Busy Playing Hockey! Your one-stop hockey spot

When you think of Goaltenders, what is the first thing you think of?Although some would argue the mask, for me it's all about the pads. But which ones are considered the best goalie pads?As you well know, goalie gear especially is not cheap! So finding the right pair of pads right away is always ideal.At the senior level, I believe there are four outstanding o [...]

If you are playing hockey at a competitive level that gets you on the ice several times each week, then you should have gear that will accommodate your level of play.This means that you are ready to abandon the cheaper models of skates and move up to something with a more features and increased durability.So what is the appropriate cost? Some skates cost as much as [...]

Patrick Kane has proven that he is one of the best.He’s a three-time All-Star with the Chicago Blackhawk. He also has won several of the NHL’s most notable awards including the Conn Smythe Trophy, the Hart Memorial Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award, and the Art Ross Trophy.And, he has had his name etched three times on the Stanley Cup.He has also played in the O [...]

Bauer is one of the most known hockey brands in the world!It is well known because Bauer makes outstanding hockey equipment, from the skates to the sticks, the pads to the pants. In most cases, the equipment can be expensive, and hence why we thought it would be a great time to provide an overview of the best Bauer skates for the money.Fortunately, Bauer offers qual [...]

Every hockey stick has a kick point and the location of it affects the way the stick functions.A kick point is the spot where the stick is stiff, so it is an important part of the energy release of your stick. This page in particular is focused primarily on the best low kick hockey stick options - which are the preference for players who prefer quicker, but not as powerful [...]

Hockey defensemen are in a unique position...They use more than their sticks and gloves to keep the puck out of the zone, but they do not get to wear the same amount of padding as goalies get to wear. Hence the need for this page dedicated to the best hockey pants for defensemen.Since defensemen put their bodies on the line to prevent the opponent from scoring, the [...]

As you all know, shoes are not one-size-fits-all. Fortunately, shoes come in all different lengths to fit feet of various sizes.Most shoes and athletic footwear like hockey skates - come with a regular width. But, what if you have wide feet? Are you just supposed to cram them into uncomfortably narrow skates and suffer through the discomfort?Fortunately, there are h [...]

A hockey stick is a hockey stick, right??Wrong!Hockey sticks have several subtle differences. From the materials they are made of to the flexibility of the kick point, differences in hockey sticks can affect a player’s success on the ice.One of the more subtle differences is the kick point, which comes in three different places. As you may have guessed by n [...]

Is there anything better than snapping a wrist shot top-shelf?In my opinion there is no better feeling than getting the goalie to shift one way, and then placing a perfectly accurate wrist shot where it needs to go. The problem is some sticks are better than others when it comes to wrister's.Therefore we have created this page to outline the best hockey sticks for [...]

If you are new to the world of hockey, it might seem like a hockey stick is a hockey stick.However...this could not be farther from the truth.Each positional player on a hockey team needs to have specialized equipment. Look at the difference between goalie equipment and the equipment that the skaters wear.Even those players opting for the blue line have differ [...]

Composite hockey sticks are used by veteran and rookie hockey players alike.These durable, flexible, and affordable hockey sticks come in one and two pieces as well as in all different sizes.This page is mostly focused on helping you find the best composite hockey sticks under $100 so you can focus on the more fun things - like playing hockey!If you are in the m [...]

For most forwards - the goal is simple - score, or pass the puck to someone else to score.Sounds easy right? If only!However - you can put yourself at a big advantage by using one of the best hockey sticks for forwards that we have identified below.Hockey forwards need to have sticks that will help them score. Since hockey sticks are not all created equally, it [...]

If you don't know how to play hockey, learn. If you quit, get back out there. – David WaltonAs I tell my kids in just about anything they do – you’ll never learn if you don’t try. Ice hockey is the exact same way!We’ve created this Beginners guide to Ice Hockey – otherwise known as Ice Hockey 101 with the main goal of helping you understand the game bet [...]

Athletic equipment, especially footwear, can be incredibly expensive!Hockey skates are no exception. While some hockey skates are priced close to $1000, do you really need to spend that much? Of course not!If you are playing at a highly competitive level on a daily basis, those $1000 skates might be a great deal. However, if you are on a rec league or just learning [...]

