Archive for the ‘Ice Hockey Equipment’ Category
The CCM Vector U+ Stick is the follow-up to the highly touted CCM U+ Skates and the latest release from the research and design team at CCM. The CCM U+ is the most well balanced composite stick ever produced by the company and features a host of innovative features.
Blade Construction
The newly designed carbon blade is very rigid and yet super light, which makes for an extremely great feel for the puck. The shaft features a 24” taper that increases the ability to “load” energy into the stick, while the hollowpoint system energy transfer sends energy to the player’s hands for increased control.
This technology is what most players are interested in and is identifiable by the partially hollowed out heel of the blade that is colored in white.
Durability
It will be interesting to note how the hollow affects the durability of the stick over the long-term. This technology will lead to just as many, if not more, questions about durability than the holes in the shaft of the RBK 9K O-Tech.
Shaft Features
The shaft also features a new contour that is shaped like the letter “C”. This contour is ergonomically correct, providing better comfort and enhanced stick control. The carbon fibre composite shaft construction is balanced for performance and durability, including a 360 degree woven wrap to increase strength and durability.
Although the CCM U+ stick is lighter and more durable than their previous models, Mission’s use of titanium in their new Ti-Pro stick allows it great durability at under 420 grams.
The CCM U+ stick is also available in a Grip version for those of you who prefer more control. It will ultimately come down to personal preference when comparing CCM U+ Grip to the likes of the Warrior Kronik Nipple Grip or the Vapor XXXX stick.
Where To Buy The CCM U+ Stick
Buy The CCM U+ Stick at Total Hockey.net and get FREE shipping! 
…And Supersize it!
If there was one player who contributed solely to the ultimate demise of the Montreal Canadiens’ season it was Philadelphia’s R.J Umberger.
Of course we should not take any credit away from the fantastic display of goaltending that Martin Biron displayed during the series. Biron was nothing short of phenomenal against the Canadiens (with a little help form his beloved posts).
Anyone who watched the entire series would also want me to mention that Alexei Kovalev was not as effective as he should have been. Although he did contribute some very clutch goals (see Game 1), he also gave the puck away far too many times with his “cutsie” cross ice passing attempts than most Habs fans care to remember.
Many Montreal fans have pointed to the fact that the Canadiens were the better team during the series. Habs fans will point to the several goal posts hit by the Canadiens and the “lucky” goals that Philadelphia scored that seemed to carom off every piece of a player’s equipment except a stick. They may also outline how Montreal outshot the Flyers for the entire series; all of which are valid points. However, when it comes to winning in the playoffs the old saying still applies:
“They don’t ask how, they just ask how many”
Interestingly enough, when Bob Gainey met with the Press yesterday, he said that a key strategy for the Canadiens would be targeting help at forward during the off season. I hate to speculate, but there is a certain Pittsburgh Penguin rental player that might be on the radar of Mr. Gainey.
Of course, that won’t help the fact that the Canadiens are not nearly physical enough up front…I guess that’s why I’m sitting here writing this and Gainey is a General Manager in the National Hockey League.
The One Hit Wonder
Each year in the National Hockey League there is a player who performs well beyond everyone’s expecations, including their own, and this season is proving to be no different.
I can remember a few players from my youth who used to step it up during the playoffs on a consistent basis. The most noteworthy of these playoff performers was none other than super-pest Claude Lemieux.
I would hardly put Umberger in a class with Claude just yet. He is more akin to the one-off playoff performances of a Chris Kontos or John Druce, who during 1989-90 season scored just 8 regular season goals, then exploded for 14 goals during the Capitals march to the semi-finals.
From time to time these one-hit wonder playoff performers seem to come out of nowhere to light up the scoreboard…the NHL’s own versions of Vanilla Ice .
The season almost over and that means it is time to take a look at some of the skates that have hit the market and make an upgrade for next year.
If you are looking for a pair of skates like the NHL Players wear, check out these reviews:
- Bauer One95
- Easton Stealth S15
- Nike Bauer One90
- Bauer Vapor XXXX
- Reebok RBK 9K Pump
- RBK 9K Pump Special Edition
- CCM Vector V10 Special Edition
- Graf Ultra G70
- CCM U+ Skates
As always, the best way to get a great price on skates is to order from the folks at
Hockey Giant.com or Total Hockey.net
Those two online stores compete to always give you the best value for your money!
Happy shopping!
Stars Prevail In Overtime Thriller
Marty Turco made 61 saves and Brenden Morrow scored on the power play at 9:03 of the fourth overtime period to lift the hometown Dallas Stars to a thrilling and gruelling 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks in a game that ended early Monday morning, moving them on to the next round of the playoffs.
