CCM U+ Crazy Light (CL) stick

For 2011 CCM has divided their “crazy” stick line to 2 completely different models. I’m sure many of you were familiar with the Crazy Light stick. Due to popular demand CCM has brought this model back, as well as introduce the Crazy Strong Stick. The Crazy Strong has more husky structure, built with grinders in mind. If you’re not looking for the lightest stick, but a stick with solid performance and great durability, the Crazy Strong may be for you.

The main reason the U+ CS stick is “Strong” is because of its unique carbon fiber construction. CCM added extra layers of impact resistant carbon fibers to the entire CS shaft. These fibers offer solid performance while adding impact resistance. The CS weighs about  448 grams, which is only 31 grams heavier than the Crazy Light.

CCM U+ Crazy Strong (CS) stick

The blade on the U+ Crazy Strong Stick offers accuracy and a large sweet spot. The blade features a dual-bridge construction to enhance the sweet spot from the heel to the toe. The CS blade core includes dual density foams for an amazing puck feel.

 
 
 
 
 
The other models in the “Crazy” stick line are the Crazy Light, and the limited edition Crazy Ovie. The Crazy light is the lightest stick on the market at about 417 grams. It features the same dual bridge blade construction as the Crazy Strong.

The U+ CL matted version is covered in a less pronounced sandpaper texture compared to previous Crazy Light models. The Crazy Ovie features the exact same construction as the Crazy Light Grip stick but is equipped with Ovechkin’s unique toe curve.

You can get your Crazy light, Crazy Strong, or Crazy Ovie sticks at InlineWarehouse.com or IceWarehouse.com today!

Are you looking for hockey pads with some extra protection, a better fit, and just more Beef? Then look no further than the EQ protective line from Easton. If you’re laying in the hospital or you’re at home covered in ice packs from last nights game, it’s time to make the switch. The EQ50 line is perfect for the player in a physical league or a grinder who likes to throw their body around. This new line features some of the most advanced protective materials and construction available today.

EQ50 Shoulder Pads- Feature HexFoam in the Caps, pe inserts in clavicle, spine, and sternum areas. Multi panel design with 2-piece adjustable bicep guards.

The biggest addition to the new Easton protective line is the Hex-Foam. Hex-Foam takes the place of standard molded foams on the EQ50 line. With the Hex-Foam mold your pad is lighter, more breathable, and disperses impacts more efficiently. You can find HEX-FOAM in key areas like the kneecap of the EQ50 shin guard, the bicep guard on the EQ50 elbow pad, and the shoulder caps of the EQ50 shoulder pad.

Easton EQ50 shin Guards- Hex Foam located in the knee area. Pe inserts in calf wrap, and showcasing a comfortable 2-strap system. Top strap includes a comfort neoprene pad, and the large lower elastic strap locks any size leg in place.

As well as Hex-Foam protection, you kind find dense PE inserts in key areas of the pads. The clavicle, sternum, and spine sections of the EQ50 shoulder feature these thick molded inserts. Thick molded plastic inserts can also be found in the EQ50 elbow pad’s forearm and the EQ50 shin guard’s calf wrap. Combine these inserts with the Hex-Foam and you have quite the suit of armor.

Easton EQ50 Elbow Pad- Featuring HexFoam bicep protection, molded inserts in forearm and bicep, and a comfortable, arm locking strap system.

Easton wanted to focus the EQ line on the physical type player, but they didn’t want to sacrifice mobility and comfort. Easton’s InMotion design on each EQ50 pad works individually to offer the highest level of mobility and comfort. InMotion fit can be highlited by features like an adjustable bicep guard and griptec print on the EQ50 elbow, the contoured shell shape and griptec print on the EQ50 shin guard, and the segmented panels and adjustable bicep guards on the EQ50 shoulder. Other EQ50 comfort features include Bio Dri moisture wicking liners and neoprene comfort straps.

Derek Roy of the Buffalo Sabres- Rockin' EQ50 gear

The EQ line offers a great protective pad for every price range. Besides using Hex Foam, the EQ30 series shins, elbows, and shoulders feature very similar protection to the EQ50 pads. InMotion fit features can also be found on the EQ30 pads including griptec prints and comfort straps. The  EQ20 series showcase entry models that pack some punch. Not many pads at the EQ20 price level offer as protection and value. The EQ20 shoulder is segmented and includes an adjustable belly pad. The EQ20 elbows and shins showcase large molded plastic inserts and easy strapping systems.

You can get all your EQ protective gear at IceWarehouse.com or InlineWarehouse.com today!

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

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.