USA Hockey: Locker Room Alert

To all USA Hockey Local Programs: This is to alert you of a security issue regarding locker room activity involving youth hockey players that happened recently. A man in his 60s was able to enter locker rooms when players were changing and showering. He asked them questions and attempted to collect contact information. In addition, it appears this man entered other locker rooms while the players were on the ice and may have taken identification information from clothing. He claimed he was an equipment supplier agent, which was a ruse to get information from players. Police were summoned; the man was questioned, photographed and escorted out of the facility.

• It is imperative that all local programs have an adult (coach, assistant coach, team manager) present in the locker room, or at the locker room door, to assure that only players, coaches and approved team personnel are permitted in the locker room.


• Further, coaches/team managers must personally monitor the locker room environment at all times while players are present and also make sure the locker room is appropriately secured during times when players are on the ice.

Please make sure this information is shared with those appropriate and thank you in advance for your immediate and on-going attention to this matter.

Dave Ogrean
Executive Director
USA Hockey

Strengthen Shooting Muscles With Shot Tec

Shot Tec is the World’s First Hockey Training Device that isolates and trains the exact muscle groups required for the perfect shot. Score more goals with Shot Tec. Shot Tec’s interactive design provides hours of fun for players of all ages.



Purpose: Shot Tec was developed to help strengthen the shooting muscles and help players increase shot power and develop a quicker release.

Product Features:

• Trains the specific muscle groups for the perfect shot.


• Isolates and strengthens specific muscle groups that are key to shooting.


• Adjustable resistance for all ages and skill levels.


• Improves quick release and shot accuracy.


• Very simple and easy to use in any environment.


• Use Shot Tec in the comfort of your own living room, or in the changing room before a big game.

Video: Here is a video overview of the Shot Tec Training Device:



Top 7 Shot Tec Advantages:

1. Isolates and strengthens specific muscle groups that are key to shooting.


2. Develops good muscle memory.


3. Puts the puck under adjustable resistance for all ages and skill levels.


4. Makes it quick and easy to shoot 150 pucks in 2.5 minutes.


5. No more damaged vehicles, windows, walls, garage doors, etc.


6. Builds core strength that benefits a player not only in shooting, but also in skating and overall fitness.


7. Quick release improves shot accuracy.

Price: $349.95

Testimonials:

“Creating offense and scoring are definitely the most fun aspects of hockey. After many years of coaching and scouting in professional hockey, I am so excited to see the development of the Shot Tec training system. To score big goals and make accurate passes, players need the specific training that Shot Tec provides. The Shot Tec system develops not only the specific technique and strength for shooting, but it makes training fun and exciting for all players using Shot Tec. Hockey development is all about improvement and smiles.” –Glen W.

“Shot Tec has been a great tool. I have used it a lot and it has really helped my release and power. [Shot Tec] would help any player’s shot—I highly recommend it.” –Riley P., Canmore Eagles

“A hard shot is something every player needs—and as a smaller player I need every edge I can get! I used the Shot Tec device over the summer and it has really helped me shoot with greater power. It’s been great for my backhand as well.” –Brayden P., Bantam AAA Bisons

Final period: Shot Tec is a fun new interactive product that will help you develop a more powerful shot. Give Shot Tec a try and see results on the ice.

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Total Hockey: Bauer Supreme ONE100 Pro Goal Equipment

Overview: There’s a reason why some of the best butterfly goalies in the world—Lundqvist, Vokoun and Kiprusoff, for example—switched brands to wear the Supreme ONE100 PRO GOAL Series.



ONE100 Goalie Leg Pads

In today’s game, everything is so customized to the players’ needs and wants. Some goalies like stiff pads, while others prefer a softer flex. But at least they can all agree on one thing: They want their pads to align perfectly when in the butterfly position. That is exactly what the ONE100 pads do.

Probably the best feature of the older version (ONE95) is how well they locked to the ice when in the butterfly. The new version not only does that, but they are also lighter and more customizable in that you can select your flex options. In addition, the new graphics look a lot cooler, too.

