and the St. Louis Blues. He won the Conn Smythe in 1988-89 when the Flames won their lone Stanley Cup. A decade later, MacInnis won his only Norris Trophy as a member of the Blues. In 1990-91, he accomplished the rare feat for a defenseman by surpassing the 100 point plateau.
For Stevens, 1981-82 was his only full season with Kitchener. The hometown boy played just one game in 1980-81. Scott was a fifth overall pick of the Washington Capitals in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft. He played in the NHL from 1982-83 to 2003-04 with the Capitals, Blues and New Jersey Devils. Like MacInnis and Robinson, Scott's name is engraved on the Conn Smythe Trophy, winning in 1999-00 with the Devils.
Tom is the author of http://www.ohlalumnicentral.com/ (OHL Alumni Central). OHL Alumni Central is a daily updated blog featuring graduates of the Ontario Hockey League and their careers in professional hockey after leaving the OHL.
The centrepiece of ohlalumnicentral.com is the OHL Alumni Big List. The Big List is an on-going database of the whereabouts of all the active OHL grads.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?5-Kitchener-Rangers-in-the-Hockey-Hall-of-Fame&id=6523861] 5 Kitchener Rangers in the Hockey Hall of Fame
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Ice Hockey Drills for the Ultimate in Speed and Power
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_S_Musselman]Karen S Musselman
Ice hockey drills don't have to be practiced strictly on the ice. There are a lot of off-ice drills you can practice as well that focus primarily on fitness training and secondarily on skill training.
Sprint and Shoot
This is a great on-ice drill that will give coaches a good feel for which of his players has the strongest skating skills and those who could use more practice.
Begin with players on the boards in the corner and have them sprint one by one to the second of two cones, pivot and skate backwards to the first cone, do a cross-over turn, sprint to second cone, make a cross-over turn, pick-up the puck on the blue line and shoot no deeper than top of the circle. Follow-up the shot for the rebound. After five minutes, move the line to the other side of the cone and repeat drill.
The drill starts with the players positioned on the corner boards and cones are set up at the other end of the ice. From the boards each player sprints down the ice to the second cone, pivots and skates backwards to the first cone.
The player does a cross-over turn and sprints to the second cone, does another cross-over turn, picks up the puck on the blue line, shoots to the top of the circle and follows up with a rebound shot.
The Forehand Wrist Shot
One of the most important shots in ice hockey is the forehand wrist shot where weight transfer plays a crucial role. The skill needed to complete this type of shot depends on how you transfer the weight as you move the puck forward. Certain wrist action along with the height of the follow through will determine how high the puck goes.
The Backhand Wrist Shot
Although this technique is similar to the forehand wrist shot, most times the puck is too far out in front of the player when they go to make the shot. If the puck is too far out in front, you lose a lot of power in the shot. When you're doing ice hockey drills, this is a technique that needs to be practiced so the puck is in the right position so there's no loss of power in the shot.
The Slap Shot
This is one impressive looking shot - the slap shot. It doesn't have a fast release but since it's a good skill during power plays, it's a good technique to practice.
The Snap Shot
This shot uses a quick-release technique and it's great for scoring from a corner where the goalie might be hugging the opposite post of the net.
Ice Hockey Drills For Goalies
Your team's last line of defense is your goalie. And the fast moves they have to make on the ice require special skills and training in physical agility and speed before taking their position in front of the net.
Speed, power, agility, physical fitness and endurance skills should be built into all types of hockey training programs that need to be practiced consistently to make sure that every player is at their best when the season kicks off and the players take the ice. So it's best that all ice hockey drills incorporate techniques both off the ice and on the ice.
About the Author: [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com is managed by Karen Musselman for her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. Stop by their website for more information on getting the best deals on used hockey skates, hockey skate blades, and [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/hockey-training-programs.html]hockey training programs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ice-Hockey-Drills-for-the-Ultimate-in-Speed-and-Power&id=6527364] Ice Hockey Drills for the Ultimate in Speed and Power
Ice hockey drills don't have to be practiced strictly on the ice. There are a lot of off-ice drills you can practice as well that focus primarily on fitness training and secondarily on skill training.
Sprint and Shoot
This is a great on-ice drill that will give coaches a good feel for which of his players has the strongest skating skills and those who could use more practice.
Begin with players on the boards in the corner and have them sprint one by one to the second of two cones, pivot and skate backwards to the first cone, do a cross-over turn, sprint to second cone, make a cross-over turn, pick-up the puck on the blue line and shoot no deeper than top of the circle. Follow-up the shot for the rebound. After five minutes, move the line to the other side of the cone and repeat drill.
The drill starts with the players positioned on the corner boards and cones are set up at the other end of the ice. From the boards each player sprints down the ice to the second cone, pivots and skates backwards to the first cone.
The player does a cross-over turn and sprints to the second cone, does another cross-over turn, picks up the puck on the blue line, shoots to the top of the circle and follows up with a rebound shot.
The Forehand Wrist Shot
One of the most important shots in ice hockey is the forehand wrist shot where weight transfer plays a crucial role. The skill needed to complete this type of shot depends on how you transfer the weight as you move the puck forward. Certain wrist action along with the height of the follow through will determine how high the puck goes.
The Backhand Wrist Shot
Although this technique is similar to the forehand wrist shot, most times the puck is too far out in front of the player when they go to make the shot. If the puck is too far out in front, you lose a lot of power in the shot. When you're doing ice hockey drills, this is a technique that needs to be practiced so the puck is in the right position so there's no loss of power in the shot.
The Slap Shot
This is one impressive looking shot - the slap shot. It doesn't have a fast release but since it's a good skill during power plays, it's a good technique to practice.
The Snap Shot
This shot uses a quick-release technique and it's great for scoring from a corner where the goalie might be hugging the opposite post of the net.
Ice Hockey Drills For Goalies
Your team's last line of defense is your goalie. And the fast moves they have to make on the ice require special skills and training in physical agility and speed before taking their position in front of the net.
Speed, power, agility, physical fitness and endurance skills should be built into all types of hockey training programs that need to be practiced consistently to make sure that every player is at their best when the season kicks off and the players take the ice. So it's best that all ice hockey drills incorporate techniques both off the ice and on the ice.
About the Author: [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com is managed by Karen Musselman for her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. Stop by their website for more information on getting the best deals on used hockey skates, hockey skate blades, and [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/hockey-training-programs.html]hockey training programs.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ice-Hockey-Drills-for-the-Ultimate-in-Speed-and-Power&id=6527364] Ice Hockey Drills for the Ultimate in Speed and Power
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
The NHL Needs to Create a New Wayne Gretzky
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_D._Silver]James D. Silver
Mary Shelly taunted us when she wrote Frankenstein. She left a hint that it would be possible to create a man. Of course, she used live body parts. We're not that far from it (50 years?) but we'll use biomechanics, not parts from other people.
This brings me to the NHL and the fact that a new Wayne Gretzky is needed, as is a Bobby Hull and a Gordie Howe. These people are needed because they can express the personality of the sport, be ambassadors for the sport, and give people some pretty darn good entertainment.
Most recently, a video game was announced where the current players would play against the old time players. This is, of course, is only a first step.
To take it one step further, the NHL should hire Dr. Frankenstein, or the Son of Frankenstein, or someone from the MIT robotics lab to focus on the creation of a new Wayne Gretzky. He wouldn't be named Wayne and he wouldn't look like the Great One, but he would be the perfect skater, perfect stick person, perfect goal scorer, and perfect person. He would of course have the same "oh, gosh" personality that Gretzky has.
