The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.

Fully Loaded, Spring 2010

The Hockey News - Fully Loaded 2010

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-01404/9476826-1-eng-US/f0048-012.jpg" title="f0048-01" width="668" height="585"></div><h2><b>SKATES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Supreme TotalOne (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>&ldquo;We recommend our skates based on fit first,&rdquo; said Bauer&rsquo;s Keith Duffy, whose company owns a dominant market share in skates among both pro and retail customers. &ldquo;After that, it&rsquo;s skating style. Supreme is built for power and Vapor is built for agility.&rdquo; At the top of Bauer&rsquo;s Supreme line in 2010 is a new TotalOne model. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s has everything you&rsquo;d talk about when building a skate for power,&rdquo; Duffy added. &ldquo;But at 695 grams, it&rsquo;s one of the lightest high-end skates.&rdquo; You&rsquo;ll pay a high-end price, but get a flagship skate with an anatomical fit, Alive Composite upper and insole, and a new Tuuk Fusion runner.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Supreme One80</i></b></h4><p>The Supreme One80 looks like the TotalOne and has many of its characteristics, but costs a lot less. &ldquo;This is the skate I&rsquo;d recommend to the serious player who wants a similar fit to the TotalOne,&rdquo; Duffy said. The One80 includes a 3D Anaformable mesh upper, hydrophobic lining, full composite outsole and Tuuk Lightspeed 2 holder and blade.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0048-02257/9476819-1-eng-US/f0048-022.jpg" title="f0048-02" width="1213" height="1950"></div><h2><b>PANTS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Supreme One95 (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>You need to be able to absorb whacks, but also to motor, twist and turn. Bauer claims its Supreme One95 combines mobility and protection; the pant also has sharp tailoring with a trim waist and wider-fitting three-layer split thigh guards. Key mobility and comfort features: Segmented hip flex zones and kidney pads, stretch gussets with zippers in the legs, plus ample ventilation. Key protective features: Max-Sorb spine protection, high-density foam padding and 800 denier nylon skin for abrasion resistance.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 7K</i></b></h4><p>According to Crelinsten, Reebok &ldquo;did a lot of testing of material and actually over-speced our mid-priced pant. It&rsquo;s made from extremely abrasion-resistant materials.&rdquo; Like the high-end 11K, the 7K has JDP hip and thigh caps to disperse energy, and a molded spinal protector.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-01370/9476812-1-eng-US/f0049-012.jpg" title="f0049-01" width="1877" height="1534"></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0049-02273/9476805-1-eng-US/f0049-022.jpg" title="f0049-02" width="690" height="1424"></div><h2><b>STICK</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Synergy SE16</i></b></h4><p>Easton remains No. 1 in sticks and it claims its Synergy SE16 offers unmatched feel and puck control. &ldquo;When you live in the crease, you need a stick with great balance for a fast reaction on rebounds and accuracy on your tips,&rdquo; said Easton&rsquo;s Mike Mountain. &ldquo;The SE16 has Focus Weight Technology in the shaft that gives you a blade-light balance. The Kevlar-wrapped shaft will take a beating so you can fight off the &lsquo;D&rsquo; for the puck and still deliver a quick shot.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Warrior Dolomite Double D (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>The Dolomite, despite an attractive price, has been Warrior&rsquo;s top stick in the NHL. (This year, there&rsquo;s also a new, higher-level Dolomite Spyne). The 440-gram Dolomite has a Carbon Elite construction and Double D blade that blends shot velocity, durability and a soft feel.</p><h2><b>SHOULDER PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>CCM U+ Pro Ovechkin Limited Edition (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>The power forward has to look the part &ndash; and be able to plow through traffic and cut to the net like, say, Alex Ovechkin. Reebok is the leader in under-protection and has a go-to 10K KFS shoulder pad. But its sister brand, CCM, offers a limited edition Ovechkin shoulder pad that Gibson says &ldquo;is the &lsquo;tank&rsquo; in our line and his actual shoulder pad.&rdquo; It combines a close fit, mobility and protection with a low-profile cap system and a unique stretch zone construction.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 6K KFS or Bauer Supreme One55</i></b></h4><p>This is a &lsquo;Can&rsquo;t-go-wrong-with-either/depends-which-fits-you-better&rsquo; call. The tailoring and designs of the Reebok 6K and Bauer Supreme One55 are different. Davidson said the One55 is built on the same platform as the high-end One95. Crelinsten said the 6K combines &ldquo;a low shoulder caps look with more of a full protection, full coverage story.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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DEPARTMENTS

CREASE-CRASHING POWER FORWARD

<div class="byline">&#x2013; RYAN KENNEDY</div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>Y</span>OU NEVER TRULY</b> need an excuse to go to Las Vegas, but the 2010 Let&rsquo;s Play Hockey show was a pretty good reason to head west in the middle of winter nonetheless.</p><p>Hosted by the MGM Grand casino and hotel, the show attracted companies and buyers from across North America and the world, as the industry convened on the latest in equipment, apparel and innovations.</p><p>If one particular branch of the hockey world stood out, it was the emerging boutique companies &ndash; newer start-ups ready to make a name for themselves amongst big boys such as Bauer, Reebok-CCM and Easton.</p><p>For years now, consolidation has been the name of the game in hockey, but with economic factors leveling the playing field a bit, some new companies are ready to make a splash.</p><p>&ldquo;People are accepting new brands, which is great for us,&rdquo; said Jeff Corey, hockey brand manager of Harrow Sports. &ldquo;Every year you see new companies pop up, then a couple years later the ones you thought would be there, aren&rsquo;t.&rdquo;</p><p>Harrow Sports comes from a squash background, but also owned the Christian Hockey brand. With a wide line of sticks, plus gloves, pants and apparel, the Denver-based company has its first NHL player signed up in Tampa Bay enforcer Zenon Konopka.</p><p>Brooklynite Hockey is based in Staten Island, N.Y. and came to showcase its gloves and sticks. The company has been in the game for four years and already counts Tampa Bay goalie Antero Niittymaki and Philly&rsquo;s Kimmo Timonen as part of its team.</p><p>&ldquo;They&rsquo;re the face of hockey,&rdquo; said Brooklynite vice-president Marco Taffo. &ldquo;These are the kids&rsquo; heroes and these are the people who use the product to make a living.&rdquo;</p><p>Being from NYC, Brooklynite has concentrated on the Northeast, but also has made hay in Finland. Nevertheless, the company keeps a Gotham state of mind.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-012137/9475746-1-eng-US/f0005-012.jpg" title="f0005-01" width="666" height="508"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-021557/9475739-1-eng-US/f0005-022.jpg" title="f0005-02" width="666" height="508"></div><p>&ldquo;The entire theory of the company is predicated on our roots,&rdquo; Taffo noted. &ldquo;Born and raised&hellip;&rdquo;</p><p>BattleAxe Hockey made a splash in Vegas by hosting the convention&rsquo;s opening party and came armed with sticks, gloves and bags. The Syracuse, N.Y., area company has been in the game for almost four years and is looking to expand into protective gear in the near future.</p><p>&ldquo;Everything we do,&rdquo; noted BattleAxe&rsquo;s Lance Perschau, &ldquo;we take our time.&rdquo;</p><p>Safety was also a key to the show.</p><p>Already well known in hockey circles is the Mark Messier-endorsed M11 Cascade helmet. Concussions are the issue and, as Mark&rsquo;s sister Mary-Kay notes, education is a huge factor in convincing players how to properly protect themselves. Pros are notoriously fickle when it comes to innovations and convincing them to wear a helmet that protects them more is an uphill battle on several fronts.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-031013/9475732-1-eng-US/f0005-032.jpg" title="f0005-03" width="666" height="508"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0005-04622/9475725-1-eng-US/f0005-042.jpg" title="f0005-04" width="665" height="508"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>The hot gear was everywhere at the Let&rsquo;s Play Hockey Show in Las Vegas.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(ALL: RYAN KENNEDY/THN)</span></figcaption></div><p>&ldquo;The early feedback was that it looked different,&rdquo; said Mary-Kay Messier, VP of business development for Cascade. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a perception we&rsquo;re battling &ndash; players draw a link between protection and size and weight.&rdquo;</p><p>And though the helmet falls in the middle of industry weight classes, progress is still coming for The Messier Project. NHLers wearing it now include Ottawa defenseman Chris Phillips, Carolina defenseman Aaron Ward and, most topically, Minnesota defenseman Brent Burns, who returned from a serious concussion in 2009-10.</p><p>So in a town known for gambling, one of the more important products was all about making the safe bet when it comes to head protection.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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GEAR AND CLOTHING IN LAS VEGAS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-1623/9475975-1-eng-US/f0008-162.jpg" title="f0008-16" width="585" height="690"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>JACK CAMPBELL</b> <span class="photo-credit">(CAMPBELL: RICHARD WOLOWICZ/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>E</span>XCITING NEWS</b> from the world of video games, as EA Sports will be including major junior teams in the next edition of its NHL series. Not unexpectedly, the kids who play in the CHL are pretty stoked. Goalie Jack Campbell will join his buddies Cam Fowler and Kenny Ryan with the Memorial Cup champion Windsor Spitfires next season and wouldn&rsquo;t mind skating outside the crease in NHL 11. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d definitely play as Cam or Kenny,&rdquo; he said.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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GETTING MAJOR IN GAMING

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0014-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-012169/9476165-1-eng-US/f0014-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JONATHAN DANIEL/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0014-021628/9476158-1-eng-US/f0014-022.jpg" title="f0014-02" width="172" height="172"></div><p><b>ESCAPE</b></p><p>Finland. Preferably a lakeside cottage with a sauna.</p><p><b>RIDE</b></p><p>Toyota Highlander</p><p><b>HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT</b></p><p>iPhone</p><p><b>QUENCHER</b></p><p>CherryPharm Natural Recovery</p><p><b>PERSONAL STYLE</b></p><p>&ldquo;Just really easy-going and simple. Maybe jeans, a T-shirt and skateboarding shoes.&rdquo;</p><p><b>ARMOR</b></p><p>Pads: TPS Response</p><p>Catcher/Blocker: TPS R8 Legal<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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Antti Niemi

