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Chicks with Sticks

field hockey sticks

[Editor’s Note: Today’s entry marks the weekday-entry debut of bench coach Phil Hecken. Please join me in giving him a hand. I’ll rejoin you down at the Ticker. — PL]

By Phil Hecken

One of the more underappreciated and overlooked sports in the United States is field hockey. Although played by both men and women around the globe, in America it’s primarily viewed as a “girls’ sport” and a marginal one, at best. Uni Watch reader Terri King played field hockey for St. Francis University and feels it’s been underrepresented, so she’s helped me prepare this in-depth look at the sport and its gear.

A cross between ice hockey and soccer, the sport is played on a field roughly the size of a soccer pitch. It can be played on grass, but artificial turf is preferred due to its smoother consistency. A goal can only be scored from within the “circle” (called a “D” outside the States — a semi-circle around the goal that extends 16 yards). If a ball is struck outside the circle and goes into the goal without being touched by an offensive player inside the circle, it’s simply as if the ball went out of bounds. Terri explains, “This leads to a very confused crowd when the goalie purposely lets the ball in the goal, which is pretty entertaining for the players.”

Each side has 11 players, much like soccer (with roughly equivalent positions as well). Every player carries a stick, one side of which is flat, the other rounded. There are no left-handed sticks — everyone must play right-handed. The ball can only be hit with the flat side and cannot be touched or hit with any part of the body, including the hands on the stick. The ball cannot be lifted in the air above the knee, unless no other players are around or unless it is directed at the goalie (who resembles an ice hockey goalie), in which case it can be lifted to any height. Terri, an ex-goaler herself, explains that the goalie’s equipment is, from head to toe, helmet, neck protector, chest/shoulder pads, gloves (one of which holds the stick, the other is the blocker), girdle (which Terri calls “butt pads”), leg pads, and kickers.

The main difference with field hockey pads is the material — the leg pads, kickers, and gloves are all made of high-density foam. Since the goalie cannot catch or cover the ball (this results in a penalty stroke — like a penalty kick), the ball is cleared out of the circle using what basically amounts to deflections (preferably with the kickers), and the foam gives better rebounds.

“The rules can get pretty complicated,” says Terri, “but the important ones are (1) you can only use one side of the stick, (2) you can’t touch the ball with any part of your body, and (3) you can’t block an opposing player from the ball using your body.”

Jerseys started out as very modest long-sleeved garments. Eventually, they moved on to polos, which were pretty common just a few years ago. “They were horribly hot and uncomfortable,” says Terri. Jerseys are now generally made up of the same material as skirts, but unlike soccer kits, they are getting tighter, because arms and upper body have a lot to do with playing hockey and, as Terri puts it, “a blousy shirt can get in the way.” For this reason, jerseys are almost exclusively sleeveless these days. The material is usually spandex, which can potentially cause problems: “Spandex isn’t very flattering for every woman, athlete or not,” says Terri, “and in my opinion, if you’re not confident in how you look, it affects your play.”

On to the skirts — or as some purists call them, kilts. “When hockey (as it is called everywhere but North America) became an ‘acceptable sport’ for women, it was the first team sport women could play, but it was still not acceptable for women to wear shorts or pants,” says Terri. “So they wore long skirts. As is the case with cheerleading, the skirts stayed, but they kept getting shorter and shorter.”

Until very recently, plaid skirts were the most popular kind. Although old-school kilts are still available, most teams wear skirts made of the high-tech material. Most skirts are no longer the wrap-around kilt style; now, the spandex is built in. In case you’re wondering, Terri says, “No, they were not passed down year to year, ’cuz seriously, who wants to share spandex. Ew.”

In the 1990s there was a brief (but strong) push to switch to shorts. “The big reason was the girls felt like maybe skirts were giving people the wrong idea, and like they were being forced to be girly.” But the switch was short-lived. Why? Terry says, “Suddenly, there was nothing to separate hockey players from soccer players. It felt like the sport’s identity was being lost. My high school reverted back to skirts after (I think) two seasons. Now, most hockey players are proud of their skirts.”

As for the sticks, they were originally made completely of wood and had a long, fairly thin head. The grip was made out of thread. In the past 15 years, however, manufacturers have started reinforcing the wood sticks with fiberglass, carbon, Kevlar and Dyneema. Composite sticks are made from a mold, so every stick of a certain model is the same. There are also different kinds of heads (shortis and midis), used by forwards and mids for better ball control. And then there are goalie sticks, which are used more for deflecting the ball than for hitting it.

Sticks are also becoming more and more bowed — so much so that the NCAA had to institute regulations to limit the amount of bow a stick could have. “Bows in the stick have a number of benefits,” explains Terri, “but the most important are being easier to lift the balls and giving harder drives.” Most players tape their sticks “at the shaft, not the head,” as some feel this softens the stick for when the ball strikes it, providing less rebound and more control. The amount of tape on a stick is also regulated.

Of course, logos now adorn sticks. Since the onset of composites, sticks are available in many colors and designs. “Don’t think for a second that doesn’t matter to a player when she’s are selecting her stick,” says Terri.

Finally, the last pieces of equipment are shin guard and gloves. “Shin guards are fairly minor, but vitally important,” explains Terri. “At the lower levels, they are typically the soft, sock type shin guards, while at the higher levels, harder shin guards are more common.”

Here are some pics of Terri and her teammates. In classic Uni Watch-speak, she says, “No, black is not an official school color, and technically we were supposed to wear red skirts on the road, but we liked this look better.”

Uni Watch News Ticker: Paul here. Let’s begin this holiday-getaway Ticker with something from yesterday’s comments — a really great photo gallery of college football trophies. ”¦ Jeremy Brahm reports that the Hiroshima Carp have unveiled their 2009 uniforms and that the FIFA Confederations Cup soccer tourney in South Africa will be using this ball design. Further info here. ”¦ Lots of cool stuff in the current Mastro Legends auction, including a Jack Youngblood jersey with double-decker FNOB (big thanks to Jared Wheeler). ”¦ Here’s schedule of when the Blackhawks will be wearing their alts (with thanks to James Huening). ”¦ Two Aussie-rules football notes from Jeremy Brahm: The Brisbane Lions have announced that they’ll wear their old jerseys in games played in the State of Victoria (Melbourne), and North Melbourne will soon come out with a new clash uniform. ”¦ Been meaning to mention that Collateral Gammage and I spent Saturday afternoon at Christie’s, where we checked out the pre-sale viewing of the “Punk/Rock” auction. Amidst all the posters, flyers, photos, zines, and highly progressive apparel, there was one vaguely uni-related item: a poster showing Andy Warhol and Jean Michael Basquiat wearing boxing gear. ”¦ Matthew Garrett sent along some great pics of his father’s high school basketball uni, circa 1969, complete with belted shorts, snug-crotch jersey (here’s a slightly closer look), and stirrups. Matthew, who attended the same high school as his dad, reports that he wore these same stirrups as part of his uniform during his senior year. … HNOB alert (thanks, Phil). ”¦ Also from Phil: major footwear graffiti by UNC’s Rashanda McCants. … Nice little video clip here showing hand-painted bubble hockey players (excellent find by Jeremy Brahm).

turkey.jpg

Holiday Schedule: I’ll open the floor to your jibber-jabbering tomorrow, and probably Friday too, and Phil will handle the weekend as usual. Safe travel to those who are on the move today and tonight, remember not to let Mom do all the kitchen work tomorrow while you sit on the couch and watch football (after all, it’s just the Lions).

