centreicenz

[centreicenz]

Product Review: High End Bauer Sticks

Bauer Supreme MX3 - Sam

I couldn’t talk about the MX3 enough. It feels like solid gold in my hands (minus the obvious weight characteristics of the compound), mainly because of the purchase I get from the stick. 

Now, I’m a weekend warrior like most people. I love getting the latest gear, thinking with each purchase that I am becoming more and more like Patrick Kane and that I will make the NHL in 2-5 years. Despite me not getting that sort of return (yet!), my game has improved dramatically!

The amplified mid-kick flex point means the puck pops right off the blade and it’s great for those quick snap shots. It’s light, it looks good, and it’s extremely durable. Stick handling is a breeze and I feel like my shot power has exploded. 

Compared to some of the Easton sticks I’ve used in the past, it is leaps and bounds above the rest.

It comes with the usual high end price tag, but I’d be more than willing to take out another mortgage...

Bauer Nexus 1N - Darren

Why do I love the 1N so much? Aside from performance, it really just reminds me of the old Easton Stealth CNT sticks. Sticks which I used to live by.

In their time, the CNT was the most durable stick on the market. Now, the 1N takes its place.

The concave shaft means it doesn’t break easily and still gives it the lightweight feel. For an old man like me, it feels like a traditional stick, without looking like its made in outer space, or feeling like a piece of North American Pine. 

It’s got great all-round performance. Good on the forehand, good on the backyard, good with snap shots and wristers and really workable. 

The one I’ve got now is nearly as old as me, and it still makes me look like a champ.

Bauer Vapor 1X - Josh

I’ve never sworn by a stick in my life...until I started using the 1X. 

The performance of this stick is outstanding. The low-kick flex point means wristers and snap shots fly off the blade!

Compared with other high ends, such as the Easton Stealth CX, the 1X feels like it has a similar weight, but once you get into playing position, it feels like a feather and I’ve never held anything lighter.

The only minus is that it isn’t as durable as the MX3 or 1N, but you sacrifice a bit of toughness for the performance you get back.

I’d give my grandma this stick and she’d be ripping snipes top shelf...

[centreicenz]

10 of the Coolest Hockey Facts You Never Knew!

While you're sitting back and enjoying the NHL season, we scouted the internet to find you some of the coolest hockey facts you probably never knew! Below is ten of the best!

1. Kris Draper was traded for just $1 in 1993 to Detroit Red Wings. Thus, he began his reputation as the “One Dollar Man” and went on to win four Stanley Cups for Detroit.

2. Even if Wayne Gretzky had never scored a single goal, he would still have more points than any other past or present hockey player. He had more career assists than any other player has total points.

3. The Slovakian women’s hockey team qualified for the 2010 Olympics by beating Bulgaria 82-0. They later lost to team Canada in Vancouver 18-0.

4. Doctors in British Columbia are banned from talking about hockey during surgery.

5. NHL does not own the Stanley Cup and any hockey team could potentially challenge for the trophy in the event of a season-long lockout.

6. There are two dozen engraving errors on the Stanley Cup including misspelling Boston as “Bqstqn”, the Toronto Maple Leafs as “Maple Leaes,” and the New York Islanders as “Ilanders.” Only one of the errors is not a spelling error. When the Oilers won the cup in 83-84, owner Peter Pocklington had his dad’s name snuck onto the team roster. The NHL caught the error later and had Basil Pocklington’s name crossed out with X’s.

7. The original Stanley Cup was only seven inches high.

8. Prior to the 1927-28 season, forward passes were not allowed in hockey.

9. When the New Jersey Devils won the Stanley Cup in 2003, goaltender, Martin Brodeur took the Cup to a movie theater and ate popcorn out of it.

10. NHL overtime was eliminated during WWII, because there were restrictions on train travel, so they couldn't risk going long and missing the one and only train that night. It was only reinstated in 1983-84. 

