NHL players to use heated blades

[auxlepli 17]

So what you are saying is the NHL should require all players to used the same equipment that was used back in the 40's? Seriously man, how has technology not helped the game? Any technology that doesn't is quickly cast aside. Anyone else remember those "LockJaw" blades from TPS?

Technology hasn't reduced the size of goalie equipment, it hasn't made the jerseys better, and it hasn't brought down the safety nets.

[BlakChamber 8]

Technology hasn't reduced the size of goalie equipment, it hasn't made the jerseys better, and it hasn't brought down the safety nets.

Goalie pads are the size the are because the NHL hasn't mandated a big shrinking of the equipment. I'm sure it could be done.

Has there been enough of a reaction to the new jerseys to determine if they're better or not? I know there was that article about how sweat/water is dripping into the gloves and skates, but that's all I've seen.

How is technology supposed to bring down the safety nets? Some kind of invisible force field instead of the nets?

[Izzy24 44]

Goalie pads are the size the are because the NHL hasn't mandated a big shrinking of the equipment. I'm sure it could be done.

Has there been enough of a reaction to the new jerseys to determine if they're better or not? I know there was that article about how sweat/water is dripping into the gloves and skates, but that's all I've seen.

How is technology supposed to bring down the safety nets? Some kind of invisible force field instead of the nets?

Yes!

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Technology hasn't reduced the size of goalie equipment, it hasn't made the jerseys better, and it hasn't brought down the safety nets.

It HAS made the jerseys better. Maybe not the latest version, but are you trying to say the jerseys worn last year are better than actual sweaters worn in the early days of the NHL?

Pads are that size because IT IS ALLOWED!!! It has nothing to do with technology. Technology has allowed goalies to wear pads that don't weigh 25 pounds by the end of a game.

And in the case of the safety nets, what the hell is your gripe? They are there for a reason. Do you want the players to not shoot the puck?

Seriously, could there be a standpoint that is any more ridiculous that yours on this?

[auxlepli 17]

It HAS made the jerseys better. Maybe not the latest version, but are you trying to say the jerseys worn last year are better than actual sweaters worn in the early days of the NHL?

Pads are that size because IT IS ALLOWED!!! It has nothing to do with technology. Technology has allowed goalies to wear pads that don't weigh 25 pounds by the end of a game.

And in the case of the safety nets, what the hell is your gripe? They are there for a reason. Do you want the players to not shoot the puck?

Seriously, could there be a standpoint that is any more ridiculous that yours on this?

The sweaters this year aren't better than last year's. All but one player has said so.

If the technology is there to make the pads smaller, why aren't they allowed? The NHL doesn't, therefore it must not be there. Becuase if it was the NHL would've already jumped on it. It jumped on the "improved" the jerseys and soon players will use heated skates.

The safety nets are there because of a knee-jerk reaction.

[lets go pavel 2]

The sweaters this year aren't better than last year's. All but one player has said so.

If the technology is there to make the pads smaller, why aren't they allowed? The NHL doesn't, therefore it must not be there. Becuase if it was the NHL would've already jumped on it. It jumped on the "improved" the jerseys and soon players will use heated skates.

The safety nets are there because of a knee-jerk reaction.

exactly ... of course that would be a fan's knee jerking spasmodically as blood seeps from his/her gaping head wound ...

[BlakChamber 8]

If the technology is there to make the pads smaller, why aren't they allowed? The NHL doesn't, therefore it must not be there. Becuase if it was the NHL would've already jumped on it. It jumped on the "improved" the jerseys and soon players will use heated skates.

The safety nets are there because of a knee-jerk reaction.

So because the NHL hasn't forced a huge reduction of the size of goalie equipment, the technology doesn't exist? That makes plenty of sense. You mean to tell me there's the technology to make something smaller than goalie pads that will stop bullets, but not pucks?

As far as the nets, I'm still waiting to hear how technology is supposed to bring down the safety nets.

[betterREDthandead 58]

I don't like the idea. I think professional sports should have to play the game with the same equipment "normal" people play with and at an even keel. Meaning most of us wouldn't have heated blades. To me, it feels like it gives an uneven advantage and that's not good sportsmanship.