<div class="byline">WITH RYAN KENNEDY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0004-012161/9475670-1-eng-US/f0004-012.jpg" title="f0004-01" width="245" height="344"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>I</span>F WE LEARNED ANYTHING</b> this season, it&rsquo;s that fame is fleeting. It can also come very fast for an NHLer, especially if that player is wearing goalie pads and a painted mask.</p><p>The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs provided the perfect backdrop for this. In Montreal, there was a new translation for the word &lsquo;Stop,&rsquo; and ironically it had a Slovakian origin: Halak. Los Angeles rode the efforts of Jonathan Quick to its first post-season berth since before the lockout and the youngster even got a ticket to the Vancouver Olympics as Team USA&rsquo;s backup backup.</p><p>The starter of that American squad was Ryan Miller, whose performance in Vancouver was grand, but Miller couldn&rsquo;t keep up with a Finnish kid named Tuukka Rask when the Bruins snuffed out the Sabres in the first round of the playoffs just months later. Similarly, all three Canadian goaltenders from Vancouver &ndash; Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo and Marc-Andre Fleury &ndash; saw their seasons end prematurely at the hands of underdogs Brian Boucher, Antti Niemi and Halak, respectively.</p><p>Elsewhere this year, the Kontinental League once again intrigued North Americans with its ability to coax talent overseas and create controversies aplenty when it came to Russian prospects who were considering a jaunt to North America. The KHL is still finding itself and while some teams won&rsquo;t be playing next season, new ones are there to take their place.</p><p>These are the kinds of trends we like to follow with our Fully Loaded magazine. In this second edition, you&rsquo;ll once again find all the best in hockey with a slant on the cutting edge and the fashionable.</p><p>Veering from THN tradition, we staged a fashion shoot featuring real honest-to-goodness models wearing some of the coolest looks from and influenced by Russian hockey. And for those who like to play rough, we had Raitis Ivanans of the Kings and Colton Orr of the Maple Leafs play models for the day (it&rsquo;s a lot easier on their knuckles).</p><p>As for those goalies, we tried to get inside their heads and their closets with a personal style feature. And since those guys are so good at sending other players golfing for the summer, we thought we&rsquo;d turn our attention to the links with Columbus Blue Jackets captain and Canadian gold medallist Rick Nash, who is almost as good with a club as he is with a stick.</p><p>And, as in the premier issue, we bring to you all the gear that&rsquo;s fit to print. But alongside equipment this time, we&rsquo;ve also expanded to some of the essentials of any sports fan&rsquo;s existence. That is, of course, the toys that make fandom so fun, such as TVs and the art of grilling. The summer is for recharging, but at Fully Loaded, we&rsquo;re just getting started.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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IN THIS ISSUE

YOUR NEW HEROES

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JAMIE ROSS</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0006-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-012388/9475791-1-eng-US/f0006-012.jpg"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>H</span>IGH DEFINITION</b> televisions are giving hockey fans something to cheer about. Watching the game in HD brings the action to life by delivering a smoother image that allows viewers to better follow the fast-paced play as the puck zips by on screen.</p><h2><b>SONY NX SERIES TELEVISION</b></h2><p>Available in 46, 52 and 60 inches, the NX series television features motion flow technology, which improves the clarity of fast-moving events on screen and reduces motion blur.</p><p>Models: 60&rsquo;&rsquo; KDL60NX800; 52&rdquo; KDL52NX800; 46&rsquo;&rsquo; KDL46NX800 &ndash; starting at $2,599.99</p><h2><b>SUNBRITETV ALL-WEATHER LCD TV</b></h2><p>That&rsquo;s right, you can enjoy the game outside in the sun. SunBriteTV offers an all-weather LCD television that can withstand temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius and as low as minus-4 degrees Celsius.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-03956/9475784-1-eng-US/f0006-032.jpg" title="f0006-03" width="999" height="814"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0006-021616/9475777-1-eng-US/f0006-022.jpg" title="f0006-02" width="971" height="970"></div><h2><b>LG INFINIA SERIES</b></h2><p>LG calls its new INFINIA series the &lsquo;Best Way to Watch the Game.&rsquo; The 60&rdquo; model offers full HD 1080p resolution on a screen so slim it&rsquo;s less than one inch thick. It also carries a 600Hz refresh rate that virtually eliminates motion blur.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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TV-LAND GOES SPACE AGED

<p class="dropcap"><b><span>H</span>OCKEY PLAYERS</b> have a lot of downtime, despite their 82-game schedule. Whether it&rsquo;s movies on their laptops while playing on the road or music to pump them up (or calm them down), it&rsquo;s important to have good flicks and good tunes.</p><p>Here&rsquo;s what the boys have been downloading from iTunes or buying in stores lately.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-012279/9475913-1-eng-US/f0008-012.jpg" title="f0008-01" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>HENRIK ZETTERBERG</b></p><p><i>The Godfather trilogy DVD</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-021734/9475906-1-eng-US/f0008-022.jpg" title="f0008-02" width="220" height="302"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-031221/9475899-1-eng-US/f0008-032.jpg" title="f0008-03" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>ROBERTO LUONGO</b></p><p><i>John Mayer &lsquo;Battle Studies&rsquo;</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-04683/9475892-1-eng-US/f0008-042.jpg" title="f0008-04" width="214" height="213"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-05482/9475885-1-eng-US/f0008-052.jpg" title="f0008-05" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>RYAN KESLER</b></p><p><i>Law Abiding Citizen DVD</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-06361/9475878-1-eng-US/f0008-062.jpg" title="f0008-06" width="198" height="293"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-07267/9475871-1-eng-US/f0008-072.jpg" title="f0008-07" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>DUSTIN BROWN</b></p><p><i>Dave Matthews Band &lsquo;Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King&rsquo;</i></p></figcaption></div><blockquote class="pullQuote">&ldquo;I&rsquo;VE LIKED THEM SINCE I WAS 13 OR 14 YEARS OLD. I&rsquo;VE ALWAYS LISTENED TO THEM.&rdquo;</blockquote><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-08216/9475864-1-eng-US/f0008-082.jpg" title="f0008-08" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>ERIC STAAL</b></p><p><i>The Hangover DVD</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-09176/9475857-1-eng-US/f0008-092.jpg" title="f0008-09" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>TYLER MYERS</b></p><p><i>The Hangover DVD</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-10148/9475850-1-eng-US/f0008-102.jpg" title="f0008-10" width="444" height="519"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-11133/9475843-1-eng-US/f0008-112.jpg" title="f0008-11" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>CAM WARD</b></p><p><i>Black Eyed Peas &lsquo;I&rsquo;ve Got a Feeling&rsquo;</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-12107/9475836-1-eng-US/f0008-122.jpg" title="f0008-12" width="213" height="213"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-1392/9475829-1-eng-US/f0008-132.jpg" title="f0008-13" width="278" height="417"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>JAROME IGINLA</b></p><p><i>TV shows &lsquo;Spartacus&rsquo; & &lsquo;Sons of Anarchy&rsquo;</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-1469/9475822-1-eng-US/f0008-142.jpg" title="f0008-14" width="254" height="213"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

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IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0008-1542/9475944-1-eng-US/f0008-152.jpg" title="f0008-15" width="679" height="444"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(PROTEIN: JAMIE HODGSON/THN)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>C</span>OMING OFF</b> Olympic gold, Hockey Canada&rsquo;s looking pretty good right now. So to raise money for its foundation, the organization has branded energy and protein bars made by Savvy Nutrition; a Canadian company, of course.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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POWERING UP WITH TEAM CANADA

<div class="byline">&#x2013; JOHN GRIGG</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0009-012047/9476006-1-eng-US/f0009-012.jpg" title="f0009-01" width="913" height="508"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JOHANNES SIMON/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>N</span>HL PLAYERS ARE</b> travelling men, taking their shows on the road around North America. And absolutely, it can be wearing. Some teams, however, cushion the impact, literally and figuratively. Take the San Jose Sharks. In 2009-10, they upgraded their transportation and now fly in high style.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s very, very spacious,&rdquo; said Ryan Stenn, the Sharks media relations and team services coordinator. &ldquo;It seats a total of 54, but it&rsquo;s a gigantic plane so there&rsquo;s a ton of space to walk around freely.&rdquo;</p><p>The plane is a Boeing B727-200. It reaches speeds of up to 500 miles per hour and can fly coast-to-coast without refueling, which means it gets the Sharks home from a game in Detroit in less than five hours, depending on wind currents and weather.</p><p>And in case they run into bad weather or other delays, not to worry, the Sharks also have 15 exemptions per calendar year that allow them to fly into Mineta San Jose International Airport after regular hours.</p><p>It&rsquo;s all part of the agreement the plane&rsquo;s former primary passengers &ndash; the Arena Football League&rsquo;s San Jose SaberCats &ndash; had worked out. The SaberCats were owned by Fry&rsquo;s Electronics, which owns the plane as well; the Sharks are leasing it.</p><p>Stenn described the plane&rsquo;s forward lounge as a place for teammates to gather. It includes a round table and chairs for card games and eight additional leather recliner chairs that basically turn into day beds, in case someone needs to take a load off. The rear of the plane is all first-class seating.</p><p>There are monitors throughout the entire plane that the team can watch TV, movies or game film on and a complete package of stewards and stewardesses to make sure everyone is completely comfortable.</p><p>The food on the plane is also catered and made to ensure everything offered fits in with the nutritional needs of the athletes.</p><p>&ldquo;We bring tons of food in, it&rsquo;s top-notch,&rdquo; Stenn said. &ldquo;Our strength and conditioning coach, Mike Potenza, coordinates all the meals everywhere we go.&rdquo;</p><p>The exterior of course is nothing to sneeze at. There is a big Sharks logo on the tail that lights up to let everyone know who&rsquo;s coming.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s very, very first class; very luxurious,&rdquo; Stenn said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s unlike any other plane I&rsquo;ve been on.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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SHARKS STYLING IN PIMPIN’ JET

<div class="byline">&#x2013; KYLE PALANTZAS</div><p><b>WITH LORD STANLEY</b> once again absent in Vancouver, the Canucks are back to the drawing board in anticipation for next season.</p><p>As with all athletes, topping the offseason to-do list is a healthy diet.</p><p>Blessed with the wonders of the Pacific Ocean, the Canucks may want to dine on barbecued salmon, which is high in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids; both essential to a healthy diet.</p><p>&ldquo;This is an easy, delicious and speedy summer recipe that also works well with trout,&rdquo; said Janine Bolton, dietitian for Kalev Personal Training. &ldquo;This recipe is perfect for the off-season.&rdquo;</p><h2><b><i>BBQ Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter</i></b></h2><h3><b><i>Preparation</i></b></h3><p>&bull; Saute butter and garlic in pan</p><p>&bull; Add lemon and lemon zest; remove from heat</p><p>&bull; Sprinkle salt and pepper over salmon. Brush grill with olive oil (to prevent sticking)</p><p>&bull; Place salmon on BBQ over medium heat</p><p>&bull; Brush fish with garlic lemon butter and cook for about 2 minutes</p><p>&bull; Flip fish over, brush with rest of butter and cook another 2-3 minutes</p><p>&bull; Remove from grill and serve</p><h3><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></h3><p>&bull; 10 oz. wild salmon filet<br>&bull; 2 tbsp butter<br>&bull; 1 garlic clove, minced<br>&bull; &frac12; a lemon, juiced<br>&bull; 1 tsp fresh lemon zest<br>&bull; 1 tsp olive oil<br>&bull; Salt and pepper, to taste</p><p>Serve with grilled veggies brushed with olive oil and baby potatoes or brown rice for a complete meal.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