• BUTTERFLY DESIGN: Goalies butterfly because it’s the best way to block a higher percentage of the goal behind them. The Supreme design and flat-face surface allows the pads to seal the ice at a 90-degree angle and the triangle outer roll serves as a safe-ramp to deflect pucks away from harm (that is, the back of the net!).


• REGULATED FLEX CONSTRUCTION: Much like everything else in the Supreme line, the leg pads are as customizable to you as they to are the pros. Bauer’s Regulated Flex Construction allows four options for the flex of your pad, all of which are butterfly-style pads: (1) SOFT: The standard break, soft is what is most common among goalies and usually what you’ll see in the stores. There are three breaking (flexing of the pad) points: below, above and right at the knee. (2) BREAK BELOW KNEE: This is where there is one break point on the pad, located below the knee. This break is similar to the standard break for Reebok’s Premiere IIIs. (3) BREAK ABOVE KNEE: This type has only one break (flex point) in the pads, located above the knee. Some goalies think this allows them to butterfly with less flexibility as the pads bend in at the top for five-hole coverage. Like any customizable feature, this is a matter of opinion. (4) HARD: There is no break at all and the pads are basically flat. Think of Niemi from the Hawks or Hiller from the Ducks, as they both wear pads with a hard (non-existent) breaking point.


• PERFECT BUTTERFLY BUILD: As the aforementioned states, the ONE 100 goal series is a butterfly goalie’s ideal leg pad. It locks to the ice as well as any pad out there and with four flexes to choose from, you basically have the same custom options as the pros.

ONE100 Blocker

The blocker features a removable index finger pad and maximum side-cuff protection to not only deflect pucks, but keep your hand safe as well. Additionally, the blocker is adjustable with a cuff strap and is ultra light in weight and very comfortable.

ONE100 Catch Glove

The catch glove comes game ready—although some think it needs a little breaking in before calling it “game ready.” Like the blocker, it is very protective, comfortable and lightweight. Some features include PORON ® XRD palm padding for PRO protection, a deep split-T pocket and double wrist/hand/finger straps for easy adjustments. Perhaps the greatest feature is the 3-D vent foam that wicks away moisture. Because, as any goalie can tell you, it is not easy to air-out your catch glove.

Skill Level: This series is intended for elite goalies, as most of these concepts and technologies were requested by the pros themselves.

Competition: Reebok (Premier IIIs), Vaughn (Velocity 4s) and Brians (Focus) are always up for some goalie-friendly competition.

Conclusion: Bauer listened to the pros and created a line that will allow goalies to enhance their butterfly techniques and coverage.

Retailer: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Supreme One100 Pro Goal Equipment from Bauer. 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.

Glossary: Deke

I used to think a deke was a special move specific to hockey. In fact, it’s just a plain-old fake, common to most every sport. Feint left, go right. Stop short, speed up. That sort of thing. So why not just call it a fake like they do in basketball? Rumor has it the term originated with the Canadians, who like to lure live ducks with wooden decoy ducks floating on lakes. (So they can, you know, shoot pucks at them.)



An abbreviation of decoy, players deke to lure opponents out of position—to get past them or score. Dekes often involve changes in directions and/or speed along with stickhandling moves that confuse opponents. Also known as a dangle, dipsy-doodle and just plain-old move, a deke is often as close to beauty as you’ll see in ice hockey. Click here for information on how to deke.

See it in action: Check out this brilliant speed-change deke by Teemu Selänne, the 18th player in NHL history to score 600 goals as of March 2010.



Here, a more traditional deke fakes out a defenseman and goalie:



Note that I did not put the rumored linguisitc origins of "deke" through rigorous examination. Because whether or not this fake-out move in hockey has anything to do with decoy ducks, I bet you'll never forget what it means now.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kelly Anton for this story.

Inline vs. Ice: Will Roller Hockey Hurt Your Game?