[centreicenz]

The 5 Greatest Hockey Movies of All Time

5. Mystery Alaska

It's Russel Crowe at his best. This film reminds us why we love the game so much.

4. Youngblood

As romantic as it is brutal.

3. D2 The Mighty Ducks

That street hockey scene in LA combined with Trinidad and Tobago's goal horn. Cinematic perfection.

2. The Last Gladiators

An insightful look into the life of an enforcer. It's a hard-knock life.

1. Miracle

The most inspirational film of all time.

[centreicenz]

Lacing up with the Centre Ice team

It's late in the season, my rivets are rusty, I've been rocking the same rugged tape job on my stick for the last three games and I haven't had a haircut for at least four months... I've been slack, but when you're on the ice 3 to 6 times a week these things can happen. Well, minus the haircut issue, that's separate.

I used to cringe when my parents said "do as I say, and not as I do", but I'm going to have to ask you to abide by the overused, cop-out of a cliché when reading the next segment of this piece.

So, ignoring my lack of attention in caring for my gear, here is a detailed head-to-toe description of the equipment that carried me this far into the season.

1. The Bucket: Bauer 5100 senior helmet. It's not top of the line, but finding something that fits my oddly shaped head always proves to be a tough challenge. You've got to protect the money maker so I'm never shy of forking out the extra cash for a decent lid.

2. The Visor: Bauer HD0 Pro. I wouldn't use anything else. And I use Orange Pledge before every game to clean it. Is this bad for my health? Probably, but it works.

3. The Shoulder Pads: Easton Synergy 700. Shoulder Pads are a tough one. Bulk provides more protection, but is restricting and heavy. Lightweight gives a greater range of movement, but provides less protection etc etc... I find the 700's are more bulky than anything I have used in the past, but they are high-end so the lightweight material has made them easy to get used to.

4. The Elbows: Itech something, something. I've had these puppies since I was 13 (10 years) and they are still charging, well sort of. Maybe not actually. Now that I think about it, my elbows hurt when I lean them on my soft office chair. Could be time for some new ones. No one likes throwing away the old faithfuls though!

5. The gloves: Easton Epro black. These top of the line gloves are still in mint condition after 4 years of mistreatment. I'm normally too lazy to dry them properly, so the fact that they have survived this long is pretty phenomenal. I guess I shouldn't change a good thing!

6. The Stick (s): My weapon of choice is the Bauer Nexus 1000 100 flex in a Richards curve. This is the stick of the gods and the best twig I have ever used to date. To back it up I have two 2010 Easton Synergy ST's. I get slashed a lot and I dish it out as well so having two solid sticks to back it up is really handy. It also allows me to let one-timers go without a worry.

7. The Pants: Easton ST4. These are great pants. Lightweight and extremely protective. They provide me with enough confidence to get down and block shots on the penalty kill. All you can ask for out of a pant.

8. The Shins: Easton Stealth S9. A high end shin guard that provides a lot of protection when blocking shots. Can't fault these!

9. The Skates: Bauer Supreme Totalone's. I think I'm in love. After years of searching, I finally found the ones. I've been skating in these for just over a year now and have had no problems. And believe me, I've got some ugly feet. Unless anyone out there has an exceptionally good reason, I won't be changing models anytime soon. Although, I still need to replace my rivets!

 Visit https://centreice.co.nz/shop/Details.asp?ProdID=891&category=56 for your own kit!

[centreicenz]

Behind the Scenes: Buying in to the Ice Blacks Culture

The New Zealand Ice Blacks are a team that most people in this country, including many within the hockey community, know very little about. And very few get the opportunity to gain an understanding of the developing culture that is going on in the top ranks of New Zealand Ice Hockey. Part of what people don't realize is that all of those involved are doing it all for a love of the game, and the desire to improve all aspects of hockey even if it's just to make things a little bit easier for the next generation of players.

