To many, playing hockey is as much part of life as attending school. It will pay dividends then to become familiar with the basics of hockey, which of course means skating. Skating is to hockey as running is to football. Starting fast, changing pace and direction, bursting into top speed, and keeping good balance are common to both games. The blades on hockey skates and the cleats on football shoes provide gripping and braking surfaces which allow short, digging, breakaway steps and sure-footed, sudden stops.
But there is a great difference between the two sports, which is noticed particularly by the beginner. Running is natural - something you have done since you could first walk; skating, which requires a push-glide-push-glide succession of moves, is at first unnatural.
Once balance has been mastered, you can skate with much less effort than you can run. And you can skate at about twice your running speed, too. National Hockey League players have been clocked at 29 miles per hour. Compare this with the 15 miles per hour that a four-minute miler runs.
You and Your Skates
When you first learn to skate, the skates will not want to remain firmly under your feet. Your feet wobble, and your ankles cave in so that you stand on your ankles instead of on your feet. This "going over on the ankles" is caused by two things: lack of strength in your ankles and feet, and the condition of your skate boots.
Before each hockey season starts, check your skates before going on the ice. The fit of the skate boot is all-important for good, strong skating. If you wear a size eight street shoe, try on a size eight or eight and one-half skate boot, wearing wool socks for the fitting.
Hockey skates are a player's most important piece of equipment, and he should use the utmost care in selecting and caring for them.
You will probably need a new pair of skates each year for as long as your feet keep growing. It is a real mistake for both your feet and your skating to buy skates two sizes too large, in order to grow into them two years from now.
You are better off going to a skate exchange, or using a big brother's hand-me-down, to make sure of an exact fit. In buying used boots, be sure the leather tops provide good, stiff support and have not been stretched too much.
You should have your skate blades rockered. This is the term for rounding off the toes and heels of skate blades, which you can have done when getting your skates sharpened. Actually, if you hold your skates up to the light with edge meeting edge, only about one inch of the blades should contact each other. This shaping of the blades is most important for quick weight shifts and maintenance of speed when making tight turns.
You soon will lose the sharp edges of your blades if you walk carelessly on concrete or asphalt. And it takes just one tiny burr, or nick, to send you into one swan dive after another. To protect your blades' sharp edges, use skate guards to get you from the dressing room to the ice, if rubber mats are not provided.
Enjoy this wonderful sport safely with the right equipment and the right attitude. Have fun!
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Maple Leaf Tickets for peace of mind
Maple Leaf Tickets are renowned ticket brokers and they ensure that you do not get fleeced while purchasing tickets for your favorite hockey tickets. In the olden days these tickets were printed on cheap paper but nowadays one can find tickets made of colorful and glossy paper, which contains images of their favorite sports starts. With the advent of the internet, purchasing tickets has become easier. There is no need to travel a long distance and stand in queue for hours for purchasing tickets to one's favorite games.
Using a credit card and with the help of online booking agents like maple Leaf Tickets, one can book those tickets right from the comfort of their home. Their online site contains details of all the upcoming games including the venue, time and the teams that will be playing the matches. One can just the number of tickets that they want for a particular match and the type of ticket and using their credit card purchase the same immediately. Most people want to avoid the hassles of finding good seats to their favorite sporting event and these online ticket agents ensure that you get the exact seat that you want.
There are times when you will find that tickets for a certain event are no longer available at the stadium. During these moments, when you just do not want to miss that match, you can try out maple leaf tickets. Most of the times you will find that they still have tickets of the show you are dying for. There is no doubt that there are touts and scalpers who are present at the venue to offer you the ticket of your choice for a premium, but is there any guarantee that the tickets they are selling you is not a fake?
These touts take advantage of you and sell you the sold out tickets at a higher price and they are not professionals unlike Maple Leaf Tickets who will sell you tickets at the printed price even when they are not available at the venue. With these professionals you can be rest assured that you shall get the best seat even a few moments before the start of the event. The tickets that you purchase from them are not fakes and you can be rest assured that there will be no hassles at the entrance.
