Street Hockey Equipment - Get Your Kids Outside, But Keep Them Safe

Author: JackGriffith

We all want to protect our kids from childhood injuries, and street hockey equipment is a necessary part of sports safety.

Street hockey started about 40 years ago when kids began playing hockey outside on the pavement with roller skates instead of ice skates.

Today the game is played in basketball courts, blacktop rinks, tennis courts, playgrounds and yes, even streets. The roller skates of years ago have evolved into roller blades but the game is still the same. Kids play with hockey sticks to gain goals against the other team.

Street hockey has become a team sport of note, with tournaments played across the world.

Proper Street Hockey Equipment Prevents Injuries

As with regular ice hockey, street hockey injuries can happen.

The proper street hockey equipment can make all the difference when players meet hard. Everyone is familiar with the injuries common to ice hockey, and the same are possible with hockey played on roller blades.

Lost teeth, split lips, broken arms and legs, and even head injuries can be something your youngster may come home with. It's a very good idea to send your kids out with the proper gear in order to minimize, or even avoid, potential harm.

What is necessary street hockey equipment?

Street Hockey Equipment Must Include Head Protection

Just like ice hockey, street hockey play requires head protection. Helmets protect eyes, mouth and teeth, nose and head.

Both street and ice hockey use sticks to move the puck toward the goal, and these sticks can be dangerous, especially in the heat of play.

Kids are competitive, and they want to win. Sticks can be swung wildly and hard, and sometimes someone's head may just be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Head injuries from hockey can include serious things like concussion.

All players, and particularly goalies, must have head protection in order to prevent serious injury.

Street Hockey Equipment Includes Lots of Padding!

This will include other protective gear like pads, gloves and guards. Hockey pants, girdles and jerseys are available with padding form-fitted inside the garment to protect the player against injury from falls or hits.

This type of padded uniform is important because when a player falls on the pavement, blacktop surfaces can produce scrapes and gashes that can be very painful.

Choose a Street Hockey Wheel, Puck or Ball

Other gear essential to playing street hockey are the hockey sticks, goals and nets, inline skates, and hockey wheel (an alternative street hockey version of the ice hockey "puck") or puck. Either a hockey wheel or puck may be used for street hockey, as desired.

In addition, the Mylec company has developed a street hockey ball that has been designed to be used depending upon current weather conditions. This means that if your kids are playing street hockey in cool weather, Mylec has a specific hockey ball designed for 50 degrees, with other balls designed for warmer and cooler temperatures.

There are "quad" skates available as well, which are skates like you might use at your local roller skating rink. These skates have 2 wheels front and back instead of the more common inline skate, which has 4 wheels mounted in a straight line.

Street Hockey Equipment for Goalies

The goalie needs especially protective equipment because he is vulnerable to flying wheels or pucks as well as sticks. There are goalie packages available from several retailers that include all needed apparatus.

These packages will include special helmet/mask combinations that protect the goalie's face from flying hockey wheels as well as much thicker protective padding on legs, chest and shoulders.

Brand names of street hockey equipment include Mylec, Franklin, Vic, Tour and Koho.

Street Hockey Gets Kids Outside, Keeps Them Healthy and Happy

Street hockey is an excellent way for kids to develop confidence and self esteem as well as team spirit.

Exercise is beneficial for healthy and happy kids, and the proper street hockey equipment can make sure they stay safe in addition to having fun.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/street-hockey-equipment-get-your-kids-outside-but-keep-them-safe-4326258.html

About the Author

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'The sweetest, most gentle guy ever,' Former Leaf Wade Belak commits suicide

By Randy Starkman, Mark Zwolinski and Kevin McGran

The hockey world was left reeling after popular former Maple Leaf enforcer Wade Belak was found dead in an apparent suicide at a Toronto hotel on Wednesday.

Police responded to a call saying a body was hanging in a room at the tony 1 King West hotel and condo building where Belak was staying while rehearsing for CBC’s Battle of the Blades. A body was taken out of the side entrance at 7:40 p.m. and loaded into a waiting minivan.

A police source confirmed Thursday that Belak’s death was being treated as a suicide.

The 35-year-old native of Saskatoon, Sask., is the third NHL tough guy to die since the spring. Winnipeg Jets forward Rick Rypien, who suffered from depression, was found dead earlier this month. In May, New York Rangers forward Derek Boogaard’s death was ruled an accidental overdose of an alcohol and oxycodone mixture.

