Shoulder pads are the best thing about playing hockey. Shoulder pads are doing fantastic things to alleviate my middle-income, middle-age, middle class, expanding middle doldrums and crises. Doctors should prescribe these things. This could rival Viagra as the safe alternative to re-establishing machismo.

Although wearing nothing but shoulder pads in bed is probably something that appeals to a fine percentage of us. Did I say us? I meant of some people. Not only would you have to deal with the image but also trying to work that hockey-smell to your advantage may be a difficult task. Yet I digress, two sentences into the article and I’m already off on a tangent. Sit down and buckle up we may be in for a ride.

continue reading "Shoulder Pads; The Next Viagra."

Copywrite © 2004 See-It Ice Hockey Club

I came across an article on a really great hockey web site the other day, beerleaguehockey.com (shameless plug) which described the average cost for a player to suit themselves up. Being a new goalie I have often wondered how much a players equipment cost compared to the goaltending gear I have purchased. According to the article, the average gear setup will run about $750, or, $550 for you less than 5% alcohol by volume drinkers directly to the south of me.

I should also mention that the small article following is full of personal and corporate plugs; I do this not in hope of financial gain but as my way of thanking those who in varied ways, introduced and took me down the path of beer league goaltending. The jury is still out as to whether I should be thanking or hunting them down. What I mean will become painfully obvious as you read on…
continue reading "Why Goalies Play For Free"

When fitting a glove there are many things to consider. Overall comfort and snugness through the hand, finger length, thumb protection and mobility, wrist protection, and ease of dropping… just in case. Kidding! Although standing in the sports section and throwing the gloves to the floor as fast as you can does get some interesting reactions from customers and salespersons alike. Here are what you really to look for in buying a glove.
continue reading "The Proper Fit for Hockey Glove"

A hockey helmet should be comfortable and although all helmets are lined with a protective foam, some helmets will feel better than others. New models of hockey helmets comfortably grip the head from inside by cupping the back of head, or the occidental protuberance. When you are out purchasing a helmet, try on different brands for fit and comfort.
continue reading "Fitting a Helmet"

As hockey players, we’ve all been the victim of our own stink at one time or another, and theres no one to blame but ourselves. You know the scenario all to well. Getting home from your game at 1:00am, while the thought of actually bending over to unzip your bag leads you to believe you may collapse in a heap on the floor. “Tomorrow,” you promise yourself, “first thing before I go to work.”

One week later…at your next game you stare at your bag and prepare yourself for that bouquet of fermented sweat and leather to drift out at you. A morbid curiosity overcomes you as you actually lean into the fallout zone while unzipping the bag. However, if it’s your team mate unleashing that odor your curiosity is replaced by disgust. “Their” stench is usually thick enough to lean on, and definately thick enough to gag on.
continue reading "Sweet Smell of Hockey Hands"

It’s game time, and the equipment is not exactly fresh, but no big deal. The gear may stink a bit, the helmet a bit damp, but that mouthguard, should it really taste like that? Ah… no worries, it’s your own germs, it can’t hurt you. Or can it?
continue reading "Dirty Mouthguards Responsible for More Than Halitosis"