215BroadStBullies610

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!

Ah. The 27th doesn't work for me but I hope everyone has fun!

I've been using the Tron S40 or Tron-esqe visors for the last 2-3 seasons and they get the job done. They do scratch easily so I usually replace mine after the season is over. I don't mind it though since they are cheap and the slim cut is hard to find. Other than that, I don't feel that I'm missing anything (I've used Bauer and Oakley 1/2-ers in the past).

I second this. Regardless I'll be getting some swag tonight and see what else is in store.

@marka First off, cool to hear you're willing to wear the attention-grabbing stripes haha. I'd check out USAH's Officiating Resources page and look through the Basic Officiating Manual contained under the 'Manuals' tab. You can use this to measure up against video or website that goes into the basic of officiating. I hope you do consider taking the plunge and go to seminar: you'll be better for it. That being said, enjoy and let us know if you have any questions.

Yea, I never really like using the 'player vs. player' drill type but I see your point. I think it also depends on the skill of the players. I've done game where the squirts display better skill sets than bantams. Each coach is different. I don't stop a drill unless absolutely necessary. I'm all about getting in correct reps and providing feedback on the fly. It definitely be harder to do at the younger ages but I would still have the same approach. I don't think "sink or swim" means learn to better yourself against superior skill. It happens all the time during a game. Only way to handle situations like that is in practice. That is the time to get better.

It is interesting because I actually see it the other way. I'd want my weaker players to be in the mix with the more skill players so that they can improve. And I speak coming from personal experience. I started playing competitive hockey as a 2nd-year PeeWee. Some of teammates had been skates since Pre-K. I had to do what was necessary to keep up and get better. I know I wouldn't have wanted to be secluded into the 'weaker' club during drills. Everyone is different. I can easily see one interpreting a "normal" drill as PC. I see as stimulating one's competitive nature during practice. There ought to be pressure to get better as an individual and as a team. Splitting up the team based on skill, in MY opinion, defeats that purpose. I know that I never did that last year during our JV practices. I kids who were AAA, AA and A players. I also had kids who would barely make Tier-II B. I never split them up based on skill. I made sure that non-team drills focused one to two skills at most and more technique driven. I made sure to call out bad technique not matter how good the player was and commend the opposite. To each his own though. Please let us know how things go.

Given that you're a goalie, playing on a less-than-competitive team has wear deeper compared to us skaters. I play, coach and ref (all year round mind you) but make sure that none of the three feel like a job. I make sure to over-ref so I'm fresh for reffing and/or coaching. I may skip a game to play in just because I'm feeling it. Proactive schedule has allowed me to be involved in all three aspects of hockey without resentment. I agree with others and what they've said but wanted to throw in a perspective that most don't deal with. A long break is probably needed now but I'd really consider taking maintenance days(nights) to skip a game or two. Your team will be okay. It ain't the NHL so missing a goalie for a game or two or finding a sub isn't the end of the world. Hockey is too good of a sport to burnt out by it.

I'd be all over this blade/stick. The best of both worlds in my opinion.

I think there is a deadline? It is quite possible that my remaining sharpenings have expired haha. I haven't been to Pure Hockey in a minute. I'm torn between the two home units of discussion. I'm partial to the Sparx probably because I saw it first at SummerJam up in Toronto. But seeing the Prosharp in person at Pittsburgh had me extremely impressed with what seemed to be a better built sharpener (at least in the sense of materials, construction, etc). I think I'll have to get something around Black Friday 2018 and call it an (expensive!) day ha...

I'll be at that point soon enough. Granted, I'm only sharpening my own skates (two pairs) but to pay money for so-so sharpenings doesn't fly with me anymore. I think I have about 10 more sharpenings with my Platinum Membership and Sparx seems to be the way to go for me.

I just wear a bucket but I can't blame anyone who wears more protection. I've been hit in the shins with pucks and sticks from time to time ha.

Nice. That's been my experience so far with them. I go back and forth between ice and inline it was important to me that inline not get in the way of how I skate (regardless how bad) on ice. Getting outside would be nice though. Good cardio that beats running ha.

This is why I buy flagship sticks out of season. I can get these sticks for under $150 and get 6 months out of them. I couldn't see myself spending any more than that with number of options on the open market.

I've loosen mine quite a bit just because the aggressive pitch the Graf 705 + Marsblade presents. Couple that with reality that I skate (incorrectly) on my toes, a looser rocker was a must for me.

OVI! OVI! OVI! Happy for him Nikki Backs. T.J.. Happy for guys like that. Fun series. On to the draft: hoping my Flyers don't screw it up haha..

It will be interesting to see how VGK responds. We've seen WSH take the foot off the pedal when things are going their way (from a series record perspective) and claw their way back. What we haven't seen yet is VGK dig themselves out of a hole. What we can bank on is every win is going to be earned by either team.