“What? ... What’s with all the tough guys dying or having problems?” said retired enforcer Georges Laraque when reached by the Star. “Am I next on the list? That’s unbelievable.”

Belak leaves behind wife Jennifer and children Andie and Alex, who were born during his time in Toronto.

"Sad day for the entire hockey fraternity! We really need to take a deep look into the WHY?" tweeted ex-Leaf Jamal Mayers.

Former minor pro hockey player Troy Kahler said he saw Belak drinking on Tuesday night at the Underground Garage at King and Spadina with some friends, including fellow Battle of the Blades contestant Todd Simpson. Kahler said he got his picture taken with Belak on his BlackBerry when they were leaving the bar around 2 a.m.

“He didn’t seem intoxicated at all. He was just as he was always, just happy-go-lucky,” said Kahler, who had met Belak several times before.

Belak was living in Nashville, Tenn., with his family after finishing his career there with the Predators, but was back in town to be part of the CBC reality show.

Shawn Duckman, a local chiropractor who has been friends with the Belaks since they met in a pre-natal class eight years ago, said he spoke to him two days ago.

“He seemed fine,” said Duckman. “The sweetest, most gentle guy ever.”

With his red hair and elaborate tattoo sleeves, Belak was a charming character in the Maple Leafs dressing room, someone who never took himself too seriously and was willing to do whatever it took to stay in the NHL.

“Certainly, he was brave,” said former Leaf coach Pat Quinn. “He’d answer anything as far as the physical side of the game required of him. He didn’t back down from anything.”

But it was his personality that stands out for Quinn.

“He was such a bright light, he had a smile on his face every day,” Quinn said. “The last time I saw him, he was up at TSN to talk about a career change into television. He seemed very, very happy with himself. Certainly, I was delighted to hear that. He was one of those special guys I enjoyed having.”

Paul Dennis, former team psychologist for the Leafs, echoed those sentiments.

“People throw around the term ‘the emotional glue that kept the group together.’ Well, he was that, all of that,” said Dennis. “When things weren’t going well, you knew they were going to come back to perspective with Wade Belak around, that losing a game wasn’t the end of the world. He knew his role, and that there was more to sport than winning. He was a true defender of his teammates.”

Laraque called on the NHLPA and NHL to establish counselling programs for enforcers in the wake of the series of deaths.

“Listen, they have to step up,” Laraque said. “Now more than ever, people have to realize that the job that we did is a really stressful job. Mentally, it’s one of the hardest things. There’s so many guys that have demons and problems with that. We have to do something.

“This, as sad as an incident that it is, is tainting the image of the NHL. If we don’t do something about it, it’s going to be bad. It’s not going to be safe anymore. It’s unbelievable.”

Added retired NHL star Keith Primeau: “My own personal feeling is I believe there’s a direct correlation with the line of work that they’re in.”

Tyson Nash, a longtime Coyotes agitator and briefly in the Leafs organization in 2006-07, raised the ire of the NHLPA by suggesting the association let Belak down.

The players' association took issue with Nash's tweets, pointing out programs run co-operatively among the association, the league and the league's alumni association.

"It's not true, there are programs in place that assist players in transitioning," retired NHLer Mathieu Schneider, who now works for the association, told the Fan590. "There's one called BreakAway. We haven't had a ton of guys use it, but it's there, it's available."

A woman who answered the phone at the Belak family home in Saskatchewan said she wasn’t able to speak.

“No, really I can’t. We’re just very, very upset,” she said.

Belak seemed to be faring well in his post-hockey career. He was working on radio and as an in-game reporter for the Predators. Arthritis in his hip had made it impossible for him to continue playing. He finished up in the NHL with eight goals, 25 assists with 1,263 penalty minutes in 549 games.

He also appeared to be relishing the figure skating challenge posed by the Battle of the Blades, where he represented the Tourette Syndrome Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital as his chosen charity. One of his daughters has Tourette’s.

Belak knew he made the NHL because of his muscle, but it didn’t mean he enjoyed the work.

“On nights you knew you had to fight, there were nerves, you never slept the night before,” Belak told Mark Zwolinski in an interview last March. “But you dealt with it or you didn’t. You don’t really get over it, you just go out and do your job.”

Asked by Zwolinski for his favourite moment as a player, Belak responded:

“Probably my first NHL goal, and scoring my last NHL goal in Toronto, when I broke that streak (nearly four years without a goal). Fans were chanting my name on the streets.”