GET YOUR GRILL ON

<div class="byline">&#x2013; RYAN KENNEDY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-012250/9476089-1-eng-US/f0010-012.jpg" title="f0010-01" width="666" height="1267"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>Patrick Kane</b></p><p><i>The baby-faced assassin flipped the script this year by focusing the party in the back and rocking a playoff mullet.</i></p></figcaption></div><p><b>PLAYOFF GROWTH</b> is not limited to how many rounds your team goes.</p><p>No, the post-season has long been accompanied by scruffy beards, some more luscious than others.</p><p>But you can&rsquo;t just grow a playoff beard these days, you have to sculpt it as well. And with so many young players dominating the league these days, growing what you got &ndash; which isn&rsquo;t always that much &ndash; has made the playoff beard tradition a lot more diverse. With that in mind, here&rsquo;s a look at some of the facial styles that caught our eye during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-021640/9476082-1-eng-US/f0010-022.jpg" title="f0010-02" width="666" height="1266"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>Claude Giroux</b></p><p><i>A red beard worthy of Denis Potvin himself; Giroux also contributed to Philly&rsquo;s fantastic run on the scoresheet.</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-031047/9476075-1-eng-US/f0010-032.jpg" title="f0010-03" width="666" height="837"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>Jonathan Toews</b></p><p><i>For the second straight post-season, Chicago&rsquo;s captain went Wolverine-style with some big mutton chops.</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-04726/9476068-1-eng-US/f0010-042.jpg" title="f0010-04" width="666" height="837"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>Maxime Talbot</b></p><p><i>What makes Talbot&rsquo;s growth so impressive is that his Penguins only lasted until the second round this season.</i></p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0010-05527/9476061-1-eng-US/f0010-052.jpg" title="f0010-05" width="661" height="838"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p><b>Kyle Wellwood</b></p><p><i>Always an original, Vancouver&rsquo;s Wellwood went chinstrap, shaving the upper lip for an Amish/Abe Lincoln tribute.</i></p> <span class="photo-credit">(ALL: GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0010-01

THE EVOLUTION OF THE BEARD

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0012-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-012197/9476127-1-eng-US/f0012-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(FRANCOIS LACASSE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0012-021723/9476120-1-eng-US/f0012-022.jpg" title="f0012-02" width="172" height="172"></div><p><b>ESCAPE</b></p><p>Anywhere with sun, beach and ocean</p><p><b>RIDE</b></p><p>Subaru Impreza</p><p><b>HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT</b></p><p>Nokia</p><p><b>QUENCHER</b></p><p>Gatorade</p><p><b>UNIFORM</b></p><p>No specific clothing line</p><p><b>WEAPONS</b></p><p>Pads: Brian&rsquo;s</p><p>Catcher/Blocker: Brian&rsquo;s<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0012-01

Jaroslav Halak

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0016-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-011938/9476203-1-eng-US/f0016-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(JIM MCISAAC/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0016-021489/9476196-1-eng-US/f0016-022.jpg" title="f0016-02" width="172" height="172"></div><p><b>ESCAPE</b></p><p>Mexico</p><p><b>RIDE</b></p><p>Porsche Cayenne</p><p><b>QUENCHER</b></p><p>Protein shakes or a ton of water</p><p><b>HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT</b></p><p>BlackBerry</p><p><b>UNIFORM</b></p><p>Hugo Boss</p><p><b>PERSONAL STYLE</b></p><p>&ldquo;I like a lot of clothes, but they have to be tight; that&rsquo;s how Europeans like it.&rdquo;</p><p><b>ARMOR</b></p><p>Pads: Vaughn</p><p>Catcher/Blocker: Vaughn<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0016-01

Tuukka Rask

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0018-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-011818/9476241-1-eng-US/f0018-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(GREGORY SHAMUS/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0018-021366/9476234-1-eng-US/f0018-022.jpg" title="f0018-02" width="172" height="172"></div><p><b>ESCAPE</b></p><p>&ldquo;Somewhere hot with a nice beach.&rdquo;</p><p><b>RIDE</b></p><p>GMC Yukon Hybrid</p><p><b>QUENCHER</b></p><p>Gatorade chocolate shake</p><p><b>HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT</b></p><p>Sprint Instinct</p><p><b>UNIFORM</b></p><p>Rock & Republic jeans</p><p><b>ARMOR</b></p><p>Pads: Reebok</p><p>Catcher/Blocker: Reebok<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0018-01

Marc-Andre Fleury

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0019-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-011612/9476279-1-eng-US/f0019-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(VICTOR DECOLONGON/GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0019-021212/9476272-1-eng-US/f0019-022.jpg" title="f0019-02" width="171" height="171"></div><p><b>ESCAPE</b></p><p>&ldquo;My bed.&rdquo;</p><p><b>QUENCHER</b></p><p>Gatorade Orange</p><p><b>MOTIVATOR</b></p><p>iPod</p><p><b>PERSONAL STYLE</b></p><p>Jeans and a T-shirt</p><p><b>L.A. HAUNT</b></p><p>Anywhere by the water</p><p><b>ARMOR</b></p><p>Pads: Vaughn</p><p>Catcher/Blocker: Vaughn<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0019-01

Jonathan Quick

<div class="byline">BY ADAM PROTEAU</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0020-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0020-011572/9476317-1-eng-US/f0020-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Prospects Kevin Hayes</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE HODGSON/THN)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>D</span>ECADES AGO</b>, dedicated hockey players used the summertime to unwind and escape from the pressures and challenges they faced on the ice. But now, if a player wants to push his game to higher thresholds, he or she needs to hold focus every day of the year.</p><p>So what should young players concentrate on in the off-season? It depends on where they are in terms of their hockey development &ndash; although there is a constant theme regardless of your ability or fitness level.</p><p>&ldquo;Now it&rsquo;s more about building speed on the ice,&rdquo; said Chris Pietrzak-Wegner, strength and conditioning coach for the NHL&rsquo;s Minnesota Wild. &ldquo;The game is so fast now, players need to maximize their skating ability and explosiveness &ndash; and good, targeted fitness training goes a long way toward accomplishing that.&rdquo;</p><p>If you&rsquo;re a player interested in losing some body fat, Pietrzak-Wegner says the formula is relatively simple.</p><p>&ldquo;For guys who want to lose some body fat, our training isn&rsquo;t all that much different,&rdquo; said the trainer, who also works alongside a number of NHL strength and conditioning coaches on the website <a href="http://hockeystrengthand-conditioning.com">hockeystrengthand-conditioning.com</a>.</p><p>&ldquo;Generally, my recommendation for losing body fat is high-intensity interval training and conditioning. So we&rsquo;ll do high intensity circuit training instead of the traditional (weight) lifting, in order to rev up the metabolism and burn more calories. And we&rsquo;ll focus on nutrition a lot as well.&rdquo;</p><p>The days of running or bicycling until you fall over are long gone, he said.</p><p>&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t do any long bike rides or runs anymore. The longest we&rsquo;ll go is 18 minutes, with the work coming in short bursts of high intensity,&rdquo; said Pietrzak-Wegner, who&rsquo;s a subscriber to the Tabata method of high-intensity interval training that increases maximum oxygen consumption.</p><p>&ldquo;One repetition would be 20 seconds of maximum effort, then 10 seconds of rest, then another repetition of 20 seconds of max effort. We may do upwards of six repetitions right in a row.&rdquo;</p><p>Players shouldn&rsquo;t focus solely on losing a particular number of pounds, either.</p><p>&ldquo;They say a pound a week is healthy for weight loss, but I don&rsquo;t get that specific in terms of a goal. If you&rsquo;re working out consistently, that&rsquo;s the key. Working out really hard one week, then going to the cabin in the summer the next week won&rsquo;t do it.&rdquo;</p><p>Pietrzak-Wegner has a word of advice for those who want to add muscle.</p><p>&ldquo;We&rsquo;re trying to create athletes not bodybuilders, so we focus on getting a kid strong,&rdquo; said the Minneapolis-based trainer. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a lot easier to get a player strong than make a player big.</p><p>&ldquo;From my standpoint, if there&rsquo;s a young guy out of junior hockey who is, say, 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, we&rsquo;d like to see him at 200 pounds, but that&rsquo;s probably going to happen over the course of three years, not a single summer.&rdquo;</p><p>Pietrzak-Wegner is especially fond of one exercise to build muscle mass.</p><p>&ldquo;Any variation of a deadlift is something that will put on muscle,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;It engages the lower body, particularly the glutes and hamstrings, which is so important in hockey. But deadlifts also engage the upper back and the core of the body, and they help with hip-hinging and hip extension, which are both things we want hockey players to work on.</p><p>&ldquo;So we&rsquo;ll do traditional deadlifts, single-leg deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts &ndash; a great variety of them. We love deadlifting.&rdquo;</p><p>Players interested in maintaining their current level of fitness need to maintain the consistency of their workouts while avoiding heavier weights and maximum repetitions.</p><p>&ldquo;For maintaining, we still stick to a basic weight training program,&rdquo; Pietrzak-Wegner continued. &ldquo;But with our veteran guys, we&rsquo;ll focus more on circuit training to keep their work-capacity high.&rdquo;</p><p>Regardless of a player&rsquo;s focus, there is a particular body area that is always worth working on.</p><p>&ldquo;Hip mobility is one of the main focuses for all players nowadays,&rdquo; Pietrzak-Wegner said. &ldquo;You see so many problems with hips and groins and sports hernias lately. Even with young kids, we&rsquo;ll see those problems now, because kids are so specialized and play hockey constantly from a very young age.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0021-011272/9476310-1-eng-US/f0021-012.jpg" title="f0021-01" width="1163" height="1092"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Brock Beukeboom display their fitness at the NHL draft combine.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE HODGSON/THN)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0020-01