Then, when Wayne Gretzky II is on the ice and successful, the NHL needs to promote and promote and promote. Also, they need to change the rules of defense so Mr. Gretzky II could thrill the fans. We can't have Mr. II getting all jumbled up when low performing defensemen simply get in his way.
Yes, there are good things happening in the NHL. An original-six team holds the Stanley Cup. Thank you Boston Bruins. The Winnipeg Jets are back. But more is needed. We need Florida teams to move north to Canada. We need a team in Edmonton. We need a team in London, Ontario, and we need a team in Quebec. And how about one in Nova Scotia?
We also need Russian and Euro players to change their names to be more Canadian friendly. Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals needs to legally change his name to Jimmy Iceangel.
Yes, we need a Wayne Gretzky II, a messiah of sorts who comes from the hinterland like a bolt of lightning, and carries a hockey stick made from a tree that was struck by lightning. (Or perhaps a laminated or composite tree that was struck by lightning - one that already had tape around it.) In any event, our neo-Frankenstein can build him way out in the northeast corner of British Columbia.
Then again, it would be a heck of a lot easier, and much less expensive, for the NHL to start promoting rel=nofollow [http://sportadore.com/NHL/AtlanticDivision/Pittsburgh-Penguins/Tweets]Pittsburgh Penguin captain Sidney Crosby. The Kid is here, let's let some marginal hockey fans know about him, and maybe we don't have to hire Dr. Frankenstein after all. [http://sportadore.com/NHL/]NHL news and videos on sportadore.com - where the world speaks of sports.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-NHL-Needs-to-Create-a-New-Wayne-Gretzky&id=6518804] The NHL Needs to Create a New Wayne Gretzky
Mary Shelly taunted us when she wrote Frankenstein. She left a hint that it would be possible to create a man. Of course, she used live body parts. We're not that far from it (50 years?) but we'll use biomechanics, not parts from other people.
This brings me to the NHL and the fact that a new Wayne Gretzky is needed, as is a Bobby Hull and a Gordie Howe. These people are needed because they can express the personality of the sport, be ambassadors for the sport, and give people some pretty darn good entertainment.
Most recently, a video game was announced where the current players would play against the old time players. This is, of course, is only a first step.
To take it one step further, the NHL should hire Dr. Frankenstein, or the Son of Frankenstein, or someone from the MIT robotics lab to focus on the creation of a new Wayne Gretzky. He wouldn't be named Wayne and he wouldn't look like the Great One, but he would be the perfect skater, perfect stick person, perfect goal scorer, and perfect person. He would of course have the same "oh, gosh" personality that Gretzky has.
Then, when Wayne Gretzky II is on the ice and successful, the NHL needs to promote and promote and promote. Also, they need to change the rules of defense so Mr. Gretzky II could thrill the fans. We can't have Mr. II getting all jumbled up when low performing defensemen simply get in his way.
Yes, there are good things happening in the NHL. An original-six team holds the Stanley Cup. Thank you Boston Bruins. The Winnipeg Jets are back. But more is needed. We need Florida teams to move north to Canada. We need a team in Edmonton. We need a team in London, Ontario, and we need a team in Quebec. And how about one in Nova Scotia?
We also need Russian and Euro players to change their names to be more Canadian friendly. Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals needs to legally change his name to Jimmy Iceangel.
Yes, we need a Wayne Gretzky II, a messiah of sorts who comes from the hinterland like a bolt of lightning, and carries a hockey stick made from a tree that was struck by lightning. (Or perhaps a laminated or composite tree that was struck by lightning - one that already had tape around it.) In any event, our neo-Frankenstein can build him way out in the northeast corner of British Columbia.
Then again, it would be a heck of a lot easier, and much less expensive, for the NHL to start promoting rel=nofollow [http://sportadore.com/NHL/AtlanticDivision/Pittsburgh-Penguins/Tweets]Pittsburgh Penguin captain Sidney Crosby. The Kid is here, let's let some marginal hockey fans know about him, and maybe we don't have to hire Dr. Frankenstein after all. [http://sportadore.com/NHL/]NHL news and videos on sportadore.com - where the world speaks of sports.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-NHL-Needs-to-Create-a-New-Wayne-Gretzky&id=6518804] The NHL Needs to Create a New Wayne Gretzky
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Top 3 Teams to Watch Out for in NHL 2011
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Choudhury]Dominic Choudhury
With the wind on our backs and the beginning of a new exciting season in front of us, it's time to give props to the 3 most promising NHL teams of this season, strictly on the basis of their talent. It's time to separate the men from the boys and take an objective view of which teams are deprived of talent and which teams are most likely to soar ahead and pull off devastating victories. While we are being objective about it, it is important to consider that a lot of different circumstances come into play when you are evaluating the performance of a team. These circumstances can affect the performance of the team, including the talent level which could take a major blow. We have seen several instances where some of the top prospects have been traded in order to be numero uno in the league.
While determining the total number of prospects for each team, we have taken into account both signed and unsigned players, as well as draft lists and players on the bench who are still to make it into the NHL roster. Although the total number of prospects may be higher on a particular team, it is the quality and not the quantity of prospects that matters the most while ranking them in the hierarchy shown below.
The Florida Panthers - The Panthers are back with a vengeance and are bound to pull off some upsets with their lynchpin Jonathan Huberdeau leading the list. Coming in third overall earlier in the season, Jonathan is a gifted player who is currently in full form, ready to slice and dice his team to victory. Endowed with a knack for making big plays, Jonathan is the man to watch out for this season. Then there is Eric Gudbranson who came in third overall in 2010 and is all set to make the transition from juniors to the NHL. Quinton Howden who came in 25th overall in 2010 is hot on his heels, followed by another amazing talent by the name of Nick Bjugstad who made it at 19th overall in 2010.
The Edmonton Oilers - This team is no stranger to talent. Having stocked up on some of the best picks year after year, the Oilers are all set to cash in their chips this season. If you are wondering who to look out for this season, your search stops with Taylor Hall who came in first overall in 2010, followed by Magnus Paajarvi and Jordan Eberle who came in at 10th and 22nd overall in 2010. However, the fans have set their sights and hopes on Ryan Nugent Hopkins who was the prime pick earlier this year. His evasiveness on the ice combined with his talent makes him a force to reckon with.
Ottawa Senators - The Senators seem to be set for NHL dominion with their talented defenseman Erik Karlsson already getting the Senators off at a blazing start. The team has other exceptional talent with the likes of David Runblad who was originally the 17th pick of St.Louis has a very good chance of making the team and will rub shoulders with defenseman Jared Cowen. Mika Zibanejad is another man to watch out for this season. The Swedes' exceptional skating and riveting two way game will set the ice ablaze this season.
Dominic Choudhury is a Social Media Expert, entrepreneur and a prolific blogger. He has authored numerous articles on social media, finance, marketing as well as an array of topics related to home improvement and the health and medical field.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-3-Teams-to-Watch-Out-for-in-NHL-2011&id=6536906] Top 3 Teams to Watch Out for in NHL 2011
With the wind on our backs and the beginning of a new exciting season in front of us, it's time to give props to the 3 most promising NHL teams of this season, strictly on the basis of their talent. It's time to separate the men from the boys and take an objective view of which teams are deprived of talent and which teams are most likely to soar ahead and pull off devastating victories. While we are being objective about it, it is important to consider that a lot of different circumstances come into play when you are evaluating the performance of a team. These circumstances can affect the performance of the team, including the talent level which could take a major blow. We have seen several instances where some of the top prospects have been traded in order to be numero uno in the league.
While determining the total number of prospects for each team, we have taken into account both signed and unsigned players, as well as draft lists and players on the bench who are still to make it into the NHL roster. Although the total number of prospects may be higher on a particular team, it is the quality and not the quantity of prospects that matters the most while ranking them in the hierarchy shown below.