The power play in hockey is one of the more unique aspect of the sport.In other sports, a play is what the team does during active periods of the game. In hockey, players do make plays which usually involve passing, shooting, or stick handling the puck. But, these aren’t power plays, they’re just plays.So - what is a Power Play? The power play only happens in hoc [...]

Hockey is a game that involves hitting, but the hitting needs to follow the rules!By the time hockey players reach the NHL, they know the rules and they know how to avoid taking penalties for them. Cross checking is one of those penalties that most players know well, and are easily understood by fans. However there are some instances in a game where you might see a cross [...]

As you can imagine, since hockey is played so quickly, some penalties can be hard to spot.The Hooking penalty in hockey isn’t one of them!This is one of the easiest penalties to see and players know it. When they get caught hooking another player, there isn’t much they can do about it. It's surprising when you sometimes see players argue the call.What is Hook [...]

In hockey, some rules were created to keep the players from getting an unnecessary advantage. One of those rules is the offside call.This somewhat complicated rule doesn’t involve anything violent or dangerous. It also doesn’t involve any unusual stick work. The simplest explanation for offside is that it occurs when offensive players cross their opponents blue line [...]

If you are new to this great game, you may be wondering what the positions are in hockey and how they work together.Hockey teams need to have at least six players to put on the ice. Since the sport is so fast-paced and physically exhausting, teams tend to have several groupings of players so they can all take breaks and perform at their best.One position player, the g [...]

In some cases, hockey games have a few too many connections to horror movies.From the hockey goalie masks that look like the creepy movies that took place on Fridays to the names of the penalties (slashing anyone?), hockey is certainly a game filled with suspense and danger.One of the more dangerous plays in hockey is the slashing penalty.It has a large range as we [...]

You're watching the game and you hear the referee's whistle.Icing? What does that mean? If this sounds familiar, this article will help you understand just what is Icing in hockey and how the rule works.Icing is one of the oddest rules in hockey. It is also one of the easiest to understand, yet it is frequently misunderstood. As if hockey wasn’t one of the most dif [...]

We've all been there.You're a couple of days out and have no idea what you gear you need for hockey season and how much it will cost.But don't worry, we have your back with this ice hockey equipment list guide.With all of the equipment needed to play a game of ice hockey, it is very difficult for someone to just jump into the game and give it a try.From ice s [...]

The answer to how long is a hockey game for most is two and a half hours.This assumes that you are wondering the standard length of a game that includes three 20 minute periods with an intermission break in between.If the game includes TV timeouts like you see in many higher leagues you could expect it to be more in the two and a half to three hour range without ove [...]

All professional sports go through rule changes and hockey is not an exception. This article in particular looks at the tripping penalty in hockey.While there are aspects of the game that haven’t changes, there are plenty that have!As we learn more about safety, some changes make perfectly good sense - like putting masks on goalies.Some rules can be difficult to [...]

In hockey, there are several offenses that will land players in the penalty box.There are several egregious penalties, like checking from behind, tripping, and fighting.These are relatively easy for referees to see.But...there are others that are slightly more difficult for referees to see. One of those is interference.So if you've ever wondered what interfe [...]

Confused about what is the difference between hockey pants and girdles?. And, subsequently, what in the world are breezers?Many people ponder the difference between the bottoms that hockey players wear, especially whether those bottoms are called girdles or pants.Rookie hockey players can become quickly confused, especially when other terms are thrown around the lo [...]

Whether you play hockey or you are a fan, you may at one point have wondered what are hockey sticks made of?Like equipment in other sports, hockey sticks come in different materials and those materials affect the way the stick performs.There is not a one-size-fits-all hockey stick as they have other features that also affect the way that players use themNo long [...]

There are several differences in structure and performance when it comes to goalie vs player skates. This article attempts to answer that question! Let's begin.A young hockey player just learning to skate can get by with any type of hockey skate.But, once a hockey player decides on a position, it is time to consider a specialized skate.The differences in the [...]

When it comes to any type of athletic equipment, it is always better to have it fit. So, how tall should your hockey stick be?This is especially true when it comes to hockey equipment. When hockey equipment does not fit, hockey players have difficulty moving the puck up and down the ice. In addition they are more at risk for potential injuries.So, it is important tha [...]

If you’re going to play hockey, you must have a hockey stick. There really is no getting around it. So, if you must buy one, it is helpful to actually know how much money do hockey sticks cost?Like all sports equipment, hockey sticks come in a wide range of prices. And, with the range of prices, there is a range of quality, too.There are high-end, expensive stick [...]