So, they should use chipped blades because they can't afford new skates, a jersey that's nine years old, and an old dented wooden stick?

C'mon man....NHLers already use better equipment than the pick-up game player simply by having the resources to get new stuff all the time. When I go watch an NHL game, it damn well better be the best hockey the world has to offer.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

The sweaters this year aren't better than last year's. All but one player has said so.

If the technology is there to make the pads smaller, why aren't they allowed? The NHL doesn't, therefore it must not be there. Becuase if it was the NHL would've already jumped on it. It jumped on the "improved" the jerseys and soon players will use heated skates.

The safety nets are there because of a knee-jerk reaction.

Just because the new jerseys aren't being accepted very well, doesn't mean they aren't improved. Remember, it is a DRASTIC change. Anytime there is a change this big, it's bound to be met with large amounts out animosity. Keep in mind the largest number of complaints aren't that the jerseys are bad, it's the effects of what the jerseys working perfectly are creating. That is, more moisture in gloves, and skates. I think that a lot of the "it's too tight" complaints can be attributed to the jerseys simply being a lot tighter than the old ones. If you take a trip in the way back machine to the mid 80's, the jerseys don't really look too much tighter.

As for the pads, don't be ridiculous. What kind of technology do you need to make the pads smaller? It's just a matter of actually manufacturing them smaller. I see minnie mites wearing goaltending gear everyday. It's a question of what does the NHL want to do. BTW, the pads being bigger doesn't translate into a goalie being better. There needs to be a balance of size and skill. Yes Giggy uses larger leg pads than Marty. However, both use equipment that is approved by the NHL.

Why do you even mention heated skate blades? Do you really think the NHL has a R&D department? The company Thermablades, designed these. The NHL has nothing to do with funding any of the research. Just like composite sticks, they will be tested by a few guys who like to keep on top of the new stuff. Things will progress from there.

I seriously don't understand how people like you can get in the position of hating technology. Composite sticks are a big complaint. But let me ask this, if they were so horrible, then why do so many NHL players use them? It isn't because it's the hip thing to do. It is because they actually do make you a better player. The sticks give players that extra edge. Ask anyone who has used one for any length of time, and they will tell you they enhance their game. If nothing else, they are much lighter than any other stick, thus giving the player more energy late in games.

EDIT:BTW, Like I said, this years jerseys have done pretty much what they were designed to. That doesn't necessarily make them better. My point in the previous post was that technology has made jerseys better. Take a jersey from the early 40's, and put it beside a modern jersey. Tell me the newer jersey isn't better. You are like so many old people I deal with every single day at work. You don't like change, except the change that happened when you were young. You are afraid of any new change, because it must be bad.

Edited October 20, 2007 by BringHomeTheCup!

[auxlepli 17]

Just because the new jerseys aren't being accepted very well, doesn't mean they aren't improved.

Why do you even mention heated skate blades?

I seriously don't understand how people like you can get in the position of hating technology.

EDIT:BTW,this years jerseys have done pretty much what they were designed to. You don't like change, except the change that happened when you were young. You are afraid of any new change, because it must be bad.

I don't hate change. but the this year's jerseys aren't better and they don't do what they were supposedly were designed to do. They rip easy, and they hold water instead of repel it. The NHL and Reebok had three years, and yet the new jerseys are still awful. Wait a sec ... they do do one thing they were designed to do - make money. BTW, changes I have liked - the new, post-lockout rules.

I also don't hate technology. What I do hate is crappy technology - the new jerseys, Microsoft products, etc. I also hate the NHL embracing this new crappy technology just to make money - like with the jerseys, or so rapidly - like with the skates. The skates might not be crappy, but they are relatively untested. Who knows what the negatives might be.

So because the NHL hasn't forced a huge reduction of the size of goalie equipment, the technology doesn't exist?

That's right. The NHL is embracing all this new technology to make the game better, so if the League isn't using it, it's not available.

As far as the nets, I'm still waiting to hear how technology is supposed to bring down the safety nets.

