With that, I felt it was time to hit up Kirsten for an interview to get the ultimate insider’s perspective on this program and find out why it’s such a success.

Kirsten West has been the skating director at Reisterstown Sportsplex since it opened in 2008. She grew up in the Baltimore area and her skating career actually began at eight years old in a Learn-to-Skate program. After that, she began taking private lessons, then started competing. At around sixteen, she began helping teach basic skills classes, then moved into teaching group lessons while competing at Towson University in inter-collegiate competitions with the TU Figure Skating Club. She graduated from TU in 2007 and after teaching pre-school for a few months, she was hired by Rink Management Services Corporation to teach at Reisterstown.

Immediately, I dove right in and asked Kirsten what makes this program so great. Without hesitation, she said the people. “Like Beth said, our instructors are not only knowledgeable, but also patient, flexible people who genuinely love what they do. It plays a big part in how we keep the atmosphere fun and inviting,” Kirsten continued, “some of our coaches and skate aids are young too, which helps them relate to younger students.”

I then asked what makes Reisterstown’s program unique. “While the program itself follows a curriculum developed by US Figure Skating, there are several added bonuses we’ve implemented that you may not find at other rinks,” she replied. A few of the “bonuses” she referred to are:

• Pre-Hockey Program - for those who are interested in skating specifically to play hockey.
• In-House Basic Skills Competition - Though it’s main function is to promote fun, the skills competition gives students an opportunity to showcase the skills they’ve learned in one big competition-style event.
• Learn-to-Skate GROUPON - Recently offered a Groupon featuring a great Learn-to-Skate deal which the rink plans to offer again soon.

With reasonable pricing, great offers, and a talented group of teachers, Kirsten has seen the number of students participating in the program grow exponentially in just four years. “Even through the tough economy, patronage has been strong,” she said. Looking to the future, Kirsten expects more growth of the student body, as well as continued skating improvement by current students who stick with it, growing more together each year.

To wrap things up, I asked Kirsten what the program had in store for students this summer. She got very excited and said, “Another great perk about the Reisterstown Sportsplex figure skating program is that we also offer a full day Figure Skating Camp for four weeks in the summer. The purpose of the camp is to promote growth and fun in figure skating from beginner through the advanced levels. It gives kids a great opportunity to get an edge on their skills during the summer. The camp offers a wide variety of on-ice activities, such as edge classes, jump and spin sessions, power skating, synchronized skating, artistry, and even a “demonstration of skills” show at the end of each week. The Figure Skating camp is taught by our higher level instructors that also teach in our group lesson program. It’s a great way to beat the heat in the summer!”

Reisterstown Sportsplex Summer Camp 2012 dates:
July 9th-July 13th
July 23rd-July 27th
August 13th-August 17th
August 20th-August 24th

You can find more information about the camp and registration on our website at www.rtownsports.com under the “camps” tab.

So here’s how it works. Registration is easy and can be done online. The beginner level consists of eight classes - one per week. At the end of the eighth class, there’s an “exam” to determine if the skills taught were absorbed and can be performed satisfactorily by the student in order advance to the next level of beginner classes. After one year, Brynn is now in the 2nd level of the next tier program, called the “Free Skate” program. According to Beth, the cost is “very reasonable,” and each enrollment also includes a coupon for one free public skating session to encourage students to continue practicing in their free time.

The Merz family is an active one. With four kids, someone’s always playing something - soccer, lacrosse, and now skating too! But Beth enjoys the chaos, especially when it pays off. “Brynn loves skating. She took to it immediately and she was a natural,” she said.

Not surprisingly, the beginner classes tend to be the largest. I asked Beth how the teachers make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. She said, “They’re very knowledgeable, excellent teachers. Good at handling lots of kids at beginner levels. Kirsten (Director of Figure Skating at The Reisterstown Sportsplex) is warm, friendly and encouraging. Brynn loves her.” She went on to explain that as students move up through the ranks, the crowds begin to thin, giving advancing students more one-on-one time with teachers. Private lessons are also offered, especially at the higher levels. There’s also no commitment, so a pay-as-you-go system can be utilized if necessary.

With a year behind her and her skills improving daily, I asked where Brynn wanted to go from here. Beth expressed that Brynn is getting so good and enjoys it so much, they’re beginning to wonder how they want to proceed as far as possibly competing. “She would probably want to compete at some point. We haven’t explored that just yet. But we look forward to speaking to her coaches about that possible next level.” Reisterstown offers a competition for skaters of all levels. Students are encouraged to compete if they choose.

After thanking Beth for offering to speak with me about Brynn and the “Learn to Skate” program, I asked if there were any final thoughts she would like to add. She responded by saying, “They’re doing a really nice job. It’s a good program. They have something for everybody. You can be a beginner, intermediate or advanced skater and get a lot out of the program.”

To check out the “Learn to Skate” program offered here at Reisterstown Sportsplex, follow this link: http://www.rtownsports.com/LTS_weekly.htm.

Miracle - The moving true story about the 1980 U.S. Hockey team that defeated the “unbeatable” Russian team in the semi-final game. Full of drama, comedy, and of course, hockey!

Slap Shot - The definitive hockey movie. Perhaps not the best choice for a romantic evening with your sweetheart. But, you can’t do a list of hockey movies without it. It’s a rule.

Youngblood - A coming-of-age story about a young player trying to find his place in a new town and its semi-pro hockey team. 80s heartthrobs (yep, I said “heartthrobs”, what of it?) Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze star in this dated, yet timeless dramedy. I have no idea how something can be dated and timeless at the same time, but just go with it.

The Rocket - One of the lesser well-known hockey movies around, but certainly not a lesser film! The Rocket follows the trials and tribulations of Quebec’s most famous hockey player, Maurice “The Rocket” Richard, a French Canadian trying to be successful in the NHL. Some have called it “the Gladiator of hockey movies”.

Mystery, Alaska - A hockey movie with heart about a small town in Alaska with an amazing secret...they have phenomenal hockey players! After a story in Sports Illustrated exposes them to the world, the NHL plans an “old time hockey” event pitting the Mystery boys against the New York Rangers, much to the shock, excitement, and panic of the townies and pond-hockey players alike. Dubbed “The Rocky of hockey”, the film stars Russell Crowe and few other recognizeable faces. Cute, sweet and funny....oh, and hockey too.

The Cutting Edge - Okay guys, before you freak out, I’m well aware this isn’t technically a hockey movie. But you know what? It’s about a hockey player and there’s a lot of ice and skating in it. So chill! It wouldn’t hurt to watch one your lady might actually enjoy, ya know? The Cutting Edge is about a hockey player (D.B. Sweeney) who’s career is cut short by injury, but is given an opportunity to skate again with a cute partner (Moira Kelly) in Olympic pairs figure skating competition. Being a romance, it’s pretty predictable. But the ride is fun, sweet, and worth the hour and forty minutes.

Goon - This one will have to wait until after Valentine’s Day because it doesn’t actually hit theaters until March, but I HAD to mention it because I’m geeked about it! This comedy stars Sean William Scott as a loser whose fists of fury land him a job on the local semi-pro hockey team as a bruiser. Looks to me like it’s gonna be a fantastic companion to “Slap Shot”. Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_YQU2xZxWs

Pro Shopping

One thing you can always count on is that hockey players need gear. Constantly. Gloves wear out, sticks break, skates dull. The first place to look for some great new stuff is the pro shop at your local rink. They’ll have anything and everything your hockey player needs. Of course, if you don’t know what they need, consider a gift basket made up of hockey essentials - Tape, sharpening stone, laces, and there’s always the can’t-go-wrong gift certificate. This way, they can buy whatever they like.

Skate Date

Rather than dinner and a movie, why not take your better half to a public skating session? It’s fun, different, and your local rink may even have a special engagement planned for the holiday.

App-y Valentine’s Day

This is a cool one. If your hockey-fanatic is tech savvy and enjoys spending time on their tablet or smartphone, you might want to consider buying them a hockey app. There are literally hundreds of hockey-themed games, books, movies and music available for just about every device. Do a quick search and you’ll be bombarded with them in no time. One of the coolest ones around is called “SpeedClock Lite”. It’s used like a radar gun to calculate the speed of a baseball pitch, or in this case, a hockey slapshot! The best part is that it’s FREE. Your hockey player will have a blast with his teammates clocking they’re power during the next practice.

Spread the Love

So if you’re tired of the same old flowers n’ candy Valentine’s junk, give the gift of hockey this year! Nothing says “love” like ice and sharp skates. You know I’m right.

Scenes like this happen all too often in youth sports. Let’s face it, some people are just jerks. However, even ordinary good-natured folks can sometimes let emotion get the better of them. The hard truth is that ALL parents are emotionally tied to their children and will not always act appropriately when attending their sporting events. Further, it only takes one bad decision by one adult to ruin what’s supposed to be a fun event for everyone. To try and avoid these instances, here are a few quick suggestions when dealing with difficult or disruptive parents.

