10 Ways to Celebrate Hockey Weekend Across America

Hockey Weekend Across America will take place this coming weekend, Jan. 29-31, 2010. The effort is aimed at celebrating the game of hockey and all involved in the sport and providing opportunities for those who haven’t played hockey to try it. The following article offers 10 great ways to celebrate the event.

Here are ten great ways to celebrate Hockey Weekend Across America:

1. Wear your jersey to school


2. Bring a friend to a public skate


3. School project: Who is your favorite hockey player, why?


4. Informational table at mall or high‐traffic area


5. School seminars where they teach hockey and do demonstrations (put on hockey equip)


6. Try Hockey for Free


7. Shoot the puck expo


8. Invite a neighbor to practice


9. Hockey 101 courses


10. Bring a friend to a game

For more great ideas click here (pdf).

Editor’s Note: Thank you to USA Hockey for these great ideas!

Elevate Your Game with Reebok Revoke Pro Zone Series

The Reebok Revoke Pro Zone Series offers a complete selection of goalie equipment, including leg pads, blocker and trapper. This series was developed for the NHL and is now available for purchase. Below is a review by TotalHockey.net of this professional goalie equipment package.



Overview: Reebok’s new Revoke Pro Zone Series (leg pads, blocker and trapper) is taking goalies by storm. Made in the infamous Lefevre Factory in Quebec Canada, a pioneer in goaltending equipment, the Revoke PZ set features aspects similar to the Premier III Pro Series, as well as some new features.

Along with a new design, one major improvement in the Revoke PZ Leg Pads is the Double Knee Break, which allows for softer flex for an easier butterfly. Additionally, the Goal Catch Glove features an EPE-injected cuff constructed not only to absorb impact, but also to prevent puck skip over.

Skill Level: The Revoke PZ set was created for NHL goalies; thus, it should be worn by serious goalies who aspire to taking their game to the next level.

Competition: The Reebok Revoke PZ is worn by many of the best goaltenders in the world, making them one of the top contenders in the goaltending.

Conclusion: The Reebok Pro Zone Series is exactly what the pros are wearing. If you want to elevate your game or if you’re moving to the next level, then Reebok’s Revoke PZ’s could be perfect for you to enhance your game.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Reebok Revoke Pro Zone Series. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else!  Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).

Q&A: How Do I Motivate Players to Give 100% Against Lesser Opponents?

Keeping players motivated when they are playing a “not as skilled” team can be difficult. Hockey expert and author, John Shorey, provides an answer to this reader submitted question:





Bill asks: How do you keep your players motivated when the team they play against is at a lower skill level?

John answers: This is a good question and something that I have seen happen many, many times in my hockey career. In fact it just happened twice in the league in which I am President. The last place team with a record of 0 wins and 15 straight losses beat the second placed team, twice in two weeks.

Sometimes playing a lower seeded team is more difficult than playing the top team. For some reason, players can’t seem to get motivated to play a specific team or game. I believe this happens because  players of the higher seeded team come to the game mentally overconfident.

Secondly, they play down to the level of the lower team instead of playing up to their full skill potential. This is because players physically and mentally take the night off  and do not give 100% on every shift. They believe a 50% effort is all that is required to beat the lower seeded team. They take too many offensive and defensive chances, stay out for long shifts, try to do too much stickhandling, or make too many passes trying to score a cute goal instead of burying the puck into the net.

Some players try to pad their scoring statistics against the weaker team and play undisciplined hockey. They hang out by the red line looking for a breakaway pass and won’t backcheck. This type of play backfires on many teams causing them to fall behind early in the game and play catch up hockey - something they may not be used to doing.

Here is the big challenge for coaches. They must convince their players there is no such thing as an easy hockey game. They must prepare a sound game plan for their team no matter where the opposition is in the standings.

The key is to get players back to the basics - the systems, strategy and shifts that got them into the higher seeded position in the first place. This is not easy for the coaches because changing the established thinking of their players requires special coaching skills.

Many players do not believe they are playing a good hockey team. Coaches need to tell players they will fall behind if they do not stick to the game plan. Sometimes this can be accomplished by challenging them to give a 100% effort and follow the game plan or ride the pine for a few shifts.

Coaches should instruct their teams to go back to short shifts - get the puck in deep, forecheck, recover the puck, cycle it if required, pass or carry it into a high percentage scoring location, take the shot on goal and then get off the ice. This should all be done within a 50 second shift.

