The Assistant Captain of the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron, was the obvious hero from last night’s pair of game sevens. Boston was down 4-1 mid-way through the third period and miraculously emerged victorious. During Boston’s unbelievable comeback, Bergeron scored the tying goal with 50 seconds remaining and then finished off the Toronto Maple Leafs five minutes into overtime. He finished first star of the game with 2 goals and 1 assist, amassing all his points on the last three Bruins goals. Clutch.

So what gear helps you achieve first star in a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs?

Helmet: Reebok 11K

The top of the line helmet from Reebok combines performance with style in the Reebok 11K helmet. The EPP floating liner both cushions and protects your head at the same time. It features a 360 degree fit that keeps the helmet snugly even through the hard hits. To protect his face, Bergeron wears the Oakley Pro Straight Visor.

Gloves: Reebok 11K KFS

Patrice Bergeron rocks the Reebok 11K Gloves and it’s pretty clear why. The 11K KFS gloves have a contoured fit, meaning that it fits tight all throughout the glove. The seamless flex cuff, found in many of the

Reebok KFS Glove line, allows for maximum wrist mobility without sacrificing any of the high level protection. This glove is perfect forplayers like Bergeron: that prefer the contoured, snug fit with the mobility of a traditional fitting glove.

Stick: Reebok Ribcor

This stick launches in July, 2013. Stay tuned to the blog to find out more about the Ribcor within the next two weeks.

Skates: CCM RBZ

We’ll have a blog posted tomorrow about the CCM RBZ Skates: so check back tomorrow for more information!

All of the equipment Bergeron uses is (or will be available) at Inline & Ice Warehouse. Remember to check back soon for more sneak previews!

CCM RBZ Stage 2

8 months ago, CCM & Taylormade took the hockey world by storm with the introduction of the CCM RBZ and pretty soon we started seeing a lot of NHL players Strap a Rocket to the Puck (RBZ Tagline). For more information on that stick, check out the RBZ blog. It’s no surprise that the stick quickly grew in popularity and it didn’t take very long to see RBZs in nearly every locker room. Looking to build off the success of the RBZ, CCM & Taylormade will release the CCM RBZ Stage 2 in July . The Stage 2 has already seen NHL action with top players like Gabriel Landeskog of the Avalanche & Toronto’s Nazem Kadri. So let’s take a look at what CCM and Taylormade improved on with their second shot at the RBZ.

Graphics

Let’s start with the obvious: the graphics. While sporting a look similar to the original, the Stage 2 features more of a innovative look similar to the Bauer Supreme line. Though the general look remains the same, a dark upper half contrasted with the white bottom half, the Stage 2 features black on the top blade and lower portion of the shaft.

The design team did a great job with the color scheme of the Stage 2. A white lower half makes the stick difficult for a goalie to distinguish from the white ice and boards. The black on the top of the the lower shaft and blade allows the player to clearly see the stick with his or her peripherals while stick-handling with their head up.

New Technology

The original RBZ introduced Taylormade’s Speedblade technology, which is the main reason that the RBZ has that explosive pop. The Stage 2 perfects the original Speedblade by removing one of the speed channels, which does a couple of things. One, it decreases the weight, and second it increases the Coefficient of Restitution by 20%. I figure you all know what we mean by coe-something of retaliation, so we don’t have to go into the specifics. Essentially, that translates to more pop and a quicker release.

A second upgrade to the Stage 2 moved the balance point up higher in the shaft, called PowerSwing Technology. Thinking in golf terms: the less energy you expel lifting up your club, the more power you will have for the swing. Taylormade & CCM raised the balance point to make the bottom of the stick lighter, thus a faster swing for your clapper. 

Wrap-Up

As a big fan of the RBZ, I’m really looking forward to the Stage 2. The great pop, variable kick point and incredible feel will carry over and probably improve. One of the more exciting features of the Stage 2 is the fact that it will come in the non-grip option (the original RBZ only has the grip option)!

Now this stick will be available in August as well as the RBZ 100, the RBZ 80, and the RBZ 40. Be on the lookout for a second review after we get a chance to use the RBZ out on the ice. Check back over the next couple weeks because we’ll have sneak previews of the CCM RBZ Skate and the Reebok Ribcor!

These will be available at Ice Warehouse & Inline Warehouse in July.

