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Introducing the Raven Ninja III Hockey Stick!
New for April 2018, the Ninja Gen3, has a new look and enhanced features for players under 120 pounds. Here are some of the highlights:
- World’s Lightest Junior Stick- Built with 25x BLACKMOND ultra lightweight and thin performance carbon, the Ninja III from Raven is far lighter than anything on the market today.
- Same Pro Feel- Despite the new carbon, Raven has kept the same hand-built, mid-kick response.
- Blade Stiffness- The new 25x BLACKMOND carbon pattern delivers more power transfer and velocity to the puck with less vibration and twisting. This creates less blade “opening” during the shot, which helps deliver more powerful and accurate shots.
Ninja III 20 flex= 250 grams
Ninja III 30 flex= 270 grams
Ninja III 40 flex= 290 grams
Ninja III 50 flex= 310 grams
CCM Premier II Pro Goalie Gear Arrives April 2018!
The latest edition of the ultra-popular CCM Premier goalie gear, the Premier II Pro, arrives in late April. This is the lightest, most innovative version of the Premier series ever. Here are a few of the features:
Premier II Pro Leg Pads
Litecore Technology- 20% lighter core than the original Premier with structural integrity to help the pad seal to the ice.
Max Rebound Technology– Directional energy transfer foam offers powerful rebound control, eliminating the second shot.
Quick Motion Strap System– Responsive system for faster drop velocity and butterfly recovery.
Premier II Pro Catch Glove
Double T Pocket– Increased visibility in the pocket.
D30 Technology– Increased protection and shock absorption.
Adjustable Hand Strap– Improved fit for optimized snap.
Premier II Pro Blocker
Redesigned Inside Thumb Protector– Lightweight and optimized weight balance.
D30 Technology– Impact protection when the puck rolls up on the paddle.
Anatomical Cuff– Increased wrist mobility for playing the puck.
Pre-Order Now: Premier II Pro gear will be available to purchase on April 29, 2018!
New to 2018: The CCM Super Tacks AS1 Hockey Skates
The CCM Super Tacks was the first skate in 2016 to introduce the one-piece benefit to the hockey world. Building upon that design for 2018, is the new CCM Super Tacks AS1 skate. Featuring the engineered and patented Monoframe 360 technology, the Super Tacks AS1 pushed the limits further than ever before! Here are some of the key features-
One Piece Benefit– A newly designed fully anatomical shape that molds to every inch of the player’s foot and helps provide more foot-to-skate contact
Carbon Composite Frame– A one of a kind carbon composite material that helps players generate extreme power in their skating stride
SpeedBlade Black– A premium, oxide treated runner that helps provide advanced performance, a longer edge life, and higher resistance to corrosion
CCM Super Tacks AS1 will launch on April 27, 2018
Your Guide to the Most Popular Hockey Stick Curves
When choosing your hockey stick curve, it is important to pick a pattern that suits your style of play. There are a wide variety of options, and sometimes it may feel overwhelming when looking at all the stick manufacturers, and types of sticks, but it is not as confusing as you may think. Each hockey stick manufacturer produces the same exact curve patterns, they just give them different names based on the player that represents their company.
Here is a simple breakdown, and a look at the most popular hockey stick curves on the market today based on sales:
Bauer P92 (Ovechkin), CCM P29 (Crosby), Warrior W03 (Backstrom), TRUE TC2, STX X92
- Most popular curve in the US, Canada & Europe
- Used in 95% of European Pro Leagues according to Bauer
- Mid-Toe Curve
- Open Face/Toe
- Ideal for toe drags/controlling puck when stick-handling
- Perfect for elevating the puck on quick wristers or snapshots
- A shooter’s curve
Bauer P88 (Kane), CCM P40 (MacKinnon), Warrior W88 (Zetterberg), TRUE MC, STX X88
- Second most popular curve on the market today
- Standard Mid-Curve
- Slightly open face
- Ideal for stick-handling/puck possession
- Perfect for puck control and accurate shooting
- A playmaker’s curve
Bauer P28 (Eichel), CCM P28 (McDavid), Warrior W28 (Gallagher), TRUE TC4, STX X28
- Quickly rising in popularity at all levels, including the NHL
- Mid-Toe Curve
- Open toe with a large hook
- Makes toe drags easy
- The ultimate shooter’s curve- easy to elevate the puck and pick corners, but can make stick-handling more difficult for beginners
- Ideal for a skilled goal-scorer
In today’s hockey market, 9 out of 10 players will choose one of these 3 curves, which has led to a shift within production for hockey manufacturers. Most, if not all companies have begun to reduce the amount of stick patterns available for the consumer. For this reason, you may find it difficult to find a unique stick pattern, that you may have once used.
The Best Value Hockey Sticks of 2018
With so many hockey sticks to choose from, and prices topping out at $300+, it is important to find the best value when shopping for a hockey stick. Here is a list of the top 5 sticks for 2018 based on the best bang for your buck:
1. The Warrior Alpha QX Pro Hockey Stick- $199.99
The Warrior Alpha QX Pro may be the best value in a performance level, quick release composite stick that we’ve seen. The QX Pro delivers at about 2/3 the price of most pro sticks– and contains most, if not all the benefits of a high-end hockey stick. The QX Pro is essentially a “team stick” that is used at the collegiate/junior/European professional league level, and is now being offered to consumers that are looking for a high-end stick at an affordable price.
