Fantasy Hockey Draft Preperation - How to Compose a Winning Draft List

The single biggest factor in determining your chance of winning it all comes down to the time and effort you put into preparing a draft list. If you do it right, you should have very few decisions to make during the draft. You should be able to hand your draft list over to a trained monkey, and your roster will come out shining.

Ground Rules

There are a few ground rules to understand before getting into the strategy of preparing a draft list.

1. Study the Point System - Every league is different. If you're in 3 different leagues, with three different point systems, you should have 3 different draft lists. Landshark Hockey has fine-tuned a point system to perfection, but the world hasn't caught up to it yet. So make sure and craft your list according to your league's points.

2. Don't Wing It - Come prepared with a full list at every position. Do the math, chump. If your league drafts 5 defensemen and you have ten teams, you had better prepare a list with at least 50 defensemen on it. Some guys come prepared with their top 10 at each position and they're left in the cold after 3 rounds. Don't be that guy. That guy is dumb.

3. Read your History - History did not begin last season. Don't base your draft list on last year's stats alone. The top 50 scorers vary considerably from season to season. Guys get injured, then come back strong. Guys have a bad year, then storm back again (Marleau). Go back at least 3 seasons in your considerations.

Tier Strategy

The first key to dominating draft day is to divide your draft list into tiers by position. Start with goaltending. As you make your list of your top 30 goalies, draw lines between the tiers as the talent level drops a notch. For example...

For the most part, when it's time to draft a specific position, your choice is easy. Take the next guy on your list. The only decision needs to be which position to pull from. Having your list broken down into tiers simplifies your decision. Say you're in the fourth round, and you already have 1 goalie, 1 forward, and 1 defenseman. All the goalies in your top 2 tiers have been taken. All the forwards in your top 2 tiers are gone, too. But Mike Green is still sitting out there and he's a tier 1 D. You take the player from the highest tier. Over the course of the draft, you need balance, but choosing the best player from the highest tier available is money.

Summer Reading Assignments

Before you start putting any names on paper, do some background research. Read a magazine or two and pay special attention to the following:

1. Injuries / Surgeries - off-season surgeries typically lead to slow starts or down-right lousy seasons. (see Brind'amour in '08, watch for Lecavalier in '09). Play the percentages and avoid this guys.

2. Hold outs - It doesn't happen as often as it used to, but if a player is holding out, knock him down at least 3 tiers in your list.

3. Relocation - Take a look at players in new places and try to gauge whether it's a good move or a bad move for that player's performance. For example, Petr Sykora wakes up and finds himself playing in Pittsburgh beside Malkin = good thing. Ryan Malone leaves the comfort of Malkin's side and lands in the worst run franchise in the league = bad thing.

4. Comebacks - Opposite of #1. When you're looking at stats, make a special note of players who came back or who were injured the previous season and only played a few games. No doubt, these guys will be forgotten by half the managers in your league. Watch for Zubov and Gonchar in '09. Zubov will be the forgotten man.

Preparing the List

It's finally time to assemble the list. We highly recommend using the Draft Guru tools found at Landshark Hockey. However, if you're old-school and prefer to cuddle up on the couch with a pencil and paper, here's the general approach:

1. First Draft - Obviously, you want a seperate list for each position. Start with goaltending. Write up your list, marking down tiers, as described above.

2. Expert Input - Once your list is compiled, take a look at other "expert" opinions. Look for players you may have over or under rated and adjust your list accordingly. Don't put complete faith in others' opinions. Trust your gut. A couple years back I was looking at a magazine that had Michael Handzus listed in the top 10. I put it back on the shelf without reading any further. Then again, if you typically finish last in your league, maybe you shouldn't trust your gut. Trust me instead.

3. Sleeper Notes - This part takes some insight into your competition. Go through your list and try to determine how high the other GMs will rank the player. Look for players on your list that you think will slide and mark them. When it comes down to that player at draft time, you may be willing to wait another round if you think others will pass on him.

To get more free fantasy hockey tips and tools, visit http://www.landsharkhockey.net.  Landshark Hockey offers a free Draft Guide and draft ranking tool to help generate your draft sheet.

Easton Hockey Sticks

Easton hockey sticks have a well deserved reputation as being some of the best and most popular around. The company has continued to lead the hockey world in innovation across a variety of areas, and makes products that all players can benefit from, regardless of skill or experience level. Most importantly, Easton hockey sticks were the first to deliver composite hockey sticks, the one piece beasts that now dominate in all levels of the sport.