With files from Curtis Rush, Jayme Poisson and Daniel Dale

Article source: thestar.com



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Hockey Songs

By Max Bellamy

Hockey songs are inspirational songs written for the game of hockey. There are a lot of songs written about this great sport. Hockey songs are an excellent way to capture the spirit of the game.

There are many bands singing hockey songs. They play inspirational hockey songs for the team in order to boost their spirit. The themes of hockey songs vary widely from band to band. There are humorous hockey songs, songs about hockey players and songs praising the segments of famous hockey events.

There are a numerous hockey songs popular in Canada. The game of ice hockey is the most popular game and the national winter sport in Canada. Many Canadians are obsessed with hockey that has become a part of Canadian culture. Hockey songs are written in order to inspire and motivate the hockey players.

Of several hockey songs, 'The hockey song', is the best. Written by 'Stompin' Tom Connors, it is an immortal song celebrating Canada's love for hockey. Well known for its chorus, the song has spilt up verses, each one describing a period of play in a typical hockey game. This song is the most played one at all Canadian hockey events.

Another classic hockey song is the Tragically Hip song "Fifty Mission Cap." This song is a true song story about Bill Barilko, who scored one of the most famous goals in National Hockey League history. The legend of Barilko, who scored the 1951 Stanley Cup winning goal for the Toronto Maple, and his mysterious death are forever immortalized in this song.

Other popular hockey songs are "Hockey" by Jane Siberry, "Hockey Night in Canada" of The Shuffle Demons, "Gordie and My Old Man" of Grievous Angels, "The Ballad of Wendel Clark, Parts I and II" of Rheostatics, "Hit Somebody!" by Warren Zevon and "The Zamboni Song" by Gear Daddies.

Hockey provides detailed information on Hockey, Hockey Jerseys, Hockey Tickets, Hockey Equipment and more. Hockey is affiliated with Ice Hockey Goalie Equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Bellamy

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Roller Hockey Equipment - What Do You Need for a Safe Game?

By Jack Griffith

If you have kids, then you're probably already familiar with roller hockey equipment. Also called "street hockey" or "inline hockey", many kids - and adults - are getting involved in this new sport that can be played at home anytime.

Roller hockey is played on roller skates, and a game can be started anywhere there's a smooth surface. This surface can include driveways, playgrounds, empty parking lots or even the local street, hence the name "street hockey."

The good news is that this exciting and fast-moving game gets kids outside playing and exercising instead of parked in front the Nintendo or Wii.

Roller Hockey Equipment Provides Protection from Falls and Game Bumps

Just like its counterpart ice hockey, roller hockey has its own protective equipment. This can include gloves, padded pants and jerseys, knee pads, helmets and masks. There is a goalie for roller hockey just like there is for ice hockey, and he can be pretty well bundled up for protection. Lets start with inline hockey basics.

Inline Hockey Skates Are the Foundation of Your Game

The game moves on skates, typically inline skates, which have all four wheels "in line" on the bottom of the skate. Roller hockey skates keep the game moving quickly. As with ice hockey, good support is needed for inline skates. Many of the wheels have specially designed bearings for fast motion and durability. Prices for inline skates start at about $80 and go up fast. A quality pair of skates can cost as much as $700 or more.

Inline skates are typically worn about one shoe size smaller than usual shoe size. You'll want to try on your skates before you buy them, but be aware that you want no more than an inch of space between the back of your heel and the skate. Toes should almost brush against the front inside of the skate. Your skates should feel snug and hold your foot securely when fully laced.

Be careful not to go too large, because this will cause blisters and uncomfortable calluses. Your skate should feel like it's an extension of your foot. There are special roller hockey skates for those who play goalie position.

Proper Roller Hockey Equipment Includes Elbow, Shin, Knee and Shoulder Gear

Bear in mind that just like ice hockey, there's going to be a puck flying at incredible speeds, and players will be swinging hockey sticks that can do serious damage. You'll want to prepare with roller hockey equipment that will protect against stick injuries, crashes and falls. Think about it. If you were flying around on pavement and took a fall when traveling 20 mph, you could end up with some serious road rash. Be prepared by dressing in shoulder gear, and girdles with padding in the thighs, hips and buttocks. Wear protective gloves.