2. The CCM Ribcor Pro PMT Hockey Stick- $149.99
Combined with its low kick point, optimized flex ratio, and PopMatrix technology, the Ribcor Trigger Pro PMT delivers excellent feel and a quick release in all situations of the game. One of the better value sticks on the market with high-end technology at an affordable price point. You will be surprised how light this stick is at a $150 price point. It has the weight and feel of a top-end hockey stick.
3. The True T-Pro Hockey Stick- $149.99
The True T-Pro “pro stock” may be one of the best stick bargains on the market today. This performance stick is used in professional leagues across Europe, and has an excellent overall value. Similar to the Warrior QX Pro, this is a can’t miss deal. A unique opportunity for a consumer to buy an affordable “team stick” used by professional hockey players overseas.
4. The STX Stallion HPR Hockey Stick- $249.99
The STX Stallion HPR has a lighter blade, which allows the ability to redistribute the weight up the shaft, providing you with a higher balance point for a lighter feeling stick, without compromising durability. This stick is extremely light at 420 grams, but is designed to be more durable than your average high-end stick. At around $50 cheaper than your average top of the line stick, this stick is an excellent value.
5. The Bauer Supreme Comp Hockey Stick- $119.99
The Bauer Supreme Comp has the same kick-point and feel of the Bauer Supreme 1S. The kick-point is located higher on the stick, which makes it ideal for powerful slap-shots and snap-shots. At 475 grams, the Comp has a similar weight to high-end Bauer sticks such as the X900, S190 at a more affordable price.
Order Your Custom CCM Premier II Goalie Gear Now!
If you’ve been waiting in anticipation to order your CCM Premier II custom setup, fear not, the wait is over! The CCM Premier II customizer is online now! This will allow you you design your own custom set up. When you’re ready to order, just select Sports Etc as your store and we’ll get the wheels rolling on your new gear!
CCM Premier II Customizer
CCM Premier II Goalie Gear
2018 Staff Hockey Stick Recommendations For Tourney Time
There is no more important time of year for a hockey player than tournament time! Tournament time is the culmination of the season. It also tends to be the time of the year when your stick has seen better days after numerous slappers, blocks and slashes. Fear not, this is a great time to consider a new stick and we have a few recommendations to narrow down the choices.
Bauer Supreme 1S– This premium, pro level stick is the latest version of the Bauer Supreme line. Like all Supreme sticks it features a higher kick point and shorter taper, which Bauer calls the MPK (Maximum Power Kick). This, along with the new Renew Core Technology in the blade (for a longer lasting blade) make this an ideal stick choice.
Warrior QX Pro– A staff favorite for overall performance-to-value in a pro stick. This is the same stick used by junior hockey and college hockey teams. They are exceptionally lightweight and durable, and are offered in an extra tall. The QX line offers a “natural flex” coupled with the Dagger Taper and Minimus Carbon for a versatile, high performance experience. Compare this stick to sticks that cost $80-$100 more and you’ll have a new favorite too!
True T-Pro– True has been making composite hockey sticks for other hockey companies for years. As one of the leading manufacturers of graphite/composite golf clubs in the world, they pack decades of experience into their hockey sticks. The T-Pro is the exact same stick that True makes for college and junior teams so they pack a ton of performance into a very reasonably priced package.
Bauer Vapor X-Shift– This exclusive model offers a ton of performance for under $200. Featuring a carbon constructed shaft- there is no fiberglass as in similarly priced models- and an upgraded 12K carbon blade, this stick is a nasty piece of work for sure!
Tourney Time Checklist 2018
It’s tourney time! End of season tournaments are, without a doubt, the most exciting time of the season. It is also the most critical time as the games mean more and the competition is even greater. For these reasons it’s worth taking the time to take a few precautions with your most important gear!
Helmet– Check to make sure all your screws, snaps and straps are secure and in place. Most skate shops can help get your helmet in working order in no time. Consider buying an extra chin strap as tourney time tends to be the one time refs check on these things. Having an extra mouthpiece is also strongly recommended.
Skates– Make sure your skates are sharpened. No matter when the last time you got them sharpened was, this is the time of year to have them done before each game. Losing an edge can happen at any point so don’t take any chances! Have your blade height checked by an expert. If they are getting low on steel, get them replaced. If you have Bauer skates with the LS2 Edge holders (trigger) investing in a backup set of blades and having them sharpened and ready to go is a very worthwhile purchase. We recommend Tydan Performance Blades.
Sticks- Obviously, the importance of your sticks can’t be stressed enough. Check the condition of your stick. Oh, and the condition of your backup. If you’re in the market for a reliable primary or backup stick, check out some of our Staff Recommendations.