The Florida Panthers - The Panthers are back with a vengeance and are bound to pull off some upsets with their lynchpin Jonathan Huberdeau leading the list. Coming in third overall earlier in the season, Jonathan is a gifted player who is currently in full form, ready to slice and dice his team to victory. Endowed with a knack for making big plays, Jonathan is the man to watch out for this season. Then there is Eric Gudbranson who came in third overall in 2010 and is all set to make the transition from juniors to the NHL. Quinton Howden who came in 25th overall in 2010 is hot on his heels, followed by another amazing talent by the name of Nick Bjugstad who made it at 19th overall in 2010.
The Edmonton Oilers - This team is no stranger to talent. Having stocked up on some of the best picks year after year, the Oilers are all set to cash in their chips this season. If you are wondering who to look out for this season, your search stops with Taylor Hall who came in first overall in 2010, followed by Magnus Paajarvi and Jordan Eberle who came in at 10th and 22nd overall in 2010. However, the fans have set their sights and hopes on Ryan Nugent Hopkins who was the prime pick earlier this year. His evasiveness on the ice combined with his talent makes him a force to reckon with.
Ottawa Senators - The Senators seem to be set for NHL dominion with their talented defenseman Erik Karlsson already getting the Senators off at a blazing start. The team has other exceptional talent with the likes of David Runblad who was originally the 17th pick of St.Louis has a very good chance of making the team and will rub shoulders with defenseman Jared Cowen. Mika Zibanejad is another man to watch out for this season. The Swedes' exceptional skating and riveting two way game will set the ice ablaze this season.
Dominic Choudhury is a Social Media Expert, entrepreneur and a prolific blogger. He has authored numerous articles on social media, finance, marketing as well as an array of topics related to home improvement and the health and medical field.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-3-Teams-to-Watch-Out-for-in-NHL-2011&id=6536906] Top 3 Teams to Watch Out for in NHL 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Women's Ice Hockey World Championships
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Keane_Yandow]Keane Yandow
Women's World Championships Come to Vermont
There's nothing like a good hockey game. It doesn't matter if it's a high scoring affair between a group of local Squirts or a 2-2 Stanley Cup finals game headed to overtime, they're just fun to watch. Both my 12 and 10-year-old daughters play hockey and their games are no exception. Last year, Emma, my 12-year-old, played for our local U12 team which earned a trip to the New England Regional tournament. Although the girls came within a game of playing in the Nationals, the most memorable part for me was the feeling that despite the young age of our girls, it felt like watching big time hockey. The fans were on the edge of their seats and every rush down the ice was filled with either excitement or fear, depending on which team controlled the puck. While the girls fell short of their ultimate goal, last year's accomplishments made us all very excited about the upcoming year of hockey. When the site of the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championships were announced, there became another reason to get excited!
Little old Vermont, home of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, has been chosen to host the prestigious IIHF Women's Championships starting in April. It is, for the thousands of hockey fans in our state, a very big deal. Many of us have had our children play at the rink where Slovakia and Sweden open the tournament on April 7th. Slovakia and Sweden? Here? Playing at Cairns Arena? No Way!................Way!
You want more? How about the mighty U.S. Women's National Team playing their Canadian rivals from the north later that same day at our cherished rel=nofollow [http://www.uvm.edu/campus/gutterson/gutterson.html]Gutterson Field House. These are the same teams that battle in the Olympics. These are the same women my kids have seen play on television. These are the same women that our kids look up to and want to be like, and they're playing right here! I'm sure that come January, when the new calendars come out, my daughter Lizzie will start crossing out the days in anticipation of that day in April.
While the USA and Canada are clearly the headliners of the tournament, there are a host of other teams that have a legitimate shot at winning it all. Finland and Russia join the two North American teams in the "A" bracket, while Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Germany make up the competitors in the "B" bracket. It's gonna be wild!
Personally, I can't wait either. Like I said, I love watching good hockey and this is going to be the best women's hockey anywhere in the world. Oh, I'll be watching alright, but out of the corner of my eye I'll be watching my girls as they see firsthand the women that they aspire to be like. It's going to be very, very special.
Keane has always been passionate about hockey. He currently helps run a website where they sell [http://www.hockeyhelmetspro.com]hockey helmets and all varieties of hockey equipment.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Womens-Ice-Hockey-World-Championships&id=6546513] Women's Ice Hockey World Championships
Women's World Championships Come to Vermont
There's nothing like a good hockey game. It doesn't matter if it's a high scoring affair between a group of local Squirts or a 2-2 Stanley Cup finals game headed to overtime, they're just fun to watch. Both my 12 and 10-year-old daughters play hockey and their games are no exception. Last year, Emma, my 12-year-old, played for our local U12 team which earned a trip to the New England Regional tournament. Although the girls came within a game of playing in the Nationals, the most memorable part for me was the feeling that despite the young age of our girls, it felt like watching big time hockey. The fans were on the edge of their seats and every rush down the ice was filled with either excitement or fear, depending on which team controlled the puck. While the girls fell short of their ultimate goal, last year's accomplishments made us all very excited about the upcoming year of hockey. When the site of the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championships were announced, there became another reason to get excited!
Little old Vermont, home of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, has been chosen to host the prestigious IIHF Women's Championships starting in April. It is, for the thousands of hockey fans in our state, a very big deal. Many of us have had our children play at the rink where Slovakia and Sweden open the tournament on April 7th. Slovakia and Sweden? Here? Playing at Cairns Arena? No Way!................Way!
You want more? How about the mighty U.S. Women's National Team playing their Canadian rivals from the north later that same day at our cherished rel=nofollow [http://www.uvm.edu/campus/gutterson/gutterson.html]Gutterson Field House. These are the same teams that battle in the Olympics. These are the same women my kids have seen play on television. These are the same women that our kids look up to and want to be like, and they're playing right here! I'm sure that come January, when the new calendars come out, my daughter Lizzie will start crossing out the days in anticipation of that day in April.
While the USA and Canada are clearly the headliners of the tournament, there are a host of other teams that have a legitimate shot at winning it all. Finland and Russia join the two North American teams in the "A" bracket, while Sweden, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Germany make up the competitors in the "B" bracket. It's gonna be wild!
Personally, I can't wait either. Like I said, I love watching good hockey and this is going to be the best women's hockey anywhere in the world. Oh, I'll be watching alright, but out of the corner of my eye I'll be watching my girls as they see firsthand the women that they aspire to be like. It's going to be very, very special.
Keane has always been passionate about hockey. He currently helps run a website where they sell [http://www.hockeyhelmetspro.com]hockey helmets and all varieties of hockey equipment.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Womens-Ice-Hockey-World-Championships&id=6546513] Women's Ice Hockey World Championships
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
What To Look for When Shopping For Inline Hockey Pants
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_S_Musselman]Karen S Musselman
Inline hockey pants are a lot different than ice hockey pants. They're longer and they don't have to fit over a lot of the gear that ice hockey players have to wear. Inline hockey players have different things to think about when shopping for a pair of pants so you really can't just grab a pair off the rack because they look cool.
You have to watch the length, the waistband and make sure they'll fit well over protective girdle and shin guards. They also have to durable and comfortable so you're not losing your concentration because your hockey pants aren't fitting right and uncomfortable.
Key Features
Here are some of the features that you can look for that are pretty much standard on just about any style of hockey pants, from top to bottom:
Elastic waistband
Adjustable belt at the waistband
Reinforced material at the knees
Mesh ventilation for breathability
Shin straps
Inline hockey pants will fit differently depending on who made them. So even if you plan to save the most money by buying them online, it's highly recommended that you go shopping locally first and try on a few pair to see which brand and style will fit you best. Then look for the best deal on those brands and styles online.