TARGET TRAINING

<div class="byline">BY RYAN DIXON</div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>C</span>HEATING IS NOT</b> something that will help a person achieve consistently good results, but most athletes learned long ago there is usually a subtle way to shade the rules for your own benefit.</p><p>When it comes to training, there&rsquo;s no way around the hard reality that diet is an essential element in producing positive results. There&rsquo;s also no denying the fact it&rsquo;s awful hard to keep teenagers &ndash; no matter how committed they are to a training regimen &ndash; out of fast food restaurants completely.</p><p>Los Angeles-based Dr. Chad Moreau is the president of <a href="http://hockeyot.com">hockeyot.com</a>, a hockey-specific off-ice training site. He knows even the most dedicated young hockey players will still sometimes find themselves in places where the food isn&rsquo;t exactly conducive to high-level training. When those instances arise, it&rsquo;s almost like trying to defend a superstar player; you can&rsquo;t hope to completely stop the damage, so you&rsquo;re really just trying to minimize it.</p><p>&ldquo;Fast food places are the most difficult places we&rsquo;ll find kids eating at,&rdquo; Moreau said. &ldquo;So what we&rsquo;ll say is, if you&rsquo;re going to Taco Bell, don&rsquo;t do (the food) with meat and cheese and sour cream all over it, we&rsquo;ll tell them just to do the bean and rice burrito &ndash; hold off on all the saturated fats.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-021076/9476376-1-eng-US/f0022-022.jpg" title="f0022-02" width="330" height="484"></div><blockquote class="pullQuote">&ldquo;I really like chicken fingers and french fries. What&rsquo;s not to like about fried food?&rdquo;<br>&ndash; Dan Carcillo</blockquote><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-011459/9476369-1-eng-US/f0022-012.jpg" title="f0022-01" width="1015" height="711"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>The call of fast-food joints doesn&rsquo;t have to be completely ignored, but athletes need to be smart with their order.</b></figcaption></div><p>&ldquo;Go to Taco Bell with your friends so you get to have a good time, but have beans, rice and a little bit of chicken &ndash; especially if it&rsquo;s grilled. That way they still get to do fast food, but they don&rsquo;t do ridiculous fast food, like the classic burger-and-fries fast food lunch or dinner.&rdquo;</p><p>The urge to indulge in something that is bad for us, but tastes oh-so-good going down is one everybody can relate to. By the same token, if you&rsquo;ve just put in two hours at the gym, why undo that hard work by feeding your body junk? Moreau, who was a fitness and nutrition consultant for the Edmonton Oilers from 2005-09, said the spectrum of goodies that can occasionally be consumed is actually very wide, but there is one ironclad rule you really want to adhere to.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-03803/9476362-1-eng-US/f0022-032.jpg" title="f0022-03" width="246" height="350"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-04593/9476355-1-eng-US/f0022-042.jpg" title="f0022-04" width="426" height="219"></div><p>&ldquo;Anything fried is bad news,&rdquo; said Moreau, whose brother, Ethan, is a longtime NHLer. &ldquo;Within reason, you can eat anything you want. But if it&rsquo;s fried, don&rsquo;t eat it.&rdquo;</p><p>As for the best of the bad choices, Moreau offered a few suggestions. Because they are so convenient, many athletes will unwrap a protein bar following a workout. While they many not be as healthy as some believe, Moreau said they&rsquo;re still a much better stand-in for hitting the drive through on the way home.</p><blockquote class="pullQuote">&ldquo;Ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. I gotta have it. And it&rsquo;s not a little bit &ndash; it&rsquo;s a lot of scoops.&rdquo;<br>&ndash; Ryan O&rsquo;Reilly</blockquote><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0022-05452/9476348-1-eng-US/f0022-052.jpg" title="f0022-05" width="330" height="483"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(ALL: GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>&ldquo;In theory, they are junk food because they do have sugar in them,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;But I&rsquo;d rather have them eat a meal-replacement bar or protein bar of their choice rather than fast food.&rdquo;</p><p>For younger athletes, one of the best &ldquo;cheater&rdquo; meals is also one of the easiest to make and most common you&rsquo;ll find. As long as there have been brown-bag lunches, kids have been scarfing down peanut butter and jam sandwiches. The DNA of such a snack isn&rsquo;t perfect, but it&rsquo;s still preferable to other less-healthy options.</p><p>&ldquo;Bread is carbs, even though it&rsquo;s refined, peanut butter is little protein and some fat and jam is sugar,&rdquo; Moreau said.</p><p>This particular meal might not be ideal for adults when their metabolism starts to slow down, but for younger hockey players whose bodies break things down much quicker, it remains a reasonable, fast thing to reach for.</p><p>&ldquo;If we&rsquo;re talking about athletes who are burning a lot of calories,&rdquo; Moreau offered, &ldquo;they can get away with the classic peanut butter and jam sandwich and it doesn&rsquo;t kill them because they&rsquo;re going to burn those calories fast.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0022-02

KEEPIN’ IT TASTY

<h2><b>BURGER CHAINS</b></h2><p>Hamburger with cheese + fries + soda</p><p>Grilled chicken sandwich + green salad + water</p><h2><b>FRIED CHICKEN CHAINS</b></h2><p>Fried chicken + Caesar salad + soda</p><p>Skinless chicken breast + green salad + water</p><h2><b>TACO CHAINS</b></h2><p>Crispy shell chicken taco + refried beans + black soda</p><p>Grilled chicken soft taco + beans + water</p><h2><b>SUB SANDWICH CHAINS</b></h2><p>Foot-long meatball sub with cheese + soda</p><p>Six-inch sub with chicken breast or veggies and mustard + water</p><h2><b>ASIAN FOOD</b></h2><p>Sweet and sour pork + fried rice + soda</p><p>Chop suey + brown rice + water</p><h2><b>ITALIAN FOOD</b></h2><p>Thick-crust meat topping pizza with cheese + garlic bread + water</p><p>Thin-crust veggie pizza without cheese + green salad + water<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

HEALTHY Alternatives

<div class="byline">PHOTOGRAPHS HARRY GILS</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0024-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0024-011404/9476459-1-eng-US/f0024-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Christian&rsquo;s shirt from the Ovechkin line, Ovechkin U+ stick by CCM.</figcaption></div><p><b>THERE HAS ALWAYS</b> been something mysterious about Russia.</p><p>Maybe it&rsquo;s all the Cold Warera movies that featured sexy spies, maybe it&rsquo;s the fact our cultures share a love of hockey and little else. Whatever the case may be, we&rsquo;re intrigued by the former Soviets.</p><p>With the Kontinental League attracting players such as Alexander Radulov and Jaromir Jagr, the NHL has taken notice of its eastern neighbors in the past two seasons, too. Now, some of the top Russian prospects are facing a choice between Stanley Cup glory and home-cooked meals in front of the fans they grew up with.</p><p>So to bridge the gap between the two worlds, we brought in some hot KHL gear as well as the finest from other streetwear lines &ndash; including a selection of swag from that ultimate Russian ambassador, Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0026-011419/9476452-1-eng-US/f0026-012.jpg" title="f0026-01" width="4133" height="2598"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>Christian&rsquo;s shirt from the Ovechkin line.</p><p>Jaz&rsquo;s dress and shoes by H&M, scarf from KHL, bracelet, stylist&rsquo;s own. Kasia&rsquo;s T-shirt by Hatric, skirt and shoes by H&M.</p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0028-011399/9476445-1-eng-US/f0028-012.jpg" title="f0028-01" width="4133" height="2598"><figcaption class="caption-body"><p>Jaz&rsquo;s shirt by H&M, hat from the Ovechkin line. Necklace stylist&rsquo;s own.</p><p>Kasia&rsquo;s shirt by H&M, CSKA Moscow scarf from KHL. Christian&rsquo;s shirt by Hatric.</p></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0030-011408/9476438-1-eng-US/f0030-012.jpg" title="f0030-01" width="2063" height="2793"><figcaption class="caption-body">Dynamo Moscow and Atlant Mytishchi jerseys from KHL, shoes by H&M.</figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0032-011383/9476431-1-eng-US/f0032-012.jpg" title="f0032-01" width="2063" height="2793"><figcaption class="caption-body">Atlant Mytishchi jersey from KHL. Ovechkin U+ stick by CCM.</figcaption></div><p>MAKE-UP <b>STEPHANIE GOULART</b></p><p>STYLING <b>CARLIE McGHEE</b></p><p>MODELS <b>ELMER OLSEN</b></p><p>LOCATION <b>PRAVDA VODKA BAR, TORONTO</b></p><p><b>FOR A BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO OF THE PHOTO SHOOT CHECK OUT <a href="http://THN.com/fullyloaded">THN.COM/FULLYLOADED</a></b><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0024-01

GOING KONTI NENTAL

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0031-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0031-011289/9476490-1-eng-US/f0031-012.jpg"></div><p>1 YEAR of The Hockey News including the Yearbook and Future Watch</p><p>Daily email newsletter FREE Full digital edition FREE</p><p>NHL&reg; team swivel key chain of your choice FREE</p><p><a href="http://THN.com">THN.com</a> in now available as a FREE download on mobile devices</p><p>Download the application today at <a href="http://thn.mobi">thn.mobi</a></p><p>Visit <a href="http://thehockeynews.com">thehockeynews.com</a> to subscribe now!<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0031-01

Your Inside Edge

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0033-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0033-011232/9476549-1-eng-US/f0033-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">The Los Angeles Kings&rsquo; Raitis Ivanans is wearing a tuque by Hatric and hoodie by Hatric. <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY BERNSTEIN)</span></figcaption></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0034-011399/9476542-1-eng-US/f0034-012.jpg" title="f0034-01" width="2063" height="2793"><figcaption class="caption-body">Toronto Maple Leaf Colton Orr wearing hat by Twins 47 and T-shirt by Old School Hockey. <span class="photo-credit">(MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0035-011303/9476535-1-eng-US/f0035-012.jpg" title="f0035-01" width="2063" height="2793"><figcaption class="caption-body">Ivanans sporting shirt from the L.A. Kings streetwear collection. <span class="photo-credit">(ANDY BERNSTEIN)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0036-011299/9476528-1-eng-US/f0036-012.jpg" title="f0036-01" width="2063" height="2793"><figcaption class="caption-body">Orr wearing T-shirt from Toronto Maple Leafs collection. <span class="photo-credit">(MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0037-011159/9476521-1-eng-US/f0037-012.jpg" title="f0037-01" width="2063" height="2793"><figcaption class="caption-body">Orr wearing hoodie by Under Armour. <span class="photo-credit">(MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0033-01

HARD COUTURE

<div class="byline">BY AARON PORTZLINE</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-011259/9476608-1-eng-US/f0038-012.jpg" title="f0038-01" width="409" height="709"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0038-02863/9476601-1-eng-US/f0038-022.jpg" title="f0038-02" width="571" height="306"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>O</span>N JUNE 22, 2002,</b> Rick Nash had to choose between hearing his name called early at the NHL draft in Toronto or playing a practice round of golf with Canadian champion and future Masters winner Mike Weir at Angus Glen Golf Club, just north of the city.</p><p>&ldquo;It was a chance of a lifetime either way,&rdquo; Nash said. &ldquo;But the NHL draft was something I&rsquo;d worked my whole life to achieve. And it&rsquo;s where I grew up, which made it even more special. So that&rsquo;s where I was.&rdquo;</p><p>That&rsquo;s how it&rsquo;s been with Nash for years now. Hockey is at the forefront &ndash; his profession, his passion, his claim to great wealth and fame. But golf is only a chip shot behind &ndash; his favorite way to unwind during the off-season.</p><p>NHL players are known to start looking for their spikes the morning after they unlace their skates for the final time each season.</p><p>Nash is somewhere on the leaderboard of that group. He plays a round of golf at least twice a week early in the off-season, he said, then at least once a week when he starts his off-season conditioning program.</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m probably not that different from a lot of other hockey players,&rdquo; Nash said. &ldquo;It just seems like hockey and golf go hand-in-hand. The seasons blend into each other perfectly. The swing is like a slap shot. The camaraderie between the guys is there, too. It&rsquo;s four guys going out and hanging out for a few hours on the course.</p><p>&ldquo;You know, you hang out so much during the season, and then when it&rsquo;s over, you miss the back-and-forth with each other.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0039-011156/9476594-1-eng-US/f0039-012.jpg" title="f0039-01" width="2072" height="2801"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-01853/9476587-1-eng-US/f0040-012.jpg" title="f0040-01" width="2071" height="1175"></div><blockquote class="pullQuote">I JUST THINK IT&rsquo;S A GREAT WAY TO GET AWAY. IT&rsquo;S JUST SO PEACEFUL.</blockquote><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0040-02533/9476580-1-eng-US/f0040-022.jpg" title="f0040-02" width="646" height="925"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(BOTH: MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption></div><p>Nash was asked to consider the stark differences between the two sports as well.</p><p>There are no confined spaces in golf, only genteel one-stroke penalties if you fly the boundary. You can stand over your shot and ponder it without getting blasted by an opponent. It&rsquo;s just you and the ball, no goalie to get in the way and no coach barking over your shoulder on the bench.</p><p>&ldquo;I hadn&rsquo;t thought of it that way,&rdquo; Nash said. &ldquo;Now that you mention it&hellip;I just think it&rsquo;s a great way to get away. It&rsquo;s just so peaceful.&rdquo;</p><p>Nash signed an eight-year contract extension worth $62.4 million last summer, a deal that starts with the 2010-11 season. The contract caught many outside Columbus by surprise.</p><p>But one of the reasons he enjoys living in central Ohio, he said, is the golf courses that dot the area and the golf history that is so rich in Columbus.</p><p>Jack Nicklaus was born here. He was taught in the late 1940s and early &rsquo;50s to chase the little white ball at Scioto Country Club, a venerable old private course in suburban Upper Arlington that hosted the 1926 U.S. Open, the 1931 Ryder Cup and the 1950 PGA Championship.</p><p>Nash plays there frequently &ndash; three times before the second round of the playoffs was over &ndash; thanks to a friend who&rsquo;s a member.</p><p>Muirfield Village Golf Club, in nearby Dublin, was designed by Nicklaus and hosts the PGA Memorial Tournament each year.</p><p>Double Eagle is an exclusive (almost secretive) private club north of the city that was built by late Blue Jackets owner John H. McConnell.</p><p>All three &ndash; along with The Golf Club in New Albany &ndash; are ranked in <i>Golf Digest</i>&rsquo;s Top 100 courses issue, none of them lower than, coincidentally, No. 61.</p><p>&ldquo;Scioto is probably my favorite in the area because of the history,&rdquo; Nash said. &ldquo;You can feel it when you&rsquo;re out on the course. You think about the guys who have played there, who have walked the same ground you&rsquo;re walking, and that makes it pretty prestigious.</p><p>&ldquo;Muirfield&rsquo;s that way, too. Guys around the league always ask me if I&rsquo;ve been on at Muirfield.&rdquo;</p><p>Last summer, Nash took his mother and a friend to Ireland, mostly because his mom &ldquo;always wanted to go there.&rdquo; But he had an alterior motive, too. He wanted to play some of the game&rsquo;s legendary links courses.</p><p>Nash &ndash; a 6-foot-4, 215-pound power forward with an 8-handicap &ndash; described his game thusly:</p><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m pretty average off the tee, really. Not that long. I just have trouble keeping it straight and in the fairway. I&rsquo;m all over the place sometimes. I love being around the green. I have a pretty decent short game.&rdquo;</p><p>Former Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock blasted the first part of Nash&rsquo;s self-critique.</p><p>&ldquo;He bombs it,&rdquo; Hitchcock said. &ldquo;Far.&rdquo;</p><p>Nash made the right choice that June day in 2002. The Blue Jackets traded up from No. 3 to take him with the No. 1 overall pick, and in the years that followed he has met Weir on numerous occasions. In that time, he became captain of the Jackets and guided the team to its first playoff berth.</p><p>&ldquo;It worked out pretty well, didn&rsquo;t it?&rdquo; Nash said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got the best of both worlds.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0038-01