Cool, Calm and Collected

You can’t control what other people do, only what you do. If you witness a parent behaving badly, it’s best to report them to the league director or rink management, rather than taking matters into your own hands. Remember, you want to stop the problem, not contribute to it. Getting involved directly often adds fuel to the fire and cause tensions to escalate. Once that happens, you’re no better than the jerk who started the mess.

Communcation

As I stressed in my last blog, communication is the key to understanding. Whether you agree with what another parent is saying or doing, it’s important to be respectful of their position. No matter how trivial or ridiculous you think they’re being, it’s important to remember that they don’t see it that way. Allowing them a forum to explain their perspective not only opens the lines of communication, but also gives that person an outlet to express themselves, thus helping keep tempers under control. As they say, you catch more flies with honey.

A Helping Hand

Very often, disruptive parents really don’t realize they’re being disruptive. After all, they’re just looking out for the best interests of their child, and possibly yours' as well. You would do the same thing, right? That may be so, but again, there are good ways and bad ways to “help”. If a well-meaning parent is causing more problems than they’re solving, sometimes it’s best to offer them a “position” in which to focus their efforts. For instance, if a busy-body mom feels the team doesn’t have enough pucks to properly warm up before a game, one could suggest she organize some type of fundraiser like a bake sale in order to make money to buy more pucks. Obviously, this isn’t the most difficult of problems to solve. But it’s a good example to get you thinking outside the box. After all, not EVERY difficult parent actually means to be difficult. Most people mean well. So, it’s important to find productive ways to get everyone involved whenever possible.

Hi-Tech Temperament

Many people refrain from reporting disruptive people for fear of getting involved. You certainly can’t blame someone for avoiding possible confrontation. However, a program in Calgary has taken an interesting, hi-tech approach to the problem. They have devised a system which encourages parents who witness bad behavior to report it via text by simply sending a 4-digit code via phone. This anonymous system allows for officials to be notified of behavior infractions, thus allowing the reporting party to avoid dealing with the culprit(s) directly. To read more about this fantastic new approach, follow this link: http://www.calgarysun.com/2011/10/10/respect-1-idiots-0

Once again...fun!

Remember, youth sports are supposed to be fun for everyone, including the adults. If at any time it doesn't feel that way, something is wrong. Never be afraid to address the problem. Just be sure to do it in a smart, productive way.

Enjoy The Journey

Don’t focus on the end result - winning and losing. Focus on the process of getting there. That’s when everything is learned. The emphasis on the process of learning, acquiring and honing their skills can not only help them achieve their goals in hockey, but also in life.

Let Them Play

Being invested in your child’s experience can be a great thing. However, too often parents get so wrapped up in the rollercoaster of a game that they forget how to be passionate in a constructive manner.

I used to coach youth hockey myself. I can tell you first hand that even mild-mannered parents occasionally erupt and voice their displeasure over a bad call by the ref, or a dirty play on the ice. It’s happens all the time. It’s normal, it’s human, but it’s not helpful.

Let’s face it. Your child is going to take bad calls from time to time. He’s going to be checked on a dirty play that the ref will miss. Things are going to happen that you’re not going to like. But banging on the glass and yelling at the refs, coaches and opposing players is NOT the way to handle it. In hockey, as in life, things aren’t always going to go your child’s way. How to handle adversity, and how to conduct themselves in a mature and sportsmanlike manner when bad things happen are the best lessons you can teach them.

Car Coaching

Everyone talks in the car, right? That is, if you can keep your children off their phones, ipods, and PSPs for 5 minutes. Well, for those parents who successfully manage to do this long enough to carry on a conversation, you may be interested in this next tip. 

It’s been my experience that parents love to discuss games and practices with their kids. This is great, except that sometimes parents will offer their own opinions on what should and shouldn’t be happening on the ice. Occasionally, this approach may conflict with what your child’s coach is trying to achieve. So, instead of blindly offering an opinion, ask the coach if there’s anything he feels you should discuss with your child during these opportunities. This not only keeps the message consistent, but it also offers reinforcement of what your child is being taught.

Parent/Coach Relationship

Some coaches and parents get along great, some don’t. In all their years of playing hockey, your children may be coached by someone you’re not completely on-board with. It happens. Heck, the coach may not be too fond of you either. But, no matter what your feelings are about each other, the key to keeping things healthy and productive is communication. Parents, listen to the coaches. Coaches, listen to the parents. Talk to each other. Be courteous, mature, civilized, and above all remember that it’s not about either of you. It’s about the kids and their experience playing ice hockey that matters. 

Overcoming Failure

We all fail. No matter how good a player your child is, they’re going to fail from time to time. The best way to handle their disappointment is to remind them that sports are a metaphor for life. Failing is common, okay, and completely necessary because it’s how we get better. Succeeding is great, but it’s when we fail that we truly learn about ourselves. Like Al Pacino said, “Remember kid, any given Sunday, either you’re going to win or you’re going to lose. The question is, can you win or lose like a man?” (Any Given Sunday, 1999)

FUN! FUN! FUN!

Ultimately, sports are supposed to be joyful. If at any time is doesn’t feel that way for you or your child, then something is wrong. Be sure to discuss it with them. Bring your child’s coach in on the conversation as well. The most important thing is to have fun. The rest is commentary.

Zones

• The ice surface is divided into three zones.
• The area where the goal net is located is the "defending zone" for the team defending that net.
• The middle of the rink, between two blue lines, is the "neutral zone."
• The area where the opposing net is located is the "attacking zone" or "offensive zone."

The Net

• A cage measuring four feet tall and six feet wide, strung with nylon mesh in the back.
• There are two nets at opposite ends of the ice, guarded by the goaltenders.

Object of the Game

• Score more goals than the other team!

The Teams

• Each team has six players on the ice, one goaltender and five "skaters.”
• The five skaters have assigned positions: three forwards and two defensemen.
• Regardless of assigned positions, all players except the goaltender can go anywhere on the ice.
• The goaltender cannot cross the center ice red line that divides the rink in half.

Substitutions

• Substitutions are unlimited and can be made at any time.
• A substitution does not require an official's permission, or a stoppage in play.
• A player can join the game during play as long as the departing player is within five feet of the bench and not involved in the play or with an opponent.

The Faceoff

• The game begins/resumes when the referee drops the puck between two opposing forwards.
• During the faceoff all other players are positioned on the defensive side of the puck.
• There are nine designated faceoff spots painted on the ice.

The Game Clock

• The game is played in three 12-minute or 15-minute periods, depending on the youth level.
• The clock is stopped during all stoppages in play.

Body Checking

• Checking isn’t legal in youth hockey until the Pee Wee level (11-12).
• A player can use a shoulder, hip or torso to hit or impede an opponent, but only when the opponent is in possession of the puck.
• A body check that targets the head is illegal.
• A body check to an opponent's back is illegal if the opponent is facing the boards.
• The upping of checking to the Bantam level, as well as the removal of checking from youth hockey all together have been proposed ad nauseam over the years. The thought here being that only about 1 in every 4000 youths actually go pro one day. So why subject the other 3999 bodies to the physical rigors of checking? You be the judge.

Minor Penalties

Like all other sports, penalties are often open to interpretation. Some refs call a lot of penalties, some don’t. Some call it by the book, some use discretion. But sooner or later, everyone goes to the “sin bin”. A player charged with a minor penalty is sent off the ice to the penalty box for two minutes, with no substitution allowed. The penalty ends immediately if a goal is scored by the opposing team. Minor penalties are called for obstructing an opponent. 

Infractions include:

• Tripping (with the stick or knee)
• Holding (with stick or hands)
• Hooking (with stick)
• Interference (checking or impeding a player without the puck)
• Slashing
• Spearing
• High-sticking (hitting an opponent in the head or face)
• Cross-checking (hitting an opponent with the shaft of the stick)

• Elbowing
• Checking from behind
• Kneeing
• Roughing (broadly defined; usually involves a wrestling or shoving match)

Major Penalties

• Majors can vary depending on any youth program’s handbook. But, majors are commonly differentiated from minors by intent. Any check a referee deems intentional will result in a minimum of a five minute major penalty. Any two major penalties incurred within one game will result in a game misconduct (ejection) which will also carry a one-game suspension.
• The most common major penalty is fighting.
• In youth hockey, a fight carries a game-misconduct (ejection) as well as a 2-game, 5-game (or more) suspension, depending on the severity of the fight.

Power Play

This term refers to the team who is “man up” due to a penalty charged to the other team. If the opposing team has one or more players in the penalty box, the other team is considered on the “power play” for the duration of the penalty since they have more players on the ice.