There are also special knee and elbow pads. These are especially important pieces of every player's roller hockey equipment, because they protect the areas that are most prone to injury. When you fall, it's typically the knees and elbows that take the brunt of the landing.

A good helmet and mask will protect against flying pucks and swinging sticks. Be aware that goalies require even more protection, including chest, leg and arm protection. They will also wear a full helmet with mask.

Roller Hockey Equipment Needed to Play the Game

Now we get to the fun stuff! The final required roller hockey equipment needed to pay a games includes a puck, hockey sticks and a goal or net. Because the game is played on flat surfaces like pavement and cement, street hockey gives players the choice of balls or pucks.

Interestingly, roller hockey equipment now includes special balls and pucks that were developed for specific weather conditions. These are balls designed to have no bounce, and they can be used in temperatures of 32 degrees or colder with other balls for 32 degrees or warmer. One ball has even been designed to handle 70 degrees or warmer for hot weather play.

Roller hockey sticks look very similar to their ice hockey counterparts but have been designed for street play. Sticks come in right- or left-handed designs. Goalies require sticks that are slightly different, since their job, like ice hockey goalies, is different from those who move the puck up and down the court. Inline hockey sticks are also somewhat different than their ice hockey counterparts.

Lastly, of course, game requires a goal. The goal is a net, like ice hockey, and the goalie stands in front of the net to prevent the puck from entering. Nets come in several sizes, depending upon the needs of the players. If a regulation 6 x 4 foot goal is needed, then these are also available.

With a little preparation and the right roller hockey equipment, players can enjoy the outdoors and team work, too!

Jack loves home and family, and has been writing about his experiences for more than 25 years. To enjoy more of his material, please see Street Hockey Equipment and Roller Hockey Equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Griffith

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Jets forward Rick Rypien, 27, found dead in Alberta home

From James Mirtle of the Globe & Mail:

"Former Vancouver Canucks tough guy Rick Rypien was found dead by a family member on Monday in Crowsnest Pass, Alta.
Rypien, who signed with the Winnipeg Jets in July, had missed most of last season because of a leave of absence from the Canucks for personal issues. Local RCMP told The Globe and Mail on Monday night that the death was not suspicious."



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The 4 Eras of Hockey Cards

The world of hockey cards can be divided into four distinct eras since they first started appearing in cigarette packages at the start of the 20th century.

The first era was sporadic at best. From 1910 until the beginning of the Second World War, cards weren't consistently produced each year and were produced by a handful of different manufacturers. Also, the cards were not of today's standard size. Many came from tobacco companies as an insert in their packaging. Some did start coming in the traditional bubble gum packages.

In the 1930's, the modern card size was produced by O-Pee-Chee. 1933-34 saw O-Pee-Chee and others produced several different sets. The prize of these sets was the cards of Montreal Canadiens great, Howie Morenz.

The second era began with Parkhurst producing a set in 1951-52. This series included the rookie cards of both Gordie Howe of the Detroit Red Wings and Maurice Richard of the Montreal Canadiens. The Howe rookie card is worth $3000 today, forming a trifecta of $3000 cards that include the rookie cards of Bobby Hull and Bobby Orr.

The 1951-52 Parkhurst series of hockey cards began an annual production of cards that has carried on until today. Until O-Pee-Chee made its return in the late 1960's, Parkhurst and Topps both produced a series each year, splitting the six teams between the two companies.

The third era like the second with the release of a very valuable rookie card. The 1979-80 O-Pee-Chee and Topps rookie card of Wayne Gretzky sparked a renewed interest in the hobby of collecting hockey cards. Throughout the 1980's, the value of vintage hockey cards was being recognized throughout North America. Older hockey cards that were considered kids collectables that should be in the garbage, were now being valued in the hundreds and thousands of dollars.

The fourth era can be considered the ProSet era and started in 1990-91 when ProSet and other new hockey card companies flooded the market. Twenty years later, ProSet cards from their first series are worth next to nothing. The fully realize what happened after 1990 in the hockey card world, just pick up a copy of Beckett Hockey Monthly. From 1910 until 1989-90, all the hockey cards are listed in about six pages of the Beckett Price Guide. The following 20 plus years has some single years taking up several pages.

With each era, the hobby became more and more popular. Unfortunately, as it became more and more popular, it became more and more saturated, expensive and confusing.

Tom is a hockey history enthusiast and the author of ohlalumnicentral.com and vintagehockeycardsreport.com.

Picture above taken from Baseball-cards.com

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