 
  
 
Comments (166)

    I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?

    [quote comment=\”302163\”]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    That way they only had to make one stick…..hehe, no idea.

    By the way, those lovely young gals are very attractive in their field hockey gear. I have known a few players and don\’t let the looks deceive you…they could kick your ass. :)

    [quote comment=”302166″][quote comment=\”302163\”]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    That way they only had to make one stick…..hehe, no idea.
    [/quote]
    Obviously the game was invented by Catholic schoolteacher nuns.

    – Matthew Garrett: photographing that uniform on hardwood was a nice touch.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Something about today’s post seems oddly familiar…

    [quote comment=”302163″]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    Ok,this is hard to explain, but there is a reason. Say you’re going down the right side of the field with the ball. The stick would be on your right. When a defender comes up to you, their stick would be on their right- but it’s your left, msking it harder for them to get to the ball (you’re on the right side, so nobody’s gonna come up from your right, which is out-of-bounds.) Because of this, the right side of the field is the strong side. If someone had a left handed stick, their stick would be on their left, and your right- the same side as your stick, wiping out the strong side advantage, and giving the lefty easier access to your stick and the ball.

    [quote comment=”302168″]Are there penalties? I imagine slashing comes into play everynow and then…[/quote]

    i put in a ‘call’ to terri, as she actually plays this game, and can hopefully answer all your questions, but to answer the “penalty” one:

    [quote]If play becomes too intense, fouls or infractions become more common. The infraction that is made most often is obstruction. This is called when a player deliberately blocks an opposing player from reaching a ball while not trying to play it themselves. No player, except for the goalkeeper, is allowed to touch the ball with any part of their bodies during play. Hitting the ball with anything other than the flat side of the stick is also considered an infraction. Last but certainly not least is dangerous play. This is not specifically defined, but is based on the judgment of the officials. It is usually called when the ball comes above the knees of nearby players or when a high ball goes into a crowd of players. A foul is also committed if the stick is used in a dangerous manner. Officials may award a free hit, a penalty corner, or a penalty stroke to the offended team. A free hit means that the offended player gets possession of the ball with defenders at least five yards away. This is awarded for any minor fouls occurring outside the circle.[/quote]

    hope this helps

    In typical Maple Leaf fashion, they completely screwed up Wendel Clark’s jersey ceremony. First, they scheduled on the same night when Patrick Roy, a legend, is being honoured in Montreal. And 2nd, why on earth did they put his image on a banner in a jersey that he NEVER wore?

    link

    It is not recommended you eat anything while the Lions are playing…just a reminder. :-(

    Here is a moderately humorous list of reasons while the Lions should keep the Thanksgiving tradition alive, naturally, the throwback uniform is a highlight among 50 years of lowlights.

    link

    No list of college football trophies is complete without reference to the Old Mountain Jug. The jug is gold, the color shared by both schools, and symbolizes the moonshine of the mountain regions the schools serve. The logos of each school are placed on the sides.

    link

    In 1983, Western Carolina finished No. 2 in the nation in I-AA, and it once had numerous players in the NFL, but the program has come on hard times. However, the Appalachian State program is dominant, the winnter of the last three national I-AA championships.

    Little known unrelated fact: The first 3-point field goal in NCAA basketball history was made by a Western Carolina player, Ronnie Carr, in 1979.

    [quote comment=”302168″]Are there penalties? I imagine slashing comes into play everynow and then…[/quote]

    Penalties as in go in the box for 2 min.? No, you get a free hit (think free kick, but 10x more common). And slashing is called hacking.

    [quote comment=”302169″][quote comment=”302163″]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    Ok,this is hard to explain, but there is a reason. Say you’re going down the right side of the field with the ball. The stick would be on your right. When a defender comes up to you, their stick would be on their right- but it’s your left, msking it harder for them to get to the ball (you’re on the right side, so nobody’s gonna come up from your right, which is out-of-bounds.) Because of this, the right side of the field is the strong side. If someone had a left handed stick, their stick would be on their left, and your right- the same side as your stick, wiping out the strong side advantage, and giving the lefty easier access to your stick and the ball.[/quote]

    That actually makes perfect sense, thanks Terri.

    [quote comment=”302176″][quote comment=”302168″]Are there penalties? I imagine slashing comes into play everynow and then…[/quote]

    Penalties as in go in the box for 2 min.? No, you get a free hit (think free kick, but 10x more common). And slashing is called hacking.[/quote]

    Are there ever brawls on the field? Fists flying and gloves off? :)

    [quote comment=”302174″]what about an explanation of the field hockey goggles?[/quote]

    I never heard anything about wearing goggles; I’ve been out of the sport for over a year, so maybe it’s something. But frankly, I think it’s a little ridiculous. In 10 yrs, I never saw a serious eye injury; I think it’s just an overreaction by people who want to wrap their kids in bubble wrap so they never get a bump or a bruise.

    [quote comment=”302171″]In typical Maple Leaf fashion, they completely screwed up Wendel Clark’s jersey ceremony. First, they scheduled on the same night when Patrick Roy, a legend, is being honoured in Montreal. And 2nd, why on earth did they put his image on a banner in a jersey that he NEVER wore?

    link
    Isn’t that one of the 75th anniversary throwbacks? He was captain during that season, so he would have worn it a handful of times.

    But of course, the current players all wore replicas of the regular Leafs home jersey he wore during his stint as team captain…

    [quote comment=”302170″][quote comment=”302168″]Are there penalties? I imagine slashing comes into play everynow and then…[/quote]

    i put in a ‘call’ to terri, as she actually plays this game, and can hopefully answer all your questions, but to answer the “penalty” one:

    [quote]If play becomes too intense, fouls or infractions become more common. The infraction that is made most often is obstruction. This is called when a player deliberately blocks an opposing player from reaching a ball while not trying to play it themselves. No player, except for the goalkeeper, is allowed to touch the ball with any part of their bodies during play. Hitting the ball with anything other than the flat side of the stick is also considered an infraction. Last but certainly not least is dangerous play. This is not specifically defined, but is based on the judgment of the officials. It is usually called when the ball comes above the knees of nearby players or when a high ball goes into a crowd of players. A foul is also committed if the stick is used in a dangerous manner. Officials may award a free hit, a penalty corner, or a penalty stroke to the offended team. A free hit means that the offended player gets possession of the ball with defenders at least five yards away. This is awarded for any minor fouls occurring outside the circle.[/quote]

    hope this helps[/quote]

    Thank Phil and Terri!

    [quote comment=”302178″][quote comment=”302176″][quote comment=”302168″]Are there penalties? I imagine slashing comes into play everynow and then…[/quote]

    Penalties as in go in the box for 2 min.? No, you get a free hit (think free kick, but 10x more common). And slashing is called hacking.[/quote]

    Are there ever brawls on the field? Fists flying and gloves off? :)[/quote]

    Haha, that would be awesome! One of my teammates did turn around and slug a girl who wouldn’t stop putting her stick in her back- it was pretty funny til the red card came. Other than that, mostly there’s just shoving and hitting people with sticks when the ref isn’t looking.

