The Sport Village

Obviously, the goalie stick is the most strikingly different apparatus on the ice, specifically designed to keep pucks out of the net, with its widened base over the stick’s bottom 24 inches. The exact width of the blade can vary by player, but it should be noted that though puck-stopping surface area increases with each additional inch, too wide of a stick may compromise maneuverability. Most goalie sticks have blades ranging from 3.5 inches to 15.5 inches wide, with a loft between 11 and 15 (close to a driver, for golfers out there). This means there is potentially a lot of extra wood which will increase the stick’s weight. (more…)

The standard hockey stick for adults is between 56 and 62 inches long. For juniors, the size decreases, ranging from 46 to 54 inches. Though sticks for defensemen and forwards may look the same from afar, careful deliberation regarding to a player’s position will ensure maximum functionality out of a stick purchase. Defensemen generally play a more physical brand of hockey. In turn, they will need a more physically capable stick. Whether checking an opposing player into the boards or laying down in front of opposing slap shots, the defenseman’s stick takes quite a beating over the course of 3 periods. As a result, defensemen will generally opt for a stick more flex, or in layman’s terms stiffness, not to mention a heavier stick. It is a regular occurrence for defensemen to skate backwards attempting to poke the puck away from oncoming skaters on the offensive attack. A longer stick can greatly help towards this end, giving a defenseman an additional reach to his hockey wingspan.On the other side of the puck, forwards will need highly maneuverable sticks in order to keep the puck well in their control while shielding the puck and weaving in between defenders. This is only possible with a shorter, lighter stick. Less flex is also to a scoring player’s advantage as this will help to add to a stick’s versatility, advantageous when handling the puck in traffic. (more…)

There’s a little known truth that all basketballs are created equal. Sure, men’s and women’s balls come in standard sizes (29.5 inch circumference weighing 22 ounces for fellows, 28.5 inches for ladies with a weight of 19 ounces) at the professional level, but for at-home ballers who want to take their game to the street or local court, a variety of textures and sizes may cater to each individual experience. Which one is right for you? Take a look and see:NBA Game Ball Spalding produces official NBA balls, however, most major manufacturers have a replica of the same size, weight and material, required by league rule to be leather-made. In 2006, the NBA decided to switch to a microfiber substance that was supposed to improve ball performance, but after a boatload of player complaints, including hand laceration, bounce inconsistency, and general distaste, the NBA switched back to the leather faced ball after only a few months.WNBA Game Ball Like the NBA Game Ball, these are of the utmost quality, only smaller. Great for women who want to harness their skills on an indoor court at a high level. Neither men’s nor women’s game balls will hold up on a street or concrete court.NCAA Ball Wilson produces basketballs for the NCAA tournament, with their “Solution” ball noted for advancements in moisture retainment and grip. This is also a high performance ball that lacks the durability to hold up outside of the gym.Indoor/Outdoor Often cheaper than the competitive balls above, an Indoor/Outdoor make is just right for someone who finds themselves on the hardwood and in the driveway and needs one ball for both worlds. Indoor/Outdoors are made of durable composite leather, which though less refined provides more toughness against the elements. (more…)