Your game pants need to be loose fitting because you should be wearing a protective hockey girdle and shin pads underneath but you also don't want them falling down while you're playing. So trying some different styles and brands on first will ensure you get the pants you need.
Get the Proper Fit
It's always advisable to wear a protection under inline hockey pants because the pants alone won't give you any more protection during the game than your jersey. So when you go to try on some pants, bring your protective gear wit
h you and wear them when you try on the pants.
Take your waist measurement first and get your weight and height measurements then start with pants that are the size of your waist measurement and go up from there, especially if the pants feel tight and restrict your movement while wearing your protective gear.
It's also a good idea to wear your hockey skates when you try on your pants so you're making sure to buy the right length. You don't want them too short but you don't want them so long that they'll get caught in the wheels of your skates either.
Other Options to Think About When Shopping for Inline Hockey Pants
There are some features or options that are available on some styles or manufacturers pants that aren't available on others, even though the base construction is the same.
About the Author: [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com is managed by Karen Musselman for her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. Stop by their website for more information on shopping for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/inline-hockey-pants.html]inline hockey pants and other hockey gear.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-To-Look-for-When-Shopping-For-Inline-Hockey-Pants&id=6560611] What To Look for When Shopping For Inline Hockey Pants
Inline hockey pants are a lot different than ice hockey pants. They're longer and they don't have to fit over a lot of the gear that ice hockey players have to wear. Inline hockey players have different things to think about when shopping for a pair of pants so you really can't just grab a pair off the rack because they look cool.
You have to watch the length, the waistband and make sure they'll fit well over protective girdle and shin guards. They also have to durable and comfortable so you're not losing your concentration because your hockey pants aren't fitting right and uncomfortable.
Key Features
Here are some of the features that you can look for that are pretty much standard on just about any style of hockey pants, from top to bottom:
Elastic waistband
Adjustable belt at the waistband
Reinforced material at the knees
Mesh ventilation for breathability
Shin straps
Inline hockey pants will fit differently depending on who made them. So even if you plan to save the most money by buying them online, it's highly recommended that you go shopping locally first and try on a few pair to see which brand and style will fit you best. Then look for the best deal on those brands and styles online.
Your game pants need to be loose fitting because you should be wearing a protective hockey girdle and shin pads underneath but you also don't want them falling down while you're playing. So trying some different styles and brands on first will ensure you get the pants you need.
Get the Proper Fit
It's always advisable to wear a protection under inline hockey pants because the pants alone won't give you any more protection during the game than your jersey. So when you go to try on some pants, bring your protective gear wit
h you and wear them when you try on the pants.
Take your waist measurement first and get your weight and height measurements then start with pants that are the size of your waist measurement and go up from there, especially if the pants feel tight and restrict your movement while wearing your protective gear.
It's also a good idea to wear your hockey skates when you try on your pants so you're making sure to buy the right length. You don't want them too short but you don't want them so long that they'll get caught in the wheels of your skates either.
Other Options to Think About When Shopping for Inline Hockey Pants
There are some features or options that are available on some styles or manufacturers pants that aren't available on others, even though the base construction is the same.
About the Author: [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com is managed by Karen Musselman for her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. Stop by their website for more information on shopping for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/inline-hockey-pants.html]inline hockey pants and other hockey gear.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-To-Look-for-When-Shopping-For-Inline-Hockey-Pants&id=6560611] What To Look for When Shopping For Inline Hockey Pants
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wooden Versus Composite Hockey Sticks and Finding Your Perfect Match
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_S_Musselman]Karen S Musselman
The right hockey equipment is crucial to playing every game, whether you're playing ice or inline hockey, and the right composite hockey sticks can make or break the way you handle the puck and even help or hurt when you're trying to score. So you can't run out and buy just any hockey stick, especially with all the different models available.
Hockey sticks used to be made only out of wood but now you're most likely to see more composites made from materials like Kevlar, fiberglass, aluminum or carbon fiber. And with manufacturers like Bauer, Easton and CCM making some high quality sticks with improved flexibility, you really have a lot to choose from today.
Two-Piece Sticks
These are probably one of most cost-effective types of models to get today, since you can replace the blade without replacing the entire shaft. Or you can replace just the shaft to a good blade without replacing the entire stick.
Another good feature of this model is that you can change out different blade patterns with the same shaft so you can get a feel for what's going to work best for you.
These are really great features for any player, and although you may pay more initially by buying the pieces separately, it's going to save you money in the long run when you need to replace only one or the other.
One-Piece Composite Hockey Sticks
These models are made from a combination of materials and they're the ultimate in lightweight advanced sticks. They're also one of the most expensive types you can buy today, unless you're buying them used or wholesale.
One of the key features of composites is the design of the kick point, which perfectly positioned. Composites are most often used by more experienced players who can appreciate the differences in the modern technology and won't have much difficulty transitioning from a wooden or two-piece stick. They're also used by players who can afford to purchase them and replace the whole stick when the blades get worn.
But for those who aren't too concerned about the price and don't want to go through the adjustment of moving from a heavier wooden stick to a composite, a lot of first-time players choose to start off learning with composites to begin with.
So with all these different choices, how do you know what's right for you? The best suggestion is to buy used cheap hockey sticks when you're first starting out, which you can find by looking online. And then when you know which one is going to work for you the best, head online or to a local sports shop and check out some new wooden or composite hockey sticks.
You'll end up playing your best when all of your equipment is purchased to your specifications and you'll be a better player in the long run too.
About the Author: Karen writes hockey articles for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com using tips from her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. You can read more information about inline and ice hockey wooden and [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/composite-hockey-sticks.html]composite hockey sticks on their website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wooden-Versus-Composite-Hockey-Sticks-and-Finding-Your-Perfect-Match&id=6560663] Wooden Versus Composite Hockey Sticks and Finding Your Perfect Match
The right hockey equipment is crucial to playing every game, whether you're playing ice or inline hockey, and the right composite hockey sticks can make or break the way you handle the puck and even help or hurt when you're trying to score. So you can't run out and buy just any hockey stick, especially with all the different models available.
Hockey sticks used to be made only out of wood but now you're most likely to see more composites made from materials like Kevlar, fiberglass, aluminum or carbon fiber. And with manufacturers like Bauer, Easton and CCM making some high quality sticks with improved flexibility, you really have a lot to choose from today.
Two-Piece Sticks
These are probably one of most cost-effective types of models to get today, since you can replace the blade without replacing the entire shaft. Or you can replace just the shaft to a good blade without replacing the entire stick.
Another good feature of this model is that you can change out different blade patterns with the same shaft so you can get a feel for what's going to work best for you.
These are really great features for any player, and although you may pay more initially by buying the pieces separately, it's going to save you money in the long run when you need to replace only one or the other.
One-Piece Composite Hockey Sticks
These models are made from a combination of materials and they're the ultimate in lightweight advanced sticks. They're also one of the most expensive types you can buy today, unless you're buying them used or wholesale.
One of the key features of composites is the design of the kick point, which perfectly positioned. Composites are most often used by more experienced players who can appreciate the differences in the modern technology and won't have much difficulty transitioning from a wooden or two-piece stick. They're also used by players who can afford to purchase them and replace the whole stick when the blades get worn.
But for those who aren't too concerned about the price and don't want to go through the adjustment of moving from a heavier wooden stick to a composite, a lot of first-time players choose to start off learning with composites to begin with.
So with all these different choices, how do you know what's right for you? The best suggestion is to buy used cheap hockey sticks when you're first starting out, which you can find by looking online. And then when you know which one is going to work for you the best, head online or to a local sports shop and check out some new wooden or composite hockey sticks.