Offside

If a player precedes the puck into the offensive zone, play is stopped and a faceoff takes place in the neutral zone. The puck or the puck carrier must always be the first to enter the offensive zone.

Icing

• Shooting the puck across the goal line of the offensive zone from behind your own zone’s blue line.
• In youth hockey, icing is automatic. Meaning, the moment the illegally shot puck crosses the offensive zone’s goal line, play is stopped and the faceoff comes back into the offending team’s zone. In the pros, the puck must be “touched up” by the defending team before the offending team in order for icing to be called.
• Icing can often be “waved off” by the official if he feels any player of the opposing team is able to play the puck before it passes his goal line, but does not do so, the linesman can "wave off" icing, allowing play to continue.

You Rule!

As you can see, ice hockey really isn’t that complicated at all. Obviously, there are some additional rules, policies and details not listed here. But you now know the most important stuff to get started. Feel free to coach up the other parents around you when the whistle blows and they don’t know why!

Ice hockey equipment is traditionally well-built, strong and durable. But to keep it that way, you MUST take care of it. Not properly caring for your gear will contribute to its early demise. Some articles of equipment are more susceptible to premature deterioration than others. So, the following article will offer some tips on how to keep those particular pieces in good shape.

Skates

• Dry, Dry, Dry: Always wipe your skates dry after every use. Yes, EVERY use. Not just the blade either, but the whole boot and tuck as well. Lingering snow will cause the rivets to rust over time. Once dry, DO NOT just throw them in your hockey bag resting against your other wet gear. This will defeat the purpose of wiping them down! Buy a skate bag, or at the very least put them in a plastic bag by themselves. Trust me, it’s worth it.
• Tighten Your Rivets: Having your rivets tightened often can really increase the lifespan of your skates. When a rivet loosens, the others are forced to compensate, resulting in an overall weakening of your rivets. The next time you get your skates sharpened, ask the technician if they can tighten your rivets. Doing this around once a month will keep your rivets tight and doing their job.
• Remove Your Soles: Rivets can also be attacked from the inside of your boot. After using your skates, the boot is usually soaked in sweat. That moisture can rust your rivets from the inside, not to mention affect the padding of your boot. So remove your sole and let it dry before putting it back.
• Change Your Laces: Just like your soles, your laces retain water and sweat after skating. Believe it or not, your wet laces can damage the material of your skate tongue, which can affect your skate stiffness in the long run. By replacing them often, you eliminate that extra moisture resting on the top of your skate. When I say often, I mean every 2-3 weeks. It really helps.

Helmet

Like your skates, wiping your helmet dry is the first line of defense against premature breakdown. Besides that, it’s also a good idea to check your helmet regularly for cracks, chips, or missing pieces. The foam inside your helmet should not be cut or modified and should feel spongy-soft, not hard. Remember, a damaged helmet is never as helpful as it should be.

Hockey Gloves

Just in case I haven’t said it enough, DRY YOUR GEAR. Gloves are no different. However, it’s important to note that when you hang up your hockey gloves, avoid open heat sources like register vents. Direct exposure to heat could shrink the inside or alter the shape of the outside. Check your gloves for rips or tears to either repair them or replace them.

Get the picture?

As you can see, dry is the key. It’s definitely the best way to ensure your gear’s durability and longevity. Though I’m only highlighting the pieces most affected by moisture, ALL of your gear will benefit from air drying after each use. In addition to preserving its integrity, drying out your gear will drastically reduce its risk of stink! Wet gear breeds bacteria. That bacteria is smelly, smelly, SMELLY. So do yourself and everyone around you a favor and dry your gear. Everybody wins!

Wood

Good ol’ fashion, lumber. Wooden sticks are the least expensive sticks on the market. Of course, they also tend to be the heaviest and least durable. Personally, I’m old school. I like wooden sticks. But I do go through them quickly - usually due to breaking.

Composite

The term “composite” basically represents any stick that’s made from multiple natural and synthetic elements. They’re more expensive than wooden sticks, but are also much lighter and (sometimes) more durable. Typical composite sticks are made from:

• Fiberglass - These are essentially wooden sticks which are reinforced by a fiberglass coating. While they are the least expensive of composite sticks they are also the weakest and heaviest.
• Aluminum - The first non-wood to hit the market years ago. The shafts are made of the lightweight metal, while the blades are wood or some type of composite. The blades are affixed using hot glue (usually included). Aluminum sticks are much stronger and lighter than wood, but one of the heavier composites.
• Graphite - This is sometimes used to coat wooden sticks for reinforcement. But, it can also be used on its own to form a stick. Graphite tends to be more expensive than fiberglass and aluminum.
• Kevlar - Like graphite, Kevlar can be mixed with another material or used on its own to create a stick. Kevlar sticks aren’t cheap. But they’re one of the most durable and lightweight on the market.
• Titanium - These are very similar to Kevlar, except they’re not mixed with any other elements to form a stick. Titanium sticks are very expensive, but very light and strong.

The good news is youth sticks are shorter and have less girth than adult sticks. As such, they’re less expensive.

Sizing you up

So, you’ve chosen a stick. Now, how do you know if it’s the right size for your child? Well, odds are it won’t be the right length when you buy it. But, as long as it’s too long, you’re in good shape. For growing players, you’ll want the knob of the stick to reach about the top of the nose when standing it straight up, and while wearing skates. Mark that spot and cut.

Get a Grip!

Athletic tape is used on the butt and blade of the stick for maximum gripping of your hand and the puck, respectively. In order to perform a proper taping technique, follow these instructions taken from prohockeystuff.com:

• Knob: Unravel about 12 inches of tape from the roll and then twirl the roll. This causes the tape to tighten into a twine-like shape. Starting at the top of your stick, roll the hockey tape around the shaft, as far down as you'd like it to go. This will serve as the foundation for your knob. Now roll the tape the same way when taping a blade over this foundation to give you the thickness you would like. You should have a knob thick enough so you can pick up your stick if you drop it, but not too thick so it interferes with stickhandling.
• Blade: When taping your hockey blade most players start at the heel and tape towards the toe in one continuous strand. Make sure the hockey tape is flat against the blade so it doesn't bubble or create folds while taping. If using a wooden stick it's also a good idea to tape the stick just above the point, where the shaft meets the blade, for reinforcement as this is a common area for breakage.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. But for those who are more visual (like me), here are a couple of videos from howtohockey.com, demonstrating the processes:

Blade: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzPP292HHds
Knob: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_mCK7WEOuk&feature=relmfu

Now you’re ready!

Skates...check! Gear...check! Stick...check! Now you’re child’s ready to take the ice. So get to it!

Head to Toe

While getting dressed for hockey isn’t exactly like getting ready for work (unless you play in the NHL), it’s really not that complicated. From the top, here’s what you’ll need for your new youth player:

• Helmet w/ Full Face Protection
• Mouthguard
• Shoulder Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Cup
• Pants
• Shin Guards
• Hockey Socks
• Bag

Helmet

For youths, full face protection is required. So the helmet you choose must be outfitted with a full cage or combo face shield.  To learn more about the differences in face protection, check out my blog “Smash-a-Mouth Hockey” from last session. Just like heads, helmets come in a variety of different sizes. As you’d expect, they’re XSmall, Small, Medium, Large and XLarge. Which do you need? Well, you want the helmet to be as big as possible, while still feeling snug. Too small can cause pain and soreness, while too large will rattle around on your child’s head, greatly reducing its effectiveness. When trying them on, the width should be the main focus. I say that because the length will be adjustable. When you get the right fit from ear-to-ear, it will be easy to make the forehead-to-chin work. New helmets start around $50 and go up from there. Your child should get a good 3-4 years use out of it.

Mouthguard

Once again, these are usually mandatory for youths. But even if you find a rare league where they’re not, you should still have get one for your child. You may feel the face cage will protect your kid’s teeth. But mouthguards are integral in reducing the risk of concussions as well. Anyone participating in an impact sport should use one.

Shoulder Pads

Sizing shoulder pads isn’t a whole lot different than sizing a shirt. They come in Small, Medium and Large. Start with your shirt size and go from there. The key thing to look for is the shoulder cups. Make sure they cup your child’s shoulders. If they don’t, you may need to try another size. While these pads should be securely fastened, they shouldn’t hinder movement. So keep mobility in mind. Also, most shoulder pads these days have Velcro pieces, allowing them to be adjustable. So get as close a fit as you can, then tweak it. You should get at least 1-2 seasons out of these, depending on how much your child grows over that time. Brand new shoulder pads start around $30.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads come in a variety of lengths. So, it’s recommended you buy these while buying your Hockey Gloves so that you can decide how much gap you want between your glove and elbow pads. Basically, you want a little gap. What’s a “little gap,” you ask? Well, you want enough space between them so that they’re not bumping while in use, but you also want enough coverage on the arm so that only very little is exposed.

