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I think there is a time and place for everything. I'm an unapologetic sneaker head so I appreciate footwear that covers the color spectrum. When it comes to skates though, less is more in my opinion. I understand that companies will use anything as a marketing tool but I personally would keep things simple. Two of my more recent skates (Easton Mako and Bauer Vapor 1X) are probably two of most favorite in regards to performance but way too loud of colorways for my liking haha. I liked the looks of the Easton Mako II and Bauer Vapor 1X LE much more.

Sucks man but I just see this as others have mentioned: you're long overdue for a break. As someone who plays, officiates and coaches ice hockey, I've learned to not over extend myself. With officiating, I usually don't work hockey during the off-season. For playing, I'll skip games/pickup sessions if I'm not up to it. Even though you're a goalie, if you can't stand being with your team, then miss a game. Unless you're getting paid to play the game, you're not obligated to be there night in and night out. I've been fortunate that I haven't gotten to the point of calling it quits on hockey. And no should unless they are moving onto something better.

I see. Thanks for the insight.

Probably next season. I think they've done this across the pond in Europe. I was trying to see if I could find anything in regards how officials utilize this system and came up empty. Definitely something to keep our eyes out for as technology becomes more of a tool than an enemy.

Is that just a result of shooting in JPEG? Stinks that most uploads don't take on RAW files. Regardless, appreciate the photos!

The Toronto bias is understandable but has me turn away from time to time just because I look to Canadian coverage to provide legitimate hockey insight into the league. Definitely don't get that here down in the States haha.

That's good to know about their skates. I think I'll have to find a shop that can handle this in the meantime. Maybe spring for a pair of True skates in 2020? We'll see. Thanks.

Another option by Verbero: https://www.verbero.com/collections/protective/products/shield-player-shirt I use the shoulder pads and play throughout the summer with them never felt overheated. We don't have AZ heat on a constant basis here in the Mid-Atlantic but we get some pretty warm days during the summer.

I'm starting my 5th season an assistant coach. It is quite a dynamic as you'll bring your own experience to the ice but will have to answer to someone else (aka the head coach). I'm fortunate as I knew my head coach back when we played JRs and reconnected again years later during men's league (that's when he had invited me to join him on the bench). This will be the second year that we'll be coaching 18U Tier II (will also be my fourth year as AC at the high school level). I'm also in my early 30's. I mention all these things to give you a sense of where I'm coming from. One thing that I know is that you and the head coach will have to be on the same page with everything when it comes to public communication. On the bench. In the locker room. During practice. Talking with parents around the rink. This is so important so that there is one voice heard during the season. If there is any disagreement, do it in a way that only you two know. If there is more than one voice, there will confusion and divide. It is inevitable. Another thing that is very important is that you'll have to relate to your players on a personal level. My generation is the last of a dying breed. The coaches I had just coached and didn't care about how I was doing. Or try to have some from of commonality outside of hockey. They said and I did. And if I didn't fall in line, I was punished. That really doesn't fly at most youth levels anymore. It was the biggest adjustment for me but I've now had the chance to coach some the same kids on multiple teams I know that it works. I can get on them when they're wrong and they're less likely to take it personally. I know here in the USA, Safe Sport and physiological wellbeing has been at the forefront of coaching clinics for the last 5+ years. Things have changed significantly over a relatively short amount of time. Knowing the game is only a portion of coaching now. Will be interested to see how @romdj does in your first season.

Overall, how have peoples' skates held up? I only ask because of the picture below. Happened during my shinny skate this morning. I got hit with a shot that I was trying to avoid but didn't notice it till I was taking my skates off in the locker room. I knew that one day that I'd want a pair of Trues. I'm now looking at the reality of getting new skates after 3-4 years (much sooner than I thought I would be). The good thing is that I have a pair of Bauer Nexus skates that I use for officiating that I could tolerate when playing/coaching.

I've been using Bauer fishbowls for the majority of the time that I started officiating (heading into Season 9). Since we have ice all year round in the Philadelphia area, I'll deal with fogging mainly when I head to the bench after a shift. Even without wiping, as soon as I start skating again, the fog will dissipate. I don't see myself going back to a cage on ice. Now with inline, I don't think I'd ever use a fish bowl because I feel that I'd be dealing with fog all the time (regardless of what I'm doing during the game).

Hope everyone had fun this past weekend! I aim to be there next summer.

Good advice. We've all been there when we know we made the right call but completely forgot who should serve the penalty haha. Repeating the number and color to yourself is the best way to go. Also do it when your partner makes a call that you saw but didn't put your arm up to signal the delay. Just a good habit to form because the smart players will play dumb and try to convince you otherwise haha.

Second year doing this - Helping Through Hockey. Donations and raffles support Survivors of Abuse in Recovery (aka SOAR). Always like the mix of sports and charity and try to do it as often as I can. First pick is from the Inaugural Event (June 2018) This pick is from last month (June 1, 2019). With the colors, it was easy for me to go with my Pittsburgh SummerJam mitts and shell haha.

Just ordered some Konixx Pures (+2) based on the suggestion of one the referees in our league (pretty good player in his own also). He noticed that my wheels were too soft. Looking forward to slapping these bad boys on. Looks like I should like them instantly.

That's rough.It took me one game a couple years after wearing full face protection to know that I'd never play without it. A couple years into playing men's league, I had the bright idea to wear a half-er. The game just happened to be against one of the more physical teams and I got shoved in the face while playing an aerial puck. I got a friendly lesson with a bruise and small cut underneath my right eye. Haven't worn a half-er since. I just never felt it was worth it because you only need one moment to alter your face. Hoping for speedy recovery.

Late to the party but I don't think its worth paying a premium for a hockey bag. I've been using a bag that I got back in 2004. I think if someone is OCD about organizing their things, maybe. For me, I've never really cared for a nice bag.

Surprised to see that most people feel that way. The USA 'tender wasn't given an legitimate opportunity to play the rebound due to the collision caused by the Finnish forward. Its a tough call to make but the right call regardless what level and/or rulebook you're using for ice hockey. I feel for the Fins even though I root for USA but as a referee, that was absolutely the right call. I'm more curious as to why the review took so long.

I see what you're saying. I can't completely disagree. I like the small area games because there is teamwork involved but also allows for a healthy dose of competition.

I'm completely surprised. Yet another reminder of the beauty/frustration of sports: you just never know.

I think people forget that the Islanders gave the Pens a good run for their money last year. Yes, they are with Johnny T, but NYI has the right mix of skill and effort. Couple that with the reality the Pens bank on neutral ice being wide open, the Islanders have their number.

I treat the unofficial "1-man" system the same way we are called to approach a 3-man (1R + 2L) as the ref (wear the bands/swimmies haha). That approach is, to put it simply, to trail the puck and keep the action in front of you. Obviously there are unique situations and you have the help of the linesmen but the overall ideology can be applied to going "solo." Keeping ahead of the play takes away any accountability for the trailers on both teams.

That's no fun. If things were that bad for me, I'd just be a sub and play pickup full-time. All you want is a competitive team. It's like yous are playing the NBA haha.

Predators have a bunch a sandbaggers haha. Never understood that mentality.

Good to hear! I'm literally smiling reading about your experience just because I felt the same way when I did my first game (Squirts) haha. It seems that only after one game you already have made yourself a better player because you now have experienced a glimpse of what a referee has to go through and process during a game. @IPv6Freely has given good advice/feedback. All I say is: go to a seminar! You'll be better for it even if you just stay a Level 1. Keep it going and continue giving us updates!