Maple Leaf Tickets have their own established and dependable network and they source their tickets from these networks. At times they purchase tickets from those who have extra tickets. There are many people who purchase tickets in advance but due to circumstances beyond their control, they change their decision at the last moment and sell of their tickets. Maple Leaf Tickets purchase these tickets from them and then sell if off to you. Why take a risk by purchasing a ticket from a scalper? You will have to pay more than the original price of the ticket and chances are that the ticket is not genuine. Purchase your tickets from maple leaf tickets and ensure peace of mind.
Author : Timothy
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Maple-Leaf-Tickets-for-peace-of-mind/1038320
Using a credit card and with the help of online booking agents like maple Leaf Tickets, one can book those tickets right from the comfort of their home. Their online site contains details of all the upcoming games including the venue, time and the teams that will be playing the matches. One can just the number of tickets that they want for a particular match and the type of ticket and using their credit card purchase the same immediately. Most people want to avoid the hassles of finding good seats to their favorite sporting event and these online ticket agents ensure that you get the exact seat that you want.
There are times when you will find that tickets for a certain event are no longer available at the stadium. During these moments, when you just do not want to miss that match, you can try out maple leaf tickets. Most of the times you will find that they still have tickets of the show you are dying for. There is no doubt that there are touts and scalpers who are present at the venue to offer you the ticket of your choice for a premium, but is there any guarantee that the tickets they are selling you is not a fake?
These touts take advantage of you and sell you the sold out tickets at a higher price and they are not professionals unlike Maple Leaf Tickets who will sell you tickets at the printed price even when they are not available at the venue. With these professionals you can be rest assured that you shall get the best seat even a few moments before the start of the event. The tickets that you purchase from them are not fakes and you can be rest assured that there will be no hassles at the entrance.
Maple Leaf Tickets have their own established and dependable network and they source their tickets from these networks. At times they purchase tickets from those who have extra tickets. There are many people who purchase tickets in advance but due to circumstances beyond their control, they change their decision at the last moment and sell of their tickets. Maple Leaf Tickets purchase these tickets from them and then sell if off to you. Why take a risk by purchasing a ticket from a scalper? You will have to pay more than the original price of the ticket and chances are that the ticket is not genuine. Purchase your tickets from maple leaf tickets and ensure peace of mind.
Author : Timothy
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Maple-Leaf-Tickets-for-peace-of-mind/1038320
Hockey Hits Its All In The Best Hockey Nicknames
Hockey Hits Over the years there have been plenty, with some more memorable than others. There have been the best hockey games, the best hockey plays, and then there have been the best hockey nicknames of all times.
The Great OneWayne Gretzky has earned the nickname The Great One, and the name itself pretty much sums it up. He has truly rewritten the record books of hockey. Not only has Gretzky done plenty for the game of hockey he is an amazing supporter of local communities and charities.
Grim ReaperStu Grimson although not a legendary player he does wield a powerful stick, plays the role of the evil enforcer well, and even gets the odd goal. Hes earned the name Grim Reaper for his role as the enforcer and his not so sportsmanlike tactics.
The RatKen Linseman earned the name the rat because although he played 4 seasons he spent most of his time on the Rat Patrol line with Holmgren and Propp. Over time he earned a reputation for being a trouble maker and for his ever ending penalties that hurt the team, causing him to fall quickly from popularity.
The RocketMaurice Richard definitely was a human rocket with his combination of power, intensity, and speed. This man could move people on and off the ice. Truly a force to be reckoned with all his life.
The HammerDave Schultz earned his nickname because when he dropped his gloves his punches broke face bones when they connected. Its probably one of the most accurate nicknames ever handed down. In 1972, the Flyers needed a better team police department so they brought Schultz and Saleski into the lineup that soon earned the name the Broad Street Bullies
Russian RocketPavel Bure earned the nickname Russian Rocket. He played hockey as a youngster in his native home the Soviet Union and when he arrived on the NHL scene he was a thrill to watch and a top goal scorer.
The DominatorDominik Hasek is simply an amazing mad that dominates the game. This is a goalie with tremendous foot speed and good control of the rebounds. Hes always prepared and simply unflappable.
Super MarioMario Lemieux fits his nickname well as hes just one of those great hockey players. He was forced to retire from the hockey scene due to a battle with cancer and an irregular heartbeat. That hasnt slowed this super dude down as he puts all his efforts into raising funds through the Mario Lemieux Foundation for Research, Patient Care, and Childrens health.