    [quote comment=”302179″][quote comment=”302174″]what about an explanation of the field hockey goggles?[/quote]

    I never heard anything about wearing goggles; I’ve been out of the sport for over a year, so maybe it’s something. But frankly, I think it’s a little ridiculous. In 10 yrs, I never saw a serious eye injury; I think it’s just an overreaction by people who want to wrap their kids in bubble wrap so they never get a bump or a bruise.[/quote]
    Didn’t Paul do a post on the subject of field hockey goggles like waaaayyy back in the first month or two of this blog? Maybe that was lacrosse goggles.

    [quote comment=”302185″][quote comment=”302182″]Am I really beating Matt Powers and Mark Mihalik to this?
    link
    LeBron’s “Big Apple” shoes.[/quote]
    Retry
    link
    Third time’s a charm
    link

    What is the field hockey ball made of? If it is anything like a lacrosse ball, this looks like a painful sport. The goalie in this picture looks succeptible to a busted kneecap.

    link

    And the ball is supposed to stay below knee level. How often does a player get hit in the chest or head with an out of control pass/shot?

    Greg, I had an ex who played. I think it’s wood. I’m an ice/roller hockey goalie. For fun, I offered to suit up and play net during my HS team’s field hockey practice… The strangest part was having that foam block to deflect instead of a catching glove.

    [quote comment=”302187″]What is the field hockey ball made of? If it is anything like a lacrosse ball, this looks like a painful sport. The goalie in this picture looks succeptible to a busted kneecap.

    link

    And the ball is supposed to stay below knee level. How often does a player get hit in the chest or head with an out of control pass/shot?[/quote]

    The ball is made of very hard plastic- it’s harder and bigger than a lax ball. And yeah, that move results in a lot of bruised knees.

    As for out of control balls, getting hit up high doesn’t happen very often, simply because hockies get very good at ducking. The real danger is from sticks- like when a player goes in to poke the ball away as the other player swings to hit it. Ever seen a mouth after it gets smashed by a stick? Not pretty.

    OK, let’s see . . . Titans at Lions in the early game, Seahawks at Cowboys in the afternoon, and then Texas and Texas A&M at night (Longhorns are favored by about 35). Has there ever been a bigger collection of bad games ever assembled for Thanksgiving?

    [quote comment=”302191″]OK, let’s see . . . Titans at Lions in the early game, Seahawks at Cowboys in the afternoon, and then Texas and Texas A&M at night (Longhorns are favored by about 35). Has there ever been a bigger collection of bad games ever assembled for Thanksgiving?[/quote]

    Cardinals at Eagles at night (for those of you with the NFL Network)……

    [quote comment=”302169″][quote comment=”302163″]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    Ok,this is hard to explain, but there is a reason. Say you’re going down the right side of the field with the ball. The stick would be on your right. When a defender comes up to you, their stick would be on their right- but it’s your left, msking it harder for them to get to the ball (you’re on the right side, so nobody’s gonna come up from your right, which is out-of-bounds.) Because of this, the right side of the field is the strong side. If someone had a left handed stick, their stick would be on their left, and your right- the same side as your stick, wiping out the strong side advantage, and giving the lefty easier access to your stick and the ball.[/quote]

    This makes zero sense to me. Compound that with what you said about not being able to use your body to defend and it just sounds like the powers that be of field hockey don’t wnat any defense being palyed outside of the goalie, which is weird to say the least. I’ll just chalk it up to tradition. I guess a lot of sports have strange traditional rules when I think about it. Like the National League making pitchers hit(no sarcasm tags here). And ever try to explain holding or pass interference to a person that didn’t grow up watching football. Btw, I love the skirts, all sexiness aside, which it is, it definitly gives the sport its own identity, I’m for it.

    In response to a couple of comments:
    – School districts are mandating that players wear goggles with increasing frequency, even though the US Field Hockey Association opposes it. For instance, the Catholic school athletic conference in the Washington DC, area already mandates their use. My understanding is that the design of lacrosse-style goggles significantly reduces a player’s field of vision when they look down. Which of course field hockey players do the vast majority of the time, hence increasing a player’s risk of injury from an unseen hazard.
    – Hacking (high sticking) occurs less and less as the skill level of the players improves, because experienced players are taught to keep their sticks down near parallel to the ground when playing defense. It’s the high school JV players just learning the sport who tend to hack away at the ball, and where play is the most dangerous, in my experience.
    – Another weird thing besides the crowd confusion that sometimes occurs when a goalie steps aside to let a ball hit from outside the circle go into the goal, is the carding system officials use to penalize players. In addition to yellow & red cards, there’s a triangular green “warning” card that officials give short of issuing a yellow card.

    [quote comment=”302180″][quote comment=”302171″]In typical Maple Leaf fashion, they completely screwed up Wendel Clark’s jersey ceremony. First, they scheduled on the same night when Patrick Roy, a legend, is being honoured in Montreal. And 2nd, why on earth did they put his image on a banner in a jersey that he NEVER wore?

    link
    Isn’t that one of the 75th anniversary throwbacks? He was captain during that season, so he would have worn it a handful of times.

    But of course, the current players all wore replicas of the regular Leafs home jersey he wore during his stint as team captain…[/quote]

    That sure looks like the 1991-1992 throwback on the banner, although it looks like they erased the “75” crest from the right shoulder.

    Wendel would have worn both the 1980s and the 1990s uniforms as captain (he was captain until 1994)

    [quote comment=”302171″]In typical Maple Leaf fashion, they completely screwed up Wendel Clark’s jersey ceremony. First, they scheduled on the same night when Patrick Roy, a legend, is being honoured in Montreal. And 2nd, why on earth did they put his image on a banner in a jersey that he NEVER wore?

    link

    It’s a night to honour Wendel Clark in Toronto. Who cares about Patrick Roy outside of Montreal? If you’re from Toronto, Clark is still a legend. And to be honest, Clark’s ceremony was far more real considering the history in which Roy left the Canadiens.

    Clark wore link during the 1991-92 season for the 75th anniversary of the NHL. All the Original Six teams wore throwbacks that season when they played each other. As JTH pointed out, he captained that squad. Also note there there are no sleeve numbers on those jerseys. :o)

    [quote comment=”302193″][quote comment=”302169″][quote comment=”302163″]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    Ok,this is hard to explain, but there is a reason. Say you’re going down the right side of the field with the ball. The stick would be on your right. When a defender comes up to you, their stick would be on their right- but it’s your left, msking it harder for them to get to the ball (you’re on the right side, so nobody’s gonna come up from your right, which is out-of-bounds.) Because of this, the right side of the field is the strong side. If someone had a left handed stick, their stick would be on their left, and your right- the same side as your stick, wiping out the strong side advantage, and giving the lefty easier access to your stick and the ball.[/quote]

    This makes zero sense to me. Compound that with what you said about not being able to use your body to defend and it just sounds like the powers that be of field hockey don’t wnat any defense being palyed outside of the goalie, which is weird to say the least. I’ll just chalk it up to tradition. I guess a lot of sports have strange traditional rules when I think about it. Like the National League making pitchers hit(no sarcasm tags here). And ever try to explain holding or pass interference to a person that didn’t grow up watching football. Btw, I love the skirts, all sexiness aside, which it is, it definitly gives the sport its own identity, I’m for it.[/quote]

    Here’s a simple explanation, Duck. 90% of the world is right-handed. :o)

    [quote comment=”302196″][quote comment=”302171″]In typical Maple Leaf fashion, they completely screwed up Wendel Clark’s jersey ceremony. First, they scheduled on the same night when Patrick Roy, a legend, is being honoured in Montreal. And 2nd, why on earth did they put his image on a banner in a jersey that he NEVER wore?

    link

    It’s a night to honour Wendel Clark in Toronto. Who cares about Patrick Roy outside of Montreal? If you’re from Toronto, Clark is still a legend. And to be honest, Clark’s ceremony was far more real considering the history in which Roy left the Canadiens.