Like shoulder pads, the sizes are again Small, Medium and Large. They should also be snug, but not inhibit movement. Snug is key because over time elbow pads will loosen with wear. When they begin twisting around or sliding up and down your arm while in use, it’s time for a new pair. They start around $10.

Gloves

Gloves are size by inches. But that’s probably not going to help you much. The best way to size these (like most things) is to try them on. The fingers should reach the tips. Also, squeeze a fist and feel the palm. Comfort in the palm area is very important. Another great test is to toss a stick on the ground and make sure you can pick it up without difficulty. If your child has trouble grabbing it, the gloves are likely too big. Once again, you should get 1-2 seasons out of them before your child outgrows them. Youth gloves start at around $20.

Cup

Back in the days when I played football I used to need the old fashioned athletic supporter (jock strap) which had the pocket for the cup inside. Never liked it much, but who did? These days, however, you can get the kind that build the cup right into a pair of shorts. These are MUCH better and way more comfortable. Better yet, the ones designed for hockey provide Velcro strips at the bottom which you can affix your hockey socks to - negating the need for a garter.

Pants

Ideally, pants should fit tight enough around the waist that you won’t need suspenders to hold them up. But, some people feel this is a bit suffocating, so they wear hockey suspenders. The length of the pants is the key because you don’t want a gap at your knees. For youths, they should come to about the middle of the knee. This is a little lower than adults would wear them, but it will allow room for growth. As such though, it’s highly recommended you buy shin guards at the same time to make sure that there is no gap, and you can make sure they can bend their knees without the pants and shin guards bunching up. Pants start around $30 and go up from there.

Shin Guards

There are two ways to wear shin guards - over the skate tongue or under it. It’s best if new players wear shin guards over the skate tongue. This is much easier on the skates. Wearing them under the tongue will deform it over time. It can also affect the fit of the skate. Shin guards come in one-inch increments ranging from 7” to about 18”. But like gloves, it’s best to just try them on. Shin pads should come to just above the top of the foot (in shoes) with the player’s knee directly in the knee cup. If you can try them on with skates, that would be ideal. They start around $25.

Hockey Socks

Socks aren’t really “socks” at all. They’re more like leg warmers. Their purpose is to cover your shin guards. Wearing a garter used to be necessary to hold them up. But as I suggested earlier, now you can attach them to the Velcro on your supporter shorts.

Bag

The last thing you’ll need is a hockey bag to transport all this stuff to and from the rink. While you can use any durable bag that will fit all the gear, many hockey bags are outfitted with pockets and vents which help compartmentalize the gear and air it out. Bags start around $30 and go up from there.

Where to Buy

For beginners, it’s always best to stick with what you know. When you set out to find gear, start at your local ice rink. The pro shop will likely have a variety of brands and sizes to choose from for each of the pieces outlined above. They’ll also have a knowledgeable staff on hand to help you get the best fit and price available.

Now you’re ready! Well, almost...

So far in the Beginners Series, we’ve discussed choosing, buying, and fitting skates and equipment - as well as skate sharpening. So, what’s next? Well, you’re child’s going to need a stick. In the next blog, we’ll discuss the different types of sticks, how to calculate its proper length, and taping technique. See you then!

Okay parents, let’s talk about the inevitable...falling. Falling on the ice is going to happen. A lot. but, it’s completely normal and expected - especially for beginners. If you’re going to freak out every time your child loses their feet, you’re not ready to watch them play ice hockey. But, that’s what the pads are for. So, just relax.

Falling isn’t just part of the game, it’s basically impossible to avoid for new skaters because it’s usually attributed to their lack of experience, being off balance, or getting knocked down by other beginners. The good news is they will learn to avoid these pitfalls as their skating improves. But there’s one culprit that all the experience in the world can’t help them with - dull skate blades. The forth-coming is a quick guide for knowing the what, where and why of keeping your child’s skates sharp and ready for action.

Why?

Well, even the best skaters will stumble if their skates aren’t sharp. Also, proper skating techniques are difficult to learn, and even more difficult to master with dull skates.

When?

The short answer is whenever they feel dull. However, new skaters likely won’t have a feel for that early on since the entire act of skating will be foreign to them. Also, it’s difficult to pinpoint a time frame because some kids skate more often and more aggressively than others. So, a good rule of thumb to go by is that youth skates should probably be sharpened after every 5-10 hours of use. But when you notice your child having more difficulty than usual planting, turning, and performing other hockey moves, their personal time frame will become apparent.

Where?

Skate sharpening in an art and science. It’s not something just anyone can do. Your best bet is to get them sharpened at the local rink where you play. The staff will have knowledgeable people on hand who know what they’re doing. Now, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have time to get them sharpened before the next game or practice, I suggest keeping a sharpening tool in your child’s hockey bag. I use a product called “Re-Edger.” It sells for around $15. It won’t take the place of a sharpening, but it will help smooth out any nicks to get you through a practice or game. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isAc-bBoYSM.

Can skates ever be too sharp?

YES! Players under the age of 13 should generally not have their skates over sharpened. Extra sharp skates can cause a few problems for youth skaters like slowing them down, causing them to twist their ankles on sudden stops, and reduce glide as the skates sink deeper into the ice. Extra sharp skates are meant for older players with stronger legs and ankles. The depth, or “hallow” of the skate blade determines its sharpness. The radius is measured in millimeters as follows: 9mm, 11mm, 13mm,15mm, 18mm. Youth players typically want to stay between 13mm - 18mm.

Sharp as a tack!

Now you have the info you need to keep your child’s skates sharp and safe. So get them on the ice and have some fun!

Where?

Where, you say? That’s easy. There are likely ice skates available for purchase at your rink! Rink pro shops usually stock a great selection of skates for youths and adults. They also offer a knowledgeable staff you will help you choose the right ones for you. If yours is one of the few rinks that doesn't sell skates, talk to a manager or staff member. They can recommend the best place to shop in your area.

Size?

Sizing hockey skates isn’t difficult. But it IS different than shoes. Generally, skates measure one size smaller than your shoe size. So, if you wear size 9 shoes like me, you need size 8 skates. I know, my feet are small. Get over it.

Of course, even this “rule” isn’t fool proof. Depending on the brand of skate you’re buying, this method may not apply. So, to make things a little easier, here’s a link to a SIZING CHART featuring all the most popular brands and how they size: http://www.americanhockeycenter.net/hockey_skates.cfm

How Much?

Brand new ice hockey skates start around $50 and can go as high as $800. As a beginner, you obviously don’t want the most expensive pair on the market. I mean, the priciest pair of skates won’t make you skate like Ovechkin any more than the priciest set of golf clubs will make you swing like Tiger. However, you don’t want the cheapest piece of junk you can buy either.

Lace up and go!

Hopefully the info above will help you select some skates for your child and maybe even yourself! But, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to buying skates. Ultimately, follow your gut. Look for what’s in your price range, try them on, see what’s most comfortable, and go from there. It’s really not rocket science. Having said that, new skates tend to be quite stiff. Obviously, through use they’ll break-in over time. But, if you don’t want to wait, or if you just want to get a more comfortable and custom fit, check out my blog “Totally Baked” from last session. It deals in how to use the technique of Heat Molding to get a great fit from your skates.

Begin at the Beginning

So you’re child comes up to you and says, “Mom, I want to play hockey like Ovie.” You’re thinking, “Oh great. Hockey? Really? Pads, skates, falling down a lot...can’t he just try swimming instead?” The answer is yes, he can try swimming. But he WANTS to try hockey. So relax, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves and follow me....

Ready Freddie?

First, how do you know when your child is ready to play ice hockey? There really isn’t one right answer to this question because all children are different. But here are some things to consider...

• Trust your instincts - You know your child better than anyone. If you think he’s ready, go for it. If not, then don’t.
• Consider your child’s age and maturity level - Most kids aren't ready to try any kind of organized contact sport before the age of 6. Basic skills like running, throwing, balance and ability to track objects and judge speeds must first be mastered. As for maturity, your child is likely mature enough to play a team sport if he has a long enough attention span and enough self-discipline to learn in a group instruction setting. This ability comes with time. Please note though, playing sports DOES NOT speed up the maturation process.
• How do you feel? - Watching your child play a sport like ice hockey - where the potential for injury is somewhat greater than most other sports - can be very difficult for some parents. If you think you’ll feel the need to jump on the ice every time your child gets knocked down or runs into the boards, you may not be ready to handle the stress of his participation.

Having said that, let’s get into the fun stuff...