The most recent IIHF Division IIB World Championships was an eye-opener in terms of the commitment and preparation that goes into these events. From the management and coaching staff, to the point scorers, and extending to the guys that did all the training and paid all the money for the opportunity to contribute two big shifts at the tournament, everyone had a role. And, I think, this is the sign of a group of players, a team, a sport, that is moving forward in this country.

When this culture started, I do not know. All I know is there is a type of atmosphere that has been developed by the senior core of players will eventually filter down throughout many levels of hockey in New Zealand.

Although the team missed out on the gold, the Ice Blacks are a young side and looking at the level of players coming through at the junior level, the future of the top tier of hockey in this country looks promising!

A special mention must be made to Brett Speirs who, since 2004, has been serving the Ice Blacks and New Zealand hockey. His leadership on and off the ice is inspirational and he is one of the hardest working players that has ever played in New Zealand. Brett is the top points scorer in the history of the Ice Blacks, and with 2013 being his last year with the Ice Blacks he is a player that can never be replaced. We thank Brett for his contribution to the team over so many years, and make sure you catch him in action with the Canterbury Red Devils this NZIHL season!

The boys wandering the streets of Izmit, Turkey.

Old Town Square, Prague.

Day off in Izmit, time for a cheat meal!

The local pro team, Beroun Bears in action. Also, the Ice Blacks training rink.

[centreicenz]

2013 NZIHL SCHEDULE

[centreicenz]

Centre Ice Lands Figure Specialist

The Centre Ice label is proud to announce that we will be corresponding with figure skating and sharpening expert, Ian Robinson!

Ian began his skate sharpening tenure in the early 90's in Central Scotland and has recently settled in Auckland. Ian brings with him a wealth of experience and precision and we were extremely delighted when he agreed to lend us his services. It is a refreshing leap in the right direction for Centre Ice as figure skaters can be confident in knowing that there skates are being sharpened by a true professional.

We will be releasing the hours you can enjoy Ian's skills in the near future- in the mean time you can email us on info@centreice.co.nz to book an appointment.

I had a brief, but highly informative interview with Ian in the beginning of January which attests to the reasons as to why we are so excited to have him on board. Here is what he had to say...

How long have you been around figure skating/ice skating in general?

"Since the early 90's, I began in Central Scotland before residing in Blackburn, Lancashire"

What is your most memorable moment throughout your time in the skating world?

"Ah it's hard to think of one specifically, there are so many! I'd probably have to say Mack and Mabel or Bolero performed by Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean... Just getting to the pro's like Jayne and Chris and Sean Rice was a highlight for me"

Now, skate sharpening... Is it an art form? Or just simply a necessity?

"I would have to say it's a craft. I was taught by John Turner who is considered to have creative autonomy over the craft in the UK"

Following on with the sharpening theme, who is the pickiest skater/skaters you have dealt with??

"I'd have to say family... I've figured that if I can look after their skates, I can look after anyone's!"

Here is a link to Mack and Mabel for your viewing pleasure... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbXz39WYD2s

[centreicenz]

Nobody Likes a Lockout

Ok so it's December and I haven't seen one NHL game. I'm fed up, and I'm sure you feel exactly as I do. I keep seeing phrases like "collective bargaining agreement" and hearing about the NHL players association, and it's just useless noise because all I want is to watch the highest standard of hockey possible. 

As per usual there are two sides to this story and both have somewhat valid arguments and are suffering throughout this period of sporting prohibition. The players miss a year of being paid their enormous salaries, while the no play means no revenue for the owners, so the lockout clearly has a negative impact on both parties. But there is also a third party, a party that is quite possibly one of the most important factors in the game, a party that is suffering equally as much as the players and the owners. The fans. Fandom is what decides whether a league is worth any sort of monetary value as without an audience a sport is left with an extremely hard road to make some sort of revenue, and these people that love the game of hockey more than anything in the world are being starved of the 82 game action they live for.