Last week, Adam, age 12, wrote: “Friends keep trying to get me to play inline hockey. Won’t that ruin my game? Can you write about this.” To answer this, we called in an expert on both ice and inline hockey, Keegan from SchoolyardPuck.com. The short answer is no, inline hockey will not ruin your game—in fact, it may help it. Read on for his advice.

Should Snowboarders Stop Skateboarding?

Some players worry that playing roller hockey will worsen their game on ice. Their concern stems from the difference in technique between the sports. While I can understand the reasoning behind this logic, I think players who deny themselves the opportunity to play inline hockey are doing themselves a disservice. Look at it this way: Would it be wise for a snowboarder to avoid skateboarding, fearing his carving might suffer? Would you cease writing with a pencil because you wanted to keep your penmanship pure by only writing with a ballpoint pen?

Can You Prevent Bad Habits?

Sure, skating on the ice isn’t the same as rollerblading on the street. The ice gives where the street remains firm. Inline skates generally have heavier boots, and stopping sometimes involves dragging. And I know that you can develop bad ice skating habits on inline skates. However, these lazy habits can be avoided if you are cognizant of what you are doing. Many roller hockey players are less efficient on ice because they are used to lifting their leg higher when finishing a stride. To help with this:

• Try to avoid picking up your feet on your follow through and you should be fine.


• One thing that can make your wheels feel more like blades is setting them up to be rockered, so the middle wheels are closer to the ground than the outside ones. Using 80mm wheels in the center and 76mm and the outside can better simulate the feeling of an ice skate.


• Some roller hockey skates even have a rockered chassis so you can still use the same size wheels on all four slots.

What Can You Learn?

There are numerous benefits to playing roller hockey to train for ice hockey. Number one, you will improve your conditioning. Inline skating uses virtually the same muscles as ice skating, and carrying a stick isn’t much different. How many games have you seen when one line seems to be out of gas? Victories have been achieved simply because one team endures while the other lacks the physical fitness to keep up. It’s one thing to suffer defeat because you were outplayed, but personally I never EVER want to lose because my opponent was in better shape. Roller hockey unquestionably improves your stamina. Other reasons to play include:

• Learn how to work as a team, specifically making and receiving passes.


• Examine where to best position your body against a defender.


• See if you can get better at carrying the puck (or ball) with your head up.


• Determine what kind of dekes seem to work against opponents.


• Discover what things irk you and how to discipline yourself to keep a cool head.

Will Going to the Movies Make You a Better Player?

Also consider this: If you aren’t playing inline hockey, what will you be doing instead? Watching TV? Playing Xbox? Hitting the gym? (If it’s the gym, you might have a case against playing inline hockey.) But seriously think about it that way. Instead of asking, “Will inline hockey worsen my ice hockey game?” you might contemplate, “Will going to the movies make me a better ice hockey player?” My point—and the conclusion of my argument—is this: There are many things you could do for your game that are worse than playing roller hockey.

Editor's Note: Thanks to SchoolyardPuck.com for this story.

Beginners’ Guide to Stick & Puck

Hockey players should always be looking for more ice time. Practicing in the garage or driveway is fine, but nothing compares to lacing up your skates and playing real hockey on real ice. Stick-and-puck sessions at public rinks offer a great opportunity to get some ice time in. Players informally divide up the ice and work with coaches or in small groups. And inevitably a scrimmage breaks out — maybe evenly matched and maybe not. Five Mites against a Midget. One Midget and one Mite against two Squirts. You never know. The same goes for drop-in hockey. Here's how you can be sure everyone gets the most for their time and money.



Unwritten Rules of Stick-and-Puck/Drop-in Scrimmages

• Have fun: Stick and puck sessions are just for fun. Don’t worry if you’re not the best player out there or you don’t score a lot of goals. You are out there to learn and have fun.


• Bring a puck: The rink may not provide them, so be sure to keep a couple in your bag.


• Share the puck: In a scrimmage, you may be tempted to hog the puck, but remember that players of all ages and skill levels may be on the ice with you. Make sure everyone gets a chance to carry the puck. If you’re better than most of the players on the ice, feel free to show off your moves, but remember to also pass to your teammates. This is a great way to make sure everyone has fun, and you may just make a few friends while you are out there (everyone loves getting a pass).


