IW Hockey Blog

We just came home from winning the Men’s Gold Division at Narch Finals. Our team is comprised of 5 IW employees; the Chaloupka brothers, Charan Faucett, Matt Ward and myself. We also have three D1 Cal Poly roller hockey players; Brian Costello, Charlie Delkeskamp, and Kevin Middlekauf. To complete the roster, we have Josh Print (not pictured), former D1 ice hockey player at Air Force Academy.

Through pool play we went 3-1, dropping only one game to the eventual Silver medalists. We went on to play our first playoff game against the Patriots, winning by a score of 5-2.  We went into the semifinals as the lower seed facing off against the Hustlers from Ontatio, Canada. After one period, we were down 1-3 with the lone goal coming from Matt “Che” Ward. We proved to be resilient, with goals from Steven Chaloupka and Josh Print in the final period we tied the game and sent it into overtime. I had a few key saves in overtime for our team before Kevin Middlekauf became the overtime hero with a rebound goal. The overtime victory in the semifinals set up the rematch against a tough Nor Cal Riot team that beat us 5-1 in pool play.

After losing Josh Print to work obligations and Charan Faucett to a broken foot in pool play, we were left with only 6 players in the championship game.  Charlie Delkeskamp picked up the slack defensively for us and helped hold the Riot scoreless after the first. A solid performance by the Riot goalie left the score 0-0 after one period. With about 3 minutes left in the final period, Mike Chaloupka won a key power-play faceoff back to Brian Costello who ripped a slap shot past the Riot goalie to give us the first lead of the game. In the final minute of the game, Brian Costello was able to slap a sloppy clearing attempt out of the air and put it past the Riot goalie, who was on his way to the bench for the extra attacker. This clinched the Men’s Gold title for Team IW!!!

Josh Print earned the Top Scorer honors for the tournament, with 11 goals and 5 assists, despite missing the final game.

Pool Play

6-1 W vs. The Happy Campers

5-3 W vs. The Frenchies

1-5 L vs. Nor Cal Riot

4-1 W vs. East Bay Hockey Club

Playoff

5-2 W vs. Patriots

Semifinal

4-3 OT W vs. Hustlers

Final

2-0 W vs. Nor Cal Riot

Mission Hockey, the top selling manufacturer of roller hockey skates is about to launch its new 2011 line, the Axiom.   Since 1996 when Mission first launched the Proto series skates as the first true roller hockey specific skates, Mission has continued to build faster, lighter and more comfortable pure roller hockey skates.  And the new Axiom skate line carries on that tradition with a bold new look.

Mission Axiom T9 Roller Hockey Skate

Taking a look at the premier Axiom Skate, the Mission Axiom T9, will offer all the performance and comfort an advanced player will ever need.  For performance the T9 features Mission patented Hi-Lo wheel set-up, a combination of 76mm and 80mm wheels that excel in the corners and on the breakaway.  Mounted on the lightest frame available, the Mission Hi-Lo Magnesium.  Combined with the new Mission Swiss Limited Edition bearings and Rink Rat’s new Hornet Split wheels, this is sure to be one of the fastest set-ups out on the rink.  To control all this speed Mission has upgraded their Texallium outsole to offer a solid, durable platform.

Going inside the boot to take a look at the comfort, Mission has upgraded the liner to a new “Mission Haze” liner that offers great moisture wicking and a cool look.  The liner’s quick drying properties are accelerated by Mission’s new vented, felt tongue.  To increase the air -flow it has a nice 2-piece, contouring felt tongue that has holes through it.  As well, Mission has improved the overall fit of the skate with new, suppler ankle foam pads and slightly wider toe box.

Overall, the new 2011 Mission Axiom skate line will offer suppler liners and a wider, more accommodating toe box.  And of course a new look with very detailed, tattoo-like graphics.  Staying true to roller hockey, the Axiom skate line will offer great ventilation, durable extruded frames and side abrasion guards.

The 2011 Mission Axiom T9 roller skate will be available for pre-sale at InlineWarehouse.com mid August.

In regards to hockey equipement a lot of what gear is the best always comes down to personal preference. All the major manufacturers are doing a great job at offering the different level price point pads, and making good equipment. However, especially on youtube many people ask for our opinion on what equipment is better (side note: we definitely appreciate all of the input and contributions on our youtube, facebook, and message board…if you contribute, thank you, and keep it up).

So based on this, I plan to post some blogs based strictly on personal opinion and let you guys know what equipment I or whoever is posting is excited about.

Starting it off, let’s talk about shoulder pads. I have been really impressed with the progression of shoulder pads. There are several companies that are doing excellent job on offering great protection without limiting mobility. Mobility has always been a key issue for me when selecting shoulder pads. This is probably the biggest selling point for me, and the first thing I look at. So there is no surprise that the pads I have selected are all pads that offer great mobility and still an advanced level of protection.