Let's take a look at a few different perspectives...

Gary Bettman and the NHL Franchise owners...

Have offered the NHL players association a 50/50 split revenue under the collective bargaining agreement which they have outed as the best deal they will offer.

It is understandable that the owners would want to bring down the original 57% of revenue that the players have received in the past. Comparing this percentage to something measurable, I'd just like to point out that New Zealand cricket players receive about 29% of the total revenue.

The players and the NHLPA...

Refused the 50/50 split under the collective bargaining agreement.

With the elimination of prolonged contracts players fear for their future financial security.

Some players that are part of the lockout may not return to the NHL next season.

Some players are looking toward Europe to remain game-fit and keep a healthy income.

They NHL lockout is leaving the opportunity for leagues like the Russian KHL and the Swedish Elite League (Eliteserin) to steal fans and players long term. 

The fans...

No games, no superstars and new stars to watch, no road to the playoffs and no winter classic. The fans lose.

The lockout is a financial battle between two parties that's breaking the hearts of fans worldwide. I've watched Pavel Datsyuk highlight videos on youtube thousands of times over the last few months and I'm over it, I want a new game to watch, a new highlight video, something, anything new. Maybe I'll start watching the KHL. Get your act together NHLPA and Gary Bettman, otherwise hockey will become known as a "European thing", and I know a few Canadians that would shed a tear reading those words.

Final word- The lockout sucks, for everybody.

[centreicenz]

Ice Blacks Training Squad Announced!

NEW ZEALAND ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION

1 October 2012

Subject: 2013 New Zealand Ice Black Trial Squad Selections

It is with great pleasure that the Coaching/Management Team of the New Zealand Ice Blacks announce the trial squad for the 2013 New Zealand Ice Blacks, in preparation for the 2013 IIHF Division IIB Championships to be held in Izmit, Turkey on the 21-27 April 2013.

F Jordan Challis F Joshua Hay F Michael Attwell F Ian Wannamaker D Richard Idoine D Andrew Hay F Keegan Harnett F Martin Lee F Adam Soffer F Chris Eaden D Stefan Speck D Jamie Lawrence D Stefan Spijkerman G Vince Mitalas F Paris Heyd D Regan Wilson D Cameron Frear G Rick Parry F Brett Speirs D Bert Haines F Nick Henderson F Nick Craig D Gareth McLeish D Blake Jackson F Jeremy Chai F Georg Huber F Andrew Cox G Jaden Pine-Murphy

All squad members are expected to attend the Ice Blacks trials 6-10 February 2013. A further announcement with final team selections, including development players and reserves, for the 2013 Ice Blacks team will be made following the February selection trials.

Please note that this list is not final; the coaching staff can select additional players based on availability. Congratulations to those named onto the 2013 Ice Blacks Trial Squad.

Andy Kaiser                                Ian Challis

Head Coach                                 Manager

[centreicenz]

Hamilton Host's Hockey Extravaganza

Well it's that time of the year again. For some it's a week off work, for others an annual favorite way to spend the school holidays. It provides the opportunity for old mates to reunite and share their thoughts on all things Hockey... but when it comes down to it, it is the competitive pinnacle of the Inline Hockey community, and for some, the anticipation for this event has been seductively building over the long and lonely months since their last opportunity in September 2011. It's the 2012 Inline Hockey National Championships and we have a look at the results, the standout game and a couple of players to keep an eye on.

The first stage of this years competition showed a mixed bag of winners, with no single club dominating which promotes the idea that the strength is now spread throughout the clubs in New Zealand, which has not been the case in the past. The overall winners from the grades that have competed so far are as follows:

Senior Women- Hamilton Devils

Under 10's- Rimutaka Renegades

Under 14's- New Plymouth Ravens

Senior Men- Capital Penguins

The Capital Jokers wear the new design by Sila Apparel

Centre Ice was lucky enough this year to have an exclusive insight into the the behind the scenes side of the competition, with our Graphic Designer, Sam Pillidge representing the Mt Wellington Panthers premier team and providing us with some quality photos.