• Share the ice: No one likes sitting on the bench! If everyone makes quick changes than every one will have lots of time to play. Get on the ice, skate hard for a minute, and then let another player skate. Remember, the longer you stay on the ice, the longer another player has to sit on the bench. Be fair and try to ensure each player gets equal ice time.


• Try your hardest: Some players are nervous for their first stick and puck, and think they will not be good enough. Let me tell you from experience. It does not matter how good you are, as long as you always try your hardest and never give up. If you skate hard, and try for the entire session, the other players will love you and want to have you come out and play again.


• No checking: It goes without saying that nobody wants to get hurt during a casual scrimmage with a mixed age group.

I hope these tips will help you enjoy your stick-and-puck sessions, remember to skate hard, have fun, and make friends!

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Jeremy Rupke of HowToHockey.com for this story. You can subscribe to his hockey tips blog, which offers tips, skills, drills, videos and more.

Total Hockey: Bauer Supreme ONE100 Pro Goal Skates

Overview: Much like the TotalOne, the goalie version of this new Supreme Line splurges with innovation.



When all the pro goalies asked Bauer for a skate that doesn’t slip out when they’re in a wide stance, Bauer dared to try something new. “What if we change the angle of the cowling on the skate so that goalies can widen their stance and still maintain a strong grip for lateral pushes?” So they did. And it worked. Introducing the new features that make the ONE100 one of a kind:

• ATTACK ANGLE: The ONE100 goal skates feature an increased angle of 28% allowing goalies to bite the ice at their widest stance.


• VERTEXX COWLING: Cutting a hole on the side of the cowling (outside the foot) not only contributes to the attack angle, it also makes the skate the lightest of all goal skates on the market. That hole is covered by a composite patch to ensure protection.


• BOOT COMFORT: Since goalies are on their feet more often than not, Bauer designed a footbed with extra padding to increase comfort. Additionally, they made the tongue longer and added a flexible ankle collar for a softer feel on the ankle.


• REMOVEABLE RUNNERS: The super-strong stainless steel blade removes with the turn of the screw.

Skill Level: These skates are intended for elite goalies as most of these concepts and technologies were requested by the pros themselves.

Competition: Many goalies wear Reebok or Graf skates, but Bauer may have set a new standard in goal skates with the production of the ONE100.

Conclusion: Bauer listened to the pros and created a skate that will allow goalies to increase their lateral movements, thus enhancing their power-pushing, butterfly slides and overall game play.

To Buy: Total Hockey is your source for all hockey equipment, including the Supreme TotalOne skates from Bauer. 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.

Contest: Best Bag for Your Buck Results

A sampling of entries into our HockeyShot.com-sponsored best-bag contest reveals backpack styles are the most popular and wheels definitely have an edge. The drying/sanitizing system is a life-saver for busy parents and players as well. A few diehards, however, pride themselves on no wheels.



Carry Your Own

I am a Mite player and I love my Warrior Hockey Backpack style bag in Camo. I have been carrying it all by myself since I was 5 years old. More importantly, sometimes my dad will carry it along with my Mini Mite brother, Parker, almost 4, inside — only his head peaking out! My older brother, Tyler (age 15), also has a backpack style bag. No wheels!

–Carter

Wheel Your Own

A junior- or senior-size wheel backpack with a pull-handle is the best option. Why?

1. It allows players to pull it themselves. (However, if they carry it as a backpack and it’s too heavy, they can tip over.)


2. It’s not too long like a wheel bag, so it allows them to get in and out of doors and elevators easily.


3. If it doesn’t have wheels your child will drag it anyway and it just gets torn up quickly.


4. It allows you to carry just about everything, which is great for travel tournaments.

Make sure is has separate skate pockets and good wheels.