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

<div class="byline">BY STEVE ZIPAY</div><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-01738/9476653-1-eng-US/f0041-012.jpg" title="f0041-01" width="638" height="840"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(MIKE STOBE/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0041-02471/9476646-1-eng-US/f0041-022.jpg" title="f0041-02" width="292" height="293"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>N</span>EW YORK&ndash;</b>You could easily stroll right past this small spot, with its tilted old neon &ldquo;bar&rdquo; sign and takeout menus spilling from a holder near the unmarked door.</p><p>But on this particular rainy evening in Tribeca, just five blocks north of Ground Zero, 77 Warren Street is bustling.</p><p>The noisy crowd at the back bar is four deep; groups nestled into booths watching the Capitals and Canadiens and the Bruins and Sabres are raising glasses with every goal shown on flat-screen televisions. Overhead hang artifacts from a CBS studio in Chicago. On the dark wooden walls are photographs by Diane Arbus and Madison Square Garden&rsquo;s George Kalinsky. There&rsquo;s Andy Warhol&rsquo;s impression of Wayne Gretzky. When the Rangers lost to the Flyers in a shootout in the final game of the season in Philadelphia, most of the team gathered here later that night.</p><blockquote class="pullQuote">BLUE-COLLAR RANGERS DIEHARDS HAVE EMBRACED AVERY BECAUSE OF HIS SWAGGER AND BRASHNESS</blockquote><p>To be sure, 77 Warren is a healthy mix of hipster and hockey.</p><p>So in a way, the year-old gathering place accurately reflects one of its three owners, Sean Avery: Irritant left winger dubbed the Grate One by the tabloids and man-about-town who has embraced Gotham and its pulse of nightlife, art, music and fashion.</p><p>This is, you&rsquo;ll recall, the 30-year-old Avery&rsquo;s second stint in New York. He fled for Texas and a $16-million free-agent deal that went sour in Big D, where he quickly slid out of favor like a rube on a mechanical bull.</p><p>So when Rangers GM Glen Sather rescued him off waivers after banishment by the Stars and an anger-management rehab, Avery embraced a second bite at the Apple after finding Dallas &ldquo;a little hollow.&rdquo;</p><p>Avery&rsquo;s exuberant daily Tweets range from movie reviews to being a presenter at the National Book Awards to an offer to give away extra tickets to a J&oacute;nsi concert on a Manhattan street corner in the next 20 minutes.</p><p>They also often include photos with pals Aaron Voros, Henrik Lundqvist (who brought his guitars and played an acoustic set at Warren 77&rsquo;s opening last May), Marian Gaborik and former teammate-turned-NHL suit Brendan Shanahan.</p><p>Avery-designed $31.50 and $42 T-shirts and $73 hoodies, with his skull, hockey sticks and No. 16 logo, are available on his website and in stores at Madison Square Garden.</p><p>When a reporter asked him about buying one last season, he replied with typical Avery-esque charm: &ldquo;I&rsquo;d give them to you guys (the press), but I think it&rsquo;s against the collective bargaining agreement.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0042-01778/9476639-1-eng-US/f0042-012.jpg" title="f0042-01" width="1358" height="2050"><figcaption class="caption-body"><b>Sean Avery embraces the Big Apple and everything the city has to offer.</b> <span class="photo-credit">(MARK WILSON)</span></figcaption></div><p>His taste in women &ndash; and music &ndash; hasn&rsquo;t changed. Avery currently is dating Estee Lauder model Hilary Rhoda and hangs with music industry execs such as Mark Sudack, former beau of Mariah Carey and manager of Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, and celeb kids such as Laura Katzenberg, daughter of DreamWorks SKG founder David Katzenberg. Mention Phish or Radiohead or Mars Volta and he&rsquo;ll chat.</p><p>&ldquo;He&rsquo;s not one of the guys who will just go to see U2,&rdquo; said one former garden executive. &ldquo;He&rsquo;ll go to see bands at small clubs like Maxwell&rsquo;s in Hoboken or the Canal Room. You&rsquo;re more likely to see Spin magazine on his passenger seat than The Hockey News&hellip; He just gets New York and what it offers. He loves the fans, the history and the value of playing at the Garden, which a lot of players just never understand.&rdquo;</p><p>Blue-collar Rangers diehards have embraced Avery because of his swagger and brashness, his willingness to get under the skin of players such as Martin Brodeur and Dan Carcillo. But that&rsquo;s not the off-ice image he is cultivating.</p><p>He tells writers that he didn&rsquo;t want a doorman at Warren 77 because &ldquo;that scares people off&rdquo; and he&rsquo;d prefer to have a chance to interact with fans.</p><p>&ldquo;Avery&rsquo;s a true rebel,&rdquo; said Tim Clifford, a Rangers season ticket holder who was sipping a beer at the bar. &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t especially care about what opponents, referees or even hockey tradition say about his behavior. His only goal is to do whatever it takes to help his team win &ndash; even if it doesn&rsquo;t always work out. That&rsquo;s great for the morale of a losing team. I wonder if it works for a winner.&rdquo;</p><p>The Rangers were 15-6-2 when Avery recorded a point last season, but certainly didn&rsquo;t win enough. And Avery, who injured his knee and missed the final seven games of the year, was streaky. He struggled to mesh with coach John Tortorella and, in 69 games, finished with 11 goals and 31 points, 20 of which came at the Garden.</p><p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a tough thing to play in New York; it&rsquo;s even tougher to play in New York and not make the playoffs,&rdquo; Avery said after the season ended. &ldquo;I think I had some good games, I think I had some bad games and I think I just had some OK games, and I think the OK games were probably more than the other two.</p><blockquote class="pullQuote">&lsquo;HE DOESN&rsquo;T ESPECIALLY CARE ABOUT WHAT OPPONENTS, REFEREES OR EVEN HOCKEY TRADITION SAY ABOUT HIS BEHAVIOR&rsquo;</blockquote><p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m certainly not ecstatic about my year, I&rsquo;m disappointed; I think the consistency wasn&rsquo;t there. And I think the other part of it was just trying to find my game and just trying to get comfortable with what was asked of me&hellip;I think coming into the season it was kind of a question mark. There was a lot of thought into how I was supposed to play and how I needed to play, and I think I probably over-thought it a little too much when it comes down to it. I didn&rsquo;t just go out and play the way that I&rsquo;m supposed to play.</p><p>&ldquo;I kind of found my game towards the end and felt like I was contributing a bit more. And then to get hurt in Toronto right at the stretch (drive) was certainly something I wasn&rsquo;t happy about. It&rsquo;s definitely frustrating.&rdquo;</p><p>Avery has two more years left on his contract, of which the Rangers pay $1.9 million, before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. He isn&rsquo;t thinking that far ahead. Just to September and training camp. Oh, and maybe about a spot in Tribeca to open a Mexican restaurant.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0041-01

A BLUE-COLLAR REBEL

<div class="byline">BY MATT CARLSON</div><div class="image-hero"><img title="f0044-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0044-01666/9476684-1-eng-US/f0044-012.jpg"></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>H</span>OCKEY EQUIPMENT</b> manufacturers design products based on: 1) performance; 2) player preferences; or 3) player styles, such as &lsquo;power&rsquo; and &lsquo;agility.&rsquo;</p><p>So slotting the best gear for players by position or role isn&rsquo;t a cut-and-dry process.</p><p>But for this edition of Fully Loaded, we&rsquo;ve crunched manufacturers&rsquo; product claims, features and benefits, and tried to do just that. Some equipment might seem better suited for a skilled playmaker than a shutdown defenseman. Would Sidney Crosby or Patrick Kane use the same skates or sticks as Zdeno Chara or another minute-munching rearguard?</p><p>Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it isn&rsquo;t. Especially when it comes to skates and sticks; what feels comfortable or customary is what a player will use regardless of his position and how or how well he plays it.</p><p>Still, to provide insight on equipment that&rsquo;s currently on the market for 2010 &ndash; or will arrive shortly &ndash; we&rsquo;ve created a gear guide based on player types.</p><p>Our goal: To get you thinking not just &ldquo;what,&rdquo; but &ldquo;why&rdquo; next time you visit your local hockey dealer or a hockey manufacturer website or Facebook page.</p><h2><b>PANTS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 11K KFS</i></b></h4><p>D-men need knee-to-tummy protection from shots, hits and board-burn, so Reebok, which claims the No. 1 spot in pants in the NHL, is a logical fit. Crelinsten says use of JDP technology &ndash; dispersing impact from joints and soft tissue in the hip, thigh and spine &ndash; make the 11K the top pick. The model also has mobility and comfort features, such as a two-piece Kinetic Fit design, memory foam base, and hidden height and width adjustments. Stretch materials are combined with abrasion-resistant zones.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Warrior Hitman (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>Warrior made an impact with pants in 2009 and the Hitman provides generous protection for about $129. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a perfect value-priced, pro-level pant for the physical player,&rdquo; Wensley said. Features include a Spinetek lower-back protection system and belly coverage.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0044-01