    Clark wore link during the 1991-92 season for the 75th anniversary of the NHL. All the Original Six teams wore throwbacks that season when they played each other. As JTH pointed out, he captained that squad. Also note there there are no sleeve numbers on those jerseys. :o)[/quote]

    Agreed, Clark is a legend in TOR. Having his game on the same day as Roy’s is no big deal. I believe if MON didn’t have the 100 year celebration they wouldn’t have retired his number until much later (given his conduct off the ice and the way he left)

    Clark is one of TOR’s biggest legends. Just like Orr to BOS, Yzerman to DET, Clarke to PHI etc. He may not have the stats as some other legends, but to TOR, he’s top notch.

    when i was researching (read: looking at photos) this article, i found a number of shots where i would imagine injury might ensue…maybe it’s because they’re stills, but i would think

    this might leave some marks

    (note the goggles in the last pic)

    Terri and Phil, fabulous topic today.

    I had done a pile of research on the sport before the Beijing Olympics for my own use, and it is truly one of the most-demanding sports in terms of skill and athleticism.

    Yes, the rules seem complicated, but the game is fast-paced and up-tempo.

    Thanks for the great piece today, lady and gent.

    [quote comment=”302202″]Why is the ‘blade’ of the stick shaped like a U and not like a hockey stick blade? Better ball control?[/quote]

    Yep.

    [quote comment=”302184″][quote comment=”302179″][quote comment=”302174″]what about an explanation of the field hockey goggles?[/quote]

    I never heard anything about wearing goggles; I’ve been out of the sport for over a year, so maybe it’s something. But frankly, I think it’s a little ridiculous. In 10 yrs, I never saw a serious eye injury; I think it’s just an overreaction by people who want to wrap their kids in bubble wrap so they never get a bump or a bruise.[/quote]
    Didn’t Paul do a post on the subject of field hockey goggles like waaaayyy back in the first month or two of this blog? Maybe that was lacrosse goggles.[/quote]

    It was lacrosse:
    link

    Not sure if anyone caught a screen grab last night, but Nate Davis, of Ball State, was shown towards then end of the game wearing a helmet with the #2 on it, instead of his usual 13.

    [quote comment=”302202″]Why is the ‘blade’ of the stick shaped like a U and not like a hockey stick blade? Better ball control?[/quote]

    No backhands. You have to flip the stick over to dribble the ball up the field.

    Traditionally, the blade was longer, but it was shortened and the curve made tighter in the 1950s for better ball control.

    The dribbling technique used is the standard now used by all field hockey players today. It was introduced to the world in the 1950s by the Indian and Pakistani squads, and led to their domination in the sport until the early 1980s.

    This new style of dribbling led the men from India to win six Olympic straight gold medals from 1928 to 1960. Pakistan won in 1960, but India regained its dominance in 1964 and won again in 1980.

    Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?

    [quote comment=”302197″][quote comment=”302193″][quote comment=”302169″][quote comment=”302163″]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    Ok,this is hard to explain, but there is a reason. Say you’re going down the right side of the field with the ball. The stick would be on your right. When a defender comes up to you, their stick would be on their right- but it’s your left, msking it harder for them to get to the ball (you’re on the right side, so nobody’s gonna come up from your right, which is out-of-bounds.) Because of this, the right side of the field is the strong side. If someone had a left handed stick, their stick would be on their left, and your right- the same side as your stick, wiping out the strong side advantage, and giving the lefty easier access to your stick and the ball.[/quote]

    This makes zero sense to me. Compound that with what you said about not being able to use your body to defend and it just sounds like the powers that be of field hockey don’t wnat any defense being palyed outside of the goalie, which is weird to say the least. I’ll just chalk it up to tradition. I guess a lot of sports have strange traditional rules when I think about it. Like the National League making pitchers hit(no sarcasm tags here). And ever try to explain holding or pass interference to a person that didn’t grow up watching football. Btw, I love the skirts, all sexiness aside, which it is, it definitly gives the sport its own identity, I’m for it.[/quote]

    Here’s a simple explanation, Duck. 90% of the world is right-handed. :o)[/quote]

    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.

    Wes Hodges from the Indians has been playing the the arizona fall league, looks like he has masking tape and something wrote on the under bill of his batting helmet

    link

    [quote comment=”302171″]In typical Maple Leaf fashion, they completely screwed up Wendel Clark’s jersey ceremony. First, they scheduled on the same night when Patrick Roy, a legend, is being honoured in Montreal. And 2nd, why on earth did they put his image on a banner in a jersey that he NEVER wore?

    link

    Actually, the announcement of the date for the Clark ceremony came back in late June or early July, while Roy’s ceremony date wasn’t announced until September. If you’re gonna rip Leaf management, and lord knows many of us love to, rip them for something they actually screwed up, and not for something they had no control over.

    Excellent entry. Prior to today, my knowledge of field hockey was limited to seeing the injury suffered by one of the CITs at the hands of evil Camp Mohawk in “Stripes.”

    [quote comment=”302192″][quote comment=”302191″]OK, let’s see . . . Titans at Lions in the early game, Seahawks at Cowboys in the afternoon, and then Texas and Texas A&M at night (Longhorns are favored by about 35). Has there ever been a bigger collection of bad games ever assembled for Thanksgiving?[/quote]

    Cardinals at Eagles at night (for those of you with the NFL Network)……[/quote]

    Which isn’t that many, although slightly more than it used to be. The NFLN subscriber list may actually be over 9,000 by now.

    [quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.

    link

    A CHESTER lap dancing club has come with “a cheeky” idea for how struggling companies can defy the credit crunch.
    The dancers will have the 15cm by 10m adverts applied to their bottoms using a stencil and body paints.

    How long until Nike opens their first Strip Club, or Scores is sponsored by Adidas?

    [quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.