You'll end up playing your best when all of your equipment is purchased to your specifications and you'll be a better player in the long run too.
About the Author: Karen writes hockey articles for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com using tips from her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. You can read more information about inline and ice hockey wooden and [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/composite-hockey-sticks.html]composite hockey sticks on their website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wooden-Versus-Composite-Hockey-Sticks-and-Finding-Your-Perfect-Match&id=6560663] Wooden Versus Composite Hockey Sticks and Finding Your Perfect Match
Saturday, December 10, 2011
3 Quick Tricks To Get More From Your Hockey Dryland Training
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Denis_Claude]Denis Claude
Getting together a good hockey dryland training program is vital for success with improving your performance on the ice. Hockey dryland training will help to increase your muscle strength, enhance your agility, and ensure that you are fast on your feet and able to react to anything that comes your way.
In order to make the most of your hockey dryland training, the following tips can quickly be implemented so that all the effort you put in really pays off in the end.
While you don't necessarily have to use all three tricks at once, try and alternate between them as time goes on for best overall results.
Supersets
The very first technique to add to your weight training for hockey workout routine is the superset. With this technique you're going to move from one exercise immediately to the next, not resting until both exercises have been completed.
This technique is going to be beneficial because it'll help to increase the total fatigue your muscles are able to handle over time, thus ensuring that you don't tire out on the ice as quickly either.
You can either pair together upper and lower body exercises for your superset training or if you wish, pair together opposing muscle groups such as biceps and triceps or quads and hamstrings.
If you really want to up the intensity, try two exercises for the same muscle group.
Drop Sets
The second technique to consider adding to your hockey dryland training is the drop set. With this workout set-up you're simply going to perform the first set of an exercise at your usual weight level and then once that's completed, immediately drop the weight by about five pounds and then perform a second set.
Once that set is complete, drop the weight a second time and then proceed to do a third. This is another good way to boost your fatigue tolerance and is also perfect for helping to push past strength plateaus.
Tempo Focused Sets
Finally, the last technique that you should consider doing once in a while with your hockey dryland training is tempo focused sets.
With this technique you're going to be focusing on how fast you're moving through the exercise, speeding up the initial portion of the exercise while slowing down the second portion.
This really helps to improve your speed capabilities as you'll be able to quickly generate a large degree of force while also still maintaining your higher strength level.
Note that you will find you often get more sore from doing these tempo adjusted sets, so make sure that you include some thorough stretching after doing this technique in your hockey dryland training.
So there you have three quick and easy methods to implement that will help you take your training up a notch.
Always shocking your body with something new that it has to adjust and accommodate to is one of the best ways that you can ensure that you keep progressing along, so definitely a must-do in your hockey dryland training.
Denis is passionate about hockey and helping people improve their training and nutrition to gain that extra edge they need to get ahead. http://www.hockeydrylandtraining.com/ http://www.hockeydrylandtraining.com/3-quick-tricks-to-get-more-from-your-hockey-dryland-training/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Quick-Tricks-To-Get-More-From-Your-Hockey-Dryland-Training&id=6556401] 3 Quick Tricks To Get More From Your Hockey Dryland Training
Getting together a good hockey dryland training program is vital for success with improving your performance on the ice. Hockey dryland training will help to increase your muscle strength, enhance your agility, and ensure that you are fast on your feet and able to react to anything that comes your way.
In order to make the most of your hockey dryland training, the following tips can quickly be implemented so that all the effort you put in really pays off in the end.
While you don't necessarily have to use all three tricks at once, try and alternate between them as time goes on for best overall results.
Supersets
The very first technique to add to your weight training for hockey workout routine is the superset. With this technique you're going to move from one exercise immediately to the next, not resting until both exercises have been completed.
This technique is going to be beneficial because it'll help to increase the total fatigue your muscles are able to handle over time, thus ensuring that you don't tire out on the ice as quickly either.
You can either pair together upper and lower body exercises for your superset training or if you wish, pair together opposing muscle groups such as biceps and triceps or quads and hamstrings.
If you really want to up the intensity, try two exercises for the same muscle group.
Drop Sets
The second technique to consider adding to your hockey dryland training is the drop set. With this workout set-up you're simply going to perform the first set of an exercise at your usual weight level and then once that's completed, immediately drop the weight by about five pounds and then perform a second set.
Once that set is complete, drop the weight a second time and then proceed to do a third. This is another good way to boost your fatigue tolerance and is also perfect for helping to push past strength plateaus.
Tempo Focused Sets
Finally, the last technique that you should consider doing once in a while with your hockey dryland training is tempo focused sets.
With this technique you're going to be focusing on how fast you're moving through the exercise, speeding up the initial portion of the exercise while slowing down the second portion.
This really helps to improve your speed capabilities as you'll be able to quickly generate a large degree of force while also still maintaining your higher strength level.
Note that you will find you often get more sore from doing these tempo adjusted sets, so make sure that you include some thorough stretching after doing this technique in your hockey dryland training.
So there you have three quick and easy methods to implement that will help you take your training up a notch.
Always shocking your body with something new that it has to adjust and accommodate to is one of the best ways that you can ensure that you keep progressing along, so definitely a must-do in your hockey dryland training.
Denis is passionate about hockey and helping people improve their training and nutrition to gain that extra edge they need to get ahead. http://www.hockeydrylandtraining.com/ http://www.hockeydrylandtraining.com/3-quick-tricks-to-get-more-from-your-hockey-dryland-training/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Quick-Tricks-To-Get-More-From-Your-Hockey-Dryland-Training&id=6556401] 3 Quick Tricks To Get More From Your Hockey Dryland Training
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A Red Wings Fan In Enemy Territory
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ian_Fleming_Dunham]Ian Fleming Dunham
The two cities I have called home since I left Michigan three years ago, are not filled with Red Wings sympathizers. Quite to the contrary. They are filled with the most poisonous of Wings haters. I hung my hat in The Windy City for two, very long years, and listening to the opinions of uninformed, and rather bitter Hawks fans, not only tried my patience (which is not one of my virtues), but also probably took a few years off my life. It was beyond a stressful experience. A welcomed twist of then fate pointed me in Denver's direction, which is where I reside today. A move to San Jose would complete this "Axis of Wings-Hate", but I don't see that happening. Let me tell you a bit what it's like to be a Wings fanatic behind enemy lines.
Chicago has a rich hockey history, both recent and distant, and few people there seem to know or care much about it. The local dive bar I frequented there was home base to a bit of an older crowd. I became a regular and quite friendly with both the staff and the patrons. Living just down the street from Wrigley Field, I was constantly inundated with Cubs chatter. Being that baseball is my LEAST favorite sport, I jumped at every opportunity to change the subject to hockey. A pleasant, rather lonely seeming older man, enjoyed imparting the stories of his life to me on a regular basis, oblivious to whether I was interested or not (I was not). When the talk turned to hockey, he gave me his Bobby Hull story. "Ok, this guy has been a fan for a while. Maybe he knows his stuff." This thought quickly vanished when his next statement hit my ears: "I've never been able to understand the offsides rule." Chicago is a gorgeous, intoxicating place. It's filled with with millions of very busy people with very busy lives. It is a magnet for young professionals, a category I don't care to be put in. I've heard it said about tempers that a man is only as big as the things he gets angry over. I've also heard it said, that a temper is a guys way of showing his intolerance for what he finds intolerable. I'm butchering both of these quotes, but you get the picture. Point being, Hawks fans made me absolutely furious. Chants of "Detroit Sucks" and that seizure inducing goal song that is played at their home games, are two things I will not miss, to put it mildly. Am I being childish and petty, or a stalwart and courageous? You can decide. I did not think it could get worse in terms of Wings hatred until I moved to Denver.
