215BroadStBullies610

http://stepskates.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/StepSkatingBlades_HockeySizingChart.pdf It doesn't seem like it. I could be wrong though. I actually interested myself.

It really is the perfect balance. Any more, you end having guys fight over ice time and one struggles to get into the 'men's league' rhythm.

Good point. Tell your superstar captain to simmer down haha. He should stop sand-baggin' and move up to 'C.' Then again, I'm sure he enjoys being in control and having the success fall on his shoulders. I always like playing against the best competition. He should really move up.

I think if any team can have set lines, its foster chemistry. That being said, the captain(s) should make room for adjustments depending on the game at hand. I'm extremely fortunate with the 'A' and 'B' teams I'm currently on. My captains establish balanced lines and aren't afraid to mix it up. They also aren't afraid of sitting players when we need a goal or defending a lead late in a game. There is a fine line though. This isn't our livelihoods. This is our passion. No need to treat every game like a Game 7. No need to be a jerk to your teammate(s) when he/she is giving up sleep on a weekday to play some hockey. I'm as competitive as any other person but it is a game at the end of the day. I feel for some you guys when it comes the nonsense you deal with just to play a game we are all crazy about. To bench a guy for 2 periods is absurd. It's MEN'S league. We all stink in some shape or form haha. If we didn't, we'd be playing some form of professional hockey. It baffles me that guys take men's league way too seriously. I know I won't ever play for a team that has a captain like that. Not worth the money or frustration.

Being in the Greater Philadelphia area and working a decent amount of youth hockey games, I've seen a few kids with the Makos. I don't think it has to do with money (plenty of rich hockey 'rents in DelVal). The Makos' look is hard for people to get over and I can't say that kids think Makos look 'cool.' The Mako IIs are more traditional looking but I don't if they will stick out like the original Makos (which could be a good or bad thing depending on your taste). Kids will look to NHL players and see what they wear and try to emulate. Not many of them wearing Makos so I don't see kids reversing that trend. Hmm. Interesting. I experience the exact opposite,

Stay strong my friend. Officiating has taught me patience and sober-mindedness (I don't know if that's even punctually sound ha). It also has taught me to know my limits. There are some officials who refuse to address that issue. Nice to see you know what you can handle. It helps everyone when people know what they can and can not do.

Haha you always think as an official that you've seen it all. It takes a certain mentality to deal with the nonsense parents provide at sporting events. I've cut back, and will continue to, the amount of games I work at the youth level. The paycheck isn't worth the nonsense ha. I consider myself I pretty laid back dude but every once in a while, those stereotypical parents get me going. Oh what fun it is...

I've always like Ovation but they weren't warm enough for me to ever buy one. I didn't hear about Fender. It's just interesting to see how these companies change and if they can adapt to the changing times.

http://www.guitarworld.com/fender-cease-us-production-ovation-guitars Old news but news nonetheless.

I agree. No need to rush it. This boot will do its best to wrap around your feet. You want that same fit to stay so I'd let 'em settle in a day or two.

Ah. I see. Well they still look good.

Those are pur-tay. Never been a fan of the Vapor fit though. I guess I'd have to buy a pair and bake 'em to really see how they go.

Background: I will be giving this review from a referee's prospective. For my first 2 years of officiating, I used the same skates for adult league and refereeing (NikeBauer One70). At the beginning of the hockey season, I decided to finally buy 2 skates: one for playing (Easton Mako) and one for officiating (RBZ). I was hesitant at first but I figured since I plan on officiating for a while, I might as well make sure I have equipment dedicated to the specific craft. Before my RBZ purchase, the last pair CCMs I had were the 652 SuperTacks from my youth days. I knew I was in for something else. Officiating Specs: 5'11"...205lbs...work Youth (both travel and scholastic), JRs (all tier III), ACHA club hockey (DI - DIII) and Adult league...work all four officiating systems (usually as a linesman at the higher levels). Size: 9.5D Ice time: roughly on the ice 3-4 times/week Usage: About 7 months Fit: Ah. It took about 2 months for these skates to break in and be pain-free. The RBZs seem to take on the traditional the longer period wasn't totally surprising. During the break-in period I experienced lace bite, arch pain and tightness in the foot box area (not nearly as bad as I had with my previous pair of skates). Now that they are broken in, the RBZs are roomy and comfortable and I don't have any issues with them. The custom support insoles make significant difference in comfort and support also (I use the MED size). I do have to skip the top eyelet so that I can gain forward flex and lengthen my stride. CCM made a stiff boot and that is the only way I can truly use the RBZs to its fullest potential. 8/10 Blade/Holder: The blade/holder combo is the best I've experienced/seen on a pair of CCMs. With the Hyper-Glide runners, there isn't near as much bite as I have experienced with other skates. It took me a little bit to get use to but I've enjoyed the decreased resistance with every stride. 10/10 Weight/Protection: The RBZs are well constructed. Going the traditional theme, they aren't the lightest skates on the market. But given there depth and width, I feel they are on par with its competitors. I've been whacked with sticks and hit with pucks. The worse I had it was when a wrap-around hit the inside ankle of my right foot. Left a bruise and my ankle was somewhat swollen but I would expect the same result with any other boot. 10/10 Durability: The RBZs have held up well and given my previous experience with CCM, this comes at no surprise. I do have to point out that one of my top eyelets (that so happen to NOT use) is already coming apart. 9/10 Intangibles: I'm bullish on the looks of the RBZ. CCM modernized their look without looking gimmicky. As an official, I feel it's important for me to look professional no matter what level I am working. I've had both fellow officials and players comment on how much they like the look of the RBZs. CCM has made the necessary step(s) to having looks match performance. 10/10 Conclusion: I'm a fan again. It's as simple as that. I feel that the RBZs represent the growth in R&D by CCM and it shows in their skate. The worst part about this skate is the break-in period. It was the worst I experience in a while but well worth it in the end. I highly recommend RBZs for people looking for more volume/width. 47/50 = 9.4/10

Man, that is rough. There always be those men and women who take adult hockey way too seriously. I am surprised the officials didn't step in. I can see waiting for your partner to come in with you but not doing anything is dangerous (as you had to experience first hand). Stay strong my friend.

With the my Makos, I use every eyelet but I don't tie my skates tight. The Makos fit my feet more like a sock so I don't rely on my laces as much as I would wearing my RBZs. I haven't had any problems and I've had my Makos for a year now.

This is so true about the Makos. Bake first and go from there.

I haven't handled the EK15 (only the T100) but the Surgeon shaft is concave. I get my first try at it tonight and see what impact, if any, it has on the way I handle the shaft.

Interesting color scheme. I like the blue but maybe with gray? Either way, I'm intrigued.

Impressive. The should increase their market share by going 'all black.'

Ah. That's not right haha.

Interesting. I guess Mako II would have address that issue? I haven't had the 'pleasure' of deal with Mako bumps so I'd be interested to see how the Mako II's do when they are released for retail sales.

I meant 'I would NOT be opposed' but I agree. I know the Pens were removing themselves from years of misery but I wasn't impressed with what he did during his tenure.

Add Ms. Knight to that list.

You can throw Eddie O in the mix as well. All three of them could be replaced and I would be opposed. Apparently, Eddie wants to get back into coaching. You think some organization(s) will give him a look?

*Slow golf clap* Well played sir. Well played.