–Greg

What a Drag

We had a huge issue with the roller bags for my 9-year-old daughter. Where the wheels met with the material was not far enough off the ground, so we now look for bags that have a higher clearance level off the ground from the wheels. We also found that a straight zipper across the top is hard for younger ones to get their gear in and out. She got really frustrated and would lose things in the bags often. We have found the horseshoe opening works well since she can open it up and see what is inside the entire bag.

–Janell

Shock and Dry

Although larger and more awkward I still support roller bags. They are easier physically on kids already exhausted after a hard practice or game and end forever the need for a parent to carry the bag. We have used a Shock Doctor bag for the past several years and are committed to them for their drying/sanitizing system. The bags generally last only one season, but the drying system is worth the tradeoff especially on travel or tournament weekends. On the other hand, my oldest still uses the old basic Easton duffle and it is fine after nine years.

–Robert

No Whining

I feel that our Shock Doctor bag with the dryer system is the best! Little hockey players do not like to or want to empty their bags after practice. I found that during the week if you hook up the dryer for a couple hours then their gear is dry and there is no WHINING! I do take it out once a week to wash the clothing but other than that it is a great bag! It also has wheels so it is easy to drag around to rinks!

–Ann

A Plethora of Pockets

I prefer the backpack by Reebok. It comes in two sizes and has heavy stitching all around and pockets galore — even in the main compartment! It can be used as a backpack and has wheels with a long gooseneck handle. It’s large enough for goalies and players! We’ve had our bag for two years and it’s shown little wear. This bag gets used! Get the best bang for your buck!

–Steve

Editor's Note: Thank you to all the readers who took the time to share their love/hate relationships with their bags, and thank you to HockeyShot.com for providing the prize.

Learn to Stickhandle Online with HockeyShot’s Online Stickhandling Videos!

Do you want to stickhandle better? Learn and master stickhandling skills with HockeyShot.com's professional stickhandling instructors, Lance Pitlick and Sean Skinner. They will lead you through step-by-step instructions giving you the foundation hockey skills to do moves like Crosby, Datsyuk and Ovechkin.



Purpose: The HockeyShot Online Stickhandling Programs have been developed to help players of all levels learn and master Stickhandling skills. All you need is a stick and Stickhandling ball. Let former NHL player Lance Pitlick and Master Stickhandler Sean Skinner teach you how to become a top notch stickhandler!

Pro Level Instructions: All of our hockey training videos are demonstrated by professional stickhandling instructors, Lance Pitlick and Sean Skinner. They will lead you through step-by-step instructions giving you the foundation hockey skills to do moves like Crosby, Datsyuk and Ovechkin (you could put your own name in here!).

Progressive system of drills: A new training module of progressive video-based hockey drills is released eachweek. Each training module contains 15 to 20 exercises in seven important areas of stickhandling such as the top hand wrist roll, basic Dribbling drills, Fakes and Moves, Cupping and Reach drills as well as Puck Tricks. These step by step video explanations help reinforce the proper stickhandling techniques. After watching the videos, it is your job to print off the lesson plans for the week and start stickhandling with a direction and purpose!

Feedback: All of our programs have a weekly Testing Module that the player is able to track his or her times in a range of skill categories, in order to monitor their development. This helps determine their strengths and weaknesses to better allow them to focus on the areas that require additional training. With well over 150 drills to watch and practice, you will not find a better hockey training system to teach you stickhandling — anywhere! Everything you do off-ice in our hockey drills will directly relate to your stickhandling on the ice.

Price: Starting at $44.95

HockeyShot Stickhandling Programs
Program	Save	Price
All-Star 1 - week 1 to 5		$44.95
All-Star 1 - week 6 to 10		$44.95
All-Star 1 - week 1 to 10	$10.00	$79.95
All-Star 2 - week 1 to 5		$54.95
All-Star 2 - week 6 to 10		$54.95
All-Star 2 - week 1 to 10	$10.00	$99.95
All-Star 1-2 - full serie	$20.00	$179.95

Our Instructors:

HockeyShot Online Stickhandling takes your hockey training to next level. Former NHL’er Lance Pitlick and Sean Skinner (master stickhandler) show you what you need to do every step of the way to give you the moves to make your own highlight reel.