Now Denver, is obviously very different than Chicago. It's a smaller, quieter town, filled with some very interesting characters who seem to be more experience driven than career driven, as opposed to the Chicago crowd. The friends I have here, most of them fellow Michiganders, made it very clear to me that Avalanche fans still have great animus towards the winged wheel. "Still? Don't they know this rivalry ended almost ten years ago?" No, they don't. They still hate us passionately. Now of course, I understand why we are hated, and I point this out to my antagonists whenever the debate begins. "You hate us because we have been crushing you, along with every other team, with relative ease for a long time. We are the best." As you can guess, the other side does not like hearing this. But facts can be irritating things, and I feel it is my role as a fan, to defend my team against these attacks. The laid back attitude that is prevalent in Denver, completely disappears when the Wings are mentioned, and is replaced with a deep seeded aggression and hostility. It's actually a rather fascinating transformation to watch happen in real time. So, my friends, know that there is a Wings fanatic, fighting the good fight, and doing it deep inside enemy territory. I also quite like it here in The Mile High City, so rest assured, the fight will go on and as always, we will win.
For more Red Wings analysis and opinion, please visit http://octopusthrower.com/author/iandunham13/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Red-Wings-Fan-In-Enemy-Territory&id=6559160] A Red Wings Fan In Enemy Territory
The two cities I have called home since I left Michigan three years ago, are not filled with Red Wings sympathizers. Quite to the contrary. They are filled with the most poisonous of Wings haters. I hung my hat in The Windy City for two, very long years, and listening to the opinions of uninformed, and rather bitter Hawks fans, not only tried my patience (which is not one of my virtues), but also probably took a few years off my life. It was beyond a stressful experience. A welcomed twist of then fate pointed me in Denver's direction, which is where I reside today. A move to San Jose would complete this "Axis of Wings-Hate", but I don't see that happening. Let me tell you a bit what it's like to be a Wings fanatic behind enemy lines.
Chicago has a rich hockey history, both recent and distant, and few people there seem to know or care much about it. The local dive bar I frequented there was home base to a bit of an older crowd. I became a regular and quite friendly with both the staff and the patrons. Living just down the street from Wrigley Field, I was constantly inundated with Cubs chatter. Being that baseball is my LEAST favorite sport, I jumped at every opportunity to change the subject to hockey. A pleasant, rather lonely seeming older man, enjoyed imparting the stories of his life to me on a regular basis, oblivious to whether I was interested or not (I was not). When the talk turned to hockey, he gave me his Bobby Hull story. "Ok, this guy has been a fan for a while. Maybe he knows his stuff." This thought quickly vanished when his next statement hit my ears: "I've never been able to understand the offsides rule." Chicago is a gorgeous, intoxicating place. It's filled with with millions of very busy people with very busy lives. It is a magnet for young professionals, a category I don't care to be put in. I've heard it said about tempers that a man is only as big as the things he gets angry over. I've also heard it said, that a temper is a guys way of showing his intolerance for what he finds intolerable. I'm butchering both of these quotes, but you get the picture. Point being, Hawks fans made me absolutely furious. Chants of "Detroit Sucks" and that seizure inducing goal song that is played at their home games, are two things I will not miss, to put it mildly. Am I being childish and petty, or a stalwart and courageous? You can decide. I did not think it could get worse in terms of Wings hatred until I moved to Denver.
Now Denver, is obviously very different than Chicago. It's a smaller, quieter town, filled with some very interesting characters who seem to be more experience driven than career driven, as opposed to the Chicago crowd. The friends I have here, most of them fellow Michiganders, made it very clear to me that Avalanche fans still have great animus towards the winged wheel. "Still? Don't they know this rivalry ended almost ten years ago?" No, they don't. They still hate us passionately. Now of course, I understand why we are hated, and I point this out to my antagonists whenever the debate begins. "You hate us because we have been crushing you, along with every other team, with relative ease for a long time. We are the best." As you can guess, the other side does not like hearing this. But facts can be irritating things, and I feel it is my role as a fan, to defend my team against these attacks. The laid back attitude that is prevalent in Denver, completely disappears when the Wings are mentioned, and is replaced with a deep seeded aggression and hostility. It's actually a rather fascinating transformation to watch happen in real time. So, my friends, know that there is a Wings fanatic, fighting the good fight, and doing it deep inside enemy territory. I also quite like it here in The Mile High City, so rest assured, the fight will go on and as always, we will win.
For more Red Wings analysis and opinion, please visit http://octopusthrower.com/author/iandunham13/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Red-Wings-Fan-In-Enemy-Territory&id=6559160] A Red Wings Fan In Enemy Territory
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Mitchell Callahan: Future Favorite
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jordan_M_Reis]Jordan M Reis
One name that might not be on your prospect radar for the Detroit Red Wings is Mitchell Callahan. The Whittier California native was drafted by the Wings in the 6th round (180th overall) of the 2009 NHL entry draft. The 5'11" and 175 lbs forward will step into the pro ranks this season with Grand Rapids.
The reason Callahan who does not come from a hockey hotbed, and is undersized by most NHL standards is so intriguing is the fact that the Wings haven't had a player of his mold for quite some time. He's not an offensive juggernaut, though he's very capable of potting a goal when needed. He does however have a knack for getting under the opponents skin.
He is an agitator, and a very effective one at that.
Scouting Report Via Red Wings Central
SCOUT COMMENTS
"He's a high-energy, high-impact player. He finishes all of his checks, he's fearless and he'll take on anybody. You hope he's going to be one of those guys who gets in on the forecheck and who causes havoc on defensemen." - Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill (June 2009)
"Daniel Carcillo in Philly is the kind of guy this guy is. He's after you all the time, under everybody's skin, he's yappin' at you and he's doing all the things that bother everybody. He's an agitator." - Kelowna Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton (June 2009)
"He's something we don't have. We're not a tough, robust team, and he brings in that agitator. He's in your face, he's going to fight anybody, one of those fan favorite type of players." - Nill (July 2010, DetroitRedWings.com).
STRENGTHS
Plays a robust, tenacious physical game... Yaps at everyone, fights anyone, hits everything... Generates energy for his team every shift... Hard hitter who scares defensemen with his hustle on the forecheck... Has shown he has the hands to chip in with timely goals... Stands up for his teammates in a heartbeat and is a "pound-for-pound" good fighter... Fan favorite and a treat to watch... Learned quickly to be responsible in his own end with Kelowna.
WEAKNESSES
The big question is if Callahan has the hands to be more than a minor-leaguer... Average skater, and needs particular improvement on his first couple of steps to get to the next level... Can he survive at the next level with his style of play and below-average size?
PROJECTION
The Red Wings rarely draft players of Callahan's ilk, but they liked his potential, particularly in the sixth round. He has NHL upside as a third- or fourth-line agitating right-winger and his progress in his final two seasons of junior, particularly on the offensive side of things, have shown he's well on his way. Expect him to win an AHL job with Grand Rapids in 2011-12.
Now with all that goodness warming your heart let me tell you why Callahan is special. First lets start with the fact that he made the Kelowna Rockets as a walk on in 2008, that right there shows you the determination and work ethic he had as a 17-year-old, he impressed the Wings so much in '09 that they drafted him without being on the central scouting lists, and in the 10-11 season he won a bronze medal with USA at the World Junior Championships.
The Wings have so much confidence in the 20-year-old winger that they signed him to a 3-year deal one year before they had to. Known for being a pest on the ice, Callahan will do or say anything to get his opponents focused on him and off their game. He is also not afraid to drop the gloves no matter the size, in 3 seasons with Kelowna he's had 48 fighting majors and 440 penalty minutes.