Don't ask me. I'm not the one embracing new, crappy technology so rapidly. Ask Bettman and the NHL. They are.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

I don't hate change. but the this year's jerseys aren't better and they don't do what they were supposedly were designed to do. They rip easy, and they hold water instead of repel it. The NHL and Reebok had three years, and yet the new jerseys are still awful. Wait a sec ... they do do one thing they were designed to do - make money. BTW, changes I have liked - the new, post-lockout rules.

I also don't hate technology. What I do hate is crappy technology - the new jerseys, Microsoft products, etc. I also hate the NHL embracing this new crappy technology just to make money - like with the jerseys, or so rapidly - like with the skates. The skates might not be crappy, but they are relatively untested. Who knows what the negatives might be.

That's right. The NHL is embracing all this new technology to make the game better, so if the League isn't using it, it's not available.

Don't ask me. I'm not the one embracing new, crappy technology so rapidly. Ask Bettman and the NHL. They are.

The jersey's do repel water, in fact like I stated, the biggest complaint is that other pieces of equipment are getting too wet because the jersey isn't absorbing that moisture. Regardless, my point is that just because it isn't perfect, doesn't mean it isn't better, or as good.

What are you talking about with the pads?! You are nuts my friend. Just take a trip down to your local ice rink early one Saturday morning. You will see miniature goalie pads. And no, it isn't some high class, cutting edge NHL testing group. It's called minnie mite hockey. You are an oddball. Clearly the 'technology' is there to make pads smaller, but the NHL has determined that the size of goaltenders pads are limited enough.

Again with the skates. The NHL isn't endorsing them, promoting them, ect. A select few NHLers will test them out to see how they like them. That's all. GET OVER IT!!!

Edited October 20, 2007 by BringHomeTheCup!

[BlakChamber 8]

That's right. The NHL is embracing all this new technology to make the game better, so if the League isn't using it, it's not available.

Don't ask me. I'm not the one embracing new, crappy technology so rapidly. Ask Bettman and the NHL. They are.

I see. I assume you work for Bauer/Itech/RBK/etc and know what exactly can and can't be done? And like I asked, are you seriously trying to tell me that something smaller than goalie pads can stop a bullet, bu the technology doesn't exist to stop a puck?

Do you honestly believe that the technology exists to make the goalie pads smaller? Yes or no.

I realize you have this hate for Bettman that is bordering on irrational, but to say the nets are still up and somehow blame this on new technology and Bettman is a little nuts. OK, it's a lot nuts.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

I see. I assume you work for Bauer/Itech/RBK/etc and know what exactly can and can't be done? And like I asked, are you seriously trying to tell me that something smaller than goalie pads can stop a bullet, bu the technology doesn't exist to stop a puck?

Do you honestly believe that the technology exists to make the goalie pads smaller? Yes or no.

I realize you have this hate for Bettman that is bordering on irrational, but to say the nets are still up and somehow blame this on new technology and Bettman is a little nuts. OK, it's a lot nuts.

[auxlepli 17]

Are you two, BringHomeTheCup! or BlakChamber, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? I refuse to try discuss this anymore, becuase you two have made it personal.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Are you two, BringHomeTheCup! or BlakChamber, a psychologist or a psychiatrist? I refuse to try discuss this anymore, becuase you two have made it personal.

It's hard not to when you make such ridiculous statements like "If the technology is there to make the pads smaller, why aren't they allowed? The NHL doesn't, therefore it must not be there. Becuase if it was the NHL would've already jumped on it."

[Earthhuman 8]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=220752&hubname=nhl

I try to stay up on new hockey tech, but this was news to me. I wonder how they will decide who gets to try them?

Since the NHL keeps expanding, the minor leaguers that get called up that can't keep up with the NHL players will probably get to use them.

[BlakChamber 8]

Are you two, BringHomeTheCup! or BlakChamber, a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

No. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[Kp-Wings 3]

No. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

No. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

[Jocu 0]

"Alright! Let's give players every technological advance we can come up with! Heated skate blades, composite sticks with holes in them for more aerodynamics, jerseys to make them faster....

....oh, and you goalies....your pads are big. We need you to wear some shin guards. We also want the nets bigger."

- Gary Bettman