Take a look at some information to help you get started understanding the history of these products as well as what's available today. You'll see that there are plenty of great reasons why Easton hockey sticks continue to be leaders in the industry, and the go-to choice for many individuals all across the globe.

Composite Hockey Sticks

It's hard to imagine, but it's only been a decade since the composite hockey sticks were first introduced. In the year 2000, Easton hockey sticks added the Synergy to their lineup, and it immediately started to make a huge impact. It was the lightest production stick in the world and had a variety of patents based upon the exact construction and style of the stick.

Then rookie Devils player Scott Gomez became the first NHL hockey player to use it, he was immediately won over.In an interview he said:

"It gives a better release, a harder shot, better everything, what else can you ask for?"

Other players also began to quickly adapt, and within a short few years, composite hockey sticks went from a new upstart trend to the vast majority of what was used by the best players in the world.

Fast forward to 2010, and composite hockey sticks are essentially the only option that the best players turn to, even including old holdouts that were sticking with their wooden sticks. All of the major brands for hockey gear make their own versions of composite hockey sticks, including of course Easton, as well as CCM, Bauer, Reebok, Warrior and so on down the line.

So what makes composite hockey sticks so popular and so highly rated? The bottom line is that they improve on the basic quality of a stick to improve all of the results. The sticks are lighter and stronger thanks to the materials used, ranging from Carbon Fiber to Kevlar and Composites of various other materials. You can shoot harder shots, shoot with more accuracy from longer distances and you can get off your shots quicker while handling the puck and making passes with more precision.

It all started 10 years ago with the Synergy, and Easton hockey sticks have continued to build upon that great foundation of success. Over the years, materials have been changed and improved, specific adjustments to style and construction have been made and so forth, but the Synergy legacy and brand name stays alive. All of the composite hockey sticks from Easton available today are either in the Synergy or Stealth family.

One of the most popular and most advanced of them all is the S19, which is in the Stealth lineup. It features a Kevlar wrapped compression molded shaft, special shape and design of the blade, newly engineered materials and more. It's even available in special Olympic limited editions, for Canada, the USA and Finland. Other current composite hockey sticks in the Stealth lineup include the S13, S7 and S3.

In the Synergy lineup of Easton hockey sticks you'll find lots of different options across many different price ranges. The Synergy SE1 has 100% composite blade construction, a Pro Radius shaft design and 4x4 Carbon reinforcement glass laminate shaft construction, all at an accessible price. Meanwhile the SE16 takes things up a few more notches with Focus Weight Technology, Kevlar wrapped shaft, the Micro-Bladder process and Micro-Rib structure of the blade for improved flex, accuracy, control and feel and much more.

The Synergy ST stands for "Super Tough", and it's about "pure power". It uses the Synergy shaft with a resin transfer molded blade and Shox technology to help provide the hardest shots and the most power that you can find anywhere. It features a low kick point for reflexive load and release, the 3-Rib blade design for improved performance and durability and much more.

From there you'll find many other options as well, each of which serves a unique purpose. For example the SE6 Junior and Senior stick features the low kick point Synergy construction and a forgiving blade that makes for pristine puck handling and passing. You'll also find in the Synergy lineup the SE2, as well as the SE6 Canada Olympic LE. The SE16 mentioned above is available both in Youth, Junior and Senior

Of course, the Easton hockey sticks lineup does include other options besides the composite hockey sticks. They make a handful of different wooden sticks, all of which feature precision designs as well. For example, the Synergy ABS wood stick is made from Baltic birch plywood, and has an ABS/Fiber paddle. Other options include the SY50, SY70 and SY90. The SY90 for instance includes a Pro radius shaft design, carbon laminate shaft construction and Carbon/Kevlar reinforced sock wave, making it durable and offering great control for a wood stick.

Easton hockey sticks are some of the most respected out there right now, and they have led the pack in terms of innovation and quality over the years. It's been just a decade since the introduction of the first composite hockey sticks, but now they are the golden standard, used by nearly everyone and continued to be improved upon. With great control and precision, light weights and high speeds, composite hockey sticks will continue to get better, and you can bank on Easton being one of the premier companies to help that process along in the future.

Ken Abbott has been in the specialist retail sports equipment business for 18 years, running three retail shops and for the last ten years, a thriving online mail order business. More recently he is now focusing his energies on advising and helping less experienced marketeers and also combining with like minded people to develop internet marketing strategies and ideas. You can visit his website at: http://www.easton-hockey-sticks.com

The Creation And Growth Of Air Hockey

There are many fun table games that the whole family can enjoy either at home or out and about. One game that is enjoyed by many families is air hockey. Although it is a very simple game, it can become very competitive and everyone will get involved. If you become good enough there is a league and even world championships to compete in as it has become that popular. Although the playing tournaments are larger than average tables you can still practice quite happily on a normal table.

