Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the Limited Edition Bauer APX hockey stick! This bad boy has all the same specs and technologies as the original APX hockey stick, but with a blacked out color scheme. The large Bauer logo on the side of the shaft is in a bright pearl white, so it really stands out and looks sweet. The APX Limited Edition shaft has the popular TeXtreme® construction and Monocomp technology that makes this stick as lightweight and responsive as possible. The flex profile utilizes the premier dual taper for exceptional torsional deflection and shot control. The Vapor line’s signature Intelli-Sense shot technology provides for a “variable” flex point to allow for maximized loading for quick wrist and snap shots. The APX LE hockey stick comes in grip and non-grip, so be sure to pick one up at Ice Warehouse.

The holidays are here and so are the savings! From December 3rd ’til December 14th IW brings you the 12 Days of Savings. Here’s how it works: IW will post a new item on our 12 Days of Savings page at a deeply discounted price each day at noon PST. After the 14th we will keep all items on sale until December 31st or until they sell out.

On the 1st Day of Savings, IW will give to thee:

Ice: Easton EQ40 Ice Hockey Skates – $169.98

Originally priced at $350, similar to the Easton EQ50 Skates, the Easton EQ40 skates offer high level performance at a ridiculously low price. Check out the details at

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=EQ40S .

Inline: Tour Thor GX7 Roller Hockey Skate – $199.99

Originally $299, the Tour Thor GX7 Skates are designed for the intermediate to advanced inline hockey player. Check it out at http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Tour_Thor_GX7_Roller_Hockey_Skates_Sr_/descpage-82BL.html.

Day 2:

Warrior Diablo Hockey Stick – $99.97

Normally these sticks go for $199.99 and now that they’re 50% off there shouldn’t be a reason not to grab one. These are just a step down from the top of the line Warrior Widow and share many of the same features. Check out this bargain:

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=WDO

Day 3:

Tour Dri-Corr Loose Performance Shirts – $8.99

Originally $24.99, these performance shirts will help keep you cool, dry and comfortable. Check them out:

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=TDCSS

Day 4:

Ice: Battle Sports Hockey Impact Indicator – $39.97

Normally $129.99, the Impact Indicator will let you know if any incident leaves the player with a chance of a concussion. Check this safety device out:

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=BSHI

Inline: Rink Rat Hot Shot Hockey Wheels – $5.97

These wheels usually go for $9.99 and at this new price these wheels are a must-have as they offer premier performance at an affordable price. Find more information on this wheel:

http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Rink_Rat_Hot_Shot_Hockey_Wheels_2012/descpage-RHSOW.html

Day 5:

Miken Pro Fit T – $59.97

The Miken Pro Fit T offers a traditional fit and an advanced level of protection. Check it out:

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=MPFTG

Day 6:

Ice: Easton Stealth Comp Performance Longsleeve Shirt – $21.97

Stay dry and agile with the Easton Stealth Comp Performance Longsleeve Shirt.

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=ESCS0

Inline: Tour Lionheart Pro Roller Hockey – $29.97

Originally $59.99, the Lionheart Pro Roller Hockey Pants offer great durability in a lightweight package.

http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Tour_Lionheart_Pro_Roller_Hockey_Pants_Sr_/descpage-HPA62.html

Day 7:

Ice: Reebok 7K Goalie Masks – $189.97

The Reebok 7K goalie mask is similar to the 9K in various ways including the Carbon Composite Fiber / Aramid Fiber construction.

http://www.icewarehouse.com/descpage.html?pcode=GF7K

Inline: Labeda Goal Patrol Goalie Hockey Wheels – $1.49

These wheels are designed for outdoor (concrete or asphalt) play and will offer great durability and performance.

http://www.inlinewarehouse.com/Labeda_Goal_Patrol_Goalie_Hockey_Wheel_59mm_82A/descpage-LGPW.html

Goaltending has sure come a long way since the early days of hockey. The sport is more demanding, physically challenging and technology has pushed even the best players to continue improving. The main objective of a goaltender is simple, stop any pucks from entering the goal, thus keeping the opposing team from scoring. As simple as that may sound, goaltenders are constantly evolving their playing styles to stay competitive during the game. Goalie equipment continues to improve over time, getting lighter and more protective. These days, goaltenders have various styles of equipment to choose from depending on their playing style.

Standup goaltending is the oldest style of goaltending and has lost major popularity over the years. Standup goalies would make a majority of their saves standing up with their leg pads together and stick on the ice. As the name implies Standup Goalies would rarely go down partially because the lack of protection, especially for your head. Standup goalies relied on their outstanding reflexes and positioning but were highly susceptible to shots down low and lateral saves. Standup goalies would use kick saves to stop low shots and rely heavily on stick saves.

Butterfly style goaltending is very common these days being very accepted throughout the game. Patrick Roy is probably the most notable Butterfly net minder of all time, perfecting the technique and winning four Stanley Cups throughout his career. A butterfly goalie plays with their feet apart and bent at the knees allowing them to drop down to the ice stopping any pucks down low. The advantage of the Butterfly style is mobility and the ability to cover the bottom of the net quickly and effectively. Positioning is key to this style of goaltending, ensuring maximum net coverage.

Photo Credit Sports Illustrated

Hybrid goaltending is a combination of styles, taking the best of both Standup and Butterfly. Dominik Hasek is well known for his Hybrid style of play, doing what ever it took to make the save.  In general most goalies play some sort of Hybrid style, capitalizing on ones own strengths and weaknesses.  These days it’s less common to see a goalie playing strictly Butterfly or Standup.

Battlefly is the newest way to categorize goaltenders like NHL Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Quick. Battlefly goalies basically use the same techniques as the Standup, Butterfly and Hybrid style goalies but blend them together, improving overall performance. One could say that Battlefly goaltenders go to battle, taking more of an aggressive offensive approach, challenging the shooter and doing what ever it takes to make the save.  Excellent skating ability, quick reflexes, extreme flexibility, and outstanding positioning allows the Battlefly goaltender to make incredible saves throughout the game.

Goaltenders are a breed of their own and even though many of the core techniques are similar no two are identical. The four playing styles listed above are a general outline and only through individual experience, strengths and weaknesses can a goalie master his or her own style.