Archive for April, 2010
Posted on April 26, 2010 by
I found the following article on the Minnesotahockey.org website which I think anyone who plays pickup or open hockey should read.
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Hockey players should always be looking for more ice time. Practicing in the garage or driveway is fine, but nothing compares to lacing up your skates and playing real hockey on real ice. Stick-and-puck sessions at public rinks offer a great opportunity to get some ice time in. Players informally divide up the ice and work with coaches or in small groups. And inevitably a scrimmage breaks out — maybe evenly matched and maybe not. Five Mites against a Bantam. One Bantam and one Mite against two Squirts. You never know. The same goes for drop-in hockey. Here’s how you can be sure everyone gets the most for their time and money.
Unwritten Rules of Pickup/Open Hockey Scrimmages
* Have fun: Pickup/Open Hockey sessions are just for fun. Don’t worry if you’re not the best player out there or you don’t score a lot of goals. You are out there to learn and have fun.
* Bring a puck: The rink may not provide them, so be sure to keep a couple in your bag.
* Share the puck: In a scrimmage, you may be tempted to hog the puck, but remember that players of all ages and skill levels may be on the ice with you. Make sure everyone gets a chance to carry the puck. If you’re better than most of the players on the ice, feel free to show off your moves, but remember to also pass to your teammates. This is a great way to make sure everyone has fun, and you may just make a few friends while you are out there (everyone loves getting a pass).
* Share the ice: No one likes sitting on the bench! If everyone makes quick changes than every one will have lots of time to play. Get on the ice, skate hard for a minute, and then let another player skate. Remember, the longer you stay on the ice, the longer another player has to sit on the bench. Be fair and try to ensure each player gets equal ice time.
* Try your hardest: Some players are nervous for their first stick and puck, and think they will not be good enough. Let me tell you from experience. It does not matter how good you are, as long as you always try your hardest and never give up. If you skate hard, and try for the entire session, the other players will love you and want to have you come out and play again.
* No checking: It goes without saying that nobody wants to get hurt during a casual scrimmage with a mixed age group.
I hope these tips will help you enjoy your stick-and-puck sessions, remember to skate hard, have fun, and make friends!
Written by Kelly Anton
Posted on April 9, 2010 by
We’ve now hooked up our blog and facebook page. Now you can follow us on both as well as Twitter.com/hockeyfinder
Posted on April 6, 2010 by
Have you ever dreamed of playing hockey with a professional? Here’s your chance to see how good you are! Play a game with NHL alumni players, Brad Maxwell, Jack Carlson, Tom Chorske, Shjon Podein and more. Proceeds go to the National MPS Society which exists to find cures for MPS and related diseases.
First 20 players donating $300 will play a refereed “no check” game along side NHL Alumni players. Teams will be split evenly between the players and the NHL Alumni players. Player ticket includes a spot on a team, group picture and two tickets to the MPS Cup Gala (a $250 value!). Players must be 18 years old.
Date: May 1st
Hockey game with NHL Alumni players. 15 NHL player (Brad Maxwell roster)
· To watch the game, donations are accepted at the door.
· To play, it’s $300. Must be 18 yrs old.
· Chuck a puck raffle at game
Gala dinner following the game.
· Lake Elmo Event Center
· Silent Auction- Bob Orr Jersey, NHL Alumni Signed Hockey stick, Golf
lessons, Golf Course Passes, Condo in Florida , etc
· NHL player will attend.
· Music by the Johnny Owen Band
· Tickets are $125.
website: http://www.mpscup.org
Posted on April 4, 2010 by
Pat Burns is one of the classiest, most-respected coaches to ever stand behind the bench. In 14 seasons as an NHL coach, he amassed an impressive record of 501-350-161-14 in 1019 games with Montreal, Toronto, Boston and New Jersey.
He won three Jack Adams Awards with three different teams (Montreal in 1989, Toronto in 1993 and Boston in 1998) — the only three time winner in history. He also won in his first year as a head coach. He hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup with the Devils in 2003.
He retired from coaching because of recurring bouts with cancer. After his latest diagnosis (lung cancer), he decided to forego treatment. Pat Burns will not be with us much longer. Let’s pressure the HHOF selection committee and the media to get Pat Burns fast-tracked into the Hockey Hall of Fame. While he and his family can enjoy it. While he can attend in person. And while he can bask in the ultimate, and well-deserved achievement of a stellar career cut short. Please help us spread the word.
GO TO WWW.PATBURNS.CA TO SUPPORT THE CAUSE!
Posted on April 3, 2010 by
I had the pleasure of speaking to Steve Silver the owner of Montreal-based Sani Sport about their patented sani sport system. I play hockey at least 3 times per week so trying to keep my gear clean is a challenge. I always air out my equipment, hang it up and spray it with Sudden Death Odor Eliminator. In addition I put a fan on it or during the summer hang it outside (Sorry neighbors). This all is good but I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not enough. I’ve heard of other machines but when I got a call asking me to chat with Steve I was very interested to hear what he had to say.
First of all, I was amazed to learn that over 75 professional teams use the system and it’s endorsed by the NHL as well as USA hockey. Secondly, I found it nice to know that all the product components are made in North America. Finally, it looks like it’s the real deal. I haven’t been able to try it out yet but when I do I’ll update this post. 
FEATURES of the Sani Sport system:
1. Accommodates one large set of hockey or
football equipment
2. Extremely durable stainless steel provides
rugged construction
3. Caster wheels provide easy mobility
4. Dimensions: 23″ deep X 45″ wide x 67″ high
5. Cycle time is only sixteen minutes !
6. No piping, drains or external hookups
Where can you find one of these machines?
Well you can either buy one…they sell for approx. $13,795 each or you can email them with your location and ask for the closest retailer. I was excited to learn that there were a few places in the Twin Cities that have the machine. One of the sports shops who does is Strauss Skates and Bicycles. Steve told me they will have a full list of retailers on their website in the near future.
Hockeyisourgame.com - The official blog of Hockey Finder LLC.
I found the following article on the Minnesotahockey.org website which I think anyone who plays pickup or open hockey should read.