But don't let his reputation of being a pest and tough guy lead you to think that Callahan is another locker room cancer like Sean Avery, in fact Callahan is the exact opposite. Off the ice he is the guy that gets the room loose, telling jokes and making people smile. Brendan Smith was even quoted saying "You wouldn't know he's a real tough guy because he's kind of a little sweetheart. Every team has that one guy who's kind of charismatic and cracks jokes."
So what player does Callahan best resemble? Well, that's not so easy. He has so many aspects to his game that you can't quite pigeon hold him to one player. He has parts to his game compared to Dallas Drake, Dan Carcillo, Bob Probert, Dino Ciccarelli, Darren McCarty and Darcy Tucker.
Prediction for the future, Callahan will be an instant fan favorite. His jersey will be worn by Red Wings fans in the same fashion as Draper and McCarty's were. Though he wont be an offensive superstar, he will be a glue guy to our future. A player that championships aren't won without.
Follow Callahan on Twitter @emcy2four
Jordan Reis
Detroit Hockey Report http://detroithockeyreport.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mitchell-Callahan:-Future-Favorite&id=6561540] Mitchell Callahan: Future Favorite
One name that might not be on your prospect radar for the Detroit Red Wings is Mitchell Callahan. The Whittier California native was drafted by the Wings in the 6th round (180th overall) of the 2009 NHL entry draft. The 5'11" and 175 lbs forward will step into the pro ranks this season with Grand Rapids.
The reason Callahan who does not come from a hockey hotbed, and is undersized by most NHL standards is so intriguing is the fact that the Wings haven't had a player of his mold for quite some time. He's not an offensive juggernaut, though he's very capable of potting a goal when needed. He does however have a knack for getting under the opponents skin.
He is an agitator, and a very effective one at that.
Scouting Report Via Red Wings Central
SCOUT COMMENTS
"He's a high-energy, high-impact player. He finishes all of his checks, he's fearless and he'll take on anybody. You hope he's going to be one of those guys who gets in on the forecheck and who causes havoc on defensemen." - Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill (June 2009)
"Daniel Carcillo in Philly is the kind of guy this guy is. He's after you all the time, under everybody's skin, he's yappin' at you and he's doing all the things that bother everybody. He's an agitator." - Kelowna Rockets general manager Bruce Hamilton (June 2009)
"He's something we don't have. We're not a tough, robust team, and he brings in that agitator. He's in your face, he's going to fight anybody, one of those fan favorite type of players." - Nill (July 2010, DetroitRedWings.com).
STRENGTHS
Plays a robust, tenacious physical game... Yaps at everyone, fights anyone, hits everything... Generates energy for his team every shift... Hard hitter who scares defensemen with his hustle on the forecheck... Has shown he has the hands to chip in with timely goals... Stands up for his teammates in a heartbeat and is a "pound-for-pound" good fighter... Fan favorite and a treat to watch... Learned quickly to be responsible in his own end with Kelowna.
WEAKNESSES
The big question is if Callahan has the hands to be more than a minor-leaguer... Average skater, and needs particular improvement on his first couple of steps to get to the next level... Can he survive at the next level with his style of play and below-average size?
PROJECTION
The Red Wings rarely draft players of Callahan's ilk, but they liked his potential, particularly in the sixth round. He has NHL upside as a third- or fourth-line agitating right-winger and his progress in his final two seasons of junior, particularly on the offensive side of things, have shown he's well on his way. Expect him to win an AHL job with Grand Rapids in 2011-12.
Now with all that goodness warming your heart let me tell you why Callahan is special. First lets start with the fact that he made the Kelowna Rockets as a walk on in 2008, that right there shows you the determination and work ethic he had as a 17-year-old, he impressed the Wings so much in '09 that they drafted him without being on the central scouting lists, and in the 10-11 season he won a bronze medal with USA at the World Junior Championships.
The Wings have so much confidence in the 20-year-old winger that they signed him to a 3-year deal one year before they had to. Known for being a pest on the ice, Callahan will do or say anything to get his opponents focused on him and off their game. He is also not afraid to drop the gloves no matter the size, in 3 seasons with Kelowna he's had 48 fighting majors and 440 penalty minutes.
But don't let his reputation of being a pest and tough guy lead you to think that Callahan is another locker room cancer like Sean Avery, in fact Callahan is the exact opposite. Off the ice he is the guy that gets the room loose, telling jokes and making people smile. Brendan Smith was even quoted saying "You wouldn't know he's a real tough guy because he's kind of a little sweetheart. Every team has that one guy who's kind of charismatic and cracks jokes."
So what player does Callahan best resemble? Well, that's not so easy. He has so many aspects to his game that you can't quite pigeon hold him to one player. He has parts to his game compared to Dallas Drake, Dan Carcillo, Bob Probert, Dino Ciccarelli, Darren McCarty and Darcy Tucker.
Prediction for the future, Callahan will be an instant fan favorite. His jersey will be worn by Red Wings fans in the same fashion as Draper and McCarty's were. Though he wont be an offensive superstar, he will be a glue guy to our future. A player that championships aren't won without.
Follow Callahan on Twitter @emcy2four
Jordan Reis
Detroit Hockey Report http://detroithockeyreport.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Mitchell-Callahan:-Future-Favorite&id=6561540] Mitchell Callahan: Future Favorite
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wearing the Right Hockey Mask for Maximum Protection
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_S_Musselman]Karen S Musselman
Since hockey is a very physical sport, whether you're playing inline or ice, it's pretty normal that some fighting is going to happen. One player's going to check another player into the wall in a no-check game, someone's going to get tripped up by a hockey stick that's in the wrong place at the wrong time - on purpose or not. It's just the nature of the sport, and a good hockey mask is an essential piece of gear.
And then there's the hockey puck. Hard and heavy, hockey pucks are super fast moving objects and most often it's the goalie's body that stops the puck in mid-motion, making a good mask even more important to the players on the ice, especially for the goalie.
With speeds reaching up to 160 kilometers an hour, a hard fast shot on goal can be really dangerous to the goalie, which is why this protection is a requirement with younger hockey players. And you'll always see every goalie wearing a full face hockey mask.
The Goalie's Mask
A goalie's mask today is actually a full-face helmet made from a variety of composite materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass. The front of the helmet has a large opening cut out in the front and covered by a titanium cage. Depending on the design the goalie wants, the hockey mask of today can actually be scarier than the one that Jason wore in Friday the 13th!
Face Cages
Face masks or face cages worn by the other players can be permanently attached to their helmets or detachable so they can be removed if they're practicing.
Since the hockey mask is either part of the helmet or attached to the helmet, the design of the helmet is just as important to the players as the face mask. Helmets today are also made of a variety of lightweight composite materials so they're easier to wear for longer periods of time and can withstand the grueling punishment they take protecting the players during game time.
Open Front Cage Design
The open front with the cage overlay makes it easier for the players to see each other, follow the puck and be aware of other obstacles - like falling players or broken hockey sticks - that will inevitably get in the way and possibly some injuries which could likely be more severe without the right protective gear.
The open cage design also allows for much better air circulation than the old closed-up design that only had eye and nose cutouts. The new designs can also hold up against the full force of a fast-moving puck hitting a player it the face, thereby saving their teeth and avoiding broken noses in the process.
As much fun as hockey is to play, especially ice hockey, unfortunately this high impact physical sport also comes with some injuries to the head and limbs that could be fatal if the proper protective gear isn't worn. And this is even more critical for the goalie, which is why the improvements have been made to the hockey mask of today.