    [quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties

    [quote comment=”302209″][quote comment=”302197″][quote comment=”302193″][quote comment=”302169″][quote comment=”302163″]I understand why polo, the game played on a horse, requires that all players be right-handed, but why field hockey?[/quote]

    Ok,this is hard to explain, but there is a reason. Say you’re going down the right side of the field with the ball. The stick would be on your right. When a defender comes up to you, their stick would be on their right- but it’s your left, msking it harder for them to get to the ball (you’re on the right side, so nobody’s gonna come up from your right, which is out-of-bounds.) Because of this, the right side of the field is the strong side. If someone had a left handed stick, their stick would be on their left, and your right- the same side as your stick, wiping out the strong side advantage, and giving the lefty easier access to your stick and the ball.[/quote]

    This makes zero sense to me. Compound that with what you said about not being able to use your body to defend and it just sounds like the powers that be of field hockey don’t wnat any defense being palyed outside of the goalie, which is weird to say the least. I’ll just chalk it up to tradition. I guess a lot of sports have strange traditional rules when I think about it. Like the National League making pitchers hit(no sarcasm tags here). And ever try to explain holding or pass interference to a person that didn’t grow up watching football. Btw, I love the skirts, all sexiness aside, which it is, it definitly gives the sport its own identity, I’m for it.[/quote]

    Here’s a simple explanation, Duck. 90% of the world is right-handed. :o)[/quote]

    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    What else is new. Scissors, coffee mugs, baseball in general. At some point (maybe in 2019 when baseball turns 150) they’ll flip the bases around and we will rule! Give us 150 years and then the righties can have it back.

    [quote comment=”302216″][quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.[/quote]

    I know, I’ve been trying to find one for a while. In his 7 games he has 19 PIMs. So I imagine he got in a fight or two…. or three. Can’t imagine there not being at least a pic of him fighting.

    [quote comment=”302219″][quote comment=”302216″][quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.[/quote]

    I know, I’ve been trying to find one for a while. In his 7 games he has 19 PIMs. So I imagine he got in a fight or two…. or three. Can’t imagine there not being at least a pic of him fighting.[/quote]

    I’ve emailed the Vancouver newspapers to see what info they can provide. I’ll let you know what I get back from them, Jim. :o)

    [quote comment=”302217″][quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties[/quote]

    Lefties have rights too, Phil. LOL

    [quote comment=”302215″]link

    A CHESTER lap dancing club has come with “a cheeky” idea for how struggling companies can defy the credit crunch.
    The dancers will have the 15cm by 10m adverts applied to their bottoms using a stencil and body paints.

    How long until Nike opens their first Strip Club, or Scores is sponsored by Adidas?[/quote]

    As a fan of that, uh, sport, I am as opposed to logo creep on these “uniforms” as I am on those worn by baseball and football players. I do not want my attention to the activities on the field/pole/whatever to be interrupted by corporate logos.

    [quote comment=”302215″]
    The dancers will have the 15cm by 10m adverts applied to their bottoms using a stencil and body paints.[/quote]
    TEN METERS! Is there something wrong with the water supply in Chester?

    [quote comment=”302217″][quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties[/quote]

    What else is new…..

    [quote comment=”302219″][quote comment=”302216″][quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.[/quote]

    I know, I’ve been trying to find one for a while. In his 7 games he has 19 PIMs. So I imagine he got in a fight or two…. or three. Can’t imagine there not being at least a pic of him fighting.[/quote]
    This is as good as my investigative skills can do…link

    [quote comment=”302182″]Am I really beating Matt Powers and Mark Mihalik to this?
    link
    LeBron’s “Big Apple” shoes.[/quote]

    No, I did (lucky this time…)
    link

    [quote comment=”302225″][quote comment=”302219″][quote comment=”302216″][quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.[/quote]

    I know, I’ve been trying to find one for a while. In his 7 games he has 19 PIMs. So I imagine he got in a fight or two…. or three. Can’t imagine there not being at least a pic of him fighting.[/quote]
    This is as good as my investigative skills can do… link

    (fixed, hopefully)

    im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?

    [quote comment=”302220″][quote comment=”302219″][quote comment=”302216″][quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.[/quote]

    I know, I’ve been trying to find one for a while. In his 7 games he has 19 PIMs. So I imagine he got in a fight or two…. or three. Can’t imagine there not being at least a pic of him fighting.[/quote]

    I’ve emailed the Vancouver newspapers to see what info they can provide. I’ll let you know what I get back from them, Jim. :o)[/quote]

    Thanks! That was my next step of action, emailing to see if Vancouver newspapers had any archives I could look through.

    [quote comment=”302225″][quote comment=”302219″][quote comment=”302216″][quote comment=”302207″]Little NHL picture help:

    Joe Kocur played 7 NHL games with VAN in 1995-1996 season after getting traded from NYR in march. For the life of me I cannot find a pic of him in a VAN uni.

    Anyone? Teebz?[/quote]

    I’ve never seen a picture of him in a Canucks uniform, but I do know he wore #28. I’ll poke around and see what I can find, Jim. However, this might be one of the pictures that got away.[/quote]

    I know, I’ve been trying to find one for a while. In his 7 games he has 19 PIMs. So I imagine he got in a fight or two…. or three. Can’t imagine there not being at least a pic of him fighting.[/quote]
    This is as good as my investigative skills can do…link

    Thank you, that is the first time I’ve seen Kocur in a VAN uni period. Pic or Movie.

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    Oh, I’m no lefty. I just al for equal rights. Bad pun?

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    Only in hockey, batting (throw righty), and golf…

    [quote comment=”302208″]Anyone else notice that the graffiti shoe has intensity spelled wrong?[/quote]

    That’s a’ight…If you ever take a look at LDT’s tattoos, I believe his mothers’ name is spelled wrong on his arm.

    [quote comment=”302231″][quote comment=”302225″]
    This is as good as my investigative skills can do…link

    Thank you, that is the first time I’ve seen Kocur in a VAN uni period. Pic or Movie.[/quote]

    Vancouver in their fade-to-black alternate, and the Kings in their Burger King alternate. WOW!

    [quote comment=”302235″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    Only in hockey, batting (throw righty), and golf…[/quote]
    Huh. I’m a hockey lefty, but I bat and play golf right-handed.

    I only figured out that I’m better at hockey as a left-hander because I had broken all of my sticks and had to use one of my brother’s one time.

    I’ve tried golfing lefty and it was awkward as hell. I bat lefty now and again and I’m reasonably competent, but not particularly comfortable with it.

    [quote comment=”302238″]
    Huh. I’m a hockey lefty, but I bat and play golf right-handed.

    I only figured out that I’m better at hockey as a left-hander because I had broken all of my sticks and had to use one of my brother’s one time.

    I’ve tried golfing lefty and it was awkward as hell. I bat lefty now and again and I’m reasonably competent, but not particularly comfortable with it.[/quote]

    Your handedness in hockey should be opposite of your strong suit.

    For example, I’m a righty, but I shoot left in hockey. The reason? Your strong hand should be at the top of your stick for defensive purposes and stick-control.

    I’m not saying it works for everyone, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. ;o)

    [quote comment=”302238″][quote comment=”302235″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    Only in hockey, batting (throw righty), and golf…[/quote]
    Huh. I’m a hockey lefty, but I bat and play golf right-handed.

    I only figured out that I’m better at hockey as a left-hander because I had broken all of my sticks and had to use one of my brother’s one time.

    I’ve tried golfing lefty and it was awkward as hell. I bat lefty now and again and I’m reasonably competent, but not particularly comfortable with it.[/quote]

    I’ve considered playing golf lefty…after every shot that I hit righty!

    Conceivably, I couldn’t get much worse.