Goalies- Grab an extra set of toe laces just in case you cut or break one during the course of play. Check out all of your clips and buckles to make sure you have them all and they are all functional. Check the condition of the cage on your mask and if it’s badly dented, get it replaced. Having a backup stick is also strongly recommended. The TRUE A4.5 is one of our favorites. Like with players skates, if you have skates with Bauer Edge Vertexx (trigger) holders, we strongly recommend having a second set of runners, pre-sharpened and ready to go. Check Out Tydan Performance Blades. While you’re at it, grabbing an extra dangler would be a great idea!
Miscellaneous– Make sure you have enough hockey tape, clear tape, and hockey laces to get you through the next couple of weeks! The relatively low cost versus peace of mind makes this an essential purchase.
Introducing Tydan Performance Skate Blades
Tydan Specialty Blades Inc. was founded in 1996, specializing in the manufacturing of industrial blades. The Tydan Performance Blades Skate Shop was born in July of 2012. Shortly there after, Jim & his son Tyler began dealing with replacement blades, but were never completely satisfied with the quality or performance. They decided to take matters into their own hands and created the first prototype of Tydan Blades. 5 years later, Tydan Blades are one of the best quality, high performance replacement blades on the market.
You can find Tydan steel used by professionals, junior and minor hockey players all over the world! Tydan Performance Blades are manufactured with an extremely high quality stainless steel, which are put through an extensive heat treating & annealing process. The end result is a harder, tougher blade than anything else on the market today!
Here are some of the highlights and benefits of Tydan Performance Blades:
– Added height to blades for sharper turns & faster acceleration, better attack angles & stronger push-offs (similar to the height advantages of the Bauer LS3/LS4 steel).
– Harder steel for better edge retention & longer sharpening life.
– Tougher steel to avoid fractures & breakages.
Tydan Performance Stainless Steel Goalie Blades
Tydan Performance Stainless Steel Player Blades
Sports Etc is happy to offer Tydan Performance Blades for Bauer LS Edge (trigger) player skates and LS Vertexx (trigger) goalie skates. Player steel retails for $89.99, while the goalie steel retails $109.99.
Introducing Wall Goalie Masks!
We’re happy to announce we are now carrying Wall goalie masks!
Wall goalie masks has been hand crafting top of the line goalie masks for 15 years. Wall uses cutting edge engineering as well as traditional materials to make each one of our masks. 80% of the Finnish SM liga, 30% of the KHL, and numerous NHL draft picks are wearing Wall Masks. Each mask is handcrafted with care and precision using only the best quality materials, for top of the line durability, comfort, feel, and protection. The goal is to provide the safest most comfortable mask on the market with the utmost in quality and value!
We carry the following models-
W8
– Kevlar, Carbon Fiber and Fiberglass shell
– Rigid Hand Laid shell
– PRO level mask
– Extremely durable
– Reinforced forehead, chin and sides
– Available in Long Chin and short chin (we stock short chin)
– Superior spring steel cage (we stock non-certified “cat eye” cage)
– Plush VN Pro inner foam lining
– Engineered to minimize impact Inclusions
– Sweat band
– Ventilated Nylon carry bag
– $749.99
Wall W8
W6
– Polycarbonate Shell (used in bullet proof vests and Air force fighter jet cockpits)
– Extremely durable
– Reinforced for side impact
– Superior spring steel cage
– Plush VN Pro inner foam lining
– Engineered to minimize front impact Inclusions
– Sweat band
– Ventilated Nylon carry bag
– $599.99
Wall W6
W4
– Available in Long chin and short chin size
– Shell is ABS plastic and rubber composite
– Extremely Durable (withstood over 400 hammer blows)
– No ear ringing
– Exceptionally light
– Superior spring steel cage (we stock square certified and non-certified “cat eye”)
– Sleek design for deflecting impact
– Very comfortable and adjustable waffle foam inner lining
– Removable Velcro inner lining
– Only mask under $500.00 ever to be worn in the NHL Inclusions
– Sweat band
– Ventilated Nylon carry bag
– $399.99
Wall W4 Certified Cage
Wall W4 Cat Eye Cage
W1 Youth Mask
– Shell made of ABS and Rubber in the composite
– Extremely light
– No ear ringing!
– Adjustable 5 point skull plate
– Adjustable chin cup
– Extra ventilation holes to increase breathability and reduce weight
– Superior Spring steal cage
– Shell shape of the W6 model
– Sweatband and carrying bag included
– Extremely Durable, Shell material withstood over 400 hammer hits
– Comfortable and safe Inner liner
– $259.99
Wall W1 Youth Mask
Recent Comments
Hi Michael, You can definitely purchase all of this gear online or over the phone at 781-646-1600. We can talk you through the proper fit....
posted in Introducing the Learn-To-Play Youth Hockey Starter Package!Hi Michael, You can definitely purchase all of this gear online or over the phone at 781-646-1600. We can talk you through the proper fit....
posted in Introducing the Learn-To-Play Youth Hockey Starter Package!
I am a hockey parent in Oregon with a five-year-old girl who is starting to play this season. I can't come in for a fitting,...
posted in Introducing the Learn-To-Play Youth Hockey Starter Package!
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