JUST THE FACTS: BLADES TO PADS

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-01571/9476722-1-eng-US/f0045-012.jpg" title="f0045-01" width="504" height="1181"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0045-02371/9476715-1-eng-US/f0045-022.jpg" title="f0045-02" width="744" height="1997"></div><h2><b>SHIN GUARDS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 10K KFS (pictured)</i></b></h4><p class="dropcap"><span>F</span>or shot-blocking protection, it&rsquo;s hard to overlook Reebok, whose shin guards are worn by most NHLers, according to Ryan Crelinsten, the brand&rsquo;s protective product manager. Retail versions of the 10K have Jofa-legacy JDP (joint dispersal principle) knee caps and NHL extended shin caps with arched ridges that add strength and deflect impact. &ldquo;The reinforced cell foam on the interior adds to the absorption and comfort,&rdquo; Crelinsten said.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Warrior Hitman</i></b></h4><p>Crelinsten cited Reebok&rsquo;s 6K for &ldquo;outperforming other high-end models.&rdquo; But worth a serious look is Warrior&rsquo;s upgraded Hitman shin guards. &ldquo;We build our NHL-specific equipment off the Hitman series,&rdquo; Warrior&rsquo;s Neil Wensley said. &ldquo;In our first year of protective in 2009, we were able to get placement in every NHL dressing room.&rdquo;</p><h2><b>SKATES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><p><b><i>Easton Stealth S17</i></b></p><p>Skates are normally built for performance, not protection. However, Easton&rsquo;s Chris Norqual said his brand&rsquo;s Stealth S17 delivers both thanks to a texalium/carbon fiber composite boot that optimizes energy transfer <i>and</i> absorbs impact, despite weighing only about 700 grams. &ldquo;After talking to NHL guys who stand in there, like Nicklas Lidstrom, the carbon fiber is the best protection,&rdquo; Norqual said. &ldquo;The skates have a one-piece shell and we do significant impact testing at all locations on the skate.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Stealth S12</i></b></h4><p>The S12 also has a one-piece shell, but is made from a slightly heavier texalium/fiberglass composite. It has many of the same protective elements of the S17, according to Norqual. Like the S17, the S12 has Coil Technology and a molded anatomical Pad-Lock ankle.</p><h2><b>STICKS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Synergy ST Reebok 8.0.8 O-Tech Stick</i></b></h4><p>If a stay-at-home defenseman wants a more traditional pick, the high-end option would be an Easton Synergy ST that&rsquo;s built for power and heavy hitters. A funkier option: Reebok&rsquo;s 8.0.8 O-Stick. Its eight-arched Power Ports are designed to reduce aerodynamic drag by up to 31 percent on slapshots, and the design makes the stick stronger. &ldquo;It has great durability at crashing through things,&rdquo; said Reebok&rsquo;s Olivier Camet. &ldquo;The arches serve as reinforcement and give a defenseman faster stick speed when shooting from the point.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Synergy SE6</i></b></h4><p>You can&rsquo;t go wrong with an SE6 as a value-priced composite alternative at any position, said Easton&rsquo;s Mike Mountain. The SE6 bundles the low kick point Synergy construction in a durable, affordable package.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0045-01

THE STAY-AT-HOME DEFENSEMAN

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0046-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-01571/9476774-1-eng-US/f0046-012.jpg"></div><h2><b>SKATES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 11K Pump (pictured)</i></b></h4><p class="dropcap"><span>R</span>eebok&rsquo;s new 11K Pump has a snugger, more comfortable fit to give players added power and energy transfer. That would help anyone, including D-men who push the play and join the rush &ndash; maybe that&rsquo;s why Toronto&rsquo;s Dion Phaneuf has switched to the skate. An improved Pump air bladder configuration locks in skaters&rsquo; feet. The 11K&rsquo;s Pro Armor IV quarter package with composite inserts better controls flexion, while giving the player more feel and agility. Reebok also claims the abrasion zone reinforcement allows the 11K to withstand shots and cuts.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 8K Pump</i></b></h4><p>At about half the price of the 11K, Reebok&rsquo;s 8K Pump &ldquo;is a lot of value for the money,&rdquo; according to Reebok&rsquo;s Andrew Stewart. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s absolutely better than high-end skates of a few years ago.&rdquo; The model features are similar to those on the 11K, including composite reinforcement for support, energy transfer and impact/abrasion resistance.</p><h2><b>SHIN GUARDS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Vapor X:60 (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>The mantra here is protection for shot-blocking, but with an eye on mobility. Models from most manufacturers might fit the bill, but check out Bauer Vapor X:60 with lightweight Vent Armor composite shell protection, a multi-layered knee cap and adjustable thigh guard. &ldquo;The shin guard is as light as possible, while providing great impact resistance,&rdquo; said Bauer&rsquo;s John Davidson. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s breathable and designed for a more offense-minded player who also will be hit a lot by pucks.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Stealth S13</i></b></h4><p>A notch down in price from Easton&rsquo;s Stealth S19, the S13 has deep knee coverage, a ridged ergonomic shin cap to deflect energy and a decent calf wrap. &ldquo;It has the streamlined design and fit of the S19,&rdquo; said Easton&rsquo;s Jeremy Doherty. &ldquo;The main difference is in the thickness of the foam.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0046-02362/9476767-1-eng-US/f0046-022.jpg" title="f0046-02" width="638" height="901"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-01525/9476760-1-eng-US/f0047-012.jpg" title="f0047-01" width="1096" height="1958"></div><h2><b>GLOVES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Synergy EQ5</i></b></h4><p>This kind of D-man needs soft, nimble hands &ndash; and a way to protect them, the wrist and lower forearm. Easton&rsquo;s new Synergy EQ5 has an adjustable cuff and Flex Flare that allows players to select a level of coverage. The model has an anodized polyurethane shell in high-abrasion zones and a slightly tapered four backroll design with triple segmented fingers, flex thumbs and Nash Palm. &ldquo;It has a nice blend of feel, mobility and protection,&rdquo; Easton&rsquo;s Terry Serpa said.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>CCM 4RPRO (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>CCM 4RPRO is a traditional, sturdy four-roll glove with a molded cuff roll and modernized features. &ldquo;Hands down, this is the best value on the market,&rdquo; said CCM&rsquo;s Laura Gibson. &ldquo;This glove is used by most pro teams. The level of protection and comfort is well received by all consumers.&rdquo;</p><h2><b>STICKS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Vapor X:60 (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>Offense-minded D-men wind up from the point, but have to also wrist hard shots on goal when under pressure. Skilled rearguards sometimes sweep into the slot and one-time centering passes. Bauer&rsquo;s new Vapor X:60 stick uses Intelli-Sense technology &ndash; based on where a player&rsquo;s hands are on the shaft &ndash; to optimally load for a wrist or slapshot. &ldquo;But the dual-kick profile provides more power on the slapper than normal low kicks,&rdquo; said Bauer&rsquo;s Evan Baker.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Supreme One75</i></b></h4><p>Bauer&rsquo;s Supreme line is designed to provide more power on big shots and excellent blade feel for puck control, according to Baker. The Supreme One75 model doesn&rsquo;t have the true one-piece construction of the top-of-the line One95, but it does have many of the characteristics at a lower price.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0047-02343/9476753-1-eng-US/f0047-022.jpg" title="f0047-02" width="616" height="2849"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0046-01

OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN POWER PLAY QB

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0050-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-01353/9476878-1-eng-US/f0050-012.jpg"></div><h2><b>SKATES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Vapor X:60 and CCM U+ Pro &lsquo;Reloaded&rsquo; (pictured)</i></b></h4><p class="dropcap"><span>B</span>auer&rsquo;s Vapor series has always been linked to agile players. The Bauer Vapor X:60 is the most popular skate in the NHL, so it&rsquo;s hard not to consider the X:60 if you fancy yourself as the Patrick Kane of your league &ndash; even if that&rsquo;s a beer league. Another option is the CCM U+ Pro &lsquo;Reloaded,&rsquo; based on a formable, one-piece U-Foam boot that wraps around the foot. CCM launched the skate concept two years ago, but has made improvements to the model for 2010 and trained retailers on how to best fit the skate. &ldquo;The U-Foam technology truly molds to your feet, allowing you to get the best mobility and turn on a dime,&rdquo; said CCM&rsquo;s Corry Kelahear. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a different approach, and players tell us the skate is comfortable and performs like a race car.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vapor X:50/X:40 or CCM U+ 07</i></b></h4><p>If you&rsquo;re a Bauer buyer, consider the Vapor X:50 or X:40 to shed some bells and whistles &ndash; and add a little skate weight &ndash; but still get a solid Vapor product with features like composite outsoles for considerably less cost. CCM&rsquo;s U+ 07 is the brand&rsquo;s least-expensive skate with U-Foam technology.</p><h2><b>STICKS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Stealth S19, Bauer Supreme One95,Warrior Dolomite Spyne (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>Choices galore here and these models are splashed around the NHL. Easton&rsquo;s Mike Mountain said the flagship Stealth S19 offers &ldquo;the ultimate blend of puck control, puck feel and quick releases&rdquo; and &ldquo;delivers on both weight and balance so you can undress whoever comes at you.&rdquo; The Supreme One95 has a softer feel than the Vapor X:60 and &ldquo;will give you more power on big shots (with) great blade feel for puck control,&rdquo; according to Bauer&rsquo;s Evan Baker. Warrior&rsquo;s Neil Wensley said their new Dolomite Spyne offers &ldquo;the ultimate blend of puck control, puck feel and quick releases.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Stealth S13</i></b></h4><p>The S13 is in the middle of the Stealth line and has the base features of the S19 &ndash; including an ultra-thin taper, micro-bladder blade with multi-rib construction &ndash; in a Kevlar-wrapped package.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0050-02254/9476871-1-eng-US/f0050-022.jpg" title="f0050-02" width="600" height="2855"></div><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-01301/9476864-1-eng-US/f0051-012.jpg" title="f0051-01" width="2063" height="1684"></div><h2><b>GLOVES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Warrior Franchise (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>The Canadian-made Franchise has a four-backroll construction that&rsquo;s favored by pros and is available standard in wide, narrow and junior models. Custom versions can be made-to-order at Warrior&rsquo;s MIA plant in Montreal. &ldquo;About 80 NHL players are wearing it,&rdquo; Wensley said. &ldquo;The Franchise has maximum wrist freedom and a soft palm for puck feel. It&rsquo;s the Porsche Turbo 911 of the industry.&rdquo; Players willing to spend on a custom version will &ldquo;get their dream pair of gloves,&rdquo; he added.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Easton Stealth S11 or Bauer Supreme One75.</i></b></h4><p>Easton Stealth S11 has the ergonomic segmentation and pattern of the high-end S19, but with a more traditional Nash overlay palm. The feel isn&rsquo;t quite as tender, but the durability is greater. Bauer&rsquo;s anatomically-shaped Supreme One75 borrows many of the features and feel from the high-end One95.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0051-02218/9476857-1-eng-US/f0051-022.jpg" title="f0051-02" width="955" height="886"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0050-01

