Nazem Kadri is among the NHL’s top ten point leaders in this 2013 season. Nazem Kadri is only 22 years of age and has totaled 34 points in 32 regular season games, which places him ninth overall among the NHL’s elite. This past week, the Toronto Maple Leafs utilized their star player as he collected a career-high three assists game (+3 rating), third three-point game performance, and fourteenth goal of the season. This exciting rookie has proven capable of hot streak performances and is tied for first on the Maple Leafs in goals and assists.

Lets take a look at Nazem Kadri’s gear, as he embodies the CCM brand.

Helmet: CCM Vector 10 Hockey Helmet

Nazem Kadri rocks the distinct Vector 10 Helmet, which has an aerodynamic shell design; therefore, maximizing on ice vision. The construction of the shell utilizes (19) properly placed vents designed to increase airflow ventilation. The Vector 10 Helmet consists of lightweight EPP liner and heat-molded memory foams that boost comfort and protection. Moreover, the Vector 10 helmet comes equipped with a lift and lock tool-free adjustment system that is designed for custom fitting, making any future NHL star look and feel like Nazem Kadri.

Visor: Oakley Pro Straight Small Hockey Visor

Since its introduction, the “pro straight” visor is notably popular as more NHL players wear the Oakley Pro Straight Visor, because of its classic and traditional appearance. This Pro Straight Small visor is currently the slimmest visor Oakley makes.  Also, it’s considered to be one of the few visor shields that meets and exceeds the demanding standard for optical clarity providing optimal visibility, which is apparent in Kadri’s goal scoring snipeability.

Skates: CCM RBZ Hockey Skates

You can see Kadri explode into action in the all-new CCM RBZ skate, as Kadri lifts off towards the crowd after another hockey highlight. The CCM RBZ skate is geared to improve foot speed and provide greater strength and mobility on the ice. The CCM RBZ skate is definitely tailored to make you skate like a rocket, which is why Kadri has been able to fly to the net finding loose pucks that have allowed his continual point streak to surge.

Stick: CCM RBZ Hockey Stick

Kadri’s ability to danglesnipecelly can be attributed to the CCM RBZ stick. The RBZ stick features pivotal innovations that have advanced the definition of balanced weight and flex. With better weight distribution, the RBZ stick truly develops a lively shot, as other players notice faster whip behind the puck. The flex profile is consistently stiff, which allocates various kick point releases for maximum shot loading. Lastly, the customary SpeedBlade Technology creates a very agile blade profile that allows for faster shots.

You can check out all of this great gear at Inline and Ice Warehouse

A couple months ago I wrote a short term review for the Easton Mako II stick right after its release (I would recommend reading that since this is simply an add-0n to the previous blog. Click here to read).  After I broke my CCM RBZ, I turned to the Easton Mako II Grip 85 Flex with the E28 curve for full time use.

Before I go on, let me say a few words about the new E28 curve that Easton released this year. “This is the fastest growing pattern for elite players around the world. It not only keeps the puck on the toe for deadly accurate snap shots, but the open face also forces your hands out in front of the puck to maximize the load and release of the stick.” Essentially, they tampered with the lie and dimensions of the stick to provide the optimal shooting and passing curve for elite players. I come from the Bauer P88 & the CCM Hossa curve so I wasn’t so sure about the switch; but after I stopped sailing pucks 10 ft over the net, I really like the curve.

I’ve been using the stick full time for a few weeks now (3 practices & 8 games) and I’m loving this twig. The stick performance during that time was incredible (19 points, but who’s counting) and the shaft of the stick held up great. Still really enjoying the whip and feel of the stick. My only complaint is a minor chip in the toe of the blade which hopefully won’t cause any problems. I like to think that I can just credit that to some toe drag I pulled, but realistically I doubt it.

Keep checking back soon as a ton of NEW GEAR is about to launch so we’ll have sneak previews and more reviews coming your way!

This stick is available at Ice & Inline Warehouse.

The long anticipated Bauer Reactor Goalie equipment is finally here! Starting April 15th, Bauer’s all new Reactor goalie gear will become available. The original Bauer Reactor line was launched in 1994, setting a new standard for goaltending equipment by providing innovative, functional and protective gear. The Reactor line created the foundation for many of the goalie gear products seen on the market today.

The newly designed Bauer Reactor line is stylish, lightweight and protective, perfect for today’s goaltending playing styles. The new Bauer Reactor goalie equipment is geared toward goaltenders that tend to play more aggressive and are quick to challenge the shooter in an attempt to make the save. A handful of NHL goalies can be seen wearing the new gear including  goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Reactor pads will be offered in three different models for the US including the Reactor 2000, Reactor 4000 and the Reactor 6000. The Reactor line includes goalie leg pads, goalie catcher and blocker, goalie ice skates, goalie sticks and accessories like the Reactor clavicle protector, knee guard and goalie jock/jill. Along with the Reactor goalie gear, Bauer will be releasing their brand new line of Concept goalie masks.

Let’s take a closer look:

The Bauer Reactor pads are designed for the hybrid / battlefly style goaltender because of the flexible-lightweight design. The Bauer Reactor goalie pads feature a lightweight Pro core insert, triangle outside roll, quick release thigh & knee straps and NHL legal under-pant thigh protector. The Bauer Reactor knee cradle setup is slightly different on the Reactor 6000 because the knee cradle is sew in, instead of using their (AKL) Adjustable Knee Lock system like the Reactor 2000 & 4000 models.

The Bauer Reactor goalie catcher features lightweight construction, awesome new Reactor design, skate laced single T pocket design on the 4000/6000 models, full hand closure and free flex cuff for excellent mobility.

The Reactor goalie blocker features Bauer’s maximum coverage side hand protection and soft Nash palm with extra layer of reinforcement on the 4000/6000 models.

Bauer’s new top of the line Reactor 6000 ice hockey goalie skates feature an ultra thick pro felt tongue with extended length and padded high density metatarsal guard, a 3D anaformable boot, redesigned ankle collar and extra padding under the foot bed. The Bauer Reactor goalie skates will also feature an improved reinforced VERTEXX cowling, super-strong 4mm removable stainless steel runner and hydrophobic Clarino synthetic liner.

Bauer’s new composite Reactor goalie sticks offer similar technology and materials as the Reflex and Totalone lines with the main visual difference being the slick updated Reactor graphics. The Bauer Reactor Goalie Stick will of course be replacing the Reflex family of goalie sticks.

Last but not least I wanted to highlight Bauer’s all new Concept goalie masks. Two models are available, the top of the line Concept C1 and Concept C2. The Concept C1 goalie mask provides pro level protection thanks to some really impressive technologies. NHL goaltender JamesReimer of the Toronto Maples Leaves recently started using Bauer’s impressive new C1 mask. The C1 mask features an ultra lightweight carbon fiber shell with a reinforced outer TeXtreme® layer. TeXtreme® technology is exclusive to Bauer, weighing 20% less than conventional carbon without sacrificing strength. The liner on the C1 is a mechanically attached SUSPEND-TECH liner with PORON® XRD™ foam closest to the face for enhanced protection and max comfort. The cage on the C1 is constructed from ultra light titanium oval wire, available in certified straight bar and non-certified cat eye cages. The cage on the C1 and C2 masks come with new (SAW) shock absorbing wire clip system. SAW technology improves impact absorption and reduces cage denting.

Additional information on the new Bauer Reactor goalie equipment line will be available online April 15, 2013 at Inline and Ice Warehouse.