Many instructors have great skills, but there are far fewer that are great teachers. Lance and Sean have joined forces to form an unprecedented all-star team of stickhandling trainers to take you to the next level.

• Lance Pitlick: A native of Minneapolis, Lance Pitlick played High School Hockey for Robbinsdale Cooper and joined the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey Team in 1986, playing in the NCAA Championship game in 1989. Lance was drafted in 1986 by the hometown Minnesota North Stars and went on to play eight years in the National hockey league; five seasons with the Ottawa Senators and three years with the Florida Panthers. He retired from the NHL in 2003. A gritty stay-at-home, physical defenseman known for his tutelage of younger players, Lance turned his efforts toward coaching and skill development following his retirement and has been heavily involved in minor hockey in Minnesota.


• Sean Skinner is a world renowned trainer whose list of hockey accomplishments include stickhandling training for six National Hockey League teams, and numerous national teams including the United States Women's Olympic Team. Sean has produced several popular DVD’s – including the #1 stickhandling DVD series Stick Handling Beyond Belief, as well as titles such as Breakaways, Penalty Shots and Shoot-outs!, and International Hockey Skating Summit. He also serves as a leader in educating coaches on stickhandling through speaking at major coaching symposiums worldwide.

Testimonials

“It was my seventh year pro when I finally learned the fundamentals of stick handling. I feel more confident in making plays and trying moves now that I never would have thought about trying. If you want to be the best hockey player you can be, this program is a must. I'd recommend this to any hockey player, no matter what level you are at. Players don't practice stick handling and it's an edge you can get on a lot of players ( or competition).” –Tim Jackman, NY Islanders

“A lot of players do weight training and cardio, but very few work on their game. Stick handling is such a huge part of today's game and you can't get by unless you are proficient at it. The more comfortable you feel with the puck, the more time you gain to make a play. I wish I would have learned about this when I was younger. I think this program is something I'll continue to sign-up for every year until I hang it up. Onlinestickhanding.com, if you want to get better and be a complete hockey player, this program is a must and you have to go do it.” –Matt Smaby, Tampa Bay Lightings

“Never once did I have to ask my son to practice his stick handling. It was fun and challenging for him and he couldn't wait to master the next drill. –Chad N.

My son noticed improvement in his puck handling skills through this program, due to the quality of instruction and drills. –Jeff H.

Editor's Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Hockey Hair Beyond the Mullet

Parents plus kids plus hairstyles has equaled fights more often than not since the 1960s. They can’t see through the shaggy bangs and intricate sidesweeps. The buzz cut takes maintenance. While it lingers in some hockey circles, the mullet remains out. Today, you have a new option to fight about: the frohawk or the fauxhawk. As parents, pray for the fauxhawk.



Frohawk Hits the NHL

Players from Calgary to Colorado are sporting frohawks, the Mr. T ’do dubbed the love child of the afro and mohawk. Take a look at the playoff styles of Matt Hendricks and Cody McLeod. Do you really want your kid wearing that to school?

Fauxhawk Compromise

The fauxhawk — a frohawk with trimmed but not shaved sides — offers a nice middle-of-the-road (or middle-of-the-head) compromise between a shaved head, a mohawk, or a frohawk. For a hockey player, the helmet is a whole lot more comfortable with a little hair to rest it on. And for a teen, this variation is a whole lot more flattering. (But sorry girls, we’re just going to recommend this for boys.)

How to Rock the Fauxhawk

Boys can get their hair cut for a faux hawk or simply style it that way. Ask a stylist for the right cut, or click here for the DIY steps. For styling, coat your hair evenly with gel or other styling product. Pull the hair in the middle — roughly the hair between your eyes — up by the roots and spike it. For heavy hair, you may need hairspray to preserve the look.

See the step-by-step instructions here:



Editor’s Note: Thank you to Kelly Kordes Anton for this story.

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