Not pictured: mental stability, dignity
The NHL playoffs can be a stressful and scary time. The nature of hockey allows things to change in an instant. Change is scary. Then there’s the unpredictability of the NHL playoffs (see: Kings, Los Angeles). The unknown is scary. Then you have overtime which is literally called “sudden death” which, I mean, come on.
If the above image looks like an ad for Easton, it’s because, well, I also work for Easton, so it is. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the process of getting yourself that (non-brand specific but obviously Easton I mean right?) perfectly custom stick that’ll best allow you to bury pucks at every opportunity.
Below are some of the things you need to pay attention to. Keep in mind that your average sports shop may not be up on all the exact ins and outs of the stick they’re trying to sell you, so a little self education goes a long way.
With many hardcore NHL fans now migrating to smaller venues to take in their hockey, there has been a predictable need to adjust yourself to the atmosphere of a small rink. Gone are the days of losing your voice in the gargantuan multi-purpose arena. In are the days of booming your cheers in the little barns sprinkled across the continent.
If we’re doing a face value appraisal of what it’s like to lend your voice to an NHL game, the fact of the matter is that unless you’re sitting next to a bench — or you’re watching a game at the Air Canada Centre, where a conversation in the men’s room echoes throughout the building (zing) — players aren’t going to hear you.
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I have some bad news.
It appears that we, as a community — hockey fans — have made ourselves considerably more vulnerable to impostors than other sporting fanbases. As somebody who is a willing interloper between these circles, I can certainly attest to this as an undeniable truth.
What is an impostor, strictly speaking? Somebody who plays the role of something which they are not in reality, most likely for some sort of gain.
What is an impostor, under my definition, and in this context? Somebody who invents rubbish about the game of hockey or its constituents for some sort of personal gain. The gain in question could be monetary, social — if we can call Twitter followers that — or just kicks at-large. Ever been duped on a fake trade rumor? This post, my friend, is for you.
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Any who know me can attest to the fact that I’m a sports merchandise fanatic. My taste, however, is geared towards unique rather than chic. As such, I possess many sporting items which elicit a “what the hell is that you’re wearing” over the “sick jerz brooooo” you often hear while watching a sporting event at a pub.
I’m here to help you accomplish the same.
The following guide will help you not only find a timeless, legendary hockey jersey you will want to frequent your body with, it will help you find a jersey that speaks to who you are deep, deep down in your soul and shout it out to the world.
Come with me on this journey of self-discovery and collectable nerdery. Read the rest of this entry »
Joel Quenneville has clearly come to grips with the fact that there may not be a 2012-13 NHL season and it’s time for you to realize this as well. Acceptance is the first step to bring you towards maturity and mastery. This is where I come in because clearly you need your hand held through this process. Wimp.
The following guide will not only give your life meaning, the strength to bench press 230 pounds and a Buffalo Wing craving, it will give you insight on who you ought to be supporting during this NHL-free year.
There’s a world of hockey out there, it’s time to open your mind(s). Let’s begin.
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Jo Innes, Ryan Lambert, Daniel Wagner, Cam Charron, Ellen Etchingham, Jake Goldsbie, Darren Kritzer