The history of the air hockey table is argued as many believe that it was invented by a billiard's company although it was in fact invented back in 1969. A group of Brunswick engineers began to invent a very similar game to the air hockey we know today. Air hockey was an immediate success and in the 1970's the first tournament was played. Although the design of the table has not really changed over the years there have been attempts to change the material used for the paddles and puck. The use of different materials didn't really work and the plastic versions are still the most popular.

This game table is made up of a large smooth playing table which has openings at both ends to score. The idea of the game is to get the puck into the goal using the paddle; the table has a cushion of air which is what makes the puck glide faster. There are some basic rules which you have to follow and often you play the best of seven goals. With something so simple it is amazing that people find it fascinating and love to play the game. All ages love to have a go at air hockey and many people will spend a great deal of time perfecting their game.

Many people have air hockey tables in their houses and you can purchase smaller table top versions for this purpose. If you have the room then a full size one is great but manufacturers appreciate that not everyone has that much space. They are ideal to go with your other items in the games area and even very small children can play. It is defiantly a game that the whole family can be involved with and enjoy. What table you decide to purchase is your decision and you can find some very expensive models with electronic scoreboards and lights. These are not necessary for you to enjoy the game and a more affordable version is just as good.

You can easily purchase your hockey table either from a store or online and you will need to ensure it is the right size table for your space. Although they can fit in many spaces and you only need to allow room at both ends for play. Once your air hockey is in your home you will spend many hours as a whole family playing with it and having fun. The simplest things in life will often cause the most entertainment and this game is no different.

We do have excellent quality Air Hockey Tables available and we're also offering 7% off your first purchase. Use ezine7 as your promotional code.

History of Lacrosse

The history of lacrosse claims to make it the first sport of America. Created by the Native American Indian and adopted by the French and other European followers then migrated north to Canada all of whom embraced and helped the sport grow. While modern day lacrosse has been most popular in the United States and throughout Europe for over a century.

Lacrosse is a sport that combines soccer with basketball and hockey. It has become so popular because it's easy to pick up, great exercise and anyone can play. It is a game of speed, quickness, coordination and teamwork. Now children and adults of all ages can enjoy playing this great sport.

The history of lacrosse literally crosses over centuries of time and is based in the Native American History. As many games that include a stick and ball or rock of some sort it is said that the game was first played to develop healthy strong workers and resolve disputes between families and villages.

Some historians believe that lacrosse or games of this nature were actually played as a precursor to combat. Much the way hockey was born the villagers would span acres of field and the battles could take days to be decided. It goes without saying these first games were rather physically brutal and have since tamed down since early times.

George Beers is often referred to as the founder of lacrosse history or at least the first to begin modifying and standardizing the game in 1867. He applied a field size as well as a limit to the number of players on the field and a number of other simple rules. A decade later NYU formed the first college team then a number of high school teams followed.

The majority of the first games in lacrosse history only included men. It wasn't until the late 1800's and early 1900's that women's teams were recognized at the high school and collegiate level. The rules and equipment from that time have changed dramatically as well. The early games in lacrosse history essentially had no protective gear at all. It wasn't until the 1930's that basic gear was starting to be implemented.

The rules have always been slightly different for men and women. Men are allowed much more contact than women and therefore are required to wear more protective gear. But evidence shows that neither male nor female lacrosse should be considered a dangerous sport. Statistics show that it is much safer than football or hockey.

Today lacrosse is considered to be one of the fastest growing sports in the US. The sports participation has more than tripled in the past 8 years. The college level participation has exploded to over 400 colleges holding lacrosse clubs throughout the country. And it's easy to see why as it's a fast paced sport full of sprinting and cutting with precision passing and teamwork to bring it all together. The sport has come along way from the days of sticks and rocks...So goes the history of lacrosse

Author is from http://recruitcity.com, lacrosse scholarships at recruit city

You Don't Shuffle Cloth Hockey Cards

Believe it or not, trading cards has been a very popular hobby throughout the years. If you happen to be a big fan of hockey, then you may want to consider starting to collect a few hockey cards of your own. You'll actually find that it can be a whole lot of fun and it's a great way to learn more about the game and the players behind it as well. So, let's take a closer look at card collecting and the excellent hobby that it can be.