THE STANDOUT GAME

This years standout game came in the pool play of the Premier competition, with the Auckland Sabres playing underdog to the experienced force of the Capital Penguins. The Penguins came in as tournament favorites after their successes at the NARCH World Champs earlier this year. Their line-up is stacked with New Zealand Representatives including the Taiapa brothers, Alie Novak, Zach Beardman, Warwick Kendrick, Kenra Manning, Sam Franklin and Bevan Varney just to name a few... but the Sabres proved to be more than capable of posing a threat in this pound-for-pound David vs Goliath match-up.

The Pens kicked off as expected by blasting three quick goals past Sabres tender Scott Colins and quickly had the spectators under the smug impression that the result would be a win to the Wellingtonians as expected, but by mid-way through the third period the inevitable result was challenged as the scoreboard read 4-4. This had come through a hat trick to former Levin Jackals star Stacey Beach. The star-studded Capital Penguins were visibly flustered, but as any good team will do, they held their composure, waited for their opportunity and pounced when it came. The game winner came through a breakaway goal to Jensen Taiapa with 5 minutes to go in the final period.

A valiant effort form the Sabres couldn't stop the surging Penguins as they went right through the tournament unbeaten.

Lewis Taiapa of the Capital Penguins

PLAYERS TO WATCH

A couple of players that have appeared on the Centre Ice radar include Jay Chadwick from the Auckland Storm premier team and Robbie Blunsom of the Northland Stingrays Under 14's.

JAY is a Christchurch native that has had to cross over to the North to find a team due to the deterioration of Inline Hockey in the South Island. He has just come of his debut season in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League (NZIHL) where his team, the Canterbury Red Devils took out the Birgel Cup. He was an age group phenomenon with the Christchurch Tigers, Redbacks and Snipers. Jay continues to impress with his raw speed, vision and hard shot. Although he has been unable to play as often as the players living in the North Island, there is no substitute for his genuine pace. Jay is a great guy on and off the rink and is a strong ambassador to have in the Inline community.

ROBBIE is a 13 year old whose game knowledge is well beyond his years. This knowledge is a rarity in the younger grades and will be hugely beneficial throughout Robbies transition into Senior Hockey. His skill level compliments his brains which allows him to be the team player he is. This kid is definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.

Jay In Action for the Storm

Robbie Blunsom

The Second stage results will be posted on New Zealand Hockey Hub.

[centreicenz]

A Season to Remember

As we approach the final of the 2012 NZIHL season, looking back, it can quite possibly be stated that this year has been the closest and most exciting in the leagues short lived history. The tempo was quicker, the hits were bigger, the goals were glossier and the overall standard of the game here has seen rapid improvement. Not only has the league been generating more interest in our game locally it has also been bursting onto the hockey scene worldwide... here is an image from twitter showing the hashtag #NZIHL trending after the final regular season match between the Swarm and Admirals in Avondale.

So what can this improvement in the NZIHL be put down to? Was it because the import quota was increased this year? Are we actually attracting better imports? Or is the the level of the New Zealand players in the league reaching a new high? In my opinion all of these factors have played a role in the increased quality of the league, but more importantly, it has been the work that is going on behind the scenes that has been an integral part of our game here in New Zealand. From SourceTV in Queenstown to Hewit Sports Network in Australia, the media coverage of the NZIHL this year has built a form of pre-game hype that has been missing in past seasons, while Jez Brown's Slapshot Productions  continued to provide the highly sought after game footage that all the fans and players alike crave.