IW hit 10,000 Likes on Facebook! To thank all of our loyal supporters, we’re giving away a free hockey stick of your choice. Wait, what? Yep, the winner can choose from any stick that IW has in stock. You could choose the Bauer APX, or the Easton Mako II, or the Reebok 20K, or the CCM RBZ, or the Warrior Covert DT1 or… Any stick.

Enter the contest here: http://on.fb.me/14NrqhO

If you haven’t already, follow us on our Social Media Pages:

-Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iwhockey

-Twitter: http://twitter.com/IceWarehouse

-Google +: https://plus.google.com/iwhockey

-Instagram: http://instagram.com/icewarehouse

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.

If you follow the NHL at all, you probably saw or at least heard of the Erik Karlsson incident. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, Erik Karlsson of the Ottawa Senators suffered a season ending injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins when Matt Cooke stepped on the back of Karlsson’s leg lacerating 70% the Achilles Tendon. Check out the video and then read on.

As the ’11-’12 James Norris Trophy Winner (Best All Around Defenseman), Karlsson is a vital part of the Senators’ organization and arguably the best defenseman in the NHL today. Prior to his injury he averaged 27:11 minutes of ice time per game and second in the points category. As a blue liner the points category is especially impressive. So what could be done to prevent this?

With all the contact and hard hitting, sometimes we forget that we’re skating around with knives attached to our feet; but we are not alone. A few companies make protective socks to avoid cuts like this. One is the Bauer Elite Performance Skate Socks ($28.99). These protective socks are made of 60% KEVLAR fiber for cut resistance. Not only does it protect, but it fights odor and adds comfort. The additional thickness added by the KEVLAR is a small price to pay for safety. The Reebok 20K Protective Skate Socks ($39.99) follow the same principle but use a fiber known as Dyneema, “the world’s strongest fiber™.” Either of these options could have helped prevent the seriousness of this injury and will most likely encourage other players to begin sporting them. John Tavares of the Islanders stated, “Sometimes you just get little nicks where it’s nothing serious, but it could be a lot worse,” Tavares said. “You hate to see that happen, especially to a guy like (Karlsson), and it’s something that could be avoided. So, for sure, guys take recognition to that.”

You can find both of these socks at Ice Warehouse. We wish Erik Karlsson a speedy recovery.

—Update—

IW now carries the Tuff n Lite Protective Products! This includes the Tuff n Lite Cut Resistant Wrist Guards, the Tuff n Lite Cut Resistant Socks, Goalie Socks, Thin Cut Socks or  the Sock/Wrist Guard Combo!

So we’re a week and a half into the shortened NHL season and it’s time to break down which sticks are the weapons of mass production thus far. While it may be the players’ talent that puts the puck in the back of the net, one can always dream that his or her twig has the potential to be a top scorer in the NHL. For time purposes, I’m just going to include the top 15 scorers in the NHL which includes all players with 4+ goals.

1. Patrick Marleau – 9 Goals

This man is a scoring machine. Marleau has led the San Jose Sharks to a perfect 5-0 start to the season and in the process became the second player in NHL history to start the season off with 4 consecutive multi-goal games. His streak broke on Sunday with his single goal night against Colorado. And of course his stick… The Warrior Covert DT1!

Total:

Warrior Covert DT1: 9

(Pretty good start for Warrior)

2. Zach Parise – 5 Goals

Parise assumed the top scorer position on his new Minnesota Wild team with 5 goals and 4 assists. His weapon of choice… the Easton RS II!

Easton RS II: 5

3. Marian Hossa – 5 Goals

The Blackhawks’ leading scorer rocks the CCM U+ Crazy Light since he is a CCM sponsored player.

CCM U+ CL: 5

4. Marian Gaborik – 5 Goals

This IW player of the day for his hatty last week amassed two more goals with his discontinued Easton EQ50.

Easton EQ50: 5

5. Daniel Winnik – 5 Goals

Recently signed by Anaheim after his release from the Sharks, Winnik is doing work with his Bauer TotalOne NXG down with the Ducks.

TotalOne NXG: 5 Goals

6. Jeff Skinner – 5 Goals

The 2011 Calder trophy winner leads the Carolina Hurricanes in scoring with his Bauer Vapor APX.

Bauer APX: 5 Goals

7. Vladimir Tarasenko – 4 Goals

A week and a half in and already a Calder candidate in my opinion. This rookie is tied for the lead in scoring on the Blues with his Reebok 20K.