    On a serious note, I”ve always played alot of basketball. Summer of my junior year I screwed up my right wrist REAL BAD, inconvenient on SO many levels.

    I needed to play ball though, so I taught myself to shoot pretty well lefty.

    Fast forward 15 years to Monday night…the first shot that I took and made in my rec league game was a lefty jumper at the top of the key. Second shot was a righty jumper foul line extended.

    What’s cool is that it comes naturally now, no pre-meditation.

    I’m a swinging lefty (golf, hockey, baseball, lacrosse) and I threw lefty as a kid (due to my first glove being a hand-me-down from my lefty dad) but switched so I could play catcher in Little League (the team only had righty mitts). I write righty, but do a lot of everyday things with either (eating, texting and such).

    Is it legal to flip the stick and play upside down and lefty? The way the stick curves, it seems like it wouldn’t be too much of a disadvantage and you could still get a lot of surface area on the ball. Has there ever been a legal challenge to the rule? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the world needs another frivolous law suit, by I’m curious to see if this falls in to the realm of equal rights as defined by law. It’s not like people choose to be left handed, and I know there have been lawsuits against teachers who forced children to change their writing hand.

    This past summer at the golf course I am an assistant pro at, a guy got very upset because we were out of left-handed golf gloves. (Gloves you wear on your right hand for golf)

    He proceeded to ask me why we don’t keep our stock up, and I simply replied we don’t get a big request for left handed gloves because 90% of people are right handed. He then got really pissed and claimed that 40% of people were left handed, and I strongly disagreed with him, but had no real proof to tell him aside from just the common knowledge that I knew that stat. That southpaw was very angry that. Needless to say I ordered some lefty gloves that afternoon.

    [quote comment=”302239″][quote comment=”302238″]Your handedness in hockey should be opposite of your strong suit.

    For example, I’m a righty, but I shoot left in hockey. The reason? Your strong hand should be at the top of your stick for defensive purposes and stick-control.

    I’m not saying it works for everyone, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. ;o)[/quote]
    OK, then it makes perfect sense. I’ve never played in any kind of league, only street/floor/driveway/frozen pond hockey so I’ve never been coached or anything like that.

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    Looks like there will be no hockey (or polo) players in my house. I’m lefty, so’s my wife, and the three year old is pretty ambidextrous (which is developmentally appropriate), but starting to show proper lefty tendencies.

    Incidentally, lefties rule: four of the last five presidents (including the President Elect) are lefties (Obama, Clinton, GHW Bush, and–I’m pretty sure–Reagan); while we make up about 10% of the population, we are over-represented at top universities, where lefties make up closer to 20% of the faculty and student body; and, of course, since the right brain controls the left side of the body, lefties are the only ones who are always link!

    [quote comment=”302244″]Your handedness in hockey should be opposite of your strong suit.

    For example, I’m a righty, but I shoot left in hockey. The reason? Your strong hand should be at the top of your stick for defensive purposes and stick-control.

    I’m not saying it works for everyone, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. ;o)[/quote]
    OK, then it makes perfect sense. I’ve never played in any kind of league, only street/floor/driveway/frozen pond hockey so I’ve never been coached or anything like that.

    Ugh. Fixed?

    [quote comment=”302242″]I’m a swinging lefty (golf, hockey, baseball, lacrosse) and I threw lefty as a kid (due to my first glove being a hand-me-down from my lefty dad) but switched so I could play catcher in Little League (the team only had righty mitts). I write righty, but do a lot of everyday things with either (eating, texting and such).

    Is it legal to flip the stick and play upside down and lefty? The way the stick curves, it seems like it wouldn’t be too much of a disadvantage and you could still get a lot of surface area on the ball. Has there ever been a legal challenge to the rule? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think the world needs another frivolous law suit, by I’m curious to see if this falls in to the realm of equal rights as defined by law. It’s not like people choose to be left handed, and I know there have been lawsuits against teachers who forced children to change their writing hand.[/quote]

    Nope. Players can shoot either way in field hockey. As long as they hit the ball with the flat part of the stick, no foul.

    And when has law ever mattered to sports? LOL

    [quote comment=”302245″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    Looks like there will be no hockey (or polo) players in my house. I’m lefty, so’s my wife, and the three year old is pretty ambidextrous (which is developmentally appropriate), but starting to show proper lefty tendencies.

    Incidentally, lefties rule: four of the last five presidents (including the President Elect) are lefties (Obama, Clinton, GHW Bush, and–I’m pretty sure–Reagan); while we make up about 10% of the population, we are over-represented at top universities, where lefties make up closer to 20% of the faculty and student body; and, of course, since the right brain controls the left side of the body, lefties are the only ones who are always link![/quote]

    According to studies, lefties are far better accountants and scientists due to their analytical minds, whereas right-handed people tend to have greater abilities in the arts.

    Do I believe that? Not really since 47.8% of statistics are made up. LOL

    [quote]On a serious note, I”ve always played alot of basketball. Summer of my junior year I screwed up my right wrist REAL BAD, inconvenient on SO many levels.[/quote]

    matt…that’s waaaayyyy TMFI

    [quote comment=”302248″][quote comment=”302245″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    Looks like there will be no hockey (or polo) players in my house. I’m lefty, so’s my wife, and the three year old is pretty ambidextrous (which is developmentally appropriate), but starting to show proper lefty tendencies.

    Incidentally, lefties rule: four of the last five presidents (including the President Elect) are lefties (Obama, Clinton, GHW Bush, and–I’m pretty sure–Reagan); while we make up about 10% of the population, we are over-represented at top universities, where lefties make up closer to 20% of the faculty and student body; and, of course, since the right brain controls the left side of the body, lefties are the only ones who are always link![/quote]

    According to studies, lefties are far better accountants and scientists due to their analytical minds, whereas right-handed people tend to have greater abilities in the arts.

    Do I believe that? Not really since 47.8% of statistics are made up. LOL[/quote]

    I believe it was David Ben Gurion who said there were three kinds of lies: “Lies, damned lies and statistics.”

    Although it sounds more like Mark Twain, doesn’t it.

    —Ricko

    …says Terri, “and in my opinion, if you’re not confident in how you look, it affects your play.”

    I LOVE THIS QUOTE! It defines the reason Uni is so important in sports.

    [quote comment=”302252″]…says Terri, “and in my opinion, if you’re not confident in how you look, it affects your play.”

    I LOVE THIS QUOTE! It defines the reason Uni is so important in sports.[/quote]

    I of course meant Uni Watch, but think about it. Superior uniforms=more confidence=better play

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    does ambidextrous count? :-D if so, count me in… even though i tend to dominate w/ right hand. except for baseball, where i predominately bat lefty.

    [quote comment=”302251″]Ooops, sorry, meant Benjamin Disraeli.[/quote]
    I’ve heard it attributed to Twain as well, but according to Wikiquote Disraeli did indeed say it.

    And for the record, I too am a lefty. And proud of it.

    [quote comment=”302248″][quote comment=”302245″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    Looks like there will be no hockey (or polo) players in my house. I’m lefty, so’s my wife, and the three year old is pretty ambidextrous (which is developmentally appropriate), but starting to show proper lefty tendencies.

