Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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

Jets forward Rick Rypien, 27, found dead in Alberta homeFrom 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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Monday, August 15, 2011

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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