Skating

Unlike a lot of other sports, ice hockey requires a pretty important prerequisite: knowing how to skate. Believe it or not, some people actually think if they just throw some skates on their child’s feet and put a stick in his hand, he’ll eventually “pick up” the whole skating thing. It really doesn’t work that way. In fact, the most he’ll learn by this method is how to get back up after he falls again and again. Skating is a skill that must first be learned if it is ever to be mastered. A good hockey player knows not only knows how to skate, but how to use specific skating techniques in order to maximize his energy, speed, agility and endurance during the game. So first thing’s first, by your child some skates and start teaching him how to use them.

“I don’t know how to skate! How am I supposed to teach my kid?”

Not to worry. There is absolutely no shortage of classes available at your local ice rink for people of all ages. You can sign your child up for youth skating classes; yourself for adult skating classes; even both of you together for family skating classes. If you want to be bold, there are also adult hockey basics classes. Either way, get out there and skate!

Ice Age

When it comes to learning something new, the sooner you start, the better. Skating is no different. I know parents who’ve put their children in skates as young as 2 and 3 years old. If they can walk, they can learn how to skate. As for hockey, it’s usually a few years later - around 5 or 6 years old. That may seem really early, but try telling that to the 6-year-old who’s already been skating for 3 years.

Divisions

Like all youth sports, ice hockey is divided up into several age groups. But unlike all youth sports, our age groups have really cool names...

• Atom (X-Ice): 6 years and under
• Mite: 8 years and under
• Squirt: 10 years and under
• Peewee: 12 years and under
• Bantam: 14 years and under
• Midget: 17 years and under

“X-Ice” refers to playing cross-ice hockey. Meaning, the games are played across the width of the ice rather than the length. This is done to compensate for the size and speed of the children in the Atom age group.

Cost

I’m not gonna lie to you. Ice hockey isn’t exactly the most inexpensive sport around. League fees for children can range from $600 to $3000. I know, that’s a BIG range. The reason for this is because the cost depends on a number of factors:

• Your child’s age
• Length of season
• Whether or not your child joins a travel team and/or participates in tournaments

$1500 is probably average for most kids.

In addition to league fees, the equipment your child will be required to wear can be somewhat pricey as well. However, I’ll give you some great tips on how to stretch your dollar on gear in an upcoming blog.

As you can see, hockey isn’t exactly cheap. But this is another good reason to get your kids skating as soon as possible. The amount of time and energy they put into learning how to skate should help you gauge their level of commitment to the sport long before you make any major investments.

Feel better?

Hopefully, now you have a slightly better handle on how to get your child started in ice hockey. If you have any questions, comments, or would like to share your own experience in getting your child into the sport, please post your thoughts below. Thanks!

Parents, as you know there are many sports your children can attempt. Should ice hockey peak their interest, we’re dedicating the next blog series to arming you with the information you’ll need about the sport we love. This way, when your child comes to you and says, “I want to play like Alex Ovechkin,” you’ll be able to play your role like a pro.

This new “Beginners Series,” will cover:

• Registration - The expense for each division (age group), when to enroll, and how to know if your child is ready.
• Rules - For those of you who are learning about the game along with your child.
• Positions - The names and responsibilities of each.
• Skates - How to properly size skates, as well as tips on how to get the best fit.
• Sharpening - The when, where, why and how of skate sharpening will help your kids get the most out of their skates.
• Sticks - Types, proper length, taping technique, and more.
• Equipment - A breakdown of the gear from head to toe and the expenses of each.

These upcoming topics and many others will give you a great head start in the world of youth ice hockey. Also, as this will be a weekly series, please feel free to suggest related topics you want to read about. After all, this blog is for you!

Stay tuned, exciting things are on the way. Thanks for reading!

A Way of Life

We all have to work, clean our houses, do our laundry, pay our bills, etc. We don’t want to, but we do it. Luckily, these mundane and often stressful things don’t define who we are. What we do when we’re NOT doing these things is when we truly get to be ourselves. Personally, I play hockey. To me, it’s not just a game. It’s part of my life. It’s how I socialize, exercise, relieve stress and have fun. In my blogs, “All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy” and “Just One of the Guys”, I discuss the ways in which hockey can be an effective solution for adults who want to whip themselves into shape, enjoy the thrill of competition, and experience the camaraderie between teammates.

Tools of the Trade

With all the equipment required to play, I can understand how someone new to the sport might find all the gear (and the expenses that accompany it) somewhat overwhelming. Fortunately, I covered a lot of the bases over the past few months.

Blogs such as “Sharp as a Tack” and “Totally Baked” will give you the info you need to keep your skates sharp and ready for action, as well as the perfect recipe for molding your skates to your feet for a comfy custom fit. Other blogs like “Hockey Stinks” and “Smash-A-Mouth Hockey” will help you keep your gear’s stench in check and discuss the importance of face protection. For a head-to-toe crash course in required gear for both ice and roller hockey, check out “Ice vs. Roller Hockey: A Guide for Newbies.”

Skate, Skate, Skate

Skating is the lifeblood of a hockey player. From newbies to old pros, the importance of conditioning, strength training and technique cannot be emphasized enough. The blogs “No Ice? No Problem,” “Public Skating for Hockey Players” and “The Legs Feed the Wolf: The Importance of Power Skating” discuss drills, techniques, ethics and ideas you can use to enhance your skating abilities and experiences.

Thanks for Reading!

I thank each and every one of your for reading my blogs and posting your comments! I will be back in just a couple of weeks with more tips, tricks, info, and of course, opinions. In the meantime, if you have any questions you would like answered, or any ideas for future topics, PLEASE POST THEM BELOW. After all, this blog is for you! Thanks again for following me. See you soon!

Knowing how to skate is obviously essential to playing hockey. But there’s one aspect that can give you an edge over your competition - Power Skating. Power skating is a series of techniques used by hockey players and figure skaters alike that enable them to maximize every aspect of their stride to push each step to its fullest potential.

To Name a Few

• Arm Swing - When you skate straight forward or backward, your arm swing should also be forward and backward. It helps maintain balance and propel your momentum accordingly.
• Riding Your Edges - Your blade edges account for ALL of your maneuverability. When standing straight up, you ride on the "flat" of the blade (inside and outside edges simultaneously). The flat of the blade is designed to travel a straight line on the ice - not to curve or to grip the ice. Thus, when on the flat it is impossible to curve or push. Ironically, beginners are hell-bent on keeping their skates directly under them in order to maintain balance. Little do they know this act is precisely why they can’t properly grip the ice.
• Tight Turns - When performing a tight turn, your shoulders should stay level with the ice. Players often drop the inside shoulder, probably because it just feels natural to do so. However, this can often create too much lean, which may cause a loss of balance.
• Kick It - When skating forward, the beginning of the push comes from the heel - the back third of the blade. The second third of the push comes from the middle of the blade, and the final third of the push comes from the toe. Hockey players call this final push the "kick". Properly “rocking” your skates so you can feel each of these stages will dramatically increase your push-off power.

Barely Scratched the Surface

Moving your feet quickly doesn’t necessarily mean you’re skating with power. The above notes are just a few of the techniques that will help you get the most out of your stride, no matter how quickly or slowly you’re moving your feet.

At my local rink, Reisterstown Sportsplex, they’re offering Power Skating Classes through the end of July. I highly recommend attending. Visit rtownsports.com now for more information.

“R E S P E C T, find out what it means to me!”

Public skates are designed for EVERYONE. As such, there are probably some skaters out there who aren’t as good as you. So, be patient and respectful. Don’t show off and skate full speed, weaving through the other skaters like a fool. All this does is frighten kids and intimidate people who are trying to learn how to skate. It’s also dangerous because you never know when a youngster may take a bad step in front of you causing a major collision and possibly some injuries.

How can I work on my game if I can’t skate like a psycho?

There are several skills you can focus on that won’t disturb those around you. For one, you can practice your stride. Your form can ALWAYS improve.

Look for open ice and practice your stops and pivots. Except for the newbies holding onto the wall for dear life, most skaters don’t skate near the boards. So you should be able to find some space there. The corners of the rink are great for this too.

While everyone else is circling the rink in the designated direction, the center tends to be vacant. If anything, it’s usually used by figure skaters practicing their own skills. Feel free to do the same! Jump in there and work on tight turns and crossovers, quick forward/backward transitions, and anything else you can think of within the space.

Summer Lovin’

It should be noted that not all public skates will be packed with people. In fact, summer is an especially great time to go! Many families are on vacation, at the community pool, or just out enjoying the weather. I went to the local public skate at Reisterstown Sportsplex this past weekend and there were a total of 10 people on the ice, including me! All that space allowed me plenty of freedom to skate “my way.” Of course, I was still respectful of those around me.

Just go already!

Seriously, just go. It’s fun, it’s cheap, and it beats the summer heat. Plus, skating without all that gear on is a bonus only a hockey player can truly appreciate!