    Incidentally, lefties rule: four of the last five presidents (including the President Elect) are lefties (Obama, Clinton, GHW Bush, and–I’m pretty sure–Reagan); while we make up about 10% of the population, we are over-represented at top universities, where lefties make up closer to 20% of the faculty and student body; and, of course, since the right brain controls the left side of the body, lefties are the only ones who are always link![/quote]

    According to studies, lefties are far better accountants and scientists due to their analytical minds, whereas right-handed people tend to have greater abilities in the arts.

    Do I believe that? Not really since 47.8% of statistics are made up. LOL[/quote]

    One of my old standbys when getting irritated by fake stats in stories is to say, “83% percent of statistics are made up on the spot.” And recently I’ve been keeping tabs on what people around me say, and 83% is definitely the frontrunner. Oh the power of persuasion.

    [quote comment=”302246″][quote comment=”302244″]Your handedness in hockey should be opposite of your strong suit.

    For example, I’m a righty, but I shoot left in hockey. The reason? Your strong hand should be at the top of your stick for defensive purposes and stick-control.

    I’m not saying it works for everyone, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. ;o)[/quote]
    OK, then it makes perfect sense. I’ve never played in any kind of league, only street/floor/driveway/frozen pond hockey so I’ve never been coached or anything like that.[/quote]

    Actually, a much higher percentage of ice hockey players are left-handed. A majority in the NHL, I think. I heard that it is because righties want to use their better hand as the top–control hand. Still, for me, it felt natural to hold a hockey stick right-handed. [quote comment=”302248″][quote comment=”302245″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    Looks like there will be no hockey (or polo) players in my house. I’m lefty, so’s my wife, and the three year old is pretty ambidextrous (which is developmentally appropriate), but starting to show proper lefty tendencies.

    Incidentally, lefties rule: four of the last five presidents (including the President Elect) are lefties (Obama, Clinton, GHW Bush, and–I’m pretty sure–Reagan); while we make up about 10% of the population, we are over-represented at top universities, where lefties make up closer to 20% of the faculty and student body; and, of course, since the right brain controls the left side of the body, lefties are the only ones who are always link![/quote]

    According to studies, lefties are far better accountants and scientists due to their analytical minds, whereas right-handed people tend to have greater abilities in the arts.

    Do I believe that? Not really since 47.8% of statistics are made up. LOL[/quote]

    Actually, I think it’s the other way around. I always heard that right handed people are more analytical and science-oriented, while lefties are better in the arts and such because they are more creative.

    [quote comment=”302241″][quote comment=”302238″][quote comment=”302235″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    Only in hockey, batting (throw righty), and golf…[/quote]
    Huh. I’m a hockey lefty, but I bat and play golf right-handed.

    I only figured out that I’m better at hockey as a left-hander because I had broken all of my sticks and had to use one of my brother’s one time.

    I’ve tried golfing lefty and it was awkward as hell. I bat lefty now and again and I’m reasonably competent, but not particularly comfortable with it.[/quote]

    I’ve considered playing golf lefty…after every shot that I hit righty!

    Conceivably, I couldn’t get much worse.

    On a serious note, I”ve always played alot of basketball. Summer of my junior year I screwed up my right wrist REAL BAD, inconvenient on SO many levels.

    I needed to play ball though, so I taught myself to shoot pretty well lefty.

    Fast forward 15 years to Monday night…the first shot that I took and made in my rec league game was a lefty jumper at the top of the key. Second shot was a righty jumper foul line extended.

    What’s cool is that it comes naturally now, no pre-meditation.[/quote]

    Let’s see. Throw a baseball left handed. Football, left-handed. Basketball, Left-handed. Tennis, right handed. When I played street-hockey- right handed. Writing, eating, -righthanded. Telephone, reaching for ANYthing- left-handed.

    Guess I am messed up.

    [quote comment=”302252″]…says Terri, “and in my opinion, if you’re not confident in how you look, it affects your play.”

    I LOVE THIS QUOTE! It defines the reason Uni is so important in sports.[/quote]

    Paul should have quote added to the masthead. This girl obviously Gets It.â„¢

    [quote comment=”302259″][quote comment=”302252″]…says Terri, “and in my opinion, if you’re not confident in how you look, it affects your play.”

    I LOVE THIS QUOTE! It defines the reason Uni is so important in sports.[/quote]

    Paul should have quote added to the masthead. This girl obviously Gets It.â„¢[/quote]

    Terri’s absolutely right. Rod Gilbert of the Rangers used to say the same sort of thing, quoting the often-repeated…

    “If you look good, you feel good; if you feel good, you do good.”

    Same sentiment; totally accurate.

    another great college football trophy is the Peace Pipe. The battle of I-75 between Bowling Green and Toledo. Here is an image, not the best link

    and here is some history about the trophy link

    “a blousy shirt can get in the way.”

    Give me a break, a shirt can get in the way of a lot of sports, but they don’t resort to making the uniform shorter and tighter. The woman want the sport to be reflected as not “girly” yet they want tight uniforms – please.

    [quote comment=”302240″]Looking through the Life stuff on Google I came across this great photo: link
    What I love about that picture is that the ice looks so dry. Probably no paint under one of the layers to make it whiter. Gorgeous.

    glad that field hockey abandoned the shorts, for prurient… I mean, aesthetic reasons.

    plaid skirts – always a plus. :>

    RE: Give me a break, a shirt can get in the way of a lot of sports, but they don’t resort to making the uniform shorter and tighter. The woman want the sport to be reflected as not “girly” yet they want tight uniforms – please.

    Really? Name a male sport that doesn’t do that? Basketball has the SOD, football and hockey jerseys get tighter and the speedo suits are so tight you need help getting them on and off? The only sport where baggy unifoms are used is baseball and that has nothing to do with performance. It’s just players “expressing” themselves by looking like slobs.

    [quote comment=”302262″]“a blousy shirt can get in the way.”

    Give me a break, a shirt can get in the way of a lot of sports, but they don’t resort to making the uniform shorter and tighter. The woman want the sport to be reflected as not “girly” yet they want tight uniforms – please.[/quote]

    Tight uniforms are used in sprinting and pole vaulting. Are they “girly”? Or is it the shorter skirts you object to?

    I’m a little confused since you seem to have the term “girly” attached to “shorter and tighter”. If that’s the case, let’s outlaw cheerleaders, figure skaters, gymnastics, and any other sport that girls play where speed, mobility, and agility matter.

    [quote comment=”302267″]St. Francis University’s initials are

    STFU !!![/quote]

    Despite the inventive way to come up with an accepted internet acronym, St. Francis Xavier in Canada goes by StFX while St. Francis University in Pennsylvania goes by SFU.

    Let’s not provide wrong information when trying to be funny/smart.

    I loved the gallery of college football trophies. I never realized how many Michigan State plays for. Just about half their games have a trophy on the line!

    [quote comment=”302265″]RE: Give me a break, a shirt can get in the way of a lot of sports, but they don’t resort to making the uniform shorter and tighter. The woman want the sport to be reflected as not “girly” yet they want tight uniforms – please.