Make no mistake, playing a lower seeded team is a challenge, and coaches must find the right buttons to push to get each player to play up to his or her potential. However, remember, the goal of youth hockey is having fun, not winning a game 15 to 1.  It is important not to embarrass any team by blowing them out of the water.

If a coach finds their team in a blow out position, they should challenge their players to try other positions. Let defensive players try forward and forwards try defense. This will make players realize the different skills required to play other positions and in the end it will make them better hockey players. It will also cut down on the goals scored and keep the game reasonable and fun for both teams.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to John Shorey for this answer.

Make Your Move with the New Reebok 11K Hockey Skates

The new 11K Skates are the latest offering from Reebok. The following review from Total Hockey.net details features of this state of the art skate.



Overview: Reebok unveils the newest version of the pump skate series in the 11K. These lightweight skates are designed to literally lock your foot in place, maximizing energy transfer from foot to blade with every single stride. This allows players impeccable acceleration in both power and speed, which means you can go from a complete stop to a breakaway within a matter of seconds.

The construction of the 11Ks are improved from the 9K, providing the player with increased mid-ankle support and a snug comfortable heel fit that contours to the foot. This optimized structure is designed to strengthen and enhance the overall performance and endurance of the skates. In addition, the redesigned pump inflator and lace lock create an even more customized fit than before.

Video: The following is Reebok's short promo video of this newly released skate.



Skill Level: The 11K skates are designed for all players looking for the most personalized fit that also provides comfort and increases speed.

Competition: The 11K skates are the lightest skates ever produced by Reebok. Reebok’s improved heel lock system and ankle support provides players with more acceleration power and speed in every stride.

Conclusion: The 11K skates are the latest invention produced with Reebok’s innovative technology. The 11Ks provide players with incomparable comfort and overall feel and their lightweight design maximize energy transfer through improved stability and structural support. The 11K skates are unlike any skate in the history of Reebok.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the 11K skates. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else! Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).

How to Try Hockey For Free

One of the largest barriers to growing the game of hockey is making it cost-effective and convenient. To demonstrate how to overcome these barriers, Saturday, January 30th, of the 2010 Hockey Weekend Across America, USA Hockey will promote a nationwide free trial of hockey.





This is a countrywide effort to have local rinks and associations offer a free sample of hockey at a consistent time with the maximum amount of ease. The goal is to have least 200 rinks offer the program from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm their local time zone. For other questions, please email growthegame@usahockey.org.

Editor’s Note: For more information on Hockey Weekend Across America, please click here.

The Easton Stealth S17 – Offering Responsive Feel and Anatomical Fit

The Easton Stealth S17 Skate has a lightweight design that is said to provide players with a responsive feel and uncompromising speed. Here is a review of the S17 from TotalHockey.net. Be sure to check out the promotional video from Easton on this innovative skate.



Overview: Easton offers the latest in skate technology with the Stealth S17 skates. These skates, which are also available in the limited edition black are designed with Easton’s own Coil Technology at the core of the skate boot. This provides players with an anatomical fit, unmatched responsiveness and superior protection. Additionally, it's lightweight feel lets the player focus more energy on other aspects of the game.

These incredibly durable skates are constructed to withstand the wear and tear of a game, for even the most advanced player.

Skill Level: The S17 skates are ideal for players involved in advanced to pro level hockey.

Video: The following video from Easton shows the science behind the S17 skate’s technology.



Competition: The Stealth S17 ranks among the top skates available on the market, providing players with a competitive, durable skate built for speed.

Conclusion: The Easton Stealth S17 Skates utilize Easton ’s Coil Technology to create maximum energy transfer, resulting in maximum speed on the ice. The S17s are a durable, lightweight skate that mold to each player’s foot for a more comfortable and personalized fit.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Easton Stealth S17. With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else.  Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).

8 Ways to Excel as the “Non-Star” Player

While there are many players on a hockey team, sometimes it might feel as though there are only a few shining stars. This can leave “non-star” players feeling unimportant and second-rate. The following article, from former hockey player and coach Jeff Serowik gives excellent advice for the “non-star” player.





A small percentage of every team from youth hockey all the way to the NHL is made up of “star” players. Typically eighty percent of a team is composed of the “non-star players.” However, even if your child is not on the first line scoring the goals, or racking up the assists or on the first defensive line, power play or penalty kill, they are an integral part of the hockey team. There are many cogs in the wheel that are necessary to make it spin.