About the Author: Karen writes about inline and ice hockey for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com using tips from her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. You can read more information about different player and goalie [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/hockey-mask.html]hockey masks on their website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wearing-the-Right-Hockey-Mask-for-Maximum-Protection&id=6560737] Wearing the Right Hockey Mask for Maximum Protection
Since hockey is a very physical sport, whether you're playing inline or ice, it's pretty normal that some fighting is going to happen. One player's going to check another player into the wall in a no-check game, someone's going to get tripped up by a hockey stick that's in the wrong place at the wrong time - on purpose or not. It's just the nature of the sport, and a good hockey mask is an essential piece of gear.
And then there's the hockey puck. Hard and heavy, hockey pucks are super fast moving objects and most often it's the goalie's body that stops the puck in mid-motion, making a good mask even more important to the players on the ice, especially for the goalie.
With speeds reaching up to 160 kilometers an hour, a hard fast shot on goal can be really dangerous to the goalie, which is why this protection is a requirement with younger hockey players. And you'll always see every goalie wearing a full face hockey mask.
The Goalie's Mask
A goalie's mask today is actually a full-face helmet made from a variety of composite materials like Kevlar, carbon fiber and fiberglass. The front of the helmet has a large opening cut out in the front and covered by a titanium cage. Depending on the design the goalie wants, the hockey mask of today can actually be scarier than the one that Jason wore in Friday the 13th!
Face Cages
Face masks or face cages worn by the other players can be permanently attached to their helmets or detachable so they can be removed if they're practicing.
Since the hockey mask is either part of the helmet or attached to the helmet, the design of the helmet is just as important to the players as the face mask. Helmets today are also made of a variety of lightweight composite materials so they're easier to wear for longer periods of time and can withstand the grueling punishment they take protecting the players during game time.
Open Front Cage Design
The open front with the cage overlay makes it easier for the players to see each other, follow the puck and be aware of other obstacles - like falling players or broken hockey sticks - that will inevitably get in the way and possibly some injuries which could likely be more severe without the right protective gear.
The open cage design also allows for much better air circulation than the old closed-up design that only had eye and nose cutouts. The new designs can also hold up against the full force of a fast-moving puck hitting a player it the face, thereby saving their teeth and avoiding broken noses in the process.
As much fun as hockey is to play, especially ice hockey, unfortunately this high impact physical sport also comes with some injuries to the head and limbs that could be fatal if the proper protective gear isn't worn. And this is even more critical for the goalie, which is why the improvements have been made to the hockey mask of today.
About the Author: Karen writes about inline and ice hockey for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com using tips from her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. You can read more information about different player and goalie [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/hockey-mask.html]hockey masks on their website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wearing-the-Right-Hockey-Mask-for-Maximum-Protection&id=6560737] Wearing the Right Hockey Mask for Maximum Protection
Friday, December 2, 2011
Player and Goalie Hockey Gloves for Ultimate Hand Protection
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Karen_S_Musselman]Karen S Musselman
Because of the sport itself, the speed and hardness of the hockey puck, the sharpness of skate blades, getting rolled over by inline skate wheels, or the impact of a hockey stick, both inline and ice hockey gloves have to be made of special materials and designed in a way that the players' hands and wrists are completely protected while still being flexible enough so the players maintain the ability to grip and maneuver their hockey sticks.
To do this, generally the hockey gloves are designed from a thin layer of material the palm and palm-side of the fingers, allowing maximum mobility and flexibility to grip the stick and keep a hold of it during play.
The backside of the hand obviously needs a lot more padding since this the part of the hand that's exposed to the greatest danger of being injured by flying hockey pucks, sticks, skate blades, you name it. The main point of this type of protection is that a player can get hit with just about anything and they're not going to really feel it, much less incur a serious injury.
The thumb area on the gloves have extra reinforcement to make sure that the highest protection is there against the thumb possible bending backwards, which obviously could cause a serious sprain or break and put you out of the game.
Those are the player gloves. The goalie's hockey gloves are significantly different because of the position the goalie plays and the amount of times the goalie is likely to get hammered with hard, fast-moving pucks.
The goalie actually needs two gloves. While one will be similar in design to the players' gloves because the goalie still needs to grip a hockey stick, the other glove is used to deflect shots on goal. The goalie can grab pucks with this glove and toss them back in the game, or grab and hold the puck.
Because of the goalie needing to perform these most often amazing feats in action, these particular goalie hockey gloves are designed almost like a baseball glove since they serve the same purpose, but with much greater protection because of the hardness and speed of a hockey puck as compared to a baseball or softball.
The pocket area where the puck is caught is netted and designed to make it easy for the goalie to wing it back into play or toss it to the ref or another player without having to use his other hand to remove the puck from the glove.
Regardless of whether you're playing inline or ice, your hockey gloves are going to protect you from bruises and cuts on your hands and wrists from the pucks or tripping and landing in front of another player's skates. Especially on ice, those sharp blades can be really dangerous to unprotected hands!
About the Author: Karen Musselman writes inline and ice hockey articles for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com using tips from her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. Visit Karen's website for some tips on how to find your perfect pair of [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/hockey-gloves.html]hockey gloves for your next season.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Player-and-Goalie-Hockey-Gloves-for-Ultimate-Hand-Protection&id=6560759] Player and Goalie Hockey Gloves for Ultimate Hand Protection
Because of the sport itself, the speed and hardness of the hockey puck, the sharpness of skate blades, getting rolled over by inline skate wheels, or the impact of a hockey stick, both inline and ice hockey gloves have to be made of special materials and designed in a way that the players' hands and wrists are completely protected while still being flexible enough so the players maintain the ability to grip and maneuver their hockey sticks.
To do this, generally the hockey gloves are designed from a thin layer of material the palm and palm-side of the fingers, allowing maximum mobility and flexibility to grip the stick and keep a hold of it during play.
The backside of the hand obviously needs a lot more padding since this the part of the hand that's exposed to the greatest danger of being injured by flying hockey pucks, sticks, skate blades, you name it. The main point of this type of protection is that a player can get hit with just about anything and they're not going to really feel it, much less incur a serious injury.
The thumb area on the gloves have extra reinforcement to make sure that the highest protection is there against the thumb possible bending backwards, which obviously could cause a serious sprain or break and put you out of the game.
Those are the player gloves. The goalie's hockey gloves are significantly different because of the position the goalie plays and the amount of times the goalie is likely to get hammered with hard, fast-moving pucks.
The goalie actually needs two gloves. While one will be similar in design to the players' gloves because the goalie still needs to grip a hockey stick, the other glove is used to deflect shots on goal. The goalie can grab pucks with this glove and toss them back in the game, or grab and hold the puck.
Because of the goalie needing to perform these most often amazing feats in action, these particular goalie hockey gloves are designed almost like a baseball glove since they serve the same purpose, but with much greater protection because of the hardness and speed of a hockey puck as compared to a baseball or softball.
The pocket area where the puck is caught is netted and designed to make it easy for the goalie to wing it back into play or toss it to the ref or another player without having to use his other hand to remove the puck from the glove.
Regardless of whether you're playing inline or ice, your hockey gloves are going to protect you from bruises and cuts on your hands and wrists from the pucks or tripping and landing in front of another player's skates. Especially on ice, those sharp blades can be really dangerous to unprotected hands!
About the Author: Karen Musselman writes inline and ice hockey articles for [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com]Cheap-Hockey-Sticks.com using tips from her son, an avid inline and ice hockey player for more than 15 years. Visit Karen's website for some tips on how to find your perfect pair of [http://cheap-hockey-sticks.com/hockey-gloves.html]hockey gloves for your next season.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Player-and-Goalie-Hockey-Gloves-for-Ultimate-Hand-Protection&id=6560759] Player and Goalie Hockey Gloves for Ultimate Hand Protection
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