Easton earlier this year came out with the S19 shoulder pads. The S19 have a very lightweight feel that does not feel binding at all. I particularly like the three panel design with the perforated thin outer panels. Easton has also given the S19 shoulder pads a good size cut out between the arm and sternum. This allows for improved mobility especially crossing your arms across your body which happens often when stick handling.

Easton Stealth S19 Shoulder pads

Next up is the Warrior Projekt Shoulder pads. Warrior introduced the Projekt line a little while ago and I have been impressed by this line. I think it was a great contribution to the Warrior protective line. The Projekt has focused on the use of Zote foam to make the pads very light, and the Projekt Shoulder pads has done just that. The Zote foam works great for hockey equipment becuase it is light absorbs a ton of energy and in my opinion best of all it is not rigid.  Warrior has used almost a mesh like vest with their top of the line liner on the inside as the base of this pad with the protective pieces attached.  This base has given the pad a light airy feel. I also really like it when shoulder pads feature segmented bicep guards. This pad like all of the other pads I have chosen have segmented biceps, which allows for better arm movement and does not compromise protection.

Warrior Projekt Shoulder Pads

Finally, maybe my number one pick is the Bauer Vapor X60 shoulder pad. In my opinion there is a huge jump from the X40 to the X60 shoulder pad. The X60 offers exceptional mobility but definitely offers an advanced to pro level protection. It has a significant size and pad coverage leading one to think it will feel bulky or heavy.  Although, once you put it on you almost feel foolish for expecting that of this pad. Bauer has used several segmented panels that are allowed to over lap and move past each other ensuring great mobility and protection. A couple of the unique design features are the elastic lacing system inside the pad to determine how tight the chest panels are. This allows one to make the pad a little looser yet having the side fastened, which I prefer.  Another unique feature is the design of the shoulder cap and clavicle. Similar to the bicep guard they are designed to allow them to overlap allowing for arm movement without pushing the clavicle guard into your neck.

Bauer Vapor X60 Shoulder Pads

So there it is. I hope if you were looking on an opinion on shoulder pads you have what you need. Be sure to check out the rest of the shoulder pads on IceWarehouse.com.  There are plenty more excellent pads that did not make the list today, but might make yours.

Tour will be launching two new high-end roller hockey skate models this summer, the Thor EX1 and Thor ZX9.  Both skates are based off the popular Tour Code Tabu skate.  According to Chad Seibel, Director of Hockey at Tour, Tour has made slight, but impactful changes to the internal structure of the boot.  Tour fine-tuned the layering and stitching of the quarter panels in order to enhance their ability to wrap and contour the foot, all while decreasing the weight of the skate.

The top-end model, the Thor EX1 skate, will come with the new Labeda Addiction Micro Hub wheels, making it one of the lightest roller hockey skates available.  The Tour Thor EX1 skate will retail for around $550.

The Thor ZX-9 roller hockey skate will come with the new Labeda Dynasty III Micro Hub wheels and retail for around $450.

A full review of both skates will be posted on InlineWarehouse.com come late June, 2010.

Tour Thor ZX9 Roller Hockey Skate

Well we are over half way through the 2010 playoffs.  So far they have been packed with all sorts of excitement, and several David over Goliath victories…So I decided to break down what sticks the top goal scorers of the playoffs have been using.

Pavelski using an Easton S19

To start it out we have Joe Pavelski. Many did not expect to see him among the upper goal scorers of the playoffs, despite his foreshadowing play during the olympics. Pav is leading the way with goals on the Sharks.  Netting even more goals than giants like, Heatley, and Marleau.  Pavelski, as you can see is using an Easton S19 stick, which matches he’s play perfectly.  The Easton S19 has an excellent quick and snappy shot release, but can also deliver deadly one-timers, as Pav has shown.

Cammalleri using an Easton SE16 stick

Next up we have Mike Cammalleri. Mike is also using an Easton stick, however he is using the slightly older but still very popular Easton SE16 stick.  Cammalleri excels in the quick give n’ go style play, and the Easton SE16 works great with this. Easton has designed the SE16 to be the “ultimate feel” stick in their line, perfect for touch passes, and one-timers.  The great feel helps give confidence when receiving passes to make that quick play on point.

Toews using a Warrior Dolomite Spyne DD stick

Here we have a nice visible shot of Toews stick, a Warrior Dolomite Spyne DD.  A fairly new stick that came out around mid-season this year.  The Dolo Spyne has a great feel, nice rounded corners and concave walls. The Dolo Spyne features a mid flex point to load more energy into the stick, and a slightly stiffer feel than the Dolo DD stick.  As Toews has shown the Dolo Spyne DD is a great all around stick from slappers to wrist shots.

Briere using a Bauer Supreme One95 stick

Finally, we have Daniel Briere, here meeting a line of fans in Boston.  Briere definitely seems to step it up in the playoff, and this year he has been doing just that.  If you need evidence, just take a quick look at the second round series against Boston. Where Briere and the Flyers pull off one of the greatest comebacks in recent hockey history. Briere is shown here with what looks to be a Bauer Supreme One95 stick. One95 is a great stick, that has seen a fair share of use in the NHL.  The one95 stick offers a mid-flex point for loading maximum energy. Great for one-timers and slap shots, but as Briere has shown it can handle whatever you through at it.