While we would all love to see our local NZIHL teams on TV, this is just not achievable without an extremely generous sponsor, but this year we have had the next best thing- live Twitter updates! As was pointed out earlier, the #NZIHL managed to reach a worldwide trend on Twitter, which made all of those who have been pushing the league online extremely proud. It was a moment that opened up a realization that our league's following is no longer limited to the local hockey community- or, in fact, our local hockey community is expanding. Either way, it is easy to see how beneficial this is for the game.

Something that really surprised me about the NZIHL this year is how well the teams worked in conjunction with each other. I've been involved in many minor sports over the years and if a rivalry is carried off the field/rink it becomes unhealthy for the game as a whole. I was involved with Inline Hockey for many years where club officials lack the ability to drop their egos and work together which has inevitably hurt the game in the long run, but this has not been the case with the NZIHL. If you had the chance to see any of the games this season it is highly likely that you would think that every team has a passionate hate for every other team, which is actually true, but this passionate hate remains on the ice as players and officials in this league are mature enough to be able to see in foresight that we all have one goal- promoting the game we know and love.

Although I am Admiral a heart, despite the results, this season has been a great experience for everyone involved and it is frustrating to know that after the final and the Skate of Origin we have to wait a whole summer for the next ride!

Here at Centre Ice we will be watching the final very closely, whether it be through Twitter, or possibly even through a livestream? Either way, good luck to both teams.

To view all the results and match reports go to http://nzihl.com/

Support the guys that support you by checking out Centre Ice on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/centreicestore?ref=hl

If you'd like a good read from a semi-satire writer that provides great, detailed descriptions of NZIHL games check out http://goodbyepuckpie.wordpress.com/

[centreicenz]

Welcome to the Business End of the Season... BOOM!

[centreicenz]

The Tekapo Challenge

What happens on tour doesn't always stay on tour, especially if said tour consists of 25 hockey players and the destination happens to be the best damn outdoor rink in the Southern Hemisphere (world) which is located 4 hours southwest of Christchurch in the picturesque town of Tekapo...

The annual weekend in the winter wonderland is fast becoming a tradition that NZIHL players, foreigners and Friday morning hockey players alike are itching to be a part of.

This photo below is just a small glimpse into what Tekapo is like.

But, although this image may look cool, calm and peaceful, I cannot say the same for the large pack of wolves that make the trek into it's realms every July. And this years group was no different.

Now, I'm writing from the perspective of a Friday morning hockey player that did not attend this years mid-winter expedition, but my sources are of the most reliable kind and they have given me a detailed analysis of the kind of tomfoolery that went down on the trip... and yes I have got my hands on 'some' photos.

Firstly, I'd like to personally mention all of the 8 players that officially completed the seven game Tekapo challenge. Not only do the players have to endure the physical side of seven games in three days against the best Friday morning hockey players in the country, they also have to achieve this on a predominantly liquid diet (beer).

Players to complete the 2012 Tekapo Challenge:

Shawn Henry

Luke Christie

Jason King

Jason Mcbride

Aidan Hamm

Phil Lyle

Mike Webb

Zane Brown (questionable)

A brave effort from Simon Bird and Mikhail Janousek was interrupted on Saturday evening by the side-boards as both were unable to make the climb over them and on to the ice. The pair were forced to retreat, along with their Tekapo challenge hopes, to the bar for further refreshments.

Another notable player was West Auckland Admiral Head Coach Jonathan Albright. Jonny was all but 15 minutes away from completing the reverse Tekapo challenge... that meaning he nearly failed to participate in any of the 7 games. Good from you, Jonny.

My sources tell me that a motormouth Canadian by the name of Ryan Blouin offered the most in terms of quality banter. Though, he was followed closely by his fellow patriotic counter-part from Thunder-Bay, Bradey Fox. Hockey town Detroit's representative Jason McBride came in at a close third. 

After going through every photo and hearing all the stories from the Mystery Alaska style journey these boys took part in this year, it is easy to see why the trip is so eagerly anticipated and is so hard to book a spot in. I believe the tradition will continue for years to come and the stories will slowly dissolve into a form of Tekapo folk-tale for foreigners visiting New Zealand.