Mr. HockeyGordie Howe the great ambassador of hockey has definitely earned the name Mr. Hockey. He set numerous records throughout his career and it appeared he was truly unstoppable but after injuries slowed him down he retired from the Red Wings in 1971 and was immediately inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
CuJoCurtis Joseph is seldom called by his real name anymore. CuJo is how hes most often called. This goalie this season ranks 7th on NHLs all time wins list with 418 career victories. Thats something to talk about!
So perhaps there really is something in the theory that great hockey hits have a lot to do with great hockey nicknames. Or perhaps the nicknames have a lot to do with those hit records. So were back to the old dilemma which came first the hits or the nicknames? Well it really doesnt matter. After all its all about the game right?
Author : MArx
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Hockey-Hits-Its-All-In-The-Best-Hockey-Nicknames/1030761
The Great OneWayne Gretzky has earned the nickname The Great One, and the name itself pretty much sums it up. He has truly rewritten the record books of hockey. Not only has Gretzky done plenty for the game of hockey he is an amazing supporter of local communities and charities.
Grim ReaperStu Grimson although not a legendary player he does wield a powerful stick, plays the role of the evil enforcer well, and even gets the odd goal. Hes earned the name Grim Reaper for his role as the enforcer and his not so sportsmanlike tactics.
The RatKen Linseman earned the name the rat because although he played 4 seasons he spent most of his time on the Rat Patrol line with Holmgren and Propp. Over time he earned a reputation for being a trouble maker and for his ever ending penalties that hurt the team, causing him to fall quickly from popularity.
The RocketMaurice Richard definitely was a human rocket with his combination of power, intensity, and speed. This man could move people on and off the ice. Truly a force to be reckoned with all his life.
The HammerDave Schultz earned his nickname because when he dropped his gloves his punches broke face bones when they connected. Its probably one of the most accurate nicknames ever handed down. In 1972, the Flyers needed a better team police department so they brought Schultz and Saleski into the lineup that soon earned the name the Broad Street Bullies
Russian RocketPavel Bure earned the nickname Russian Rocket. He played hockey as a youngster in his native home the Soviet Union and when he arrived on the NHL scene he was a thrill to watch and a top goal scorer.
The DominatorDominik Hasek is simply an amazing mad that dominates the game. This is a goalie with tremendous foot speed and good control of the rebounds. Hes always prepared and simply unflappable.
Super MarioMario Lemieux fits his nickname well as hes just one of those great hockey players. He was forced to retire from the hockey scene due to a battle with cancer and an irregular heartbeat. That hasnt slowed this super dude down as he puts all his efforts into raising funds through the Mario Lemieux Foundation for Research, Patient Care, and Childrens health.
Mr. HockeyGordie Howe the great ambassador of hockey has definitely earned the name Mr. Hockey. He set numerous records throughout his career and it appeared he was truly unstoppable but after injuries slowed him down he retired from the Red Wings in 1971 and was immediately inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
CuJoCurtis Joseph is seldom called by his real name anymore. CuJo is how hes most often called. This goalie this season ranks 7th on NHLs all time wins list with 418 career victories. Thats something to talk about!
So perhaps there really is something in the theory that great hockey hits have a lot to do with great hockey nicknames. Or perhaps the nicknames have a lot to do with those hit records. So were back to the old dilemma which came first the hits or the nicknames? Well it really doesnt matter. After all its all about the game right?
Author : MArx
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Hockey-Hits-Its-All-In-The-Best-Hockey-Nicknames/1030761
How the Strike Changed National Hockey League Rules
Back in 2004 many people rang the bell of doom on the National Hockey League, as it missed a season due to player and management differences. Many people said that a sport that misses a whole season and that emphasized brute strength over skill would never recover. However, in the past few years hockey fans have found much to be pleased with, and teams that are both skillful and entertaining.
When the National Hockey League started up again in 2005 it made several rule changes in order to restructure parts of the game, and to regain hockey fans that loved the skill and finesse of Olympic style hockey games.
The first area they addressed was stricter enforcement of longstanding rules. Any player who uses their stick hand or free hand to slow any opposing player will be penalized. This includes hooking, holding, tripping, cross checking and interference. For several years prior to 2005 there were a number of bear hugs and wrestling matches that were not quickly stopped by a referee, and this slowed down the speed of the game.