As someone who's played plenty of both, I can tell you there are a lot of differences apart from what you're skating on...

Rules

Ice Hockey:

• 5 on 5 + Goaltenders
• Offsides (NHL style)
• Blueline Icing (not redline)
• No Checking (although some checking leagues exist)

Roller Hockey:

• 4 on 4 + Goaltenders
• No Offsides
• No icing
• No Checking (EVER)

Mandatory Equipment

Ice Hockey:

• Helmet (Faceguard optional)
• Shoulder Pads
• Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Hip Pads
• Cup (duh)
• Shin Guards
• Hockey Socks
• Ice Hockey Skates

Roller Hockey:

• Helmet (Faceguard optional)
• Shoulder Pads (optional)
• Elbow Pads
• Hockey Gloves
• Hip Pads (optional)
• Cup (again, duh)
• Shin Guards
• Roller Hockey Pants
• Inline Skates

The Skinny

Though hip pads aren't mandatory in Roller Hockey, I always wear them. Falling hurts. Pads help. If you're a newbie, you're definitely gonna want some. You can wear shoulders too, but you'll quickly realize you're the only one.

Cost-wise, Roller Hockey equipment tends to be cheaper than ice. It's thinner and more lightweight. But if you hit a local Play It Again Sports, you can probably assemble a full set of Ice gear for around $100-$150. Even less for Roller. If you don't already have skates, add $50-$100 minimum. As for league costs, Ice Hockey has traditionally been about double the cost of Roller Hockey (which is why I played Roller for years). But thanks to local competition (and the awful economy) you can often find Ice Hockey leagues for about the same price as Roller these days. So shop around.

Where I Land

Ice Hockey is the way to go. It's not about the money because as I suggested above, I found a league that costs the same as Roller. For me it's about the game. With 5 on 5, and offsides and icing in play, the game is designed to keep things bunched up. And since I'm not 19 anymore, that plays to my strengths. Don't get me wrong, I'm neither the oldest nor the slowest guy out there. But Roller Hockey is about space. With 4 on 4 and no lines to worry about, it's a wide open game whereby the youngest, fastest and best skaters thrive. But Ice Hockey is a position game. Even the shakiest skaters can cause problems for the best if they're playing good position. I'm almost 35. I switched from Roller to Ice exclusively just over a year ago. I will never go back.

So?

Which is better, Ice or Roller? Honestly, it's not about which is "better". It's about which is best for you. If you're young, spry or poor, Roller might be a good fit. But if you're an older guy like me who loves the cold and wants to play NHL-style hockey, I'll see you on the ice.

Hit the Rinks

You’re local ice rink offers public skating, stick ‘n puck, and/or pickup hockey all week, every week. In fact, sessions for each are likely offered on multiple days and at varying times to compensate for even the most rigid schedules. They usually cost anywhere from $7 - $12 per person for 90-120 minutes of ice time depending on the activity. For those who can’t always get to the rink. There are a few other options...

Roll With It

Remember your Rollerblades? You know, those boots with wheels you bought about 15 years ago when roller hockey was all the rage? Well, dig them out of your garage and dust them off. Inline skating isn’t EXACTLY like ice skating, but it’s close enough. Find an empty tennis court somewhere and get moving. The skating alone is a great workout. You’ll quickly learn (or remember) inline skating is a lot more work than ice skating. The friction between your wheels and the surface is much greater than your blades against the ice - so it’ll kick your butt. But strengthening your stride can only help your game. As for skills, there are plenty of pucks and balls designed for all types of indoor and outdoor surfaces. Grab whatever works for you and run some stick and puck handling drills.

This is not only a smart option, but also a cheap one. There are good skating surfaces available everywhere for FREE. From tennis courts to parking lots, from basketball courts to community parks, there are tons of places to skate that won’t cost you a cent. All you have to do is look around.

Of course, there are a few drawbacks. For one, it gets HOT in the summer. Most hockey players tend to handle cold better than heat (duh, considering hockey is played on ice). So some days it may just be too hot to skate. Also, if the heat doesn’t get you, the erratic summer storms will. All it takes is one quick downpour to ruin a skating surface for several hours. So, then what?

Home Sweet Home

Many of us have a driveway, garage, basement or unfinished room we can use to knock a puck around. If you’re one of the lucky ones with this advantage, use it! You may not have a ton of room to skate. But you should be able to work on some stick action and possibly some shooting techniques. You can enhance this experience even more if you have some spare cash to invest in some excellent gear:

Shooting Pad - a flat, tiled surface designed to mimic the way a puck glides on ice. It’s an amazing tool for working on your shooting and puck handling skills in a very small space.

“Powerslide” slide board - a flat, plastic surface designed to mimic the way your skates glide on the ice - and it works beautifully. With the special booties provided on your feet, the Powerslide simulates a pretty authentic skating feel.

With both of these awesome tools, you can work on your stride, as well as lateral movement while puck handling, shooting while moving, and more - all from the comfort of your own home. HowToHockey.com has an excellent review of this product along with a demonstration video. Check it out here: http://howtohockey.com/hockey-slideboard-review-powerslide

What About You?

How do you work on your game when you’re not on the ice? Enlighten us with your comments below. Thanks!

The Details

Baking your skates will not only help break them in faster, but also get even the most stubborn of skates to give you a more comfortable and custom fit. Many believe you need a special kind of oven to properly bake your skates. While ovens designed for this are handy and slightly easier to use, you can actually do it yourself using the conventional oven in your home.

The Recipe

Ingredients: 2 eggs, milk, butter...just kidding. All you’ll need is your skates, an ordinary baking sheet, and your kitchen oven pre-heated to about 175 degrees.

Directions:

1. Grab one of your skates and loosen the laces all the way down with the tongue wide open, so you can slip your foot in very easily.
2. Place the skate on your baking sheet.
3. With the oven now pre-heated to 175, TURN IT OFF and place the sheet with your skate on the middle rack. Most skates should bake for 6-8 minutes. But check the box your skates came in. There may actually be a suggested time indicated on the label.
4. After 4-5 minutes, open the oven and feel the boot. If it’s soft enough that it can be shaped, it’s ready. If not, leave it in for another 2-3 minutes. Be sure not to leave the door open too long while checking. You don’t want the temperature in the oven to drop significantly.
5. Once soft enough, remove your skate from the oven, have a seat, and slip your foot in. Then begin tightening your laces from bottom to top as smoothly as possible. Meaning, try not to strain the eyelets too much. This can damage them.
6. Once laced up, sit tight for about 15 minutes. This will allow the boot to cool and mold successfully to the shape of your foot.
7. If you want to increase the width at all, feel free to stand up during this 15-minute cooling period. However, DO NOT walk around. This can both strain the eyelets and mis-shape the boot.
8. After 15 minutes, unlace the skate and remove your foot. Then re-lace the skate, set it in an upright position and let it sit for 24 hours. This will complete the cooling process.
9. Now go back to the beginning and bake the other skate.

If it’s so easy, why doesn’t everyone do it?

Some skaters like breaking in their skates the old-fashioned way - by skating, skating, skating. Others don’t want to risk screwing up the baking process and possibly ruin their skates. It’s understandable, I suppose. Though not a difficult process, one needs to be careful when baking. If it’s done incorrectly, this process can result in the pre-mature breakdown of your skates. So pay attention at all times and follow directions closely!

Seeing is believing

If you’re more of a visual person (like me), you might find a video demo more helpful than this article. There are tons of videos online demonstrating this process. The best I’ve seen can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBqRt701oZQ.

There are plenty of options when choosing the proper facial protection. This article will outline these items and attempt to inform you of the pros and cons of each. Then, you’ll have the information necessary to make the right decision when choosing how to protect the one and only face you have.

Get in your Cage

The cage is probably the most popular full-coverage mask. It’s a metal, wire grid that covers from under the chin up to the forehead. This is what I use.

Pros:

• Full face coverage. Least expensive option ($30-$40).
• Typically black or chrome - but you can sometimes find different colors.

Cons:

• The colored ones (including black) tend to rust VERY easily if not wiped down and stored away from your other wet gear. The Chrome is a bit more durable and resistant to rust.
• View obstruction - some players complain that it limits your vision. Personally, I played football for 9 years before taking up hockey so I’m used to looking through bars. It doesn’t really bother me all that much, but to each his own.

Shields Up!

There are 3 kinds of shields: Half, Combo and Full. The Half is a shield that wraps the front of your face across your eyes, but cuts off just below your nose. The Combo is a combination (hence “combo”, duh) of the Half and the Cage - with the cage covering the otherwise exposed portion of your face below the half shield. The Full shield replaces the lower wire grid of the combo with a thicker molding made from the same substance used on the upper portion of the shield.