So much for the Dallas Stars choking in the playoffs. I would wager that every second person who picked Dallas to score in overtime chose Brendan Morrow to notch the winner…he is clutch.
The game would have ended much earlier if it were not for this amazing save by Nabakov.
In related news, Joe Pelletier breaks down some of the longest NHL Playoff games in history.
Jagr Not Finished Just Yet
After the New York Rangers were bounced from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the upstart Pittsburgh Penguins, Jaromir Jagr was asked if he was going to retire. In response Jagr stated “I don’t think I am going to retire”.
The same question could be asked of Brendan Shannahan, but I would have to wonder why they would retire because they were the Ranger’s best players in the Playoffs. I think these two guys should pull a “Selanne and Niedermayer”, contemplating retirement until their old bodies are fully revived only to re-join the team at mid-season and reach peak form in time for the playoff run.
I really think that the Ducks were on to something there. The older and more talented players in the league have a lot to offer a team, but an 82 game season can be grueling on 35-45 year-old bones! I think we’re going to see a lot more of this strategy in the future. The $500,000 fine for a player missing training camp is peanuts to the benefits that it could mean to the team in a playoff run.
Mats Sundin may be another candidate for this “maneuver”.
Kessel Shines Bright for Stars and Stripes
Phil Kessel had a hat trick and the United States watched its power play remain red-hot in a 5-1 win over Slovenia Sunday night at the IIHF World Hockey Championship.
Kessel’s talent and skill are undeniable. he had a tremendously successful learning year in Boston and there is no doubt that he will have a bright future in the National Hockey League when he rounds out his game and gains some more experience.
Avery Released From Hospital
Rangers forward Sean Avery was released from the hospital Sunday morning, five days after suffering a season-ending spleen injury in a playoff game. Avery was believed to have suffered a lacerated spleen during the early moments of last Tuesday’s loss to the Penguins.
Thoughts from a New Jersey Devils fan:
“I’m glad he’s OK, but ain’t Karma a bit@h ?”
Capitals Have Even More Young Prospects!
The Washington Capitals have built an amazing young team from the ground up and believe it or not, they have some more “can’t miss talent” in their pipeline! This Capitals franchise could be dangerous for many years to come if their prospects develop as anticipated.
On Frozen Blog has the entire list and a breakdown of the Capitals prospects.
Mission has been slowly making its way into the high-end hockey equipment scene for several years now. With the release of the Mission Fuel Ti-Pro stick, the Intake Fusion Helmet, and the Fuel 120 AG Skates, they have officially reached the upper echelon of equipment. However, they were missing a solid pair of high calibre gloves to add to their line-up.
Enter the Mission Boss Hockey Glove
The Boss was surprisingly comfortable, even though it looks rather bulky. The NHL quality dual density foam provides adequate protection while maintaining flexibility and light weight performance.
I found the multitude of materials used to construct the palm slightly cumbersome, especially when using a Warrior Kronik stick with the nipple grip coating.
However, those who are used to a more tacky feel in the palm will love the combination of Nash, Tacky Goat, Lycra, and rubber reinforced palm.
The Boss also features an advanced ATL Liner -(Antibacterial Temperature Reducing Liner) that wicks moisture, keeping the glove dry. Additional Molded Air Vents on the Backhand and Thumb also help to increase air flow over the hands.
The Mission Boss Gloves retail for $159.99, but can be found online at Hockey Giant.com for under $130.00.
Even with the release of the Vapor XXXX stick, the Bauer Vapor XXX Lite continues to be one of the most popular sticks among professionals and amateur players alike. The main reason for its continued popularity is certainly that at 420 grams, it is simply the lightest stick ever produced by Nike Bauer.
The Vapor XXX Lite compares favorably to the Bauer Supreme One90 and the Easton Stealth S17. The availability of the Stick ‘um grip coating makes it a good choice for those players considering the Warrior Kronik, which uses a “Nipple Grip” technology and the double concave shaft walls increase control and comfort while stick handling.
The pure flex profile and N-blade technology allow the Vapor XXX Lite to offer a quick release and a true flex pattern with a remarkable kick. The Vapor XXX Lite is a very well balanced stick that offers a 30 day warranty and is currently a great bang for your buck when it comes to high quality composite sticks.
While the stick may soon be phased out by Nike Bauer, it offers us the great opportunity to purchase a great composite hockey stick for a reasonable price.
Where to Buy The Vapor XXX Lite
Most online stores have marked the Vapor XXX Lite down from nearly $160.00 to about $130.00!
Total Hockey.net has the Vapor XXX Lite priced at $129.99
Hockey Giant’s price for the Nike Bauer Vapor XXX Lite is just $99.99
*At last check, Hockey Giant only offered this stick with a 77 Flex, while Total hockey had a larger selection.