Tips for the “Non-Star” Player

1. Be vocal on the bench and the ice - Cheer your teammates on when they finish their shift. Start a bench pat and send it down the line periodically through the game. It is also important to not be afraid to talk on the ice. Let a teammate know you are behind him or her, or congratulate a nice play or pass. This also can psyche the opposing team out. It is hard to beat a team that is unified and gels.


2. Be a leader - The goal scorers or stars are not always the team leaders. They may be gifted with natural ability, but not necessarily have the charisma of others on the team. “Non-star” players are often the leaders of a team. There is nothing better than a team full of leaders with charisma and respect for all players. That is the team that will go all the way.


3. Be the first on the ice and the last off - Work ethic is important for both the “star”  and “non-star” players. When doing a drill, don’t look to see if the coach or parents are watching. Be focused on the drill and your efforts will be noticed. Be the best practice player and you will be a “star” player.


4. Push your teammates to do better - Push each other including the last person in a drill. Say, “Nice effort, keep it up!”


5. Take pride in your role - Notice the little things that happen in a game that contribute to a win or a great effort. The assist to the assists or goals should count for points even though they do not count on the stat sheet, as well as the shot blocked, taking the hit to save the play, winning the battle for the puck, winning the face off, winning the race to the puck, battling for and coming up with the puck and battling so hard that a teammate can grab the puck.


6. Make all teammates feel good about their game – Remember, every single player is responsible for the win.


7. Rally around your goalie – Especially when he or she is in a losing streak.


8. Make the most of a long season - Make a joke in the locker room or have a team joke that is an inside joke only to your teammates. Make each other laugh and become friends. You need different personalities for a winning team.

A Note to the “Star” Player
Be thankful that you are the “star” player, but realize that every player on the team is just as important and helps assist you to get those goals. Be humble and cheer on the “non-star” players. Become a tight-knit group that cares for each other - that is how to win.

“Non-Star” Players Can Become the “Star” Players and Vice-Versa
Don’t think that you are pigeon-holed the “non-star” player or “star” player. Things change quickly in hockey. You can become the “star” player of a particular game or season. The key is to keep working hard and don’t feel bad about an off game or a bad shift. Pick yourself up and go for it the next  time you play. Remember that hockey is a game of mistakes. Recover and learn from the mistakes and move on. The star players of the NHL make mistakes too. Don’t forget to take pride in yourself whatever role you have on the team. Remember, you made that team and everybody is an important member and integral in helping the team to victory.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Jeff Serowik from Pro Ambitions Hockey camps for this article.

Fast Acceleration With the Bauer X:60 Skate

The Bauer X:60 Skate offers state of the art technology for excellent comfort, support and speed. The following is a review from TotalHockey.net on the X:60 Skate. Be sure to check out the video from Bauer showing some of the new product features.



Details: Bauer unleashes a new era of fast with the X:60 skates. These skates feature the latest innovative technology, creating a remarkably light skate, built for speed. The weightless design makes the X:60 skates perfect for the quick-footed player. The unique X-rib design provides structural support and stability throughout the boot, which allows for fast acceleration and tighter turns. The X:60’s Hydra Max liner keeps feet dry and cool, while locking the heel in tight. In addition, the top layer is very durable, reducing the wear and tear at the top of the ankle.

Skill Level: The X:60 skates are perfect for players looking to increase their speed on the ice.

Video: The following video, from Bauer, highlights some of the finer details of the X:60 Skate.



Competition: While these skates are not the lightest in the history of hockey, they are near weightless. Bauer provides players with the latest innovations in hockey technology. When creating the X:60 skates, Bauer incorporated the best features of the Vapor XXX skates and the structure of the Vapor XXXXs.

Conclusion: The X:60 Skates are Bauer’s top of the line skates, constructed to withstand the most avid player’s ice time. Bauer engineers succeeded in creating a light-weight, supportive, durable skate built for maximum acceleration.

Total Hockey Note: Do you have a product you would like us to review? If so, please feel free to email us at aroewe@totalhockey.com.

Editor’s Note: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Bauer X:60 Skate.  With a huge selection of equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers, Total Hockey has it all. Visit TotalHockey.net today. Total Hockey. We Don’t Do Anything Else.  Receive 10% off your purchases from TotalHockey.net when you use the code “GTGCBJC” (Some Restrictions May Apply).