The MVP himself with his weekend philosophy

Yes, this is what it looks like. Yes, this is the teabag of justice.

Words really cannot describe this.

Bet they wish they'd put the 'no skates in the bar' sign out.

Seems legit...

See Y'all next year!

[centreicenz]

Canadian Superstar Cherie Piper's Hamilton Experience

Three times winter Olympics gold medallist from Canada, Cherie Piper, was in Hamilton for three weeks during June and July this year. Cherie’s visit was to help the Hamilton Inline Hockey Club promote and develop inline hockey. Cherie hosted two specialised camps for female players and ran a third for developing players from throughout the country.

“It’s a passion that I have, I love the sport on so many levels and there’s so many aspects that it’s real nice to be able to give back after playing”, Cherie said to Club members quite often. Cherie was excited to get to work and share her knowledge about competing at a high level in sports she is passionate about. She also said that as she was getting older and more involved in the teaching side of the game, you get to appreciate it from so many different perspectives, as a player, as a coach and as someone just teaching the game.

Cherie also visited seven schools in Hamilton to support initiatives for healthy lifestyles, and to work with high performance athletes in high schools. In one visit she addressed 1700 students in one full school assembly.

“For me, a big thing is helping kids to realise the importance of being fit and doing something that you love”. Cherie shared with them her experiences, showed them her gold medals and shared with them the things that can be achieved as an athlete.

Cherie also met with Matthew Cooper, the CEO of Sport Waikato, who as an ex All Black was in total awe of someone who had achieved three Olympic gold medals. Cherie has had an illustrious career representing Canada at ice hockey and inline hockey, going to World Championships for both sports. “To go and compete for your country is the pinnacle,” Cherie told the students at all the schools she visited.

Cherie spends the winter season playing ice hockey for Brampton Thunder and in summer she gets stuck into inline. For Cherie this trip to New Zealand marked the start of an ambassadorial role, promoting the sport which is currently lacking traction in New Zealand. Cherie was aware that the numbers of inline hockey players in New Zealand were not necessarily growing and was delighted to participate in a programme of awareness that opportunities for inline hockey are available.

Whilst in New Zealand Cherie celebrated her 31st birthday, visited the main attractions of Rotorua, Waitomo and Auckland and was also treated to Hamilton’s Waikato Stadium to see her first haka and to watch the All Blacks verses Ireland game. Whilst in Hamilton Cherie impressed many by just taking time to sit and talk with young children, participating in three formal press interviews, two national radio interviews and one television interview over a vast range of topics concerning her experiences behind winning her medals. Yes she was asked in all interviews if she had the desire to go for a fourth winter Olympic medal in 2014.

The Hamilton Club have already commenced the necessary tasks to bring Cherie back to New Zealand in 2013.

Credit to Sandy Nimmo and Les Wills for the article and photos

[centreicenz]

Auckland CBD's very own Winter Wonderland!

Why is Auckland being talked about in the same breath as cities like London, Toronto and New York this winter? As most of you probably know, Auckland has joined the aforementioned cities in hosting an outdoor ice skating rink during the “cold” months of the year, giving Aucklanders a winter like they’ve never experienced before. Some of you are probably asking “Why in the world would Auckland WANT an ice skating rink downtown?”

The need became apparent about a year ago as the “Canada vs. USA” ice hockey match drew thousands of people to Vector arena, many of these people would be experience the game and the atmosphere of a rink for the first time. After the Canadian and U.S. were nothing but a distant memory, temporary rinks started to pop up all around the country. At this point, the powers that be at Paradice Ice Skating started to think of ways to deliver one to Auckland City. Who better to run and staff an ice rink than Paradice? So after months and months of planning and paperwork Paradice was proud to present “Aotea Square Ice Rink”.