History Behind Card Trading

First of all, you'll find that there is a long history behind card trading. In fact, you'll find that some of the first sports cards were around in the late 1800s. They actually had a whole lot do to with the popularity of some sports, such as baseball. Back in those days, they were made of cloth most of the time and they were not made on a commercial level until the early 1900s. Soon they were packaged with various products, such as gum, Cracker Jacks, and even tobacco. So, in about the mid 1900s, it became a very popular hobby to trade off these cards. Today there are a variety of sports to choose from, and hockey lovers are now involved in collecting and trading hockey cards.

Rating the Cards

When it comes to hockey trading cards, there are some ways that they can be rated. The quality and the condition have a whole lot to do with the worth. If you find them in great condition with no turned corners or no creases in them, you can really make some money on them. However, writing on them, corners that are soft, creases, and tears can make them rate lower. Usually this makes them worth a whole lot less money.

Keeping Them Safe

If you're going to collect these hockey cards, you'll want to make sure that you do everything possible to keep them safe, since this does affect their value in a big way. Make sure that you store them in a place that is safe and dry. It can be helpful to store them in nice plastic covers or sleeves as well to help keep them safe. If you have cards that are very valuable, then putting them in a nice hard case can help you to make sure that they are very well protected so they won't become damaged and lose their worth.

So, if you enjoy the game of hockey, trading and collecting some hockey cards can be a whole lot of fun and it can become an excellent hobby that you'll enjoy.

Terry Price is a regular contributor to HockeyEquipmentSticks.com which is an informational website offering exciting new Ice Hockey Equipment Hockey Sticks and great hockey advice.

What Makes Your Air Hockey Table Worth It?

If you want to keep your family really busy this season with some fast paced action, get them the most popular game table - the air hockey tables! With a history of over 40 years to its credit, this table has been a hit since the day it came into the market. Providing you with a miniature version of hockey, they remind you of windy winter nights and are especially a treasure for those who think that 70s rocked!

The air hockey table basically consists of small holes on the table top from which air is blown on to the table. The puck that needs to be hit is kept afloat by these layers of air and you score by hitting the puck down your opponent's goal. Quoted to be the world's fastest table sport, the air hockey is a great escapade for those stuck indoors. Normally they are 7 feet long and have a 2" drop so that you have the feel of being out in the grounds.

Though air hockey tables could be quite expensive, especially if you go for the professional ones, you can get low-priced versions for home use. You can get these discounted tables at a fraction of price of the professional one. There are quite a large number of good tables available today in the market and you can even get it online as well. Also they come with delightful add-on features like automatic scoring and even celebration of goals with lights and sound effects. It adds up all the spice to the game and keeps you wanting for more!

Now that sounds too simple to achieve. However, you cannot actually make a goal without having good skills and great pace in your moves. Your reflexes need to be perfect and you need to maneuver the puck real fast to reach the opponent's goal post. Today this game table has become a craze even with professionals and this is the best type of sports adventure you can have indoor.

The biggest bonus of bringing an air hockey table home is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In fact your children can get so mystified by it; you might have to never worry them sticking back to the idiot screen games ever again. Involving a lot of drama, pace and intense moments of action, these tables is a true novelty for your home gaming rooms.

If you have to have a great game table back home then it is only the air hockey table that can do you justice. No matter how many times you have played at air hockey tables, they just tend to get better with you each time!

Why Everybody Loves Famous Ice Hockey Quotes

Every day when I read the hockey section in the newspaper I am looking for funny ice hockey quotes that are worth remembering. There actually are not anything funnier for a NHL fan than to tell his friends the latest hockey quotes.

One day the sayings you told your friends might become one of the most famous hockey quotes in history of the game.

I know that people sometimes consider me to be quite odd in some areas of life (maybe because I love hockey so much), but when it comes to me liking famous ice hockey quotes I know that I am not odd.

Thousand of other hockey fans are enjoying sayings as well. My buddies love them and many newspaper actually list the most weird and famous quotes on the pages.

The fact that others are enjoying quotes too is proof enough for me that this is not a weird habit of mine. I am just a simple and ordinary ice hockey fan.

So, what is it that makes hockey quotes so great and why do we love them so much?

I think that the reason ice hockey fans love famous quotes is because all sayings somehow have a lot of truth in them. They also help us understand the game and often include some small kind of wisdom as well.

Many hockey quotes are quite stupid as well, I know, but they also tell us a lot of things about the spirit of hockey. They tell us what hockey is all about.

One of my favourite famous ice hockey quotes has to be Gretzky saying:

"I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been."

This one tells so much about Gretzky. Everyone else whish they could play and think like The Great One, but nobody ever could. He made the game simply because he was the best.

HockeyTribute.com is an informative site for ice hockey fans and a place where you can learn more about NHL and ice hockey fights.