As we have seen there are plenty of players stepping up their game these playoffs, and the same can be said about the stick manufacturers lately. With quality sticks coming from several companies. It is just a matter of finding what stick fits you the best, not what is the best stick.

Bauer has just announced the Vapor X60 Limited Edition will be coming out next month…and it looks dope.  They have taken the look of the non-grip version of the X60 stick darkened it a little and added some smoke like blue graphics giving the stick a great look.

The Bauer X:60 LE stick will have the same construction and materials as the standard X60 stick, only difference being graphics and instead of a stick’um coating or traditional gloss smooth coating, Bauer has used a smooth matte finish. Great choice in my opinion.

Check out the site for more info about the stick and its availability.

Bauer Vapor X60 LE hockey stick

Bauer has introduced there new X60 glove. Images of the X60 have been floating around for a little while, but I was finally able to get my hands actually on a pair to do a quick review.

Bauer Vapor X60 Glove

The Bauer X60 glove is the top of line glove under the Vapor name. Bauer has focused on making the Vapor line the tapered glove line. It is more form fitting than a traditional glove but not as tight as the Supreme line. I think this glove feels slightly snugger than last years XXXX glove. Although, it does a nice job at opening up in the cuff, so wrist mobility should be no problem.

Bauer has used a very unique palm construction. They are using a lycra base layer that offers a great flexible feel, that requires hardly any break-in. Bauer has also added a composite pad in the lower palm portion. This offers great durability in the high wear area but also absorbs vibrations to get you a solid grip.

Check out the video review for more information, and be sure to check out icewarehouse.com and inlinewarehouse.com for more specs on the glove.

Bauer 9900 Helmet

Bauer has released their latest and greatest hockey helmet the Bauer 9900 helmet. Bauer has taken the design of the 9500 and brought it to the next level. Although, the shell remains the same Bauer has re-worked the inside offering a great new fit. The 9900 offers a deeper fit than the previous 9500 helmet.

Bauer has also introduced a new type of material they are calling PORON® XRD foam which is used at two spots on each side of the head in the high-impact area. This material is extremely light, breathable, and flexible making it perfect for hockey. According to Bauer the PORON® foam dissipates more than 90% of force on impacts.  This material is used along with FXPP foam, and slow memory comfort foam. The FXPP foam dissipates 20% less energy than standard EPP foams. The slow memory foam offer a great comfortable fit. Basically they have your comfort and protection covered with the combination of these high-end foams.

Easton S19 Z-Shock Helmet

The Next Big Thing… The Easton Stealth S19 Z-SHOCK helmet. Easton is gearing up to revolutionize the helmet market just as they did the stick market with the introduction of a one-piece composite stick back in 1999. The Stealth S19 Z-SHOCK is a one-piece composite helmet. That’s right! The S19 laminates EPP foam and the plastic polycarbonate shell as one unit. This construction delivers new higher levels of protection at nearly HALF the weight of current hockey helmets.

The increase in protection and reduction in weight is achieved from the one-piece design which allows Easton to replace air gaps created by layers of plastic found in traditional two-piece helmets with protective EPP foam. And since the components of the S19 helmet are laminated together acting as one solid, stiffer state, this design allows the helmet to absorb impacts better increasing the level of protection beyond two-piece helmets.

Since the S19 helmet is a one-piece design a performance fit is achieved through 5 different shell sizes, oversized comfort pads and a micro adjustable back strap.

The S19 helmet definitely passes the mirror test with a 5-10% reduction in the overall outer dimensions when compared to other popular high-end helmets on the market today. It delivers that sought after slim, non-bubble head look that has made Bauer 4000 and CCM 652 styled helmets so popular for years yet in a more protective and lighter helmet. That’s why NHL players are referring to it as the Next Big Thing. And I would have to agree.

Easton is planning on showcasing S19 in the upcoming 2010 Olympics and delivering it to InlineWarehouse.com and IceWarehouse.com in mid-May. The first delivery will consist of black, white, navy, royal and red color ways, with 9 more colors to be released in July. The helmet will only be available in a helmet only version and the MSRP will be $169.99.

We just got back from the Let’s Play Hockey show in St. Paul, MN.  Great to see all of the enthusiasm for hockey surrounding the event. The show also coincided with the Minnesota high school state championships.  Congrats to the Edina high school team that walked away with the title, and every team that played in the tournament. A lot of great players took the ice, and the excitement in the arena showed it.

I was lucky enough to grab some interviews with the Bauer and Easton product managers. So be sure to look out for those down road.  It was great to see the lines from all of the companies that were at the show (Warrior, Reebok, CCM, ect.) Looks like it is going to be an exciting year, a lot of great equipment coming out.