Since its opening in mid June the public response has been amazing, enough so that the commencement date was changed from August 5th to August 12th. It has been featured on several TV shows as well as newspapers. Right now is an exciting time to be in Auckland and you still have time to get down to the rink and enjoy it. While the rink is not as well established as the rinks in London, Toronto or New York; Aucklanders seem to love it and if the support continues, who knows? Maybe future outdoor rinks will be compared to London, Toronto, New York and Auckland!

For more information please click this link http://www.paradice.co.nz/aotea-square-ice-rink.aspx

By Paradice's Jason McBride

[centreicenz]

The Warm Fuzzies

In skating, the way we act and take care of ourselves and our equipment is just as important off the rink as it is when we are skating. The little things we do make a huge difference...

The actions that we partake in before and after skating can actually have a huge impact on our abilities on the ice. This can be anything from what's in our diet to stretching and muscle recovery after a session.. we can also help the process by taking proper care of our skating equipment- that means having the right equipment to begin with! Here are a couple of little tips that help taking care of yourself while skating.

TAKING CARE OF OUR BODY AND OUR EQUIPMENT ON AND OF THE ICE

The body is obviously the most crucial part of skating as it won't matter if you have all of the best equipment, if your body isn't functioning correctly your skating will suffer for it!

So make sure that:

1. You are eating correctly- that means having a quality meal (e.g chicken, spinach/silver beet) 3hrs before competition or a strenuous skating session and re-fueling during and after a session. Ideal snack foods include nuts, bananas and muesli or protein bars.

http://www.healthyeatingclub.com/info/articles/phys-act/nutr-sport.htm here is a handy site to examine the nutritional needs for an athlete!

2. You are remaining hydrated at all times- now I know this is common knowledge to most of you, but it is still immensely important. The added pressure during competition time can cause you to overlook the simple things such as hydration. The easy way to remedy this is to constantly be sipping on a water bottle leading up to your skate. Sports drinks (Powerade, Mizone, Vitamin Water) are also good for hydration after a session as they contain electrolytes. It is actually possible to make your own sports drink by adding water and salt to a raro sachet!

3. Finally, you must look after and have the right equipment! That means having tights and suitable sports clothing at all times (e.g compression clothing for muscle recovery) along skates that have been sharpened and dried before a session.

And LOOK what are coming soon to the Centre Ice stores!!!

These fuzzies may play the 'cute' card, but it is their role of drying the skate blade that makes them so attractive.

Watch this space and the Centre Ice Facebook page to find out when you can get your hands on some!

[centreicenz]

Thunder Rumble on as Admirals Look to Anchor and Swarm Return to Their Nest

Centre Ice continues to support the ever growing NZIHL and this season is proving to be one of the most exciting. The increased import quota has allowed for a stronger base of players throughout all the teams and combined with our top Kiwi players is making for more intensity in our top league.

The only team, so far, to come away with two wins from a weekend are the Dunedin Thunder who stormed through the struggling Swarm over the past weekend. These wins are seemingly crucial on the scale of things as the neutral zone that is the middle of the table has become extremely clogged, and will not allow for any of the teams to come up for air.

Last years wooden spooners, the West Auckland Admirals, have been making strong steps in the right direction splitting both against the Thunder, and the Stampede, while the Canterbury Red Devils and Stampede are also sitting on two wins.

This weekend is one to watch closely as the Admirals will look to consolidate their season, while the Devils will want to unleash their attacking power that their fans have been waiting for... the match up in the deep south will be generating the most interest though, as rivals Stampede and Thunder are both looking for another reason to celebrate the Queenstown winter festival. The sell-out crowds always give the Stampede that slight edge when they are at home, but the Thunder will be bursting with confidence after toppling the Swarm in straight sets. The Botany Swarm have the weekend to re-group and plan their pounce back into the competition.

Centre Ice will be open at both Auckland rinks for all the NZIHL games- so come and chat with us during the breaks and enjoy the action!