Goalie’s have their very own collection of hockey gear. Even their skates are different from those that the players use.You can’t play the goalie position without skates and buying the right ones can make a big differences in the quality of your play.Goalie skates need to not only be comfortable, but they should offer protection and they should fit well, too.[...]

October is one of the best months of the year.Why?Because so many professional sports are in full effect. Baseball has its playoffs, football is in full force, basketball has just begun, and so has hockey.For one glorious month, all of the big professional sports are active. But, nothing is better than hockey season. And, this season’s crop of hockey player [...]

Choosing the right hockey stick for a hockey player is akin to a baseball player selecting the best bat. Just ask Adam Oates.Like baseball bats, there are two different types of hockey sticks - wooden and composite. And like baseball bats, the wooden sticks are not used as often, but they still have their rightful place in the game.Knowing how important the right [...]

You can’t play hockey without skates. Without a good pair of skates, you cannot build up speed or stop on a dime.The ability of your skates to meet your ability to use them is of the utmost importance. Since not all skates are created equally, it is important to find the best ones and those usually belong to the best brands.Fortunately, there are several top bra [...]

When you are on the rink playing hockey, the last thing you want to worry about is sore feet from improperly fitting hockey skates.With all of the information available about hockey equipment, no one should play with skates that do not fit.But, if your skates are uncomfortable or you are in the market for new ones, there are several things to consider regarding hockey [...]

A taped hockey stick is a must-have for all hockey players.Hockey players first started taping their sticks because they wanted to protect the wood from the moisture of the ice.Now, hockey stick are usually made from composite material that is not damaged by the wet ice.Despite the fact that sticks are now made of fiberglass and other carbon fiber materials, [...]

Buying the right hockey stick is more difficult than it seems.You cannot just go to a sporting goods store and pick out any hockey stick.They come in different lengths, with different curves in the blade, and at different price points. They also come with varying degrees of flex, which is quite important to the way you shoot the puck.With the right amount of [...]

Men’s hockey and women’s hockey are essentially the same game. They are simply played by men or women.Interestingly, at different levels, women are able to play on men’s teams, but men cannot play on women’s teams.Men’s hockey and women’s hockey both have the same numbers of players, six, and the puck is the same size. Even the ice rink is the same size. [...]

Buying a hockey stick might not seem like a big deal, but it really is.Just any hockey stick will not do.The stick you buy needs to fit your style of play and your height.It also needs to be made the right materials, have the right blade lie, and kick point. It also needs the right grip. You also need to decide what type of stick you want as well as what type [...]

All positions on the ice rink are important in a hockey game, but the final line of defense is extremely important.Of course, the two defensemen have the job of keeping the puck away from the goalie, but the hockey goalie is where the puck must stop to prevent the opposing team from scoring.Following the Puck Being a goalie is not an easy task, so it is difficult [...]

The one-timer is one of the most exciting shots in hockey.While it usually is a slap shot toward the goal, the one-timer is actually just a shot taken off of a pass in a single motion.You do not stop to get control of the puck, you just shoot as the puck comes at you. The shot is dependent on timing as you have to be able to judge the speed of the puck and the speed o [...]

Hockey is a fast-paced game that rarely slows.Because of this, it can be challenging for young players to learn where to position themselves on the ice.Fortunately, there is a limited amount of space on the ice, so there are only so many places to get positioned. And, there are plenty of ways to improve your position on defense which will let you help your goalie and [...]

Hockey goaltending is not a one-size-fits-all position.In fact, there are two very different styles of goaltending and they can be used in tandem.Goalies tend to develop their own styles and they become quite adept at that one style. There are significant pros and cons to each. Even though there are different styles, the professionals who use them excel at their selec [...]

Goalies have one of the most challenging positions in all of sports.They are tasked with keeping a tiny black puck from entering a rather large goal. And, they have to do with it while being covered from head to toe in pads.To add to the difficulty, they have to do it on incredibly slippery ice while wearing skates with a blade that is a few millimeters wide. This [...]

Hockey is a sport that requires constant practice.From skating skills to puck handling, there is always something to learn.Just like there is always something to learn, there is always someone who has something to teach. Puck handling is one of the most important skills for hockey players, who need to be able to put the puck where they want it and shoot to score. [...]