SNIPER/PLAYMAKER

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0052-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-01296/9476923-1-eng-US/f0052-012.jpg"></div><h2><b>ELBOW PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH END</b></h3><h4><b><i>CCM U+ Pro (pictured)</i></b></h4><p class="dropcap"><span>G</span>rinders bang into opponents &ndash; legally or not &ndash; and vice versa. CCM&rsquo;s new U+ Pro elbow pads are designed for heavy-duty impacts. The three-piece models are loaded with EPP padding, stretch zones, molded biceps and forearm protection, and features to protect slippage, according to CCM&rsquo;s Laura Gibson</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Supreme Classic and Sher-Wood Tradition</i></b></h4><p>We&rsquo;ll go old school again. Both models are updated versions of designs from previous eras and complement the shoulder pads.</p><h2><b>STICKS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>CCM U+ Crazy Light (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>This is Alex Ovechkin&rsquo;s signature stick, but it would pay dividends for grinders who need to snap off loose pucks and operate in traffic. &ldquo;Although it weighs only 415 grams the Crazy Light has the best durability record for its weight,&rdquo; said CCM&rsquo;s Jacques Chiasson. &ldquo;You might also go with the U+Pro or the OctoLight, both of which are a little heavier and have thicker walls.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok 6K Sickick</i></b></h4><p>The model is based on the original high-end Sickick design, according to Camet, but retails for about $100 in Canada and the U.S. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s an elite-performing stick with a low kick point and a great value story,&rdquo; he said.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-03122/9476916-1-eng-US/f0052-032.jpg" title="f0052-03" width="1357" height="197"></div><h2><b>SKATES</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Flexlite 4.0</i></b></h4><p>High-end skates should make anybody on blades move better, says Bauer&rsquo;s Keith Duffy. &ldquo;Any player can benefit from technology in a lightweight, well-designed product,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The fourth-liner working his butt off every day cares as much about equipment as the team&rsquo;s captain or star.&rdquo; A possibility is Bauer&rsquo;s Flexlite 4.0, a traditional-looking skate with a traditional fit, but updated technologies. The Flexlite has a roomier fit than Supreme or Vapor models.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Graf Supra 700 series</i></b></h4><p>Graf, the premium niche skate-maker without a marketing presence, isn&rsquo;t known for low list prices. But great deals are available through certain online retailers. Various models in Graf&rsquo;s classic 700 series have different lasts for different foot shapes and could be the choice of any player, including many in the NHL.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0052-02183/9476909-1-eng-US/f0052-022.jpg" title="f0052-02" width="728" height="421"></div><h2><b>SHOULDER PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer Pro (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>Bauer&rsquo;s new Pro protective line features brawny shoulder pads that combine traditional and contemporary design. &ldquo;The Pro series is a third line of under-protective,&rdquo; said Bauer&rsquo;s John Davidson. &ldquo;The shoulder pads fuse the body style of the older Bauer 8000 model, with newer technology and free-flex bicep guards. It&rsquo;s a nice balance &ndash; heavier duty with the performance of new-age equipment.&rdquo;</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>The Bauer Supreme Classic and Sher-Wood SP 5030</i></b></h4><p>Both of these models have old-school lacing in the front. Although some NHLers still like this look, such models are best-suited for leagues where contact will be incidental rather than intentional.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0052-01

GRINDERS & FIGHTERS

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0054-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-01285/9476961-1-eng-US/f0054-012.jpg"></div><h2><b>PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok Revoke Pro or Reebok Premier III (pictured)</i></b></h4><p class="dropcap"><span>R</span>evoke is Reebok&rsquo;s latest flat-faced pad designed to help butterfly goalies build a barrier when they drop. What does the Revoke have that the Premier III doesn&rsquo;t? It breaks just above and below the knee for softer flex, and has deeper leg and boot channels for a snug fit. Key factors when choosing between the two models: Do you want fluid pad rotation when dropping into the butterfly? How wide is your butterfly stance and how do you close the five-hole? &ldquo;With Revoke, we cover all the angles on the fit of the pads,&rdquo; said Reebok&rsquo;s J.C. Bergeron.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn VPG 8606 Epic</i></b></h4><p>Epic is Vaughn&rsquo;s flat-faced line. The 8606 has the design and most features of the premium 8800 models, but is made in Asia to reduce production costs. Mike Vaughn is a stickler on quality control in his firm&rsquo;s off-shore plant, so goalies get high-end gear at a mid-range price.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0054-02166/9476954-1-eng-US/f0054-022.jpg" title="f0054-02" width="592" height="615"></div><h2><b>CATCH GLOVE/BLOCKER COMBO</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Rebook Revoke Pro (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>The Revoke catch glove is Reebok&rsquo;s lightest. It has a two-piece design for a tight fit and an offset T-pocket for improved puck trapping and control. &ldquo;The design allows you to keep the glove closer to your body and gives you a locked-in feel,&rdquo; Bergeron said. The blocker has a balanced, thin blocking surface and an offset palm higher on the board for quicker positioning on low shots.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn Epic 8606</i></b></h4><p>The Epic 8606 catch glove has a neoprene inner hand for added control. &ldquo;Epic gloves catch more like an old-fashioned baseball glove and the thumb angle goes up from the cuff,&rdquo; Vaughn said. The blocker has a large top flare for puck control, beveled edges and reduced perimeter weight for improved feel and control.</p><h2><b>CHEST & ARM PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Reebok Pro Spec or Premier Senior Pro</i></b></h4><p>The difference between the Pro Spec and Premier lines is personal preference. Pro Spec pads fit closer to the body, with slightly tighter &ndash; but still flexible &ndash; tailoring for a more controlled feel. &ldquo;The Premier II chest is an older-style, big chest protector that covers more space and (offers) a lot of protection in the ribs and shoulders,&rdquo; Bergeron said.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn Epic 8606</i></b></h4><p>The pad has been updated with shoulder floaters and sternum plate that are larger for added coverage and protection. New arm design adds blocking area and stability. &ldquo;Our Epic pads have meshed sleeves and firmer shoulder pads than our Velocity models,&rdquo; Vaughn said. &ldquo;One&rsquo;s not better than the other, they&rsquo;re just different.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0054-01

BUTTERFLY GOALIES

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0056-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-01224/9477020-1-eng-US/f0056-012.jpg"></div><h2><b>GOALIE PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn VPG 7600 Velocity 4 (pictured)</i></b></h4><p class="dropcap"><span>T</span>op-of-the-line Velocity models are the gold standard among elite goalies who prefer pads with multiple knee breaks. Mike Vaughn said these are ideal for the &lsquo;pro-fly&rsquo; netminder who wants a &ldquo;combination of more square frontal surface, (with) the flexibility to be able to move for better coverage,&rdquo; and the Velocity 4 design eases stresses on the knees and hips. New in this category are Bauer&rsquo;s Re-Flex RX10 Pro and Sher-Wood&rsquo;s Martin Brodeur T100 MB 30 as well as Warrior&rsquo;s Messiah pads, which have a progressive flat face.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn VPG 7450 Velocity</i></b></h4><p>Again, look to Vaughn for a deal in goalie gear that isn&rsquo;t the most expensive. &ldquo;The 7450 is 80 percent of what the 7600 is, based on materials,&rdquo; Vaughn said. &ldquo;The core design elements are the same and pads deliver a high performance level. These are better than the top pads of a few years ago.&rdquo;</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-02147/9477013-1-eng-US/f0056-022.jpg" title="f0056-02" width="394" height="664"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0056-0389/9477006-1-eng-US/f0056-032.jpg" title="f0056-03" width="728" height="594"></div><h2><b>CATCH GLOVE/BLOCKER COMBO</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn 7600 Velocity 4 (pictured) or 7700 Velocity Limited Edition</i></b></h4><p>Vaughn offers two versions of its high-end catcher/blocker set for 2010. The 7600 glove has the widest possible palm area for maximum catch surface; the 7700 glove has a deep contoured catching surface for better puck retention. A special 7680 Velocity glove has a stiffer one-piece molded plastic cuff/thumb area. The 7600 and 7700 blockers both have slight forward tilts; the 7700 has a no-binding front and firmer perimeter.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn 7450 Velocity</i></b></h4><p>As with leg pads, you get most of what&rsquo;s in the high-end Vaughn gloves at a lower price with the 7450. There&rsquo;s also a 7407 limited edition catch glove with a deeper pocket and 7407 blocker.</p><div class="figure-block image-bleed"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-01209/9476999-1-eng-US/f0057-012.jpg" title="f0057-01" width="2094" height="1435"></div><p>FOR ALL GOALIES:</p><h2><b>CHEST AND ARM PADS</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn VP 7600 Velocity 4 (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>For 2010, the 7600 Velocity 4 has a lighter weight for quicker goalie response, new fit for added flexibility and larger, more-rigid shoulder floaters for better coverage. Vaughn sells more Velocity than Epic leg pads in the NHL, but in the chest and arm category Epic outsells Velocity. Options? Reebok offers two high-end models, the Pro Spec Senior Pro and Premier II. Bauer has a Bauer Pro and Sher-Wood has an Instinct AB T100.</p><h3><b>BEST VALUE ALTERNATIVE</b></h3><h4><b><i>Vaughn VP 7450 Velocity</i></b></h4><p>The biggest difference between the 7600 and 7450 is the price. Reebok offers senior chest and arm pads at step-down prices in its Pro Spec and Premier II lines, while Bauer has Elite and Performance models.</p><h2><b>MASK</b></h2><h3><b>HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Bauer NME9 (pictured)</i></b></h4><p>Carried over from the Itech brand, the NME9 combines a titanium reinforced shell for lightweight pro protection with a quad-density removable liner with gel comfort zones. A stainless steel flatwire cage improves vision and wire strength. NME masks come in three fits for precise sizing.</p><h2><b>STICKS</b></h2><h3><b>NEWEST HIGH-END</b></h3><h4><b><i>Pick One</i></b></h4><p>The Bauer Vapor X:60, Reebok Premier III and upgraded Warrior Fortress are all among the latest goal sticks to couple composite construction with a foam core. The combination, supposedly, creates lightweight, high-performance sticks with a softer feel and vibration dampening. But many goalies prefer wood foam core sticks because of increased durability and feel. That&rsquo;s why a brand like Warrior, which wouldn&rsquo;t dream of anything in wood for a skater, offers three goal sticks made from or with wood.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0057-02147/9476992-1-eng-US/f0057-022.jpg" title="f0057-02" width="832" height="1057"></div><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span>