Pros:

• Transparent (no obstructed view)
• Very durable

Cons:

• Somewhat expensive ($70 and up)
• Fogging - though you can purchase anti-fog spray.
• Scratching - while extremely durable, the shields will get scratched over time, which can ruin the whole “transparent” thing.
• Distortion - unless you pay top dollar for an Itech or Oakley shield, you may notice your shield “warping” your peripheral vision due to the curving of the shield.
• Glare - may be a problem with some of the less reputable brand shields.
• Half shields only offer partial coverage of the face. With the lower half of your face exposed, you can still take some punishment from underneath the shield.

Au Naturale

Head protection is mandatory. Face protection is not. As such, some players are un-phased by the dangers of flying pucks, high sticks, flailing elbows and the like. They go with a helmet and nothing else. Crazy? You be the judge.

Pros:

• Optimal vision (since there’s NOTHING in front of your face)

Cons:

• Very dangerous (since there’s NOTHING in front of your face)

Safety First

In the end, it’s a dangerous sport. I believe protecting yourself should be your first priority. Hopefully I just gave you some information that will help you make the right decision for you. Personally, this isn’t the NHL. Nothing’s worth losing my teeth over. I’m just too pretty.

Tainted

The moment Burrows chomped on Bergeron’s finger, he ceased to be a respected player of the NHL. He instantly became a classless jerk to the fans, a coward to his opponents, and disrespectful to everyone who wears his colors. As a player myself, I completely understand about “the heat of the moment”. As Anthony Perkins said in Psycho, “We all go a little mad sometimes”. Moreover, agitating, aggrevating, and intimidating your opponent can be valuable tools in getting him off his game. I’m definitely a proponent of such tactics. However, there is such a thing as sportsmanship. As we found out last week, Burrows doesn’t have any.

I don’t know if this was an isolated incident in which Burrows simply let the frustration of the moment get to him, or if we got a glimpse into the true colors of his nature. It really doesn’t matter. He’ll be “the guy who bit that Boston dude” for now and years to come.

Be Cool, Not Cold

We all break the rules. We all lose our cool. We all make stupid mistakes. The important thing is to respect the game and players around you. Regardless of what happens out there, when the game’s over, shake hands and leave it on the ice. In the end, it’s just a game.

As for Burrows, the Bruins have already exacted their own brand of justice. They’ve teased Burrows and many of the Canucks with fingers in their faces “daring” them to bite. A silly, if not entertaining response. One could argue it was an effective one as well, since the Bruins have tied the series 2-2, taking the last 2 games. Either way, the Bruins have been smart enough to hit the Canucks where it hurts the most - the scoreboard.

Unfortunately for Burrows, from now until the end of his career, the media will run that footage every time he’s mentioned on TV. But look at the bright side Alex, at least when you retire you can always reminisce with Mike Tyson about your days in the Pros.

Be Courteous

First of all, as players, we know we stink. Yet somehow we get used to the smell. We forget how bad it truly is. So the next time you come out of the locker room and greet your friends and family, do them a favor and keep a safe distance. After all, they took the time to come to your beloved game. They’ll watch you, but don’t force them to smell you.

Hung Out to Dry

Let’s start with a no-brainer. If you don’t want your equipment to smell (or at least smell less), hang it! After your game, take everything out of your bag. Wash what’s machine-washable and hang the rest outside (in the garage, on your deck, out your window, whatever), including your hockey bag. Just airing and drying your equipment out works wonders.

The Lazy Factor

Parents will often take it upon themselves to seek out the most aggressive approaches to ridding the world of their kids’ hockey stenches. Hockey moms are so dedicated to the battle, there are literally hundreds of opinions on the best approaches from the super serious stench warriors. For those alike, here’s a link to some serious tips and techniques: http://www.squidoo.com/remove-hockey-equipment-odors

For many of us adult players, however, finding time to play hockey is tough enough, let alone the added headache of proper equipment hygiene. So for the lazy guys who hate the smell but know they just won’t do anything about it, here are a few quick tips that have a lot of impact through little effort.

• Air Dry - As stated above, hang everything. It’s always a good idea.
• Skate Dry - Your skates are stench and bacteria traps! In the summer, lay them in a hot, dry place. In the winter, some guys have been known to dry their skates by removing one of the register vents inside the house and putting their skates in the duct. Don’t laugh. It does the trick.
• Snuggle - It’s not what you think. Buy a box of dryer sheets (doesn’t have to be the Snuggle brand). They’re a quick-n-cheap fix too. Stuff them in your skates, gloves, and pads. While you’re at it, sprinkle a bunch throughout your bag. Be liberal!
• KO Odor Eliminator - There are many, many products that claim to kill the worst of odors. But KO Odor Eliminator tends to be the most effective. At $30, it’s a cheap and easy solution. Get it here: http://www.knockoutodors.com/ko-odor-eliminator/

Don’t Let This Happen To You

I was married for 5 years, and during that time, I never cleaned my hockey gear. Now I’m divorced. Coincidence? Perhaps. While I don’t think the smell of my hockey bag was the reason for my failed marriage, I’m sure it didn’t help.

Simply put, there’s really no reason to be so incredibly stinky, guys. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and give your gear the attention it needs. As you can see, your options include everything from quick and simple solutions to aggressive remedies.

For the love of all that is good and pure, PICK ONE!

Why?

Well, even the best skaters can look like bumbling beginners if their skates aren’t sharp. So unless you enjoy falling, you’re gonna need sharp blades to skate well.

When?

The short answer is whenever they feel dull. If you’re having difficulty planting, turning, or doing any moves that are usually easier for you to accomplish, it’s time for a sharpen.

How often do I need to sharpen my skates?

The general consensus I’ve gotten from most players is to get your skates sharpened about every 3 games. But your best bet is to trust your feet. If you’re losing your edge easier than usual, you know what to do. My rule of thumb is when I find myself falling down all over the place without so much as a push, nudge or shove by an opposing player, it’s time.

Can skates ever be too sharp?

Actually, yes. Depending on what you’re using them for (i.e. hockey, figure skating, etc.), it IS possible for your skates to be too sharp. Hockey players typically have their skates sharpened ½” in. Any deeper and you may be digging into the ice a little too much.

Where?

Well, you can’t go to Wal-Mart, that’s for sure. But there should be a few places around that can help you out. Start with the local rink where you usually skate. Also, most “Play It Again Sports” stores do it too, though with varying results. Of course, if you have an “after hours” hockey game (after 9pm), it’s unlikely either of those options will be available. In that case, you can grab a sharpening stone and do some make-shift work of your own. There’s also a product called “Re-Edger”, which is a tool that can really help you in a pinch. It sells for around $15. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isAc-bBoYSM

Lookin’ Sharp

Now that you know some tips on keeping your skates sharp, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to keep your feet squarely under you. So, go get your blades sharpened and let’s do some skating.

Any More Tips?

Do you have any additional tips on skate care? Post ‘em below!

C’mon Ref!

Since the dawn of sports, no one has ever been more hated than the guys in black and white stripes. The one thing even the most notorious of rivals can always agree on is that they actually hate the officials more than each other. The principle is simple: when they make a call against us, it’s a bad call. When they make a call against our rivals, it’s a good call. Any questions?

Our team, which lost this game 4-3, definitely drew the attention of the refs all evening. I’m not sure of the actual number, but I believe we fell victim to the dreaded 2-minute minor penalty about 8 times during this contest. Our opponent, just twice. Some of these calls were justified, some not. It’s important to note, however, our opponents didn’t score on the power play (which included two “5 on 3” opportunities). Initially, you might think that the penalties didn’t affect the outcome of the game. But I argue that even though we weren’t scored against during those man-down scenarios, we were still made to penalty kill - thus keeping us from launching offensive attacks. So, while the penalties may not have helped our opponents score, they certainly hurt us regardless. But the question remains, did these penalties cause us to lose the game? Better yet, by making all these calls, did the referees actually determine the outcome of this game? Absolutely not. Personally, I’m a firm believer in the idea that if you allowed the game to be close enough that a referee’s call (or calls) could determine the overall outcome, you didn’t play well enough anyway. The penalties certainly didn’t help. But it’s not like we hadn’t earned at least a few of them.

So if it wasn’t the refs, then what?

They’re just TOO GOOD!

This season was a little different then last. In our previous championship appearance, we were over-matched. The team we lost to in a deflating 6-0 rout definitely fielded more talent and played much better hockey. We didn’t play our best, but even our best probably wouldn’t have matched their stellar performance that night. Tough to take, but at least we knew we were beaten by a better team.