The new rules include also added two ways to break a tie that ends a regular game. Five additional minutes are played 4-on-4, and if the game remains tied at the end of those five minutes, a shootout determines the winner. This does make the end of the hockey game much more exciting, except that now the final scores of the game are not as useful a tool to rank different hockey teams. Some fans and NHL officials view this as pandering to the crowd, just to get them excited about their team winning the game.
US professional hockey players once could not pass from their own defensive zone, across the red line at center, and all the way to the opposing blue line. Now that these long passes are allowed, the speed and tactics of the games have changed: there are more quick attacks and less use of the forecheck.
The goalie has less goalie padding, which makes goalies look more like their hockey ancestors of the fifties. Also, goalies before 2005 were able to have a good deal of puck control while in their zone. They could hand it off to a teammate, shoot it out when they got it and make a forward pass. Since there are goaltender interference rules, a goalie could do any of these things without any interference from the other team. Goalies now have very limited puck handling, except in the zone directly behind the net.
Several other changes include moving the blue lines closer together, to be only 50 feet apart, and the ability for players to "tag up" and go back to the blue line so they will not be considered being offside, and eliminating a offside whistle.
These changes have made higher scoring hockey games, and have emphasized the skill and the ice skating speed of the players, rather than their muscles and defensive ability. These changes in the rules have made an even larger fan base that is not put off by the brawling image of earlier NHL hockey games.
Author : Elmo
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-the-Strike-Changed-National-Hockey-League-Rules/939311
When the National Hockey League started up again in 2005 it made several rule changes in order to restructure parts of the game, and to regain hockey fans that loved the skill and finesse of Olympic style hockey games.
The first area they addressed was stricter enforcement of longstanding rules. Any player who uses their stick hand or free hand to slow any opposing player will be penalized. This includes hooking, holding, tripping, cross checking and interference. For several years prior to 2005 there were a number of bear hugs and wrestling matches that were not quickly stopped by a referee, and this slowed down the speed of the game.
The new rules include also added two ways to break a tie that ends a regular game. Five additional minutes are played 4-on-4, and if the game remains tied at the end of those five minutes, a shootout determines the winner. This does make the end of the hockey game much more exciting, except that now the final scores of the game are not as useful a tool to rank different hockey teams. Some fans and NHL officials view this as pandering to the crowd, just to get them excited about their team winning the game.
US professional hockey players once could not pass from their own defensive zone, across the red line at center, and all the way to the opposing blue line. Now that these long passes are allowed, the speed and tactics of the games have changed: there are more quick attacks and less use of the forecheck.
The goalie has less goalie padding, which makes goalies look more like their hockey ancestors of the fifties. Also, goalies before 2005 were able to have a good deal of puck control while in their zone. They could hand it off to a teammate, shoot it out when they got it and make a forward pass. Since there are goaltender interference rules, a goalie could do any of these things without any interference from the other team. Goalies now have very limited puck handling, except in the zone directly behind the net.
Several other changes include moving the blue lines closer together, to be only 50 feet apart, and the ability for players to "tag up" and go back to the blue line so they will not be considered being offside, and eliminating a offside whistle.
These changes have made higher scoring hockey games, and have emphasized the skill and the ice skating speed of the players, rather than their muscles and defensive ability. These changes in the rules have made an even larger fan base that is not put off by the brawling image of earlier NHL hockey games.
Author : Elmo
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-the-Strike-Changed-National-Hockey-League-Rules/939311
NHL Hockey Jerseys
Wouldnt every hockey fan love to own the jersey of their favorite team player. The real jersey of course! Perhaps you could sneak through the locker room in hopes of finding one lying around just waiting for you.
Chances are this little venture would do nothing more than land you in hot water, and still youd have no jersey. Thankfully many manufacturers have stepped up to the plate, or in this case the ice.
Did you know that the hockey jersey was originally called a sweater. It is defined as a piece of clothing used to cover the upper body and it is worn by ice hockey players, of course. It is normally decorated with the players last name, his number, and the team logo. Team player number range from #1 to #98, because the #99 which was Gretzkys number was retired with him.