f0056-01

HYBRID GOALIES

<div class="byline">BY EDWARD FRASER</div><p><b>THE WHALERS MAY</b> be long gone, but the team is far from forgotten.</p><p>Although it&rsquo;s been 13 years since the franchise set sail out of Hartford, morphing into the Carolina Hurricanes, the Whalers &ndash; especially their iconic jerseys and logo &ndash; continue to be deeply engrained into the psyche of even casual followers of the game.</p><p>In fact, according to <a href="http://icejerseys.com">IceJerseys.com</a> &ndash; a popular online apparel retailer &ndash; there&rsquo;s not a more popular NHL sweater on the planet this season.</p><p>Whalers jerseys are the site&rsquo;s No. 1 overall seller, accounting for an astonishing 12 percent of all replica jersey sales and 40 percent off all retro sweaters.</p><p>&ldquo;I, like many other fans, love the Whalers jersey,&rdquo; said Anthony Wolfe, <a href="http://icejerseys.com">IceJerseys.com</a>&rsquo;s VP, e-commerce. &ldquo;It is a classic, traditional design that brings me back to the days when hockey was a much simpler sport. In addition, the Whalers logo is one of the most ingenious logo designs in sport &ndash; integrating a &lsquo;W&rsquo; and a whale tail, which results in the letter &lsquo;H&rsquo; occupying the negative space. Totally brilliant.&rdquo;</p><p>The reason for the Whale&rsquo;s sudden emergence from the deep is simple: For the first time since the team&rsquo;s departure from Connecticut, licensed merchandise became available to retailers to sell to the public.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0058-01223/9477058-1-eng-US/f0058-012.jpg" title="f0058-01" width="638" height="833"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(STEVE BABINEAU/NHLI VIA GETTY IMAGES)</span></figcaption></div><p>That, of course, is great news for those wishing to don official gear. However, the mystery still remains over how exactly the merchandise came to be obtainable once again. As much as can be gleaned, the state of Connecticut owned the trademark on the Whalers since 1997, but that right expired due to inactivity. Who has possession of the trademark now? That&rsquo;s unclear. But what is clear is CCM &ndash; a division of Reebok &ndash; started producing the jerseys in late 2009.</p><p>Prior to the official offering, there was still a thirst &ndash; especially for jerseys &ndash; among collectors, which drove many to the black market in order to find Whalers products. Even after the release of the licensed sweaters, knock-offs continue to cut into sales and the NHL and the manufacturers are taking actions to deal with the problem.</p><p>Wolfe believes the measures will make black market togs harder to find next season, but understands if the price is the most prominent consideration for the consumer they will still seek out the unofficial version.</p><p>Knock-off jerseys can be found on Internet auction houses for as little as $30 while a licensed uniform sells for $119. It really comes down to an issue of quality (and, for some, morality).</p><p>&ldquo;I would say that now that the official jersey is available, people who want the real deal and care about quality and correct colors and materials prefer to buy from a reputable store selling officially licensed merchandise,&rdquo; Wolfe said. &ldquo;And based on the sales numbers for the Whalers, it hasn&rsquo;t been a serious issue.&rdquo;</p><p>So now that fans can once again pull on the famous retro scrubs, the question is will they ever get to see players rocking them on the ice? Alan Victor, the third-term president of the Whalers Booster Club, an organization born during the team&rsquo;s WHA days that now dedicates itself to bringing a team back to Hartford, believes so.</p><p>Victor is convinced that if the city can secure a new arena, fans will flock to NHL hockey once again and that Hartford is a much better destination than other U.S. locales that are mentioned in expansion or relocation buzz.</p><p>&ldquo;We certainly feel that we are a better market than, say, Atlanta who has now had two teams and are struggling again with their second team,&rdquo; Victor said. &ldquo;We feel that once we get a team back here a ticket will be just as hard to get as it would be in Minnesota.&rdquo; hockey once again and that Hartford is a much better destination than other U.S. locales that are mentioned in expansion or relocation buzz.</p><p>&ldquo;We certainly feel that we are a better market than, say, Atlanta who has now had two teams and are struggling again with their second team,&rdquo; Victor said. &ldquo;We feel that once we get a team back here a ticket will be just as hard to get as it would be in Minnesota.&rdquo;</p><p>Mr. Whaler himself, Hall of Famer Ron Francis, who owns Hartford&rsquo;s games played, goals, assists and points records, is also on board for the team&rsquo;s viability.</p><p>&ldquo;I think Hartford could support an NHL team again,&rdquo; Francis said. &ldquo;I think there&rsquo;s enough interest there.&rdquo;</p><p>Though if the team was reborn, Francis would prefer they use the pre-1992 version of the jersey.</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0059-01187/9477051-1-eng-US/f0059-012.jpg" title="f0059-01" width="781" height="839"></div><p>&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t like it when they added the silver to it,&rdquo; Francis said. &ldquo;And I really didn&rsquo;t like the year we wore the long pants!&rdquo;</p><p>As far as Victor is concerned, the ongoing popularity of Whalers merchandise only helps keep the myth of the past and the dream of the future alive.</p><p>&ldquo;Everyone says the Dallas Cowboys are America&rsquo;s team, well I&rsquo;ll tell you who America&rsquo;s team is: it&rsquo;s the Hartford Whalers,&rdquo; Victor said. &ldquo;Every place you go, people know who the Hartford Whalers are. I&rsquo;ve been lucky enough to see a game in every NHL arena and every place you go and you wear the Whalers colors and they go &lsquo;oh, that&rsquo;s the Hartford Whalers.&rsquo; It&rsquo;s just a great feeling to wear the colors and have everyone know who you are.&rdquo;<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0058-01

THE WHALE IS BACK

<div class="image-hero"><img title="f0060-01" src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0060-01180/9477089-1-eng-US/f0060-012.jpg"><figcaption class="caption-body">Hat by Old School Hockey, shirt and tuque from CCM Alex Ovechkin line. <span class="photo-credit">(JAMIE HODGSON/THN)</span></figcaption></div><p class="dropcap"><b><span>L</span>OOKING IS FUN,</b> but shopping&rsquo;s always better when you take something home. With that in mind, here&rsquo;s a head start on where to find what we featured in this issue.</p><p>&lsquo;Going Kontinental&rsquo; gear can be found through the following companies and their websites. Jerseys courtesy the KHL.</p><p><b>H&M:</b> <a href="http://hm.com">hm.com</a></p><p><b>KHL:</b> <a href="http://khl.ru">khl.ru</a></p><p><b>CCM</b>: <a href="http://ccmhockey.com">ccmhockey.com</a></p><p><b>Hatric:</b> <a href="http://hatric341.com">hatric341.com</a></p><p>&lsquo;Hard Couture&rsquo; styles:</p><p><b>Old School Hockey:</b> <a href="http://oldschoolhockeyinc.com">oldschoolhockeyinc.com</a></p><p><b>Hatric:</b> <a href="http://hatric341.com">hatric341.com</a></p><p><b>Twins 47:</b> <a href="http://nineteen47.com">nineteen47.com</a></p><p><b>Under Armour:</b> <a href="http://underarmour.com">underarmour.com</a></p><p><b>L.A. Kings:</b> <a href="http://kings.nhl.com">kings.nhl.com</a></p><p><b>Toronto Maple Leafs:</b> <a href="http://mapleleafs.nhl.com">mapleleafs.nhl.com</a></p><p>Hartford T-shirt from <a href="http://icejerseys.com">Icejerseys.com</a>. Whalers gear can be found at the following websites:</p><p><a href="http://icejerseys.com">icejerseys.com</a></p><p><a href="http://rivercitysports.com">rivercitysports.com</a></p><p>Equipment featured in the review section can be seen at the following company websites. Check your local retailer for availability.</p><p><b>Easton:</b> <a href="http://eastonhockey.com">eastonhockey.com</a></p><p><b>Warrior:</b> <a href="http://warriorhockey.com">warriorhockey.com</a></p><p><b>Reebok:</b> <a href="http://reebokhockey.com">reebokhockey.com</a></p><p><b>Bauer:</b> <a href="http://bauer.com">bauer.com</a></p><p><b>CCM:</b> <a href="http://ccmhockey.com">ccmhockey.com</a></p><p><b>Graf:</b> <a href="http://grafcanada.com">grafcanada.com</a></p><p><b>Vaughn:</b> <a href="http://vaughnhockey.com">vaughnhockey.com</a></p><p><b>Sher-wood:</b> <a href="http://sher-wood.com">sher-wood.com</a><span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

f0060-01

WHERE TO GET YOUR GEAR

<div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-01179/9477141-1-eng-US/f0062-012.jpg" title="f0062-01" width="690" height="1789"></div><div class="container"><div class="figure-block image-float"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-0361/9477148-1-eng-US/f0062-032.jpg" title="f0062-03" width="130" height="104"></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><p>THE CORNER MAN</p><p><i>Mike Fisher</i></p><p><b>OTTAWA SENATORS</b></p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-02102/9477134-1-eng-US/f0062-022.jpg" title="f0062-02" width="278" height="415"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(LARRY BUSACCA/GETTY IMAGES FOR NARAS)</span></figcaption></div><p>The speedy, grinding pivot for the Senators had a breakout season offensively, tallying 25 goals and 53 points in 79 games &ndash; but finding Underwood was his best score.</p><h2><b>TALE OF THE TAPE</b></h2><p><b>AGE</b></p><p><b>Carrie Underwood</b> 27</p><p><b>Hilary Duff</b> 23</p><p><b>BIRTHPLACE</b></p><p><b>CU</b> Checotah, OK</p><p><b>HD</b> Houston, TX</p><p><b>BREAKOUT ROLE</b></p><p><b>CU</b> American Idol, season 4</p><p><b>HD</b> Lizzie McGuire</p><p><b>FIANC&Eacute;E CAREER STATS</b></p><p><b>CU</b> GP: 620 Pts: 324</p><p><b>HD</b> GP: 568 Pts: 359</p><p><b>SIDE PROJECTS</b></p><p><b>CU</b> PETA supporter, 2007 Sexiest Vegetarian Alive winner</p><p><b>HD</b> Fashion label &lsquo;stuff by Hilary Duff,&rsquo; DKNY&rsquo;s &lsquo;Femme&rsquo; line</p><p><b>COST OF RING/KARATS</b></p><p><b>CU</b> $150,000 &ndash; 5 K</p><p><b>HD</b> $1 million &ndash; 14 K</p><p><b>SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE APPEARANCES</b></p><p><b>CU</b> 2</p><p><b>HD</b> 0</p><p><b>DEBUT ALBUM</b></p><p><b>CU</b> &lsquo;Some Hearts,&rsquo; No. 2 on Billboard 200</p><p><b>HD</b> &lsquo;Metamorphosis,&rsquo; No. 2 on Billboard 200</p><p><b>BEST GIFT RECEIVED</b></p><p><b>CU</b> 5 K engagement ring for Christmas</p><p><b>HD</b> Mercedes G-class SUV for birthday</p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-0445/9477127-1-eng-US/f0062-042.jpg" title="f0062-04" width="490" height="1753"></div><p>THE CORNER MAN</p><p><i>Mike Comrie</i></p><p><b>EDMONTON OILERS</b></p><div class="figure-block image-block"><img src="/var/site_2854/storage/images/media2/images/f0062-0526/9477120-1-eng-US/f0062-052.jpg" title="f0062-05" width="278" height="415"><figcaption class="caption-body"><span class="photo-credit">(KRISTIAN DOWLING/GETTY IMAGES FOR IMG)</span></figcaption></div><p>Coming back to play in his hometown, Comrie was good when he was in the lineup, but battled mononucleosis. At least he had Duff to make him chicken soup.<span class="end-marker"> &#9632;</span></p>

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Fully Loaded, Spring 2010

CREASE-CRASHING POWER FORWARD

GEAR AND CLOTHING IN LAS VEGAS

GETTING MAJOR IN GAMING

Antti Niemi