Reebok 20K: 5 Goals

8. Eric Staal – 4 Goals

The Carolina Captain picked up 4 goals with our first repeat stick of the blog: the Bauer TotalOne NXG

Bauer TotalOne NXG: 9 Goals

9. Dany Heatley – 4 Goals

Easton Athlete Dany Heatley scored his goals with the Easton RS II.

Easton RS II: 9 Goals

10. Steve Sullivan – 4 Goals

Yet another RS II user with Phoenix’s  Steve Sullivan. And the RS II takes the lead!

Easton RS II: 13 Goals

11. Andrei Markov – 4 Goals

Montreal’s blue liner is the only D-man in the top 15. What’s crazy is that 3 of his 4 goals were game winners scored by his classic Easton Mako.

Easton Mako: 4 Goals

12. Kyle Turris – 4 Goals

Finally, we see a Bauer Nexus in the mix. Turris began his second season with the Senators strong and also after switching from the Warrior Widow.

Bauer Nexus 1000: 4 Goals

13. James Neal – 4 Goals

Yet another original Easton Mako. Interesting that we haven’t seen any Easton Mako II‘s yet.

Easton Mako – 8 Goals

14. Zack Kassian – 4 Goals

In his second season with the Canucks, he leads their goal scoring above the Sedin twins with his Reebok 20K.

Reebok 20K – 9 Goals

15. Chris Stewart – 4 Goals

Ooh and at #15 Chris Stewart and his Custom TotalOne NXG ties the stick score up at 13.

Final Totals:

1. Bauer TotalOne NXG: 13 Goals

1. Easton RS II: 13 Goals

2. Warrior Covert DT1: 9 Goals (Marleau)

3. Reebok 20K: 9 Goals

4. Easton Mako: 8 Goals

We’ll check back in later on down the road to see where these totals stand. On a completely unrelated note, if there’s a volunteer that wants to add up every goal scored by every player and record which stick they used, that would be great.

Let me start this off by saying that the New York Rangers top line is ridiculous. The Richards-Nash-Gaborik combination may very well be the most formidable line in the NHL this season and they sure made a good argument for it last night. The trio put up 5 points, fifteen shots, and numerous scoring chances as they topped the Boston Bruins in overtime. While they all played phenomenally, Marian Gaborik was the clear first star with a hat trick that included the game winner in OT. Below is a video of his heroics last night.

So let’s take a look at the stick and skates that helps Gaborik do what he does.

Stick: Easton EQ50

Curiously, Marian Gaborik chose to play with the Easton EQ50 twig this year even though it’s now discontinued. With new additions to Easton’s lineup like the RS II and the Mako II, one would think that Gaborik would choose a different Easton stick; but apparently he found a stick that works for him and he’s sticking to it. And Easton is still sending him the custom black and blue colors so, at least while there’s inventory, get used to seeing Gaborik with the EQ50.

The hand eye coordination that Gaborik exhibited in that game gave the Rangers the victory, and the balance & feel of the EQ50 really made it possible.

Skates: Bauer Vapor APX

We can partially attribute Gaborik’s quickness and agility to Bauer’s quick and agile Vapor line. The top of the line APX skates allow for quicker accelerations as you can see in his breakaway last night.

Overview:

Easton kicked off the new year with new 2013 Mako products. A few days ago, they took an already successful stick and brought it to the next level. The first time I picked up the Mako II my immediate reaction was the weight, or more importantly the lack of it. Last year’s Mako weighed in at 462 grams and while it wasn’t necessarily heavy, the Mako II is noticeably lighter weighing 429 grams. Visually, Easton toned down the all-white look and brought the orange and black into the mix. I really like the look of the new Mako and when you think about it, it is is pretty smart on Easton’s part. On the forehand side, the shaft is white all the way down to the blade and the blade itself is completely black. So from a goalie‘s perspective, the white part of the shaft is harder to distinguish from the white of the ice and boards and the black blade makes it difficult to see the puck.

Easton also upgraded the proprietary woven Kevlar®/Graphite woven shaft of the 2012 Mako to the stronger, lighter and more responsive Uni-Carbon System construction. I’ll go into more detail about how this change affects the feel of the stick a little later in the blog. The 2013 Mako II also used two more ribs in the blade to both stiffen and strengthen.