CCM/Koho have a full line of both replica and authentic jerseys for all the NHL teams.
The NHL replica jerseys are a 100% polyester double knit mesh NHL hockey jersey. They are a mid weight replica game jersey that have the tackle twill embroidered chest and shoulder logos when applicable. They have reinforced stitching on the shoulder, arms, and neck.
The authentic NHL jerseys cost considerably more but they are made of the pro weight air knit 100% polyester that is exactly the same as those worn by the Pros. Tackle twill embroidered chest and shoulder logos when applicable, with reinforces seams and sewn on team logos. Complete with double elbows and shoulders, and a 2 bottom hem.
Choose from the Mighty Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabers, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanches, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wilds, Montreal Canadians, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Saint Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, or the Washington Capitals.
You can also by replica jerseys of your favorite player complete with number and name. Markus Naslund #19 Replica, Todd Bertuzzi #44 Replica perhaps? Pick your favorite!
CCM has also recently released some vintage jerseys too. Chris Chelios #7 Official 550 Series, Steve Yzerman #19 Official 550 Series, Mark Messier #11 Official 550 Series , Teemu Selane #13 Official 550 Series, Peter Forsberg #21 Official 550 Series, and Luke Robitaille #20 Official 550 Series.
When you are purchasing jerseys no matter who the maker is make sure they are licensed to distribute NHL products. By doing your part it keeps products available and affordable.
Besides many of the unlicensed copyright infringing jerseys have shoddy workmanship and will probably not last long at all, and they really are not that much cheaper.
Some companies will add your business name or personal name to the jersey for a modest fee.
And why just buy them for the adults in your home. Why not start your children young. In fact why not start them as infants. Besides these baby jerseys are so adorable!
There are jerseys for mom, dad, the kids, even for grandma and grandpa. Make it a family affair!
Author : Marx
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/NHL-Hockey-Jerseys/1030775
Chances are this little venture would do nothing more than land you in hot water, and still youd have no jersey. Thankfully many manufacturers have stepped up to the plate, or in this case the ice.
Did you know that the hockey jersey was originally called a sweater. It is defined as a piece of clothing used to cover the upper body and it is worn by ice hockey players, of course. It is normally decorated with the players last name, his number, and the team logo. Team player number range from #1 to #98, because the #99 which was Gretzkys number was retired with him.
CCM/Koho have a full line of both replica and authentic jerseys for all the NHL teams.
The NHL replica jerseys are a 100% polyester double knit mesh NHL hockey jersey. They are a mid weight replica game jersey that have the tackle twill embroidered chest and shoulder logos when applicable. They have reinforced stitching on the shoulder, arms, and neck.
The authentic NHL jerseys cost considerably more but they are made of the pro weight air knit 100% polyester that is exactly the same as those worn by the Pros. Tackle twill embroidered chest and shoulder logos when applicable, with reinforces seams and sewn on team logos. Complete with double elbows and shoulders, and a 2 bottom hem.
Choose from the Mighty Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabers, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanches, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wilds, Montreal Canadians, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins, Saint Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, or the Washington Capitals.
You can also by replica jerseys of your favorite player complete with number and name. Markus Naslund #19 Replica, Todd Bertuzzi #44 Replica perhaps? Pick your favorite!
CCM has also recently released some vintage jerseys too. Chris Chelios #7 Official 550 Series, Steve Yzerman #19 Official 550 Series, Mark Messier #11 Official 550 Series , Teemu Selane #13 Official 550 Series, Peter Forsberg #21 Official 550 Series, and Luke Robitaille #20 Official 550 Series.
When you are purchasing jerseys no matter who the maker is make sure they are licensed to distribute NHL products. By doing your part it keeps products available and affordable.
Besides many of the unlicensed copyright infringing jerseys have shoddy workmanship and will probably not last long at all, and they really are not that much cheaper.
Some companies will add your business name or personal name to the jersey for a modest fee.
And why just buy them for the adults in your home. Why not start your children young. In fact why not start them as infants. Besides these baby jerseys are so adorable!
There are jerseys for mom, dad, the kids, even for grandma and grandpa. Make it a family affair!
Author : Marx
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/NHL-Hockey-Jerseys/1030775
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