The wait between hockey seasons can be rough on the most patient fans, and sheer torture for the rest of us.  There’s not much that can recreate the thrill of the ice in the off-season, and many fans and players are left in the cold during the summer months.  Street hockey provides one way to keep the game going all through the year.

Even professional hockey teams support the sport, as in the case of the Everett Silvertips-sponsored Street Hockey Tournament, which took place in Everett, Washington starting on July 17.  Despite its basic appearance, though, the game isn’t all that similar.  For example, running in tennis shoes is much different than gliding on skate.  An orange plastic ball moves much differently than a puck.  And outlawing pushing, checking, and shoving (while advisable on asphalt) still limits the professional hockey player’s moves. Read the rest of this entry »

Thousands of hockey fans will flock to Canada next year for the 2011 Heritage Classic outdoor game.  If you’re planning on being one of them, why not plan a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame while you’re there?  Apart from honoring the players and “builders” who have made the game what it is, the Hall features 15 exhibit areas, covering a total of 57,000 square feet.  Among them, you’ll find the histories of every member inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with classic trophies and equipment from the most historic games.  Of course, the Stanley Cup is always on hand too—both the modern version (sometimes replaced by a replica) and the original, which is located in a vault off of the Great Hall. Read the rest of this entry »

Like any great sport, hockey has its fair share of fine cinema representations.  Not all of them are as well known as Raging Bull or White Men Can’t Jump, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth tracking down.  Here are a few of the best titles—some of which you’ll recognize, and some of which will be new favorites.

1. Mystery, Alaska: One of the best-known hockey films, this classic from director Jay Roach (Dinner for Schmucks, Meet the Fockers) and writer David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, The Practice) focuses on a small-town team that ends up facing off against the New York Rangers.  Full of both comedy and drama, the film has a rousing end that’ll have you cheering.
2. The Rocket: The Rocket is a recent addition to the hockey film category, but considering it won 9 awards at the 2007 Genie Awards ceremony, the film has proved its staying power.  The story is a historically-accurate representation of the life of player Maurice Richard, one of the most recognized players of all time. Read the rest of this entry »

When it comes to hockey, it’s important to have the right equipment to fully enjoy the game.  After all, your entertainment will be severely hampered if you end up on your way to the emergency room.  But hockey equipment isn’t just about protection.  The right skates and stick can make all the difference in an otherwise closely-matched game, and there are a number of online vendors that can give you the edge you need.  All prices below are current as of August 19.

HockeyMonkey offers some great deals on protective equipment for men and women.  CCM Pro Tacks Gloves, which have a wide cuff to allow mobility and a special thumb to prevent hyperextension, are on clearance for only $69.98.  The gloves normally retail for $139.99.  The Nike Bauer 9500 Hockey Helmet, a highly-trusted (and highly expensive) model, usually costs $229.99, but you can get it on clearance for $89.98. Read the rest of this entry »

On February 20, 2011, hockey fans will be treated to a rare event: the second Heritage Classic outdoor game.  Only once before has this event been attempted, in the 2003 Edmonton Heritage Classic.  Next year’s game will be held in Calgary and matches up the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames.  Both teams have shown their excitement since the official announcement on Wednesday, August 4.  Calgary Flame Steve Staios is happy to be paying tribute to the old-time hockey players who came before—most notably the Calgary Tigers of the 1920s, whose colors and design are emulated in the Flames’ special event uniforms.  The Canadiens, who were founded in 1909 and defeated the Tigers at the 1924 Stanley Cup, will be wearing a classic version of their own uniform.

If you’re not a regular hockey fan, you may not realize just how big this event is. Read the rest of this entry »