Tech Specs:

• Construction:
  • Uni-Carbon System
    • Universally aligned fibers throughout the shaft to provide a stronger and lighter shaft while improving energy transfer also
• Flex Profile:
  • Tuned taper section built with Easton’s Elite Stiffness Profile to pro specs – Offers quick shot release and controlled puck reaction
• Geometry:
  • Double concave side walls, and square corners
• Grip: Matte finish
• Blade:
  • 3K woven carbon material
  • Multi-rib design
    • Four internal ribs keep the blade stiff and accurate throughout every moment of the shot
    • Prevents the core from breaking down
  • Solid dense lower core keeps the blade in contact with the puck longer resulting great puck control and feel
  • Micro-bladder blade process - Easton’s proprietary process of producing a consistent blade
  • Non-skid blade coating
    • Better grip for the puck on exposed parts of the blade
    • Better tape adhesion and tighter wrap
• Flex: 75, 85, and 100

• Length: 59.5″
• Weight: 429 Grams

Review:

(Scoring is out of 10)

Overall Score: 9

Stick Feel: 8.5

The Uni-Carbon construction that Easton uses in the Mako II makes the shaft very whippy. Personally, I prefer sticks with a stiffer feel, but I can still appreciate the whip. The shaft dimensions and the Matte finish allow for an easy grip. For those who favor the matte finish, like myself, will appreciate the slight texturing that Easton added for a firmer grip. Overall, the very lightweight Mako II felt very balanced. Finally, the low kick flex profile allows for the quickness that is the Mako Stick Line.

Puck Feel: 9.5

Once again I begin with the Uni-Carbon construction. This time, the Uni-Carbon construction is responsible for some incredible puck feel and fantastic response.

Slap Shots: 8.5

Surprisingly, the whippiness didn’t dampen the power of the clapper. The puck came off the stick very strongly; but the reason I didn’t rate the slap shot higher is because when I loaded the stick, it really did not feel normal. It’s hard to explain but while the shot itself was good, the stick didn’t feel good while taking the shot.

Wrist and Snap Shots: 9

Shooting wrist shots with the Mako II is easy: load, fire, then celebrate. The Mako is all about quickness and it truly comes out when you’re shooting. It allows for effortless shooting that still provides amazing power.

Passing: 9.5

The 4 rib design of the blade creates a stiffer and more responsive blade. By design, it could produce a blade that is too bouncy but that’s not the case here. Passing is very responsive and the puck doesn’t bounce hard off the blade. Also, my passes held strong and accurate.

Note:

Traditionally, Easton sticks aren’t the most durable sticks on the market. The 2011 RS really showed this, but the 2012 Mako partially redeemed Easton. Since this stick is brand new to the market and we haven’t been using it for an extended period of time, we aren’t able to tell you how durable this stick will be.

This stick is now available at Inline & 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

I was a little skeptical about the RBZ when it first arrived on the market for a lot of reasons.  TaylorMade had never ventured into the hockey industry before, CCM previously failed to impress me in the stick department, the hollow blade may be hard to adjust to, and more. When CCM sent us the RBZ prior to its release, we product tested it and I was able to shoot with it. The thing that got hooked me was the pop of the stick. The RBZ’s tagline really captures the essence of the stick: “Strap a Rocket to the Puck!”

CCM’s Power Swing technology creates a fine tuned weight and flex distribution providing a faster swing for unbelievable puck speed. On top of this, the 4 speed channels and hollow blade construction that make up the SpeedBlade technology (TaylorMade contribution) give the blade very powerful pop. Every wrist and snap shot I take comes off the stick accurately and a lot more power than I usually get with other sticks.

Another contributing factor is the Variable Kick Point. The flex point changes depending on your hand position, so no matter where your gloves are placed you’re stick will flex at the optimal point. This differs from Bauer’s Intelli-Sense technology found in the Vapor Line because Bauer’s flex uses only two different flex points; whereas the RBZ can flex all throughout the stick, making it perfect for all kinds of shots.

Originally I was worried about the hollow blade because I expected it to be hard to control or feel the puck. The first time I used the stick I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the feel incredibly, the puck didn’t bounce erratically off the stick or even deflect poorly at all.

The only complaint that I can find with this stick is that it only comes in the grip option. Other than that, I highly recommend this stick to anyone and everyone.

Available at Inline & Ice Warehouse.