This time that was simply not the case. I certainly don’t want to take anything away from our opponents. But statistically speaking, we were the better team. We had the better regular season record. We scored a lot more goals throughout the season. We had fewer goals against (in fact, our goalie finished with the best goals against average in the league). No doubt, we were the favorite. Of course, as they say, “that’s why they play the game”. After 2 periods, we found ourselves down 3-1. How could this be? We had no idea. Though not happy, we got ourselves together and battled back. At the end of regulation, the game was tied 3-3 and headed into sudden death overtime. We didn’t know why this game was so close or so tough. What we did know was the stats didn’t matter. Neither did the score. Someone needed to step up and win this thing for our team or for theirs. The question was who was it going to be?

Shootout

Unfortunately, after a 5-minute overtime period, the score remained tied. So, the rulebook says we must turn to a shootout to decide a winner. I’m sorry to be anti-climactic, but you already know what happened. What I can tell you is it was an excellent goaltenders duel. It took a total of 10 shots before one finally found it’s way into the net. The previous 9 shooters were stoned by two stellar goaltenders that just didn’t want this game to end.

Why We Lost

So, why did we lose this game? Was it because we took too many penalties? Did we get outplayed? Did we not want it bad enough? Honestly, I believe we lost because somebody had to. It’s as simple as that. It was a close, hard-fought game. I concede that we didn’t expect such a tremendous battle. Perhaps that was a critical mistake which eventually helped lead to our demise. But the penalties, the gameplay, the bounce of the puck, and the will to win - all of it contributed to the outcome of this game. Congratulations to our opponents. They played a great game.

The bottom line is somebody has to lose. This time it was us. Maybe next time the puck will bounce our way one more time than theirs. The good news is there’s always a “next time”. So until then, all we can do is push on, get better, and work to be the best we can be as a team. Winning’s nice, but you don’t learn much from winning. Losing makes you better.

My Only Gripe

I am not a fan of the shootout being used to determine the outcome of a championship game. I don’t think it’s right for teams to pour their guts out on the ice the entire game, only to have the winner chosen by a shooter and goalie. When you’re playing for a championship, the game should simply continue until the winning goal is scored. Now, I realize this isn’t the NHL. I also realize the referees don’t get paid overtime. And I know the schedule and ice maintenance must be considered. I’m not unreasonable. I don’t expect we be allowed to play all night if that’s what it takes. But a compromise shouldn’t be out of the question. Perhaps 1 full overtime period (15 minutes, not 5) played in sudden death with 4 on 4, rather than 5 on 5. At that late stage of the game, and with the extra space on the ice, I imagine it wouldn’t take long for a goal to be scored.

So I ask you, should the shootout stay? Do you think it’s a good way to decide playoff and championship games? You know what I think. Now I wanna know what you think! Please post your responses below.

Hockey is the greatest sport ever. I know I’m biased, but this is a blog. What do you expect? One of the best things about any team sport are the friendships forged by those working alongside one another during competition. In my last blog, I briefly touched on the social advantages of joining a hockey team. The building blocks of camaraderie are the direct result of the blood, sweat and tears shed by you and your teammates through the pursuit of victory. While that goal is what brings each of you into the locker room, it’s the relationships that are built there which can keep you together for years to come.

A Mixed Bag

From age to lifestyle, recreational adult sports can bring together a diverse group of people...and our team is no exception. The average age is probably about 40 or so, with the youngest being just over 21 and the oldest approaching 60. It’s a broad spectrum of youth and experience. We have single guys, happily married guys and happily divorced guys. As for lifestyles, we have a horse farmer, an accountant, a veterinarian, a pre-med student, a librarian and a high ranking government official, just to name a few. Some guys live just minutes from the rink, and others drive nearly an hour to get there. One guy’s even been known to fly in from Mexico (where he often works) just to play, then jumps on a plane and heads right back. That’s dedication!

Old or young, novice or experienced, there’s just something special about an adult who spends most of their time working a job, perhaps taking care of their family, and fitting in some hockey with a group of folks he might never have met otherwise.

Smoothie King or BUST!

On the ice is where you find out what kind of players your teammates are. But it’s off the ice where you find out what kind of people they are. Spending time with your teammates isn’t only fun, it’s essential to building camaraderie. Through socializing, you often find you have a lot more in common with your teammates than just hockey.

Since we’re all adults on my team, we report to the local watering hole after our games. We order some beers and talk about the game, of course. You know, the good, the bad, the ugly. But we also tell stories, talk about our jobs, families, everything. It’s a lot of fun and it’s absolutely instrumental in strengthening the fellowship of our team.

It should be noted, however, that I don’t condone underage drinking. So, if your team is under the age of 21, I hear Smoothie King is quite the hot spot.

A Little Warm and Fuzzy

For me, it’s a tremendous comfort to know that for an hour each week, we will lace up, take to the ice, work, fight, and claw our way through each and every battle together. Knowing that the guy next to you is going to leave every ounce of himself on the ice with you breeds a mutual and unspoken respect. That phenomenon speaks to the very essence of character. Over the years, it’s not only taught me a lot about hockey, but also about life. I’m proud to call each of these men my teammates. But more improtantly, I’m honored to call them my friends.

Last week we won our division’s semi-final game and advanced to the championship. I honestly have no idea how we’ll do. But, win or lose, I know we’ll be wetting our beaks afterwards and discussing what went right, what went wrong, and how we’ll be better next season. I’ll let you know how it goes. Wish us luck!

What’s Your Story?

Tell me about your team! How do you build camaraderie? Please post your thoughts below!

Unfortunately for many of us, the older we get, the less we play. For some, life gets in the way. You know, work, family, Reality TV, the important stuff. For others, that competitive fire just dwindles to embers over the years. Well, I'm here to tell you that hockey may be the key to igniting that fire once again.

My Story

Three years ago, I weighed 219 lbs., which would be fine if I was 7 feet tall. Unfortunately, I'm only 5'6". So I was a Fatty McFattypants. Though it took years of total complacency to get that out of shape, it took just seconds to realize it. One day, I had to dash upstairs to grab something. When I reached the top, I noticed I was breathing heavy. I thought, "I'm 31 and I'm exhausted after a brisk jog up the steps. What the heck?" Then I caught a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror. I couldn't believe the fat guy with fresh sweat running down his face was me. Something had to change. Having given up hockey about 5 years prior to this epiphany, I immediately thought going for a skate might be a good idea. So, I dug out my skates and laced up.

A Rude Awakening

Of all sports to jump back into after years on hiatus, hockey should have been way down on the list. After about 4 minutes of skating, I was completely winded, my ankles hurt, my back ached, and I could feel multiple blisters beginning to form on parts of my feet I hadn't used in years. But, I manned up and fought through it. I kept reminding myself of the old saying, "Pain is temporary...I can't remember the rest, my feet are killing me". It was absolutely awful. But, I knew the agony was just my body's way of reminding me of what I'd been missing for so long. I would soon realize it was worth every wince.

Back to the Future

I'm 34 now. Today I weigh 170 lbs. and I'm still dropping. I owe it all to a better diet, a little exercise and a whole lot of hockey. I'm still 5'6", but there's not much I can do about that.

The Point

Right now you're probably thinking this is just another cliche story about a fat guy who lost weight. I understand. I'd be thinking the same thing if I were you right about now. But the truth is it's not quite that simple. See, I don't play hockey to keep the weight off. I keep the weight off to play hockey. Competition is what drives me. I want to be the best player I can be. To do that I need to be faster, stronger, better. Get the picture? Losing weight, having more energy, and feeling better physically and mentally are just byproducts of the thrill of competition. Hockey got me here, and hockey keeps me here.

"I'm not a fatty, so what else you got?"

While my unhealthy condition was the catalyst behind my jump back onto the ice, there are plenty of reasons beyond fitness and competition to take up the sport. The social aspect is phenomenal. You get to meet new people and experience the instant camaraderie between you and your teammates. It's also a tremendous stress reliever for those who need a productive way to channel their anxiety.

"It's too late for me to learn how to skate!"

Listen carefully, IT'S NOT TOO LATE. It's never too late to learn how to skate. There are "Learn to Skate" classes specifically for adults, as well as "Adult Hockey Basics" classes! It doesn't end there either. Once you've gotten your feet under you, you'll find you can work on your skills via "Stick & Puck" and "Pickup Hockey" sessions. When it comes time for league play, choose from a variety of skill levels from C (novice) on up. Many rinks even offer age-oriented leagues and tournaments for over 40, 50, 60, and in some cases even 70-year-old players!

My rink, The Reisterstown Sportsplex, offers hockey leagues for all skill levels. They also offer a 7-week "Learn to Skate" course and an 8-week "Adult Hockey Basics" program. Pickup Hockey and Stick and Puck are also available. Get more info at rtownsports.com.

I wanna hear from you!

What do you think of this post? Tell me! When and how did you get the hockey bug? I wanna hear your stories. So start posting!

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