    Really? Name a male sport that doesn’t do that? Basketball has the SOD, football and hockey jerseys get tighter and the speedo suits are so tight you need help getting them on and off? The only sport where baggy unifoms are used is baseball and that has nothing to do with performance. It’s just players “expressing” themselves by looking like slobs.[/quote]

    Basketball shorts are not tight; if anything, they look more like field hockey dresses. I’m convinced, but have no proof, that the riddiculous length and blousiness of today’s college basketball shorts affects the level of play.

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    I can use both my left and right hands. I’m amphibious!

    [quote comment=”302271″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    I can use both my left and right hands. I’m amphibious![/quote]

    Speaking of such a thing, does anyone else remember when for a while there–late 60’s, early 70’s, maybe?–when Oregon took to calling themselves the “Webfoots”? I guess they thought “Duck” was a tad…nerdy. Not saying they did it officially but I can remember TV games where virtually the entire time the announcers would call them the “Webfoots”?

    Also, what’s with ESPN consistently calling Purdue the “Boilers”. They are still the “Boilermakers,” aren’t they? ESPN think that’s too alcohol sounding or what? Hope not, considering all the beer commercials they run. Would be just a tad sanctimonious, not to mention outright hypocritical.

    —Ricko

    Loved the Warhol/Basquiat photo from the Christie’s actuion. Basquiat’s story is absolutely fantastic and recently watched the movie about him (title is simply his name) – if you haven’t seen it, you should definitely check it out when you can.

    Oh, also – as a former assistant SID (read: field hockey statistician), I really appreciate not only the dissertation on the sport’s uniforms but also the discussions about the rules. When I covered the sport, I really had no idea why the whistle blew so often during a game; even after the point of it being relevant in my life, it’s nice to (finally) learn the reason(s) behind some of the rules. Thanks!

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    Lefty throwing and kicking.

    Good stuff from Rovell:

    Steve & Barry’s, History. Seeya to Starbury shoes and the Venus Williams 11 line. (Hello, Nike; joining Serena?)
    link

    100M Nike bonus if/when LJ goes to NY?
    link

    [quote comment=”302268″][quote comment=”302267″]St. Francis University’s initials are

    STFU !!![/quote]

    Despite the inventive way to come up with an accepted internet acronym, St. Francis Xavier in Canada goes by StFX while St. Francis University in Pennsylvania goes by SFU.

    Let’s not provide wrong information when trying to be funny/smart.[/quote]

    “Why is the ‘blade’ of the stick shaped like a U and not like a hockey stick blade? Better ball control?”

    When I was in about 8th grade, Title IX came into effect and they tried to figure out what to do about gym at my public junior high school. They decided that boys and girls would play the same sports together, and they made all of us boys play field hockey.

    We took one look at those sticks and realized that if two people worked together, you could get behind someone and quickly get those “hooks” around their ankles. One quick tug and the hokee does a face plant.

    We never had to play field hockey again.

    [quote comment=”302279″]Phil, great job! Better writing than you find on most sites like ESPN or a local paper….[/quote]

    wow…thanks

    i have to say that terri’s fantastic assistance made writing the piece much easier…so in football parlance, “she gets half a sack”

    but everyone’s kind words are greatly appreciated

    [quote comment=”302281″]…and lets not read any “double entendres” into the above, k? thanks[/quote]
    says the guy who titled the post “Chicks with Sticks”

    [quote comment=”302221″][quote comment=”302217″][quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties[/quote]

    Lefties have rights too, Phil. LOL[/quote]

    Left handed people are one of the most discriminated against minorities in the world boys and girls. Its a fact.

    Certainly none of it rises to the level of civil rights offenses (I don’t mean to say a leftie’s plight is worse than dealing with racism of course), but being a leftie in a right-handed world is a real pain in the ass sometimes.

    My daughter just got finished with her second season of HS FH and it is anything but girly. FH players suffer with the same lower extremity injuries as Football players. Among out team we had stress fractures, ACL tears and ankle and knee sprains (along with the bumps and bruises).

    And my beloved Terps have won the NCAA DI FH National Championships:link

    [quote comment=”302260″][quote comment=”302259″][quote comment=”302252″]…says Terri, “and in my opinion, if you’re not confident in how you look, it affects your play.”

    I LOVE THIS QUOTE! It defines the reason Uni is so important in sports.[/quote]

    Paul should have quote added to the masthead. This girl obviously Gets It.â„¢[/quote]

    Terri’s absolutely right. Rod Gilbert of the Rangers used to say the same sort of thing, quoting the often-repeated…

    “If you look good, you feel good; if you feel good, you do good.”

    Same sentiment; totally accurate.[/quote]

    “When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you play good. And when you play good, they pay good.”

    link

    [quote comment=”302281″]…and lets not read any “double entendres” into the above, k? thanks[/quote]

    We never go into the double entendre vein… we’re always tapping something else.

    [quote comment=”302283″]
    Left handed people are one of the most discriminated against minorities in the world boys and girls. Its a fact.

    Certainly none of it rises to the level of civil rights offenses (I don’t mean to say a leftie’s plight is worse than dealing with racism of course), but being a leftie in a right-handed world is a real pain in the ass sometimes.[/quote]

    While I agree with you in that being a lefty is a pain in the ass, Jim, I don’t think the term “minority” is correct.

    My brother is a lefty, and he’s not handicapped or different than anyone else. Just left-handed. It’s the same as having blue eyes or brown hair or being shorter than six-feet.

    [quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]
    I’m a lefty in everything but golf … when i learned to play in the 80s lefty golf clubs were not as easy to get as they are nowadays

    [quote comment=”302283″][quote comment=”302221″][quote comment=”302217″][quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties[/quote]

    Lefties have rights too, Phil. LOL[/quote]

    Left handed people are one of the most discriminated against minorities in the world boys and girls. Its a fact.

    Certainly none of it rises to the level of civil rights offenses (I don’t mean to say a leftie’s plight is worse than dealing with racism of course), but being a leftie in a right-handed world is a real pain in the ass sometimes.[/quote]

    Right on, Brother Jim!! Tell it all!!

    In the bowling world, lefties are sometimes treated quite unkindly.

    [quote comment=”302289″][quote comment=”302283″][quote comment=”302221″][quote comment=”302217″][quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties[/quote]

    Lefties have rights too, Phil. LOL[/quote]

    Left handed people are one of the most discriminated against minorities in the world boys and girls. Its a fact.

    Certainly none of it rises to the level of civil rights offenses (I don’t mean to say a leftie’s plight is worse than dealing with racism of course), but being a leftie in a right-handed world is a real pain in the ass sometimes.[/quote]

    Right on, Brother Jim!! Tell it all!!

    In the bowling world, lefties are sometimes treated quite unkindly.[/quote]
    and i am not sure if this is accurate or has been covered, but i believe lefties are not allowed to play jai alai – something to do with the spin of the ball from the basket …

    The righty/lefty discussion: how’s this for weird? In baseball IN PERSON, I bat right-handed, but in Wii baseball, I bat left-handed.
    And to Teebz: I was always told that in hockey, there are pluses and minuses for both righties and lefties. Thus, in an ideal world, kids would start with flat blades and pick their shooting direction. Personal example: I’m a righty for most applications, including shooting pucks. If I were a lefty hockey shot, I would have better stick control, but as a righty shot (read: weak hand on butt-end), I always felt my wrist shots got higher, quicker, and my passes, crisper. The only given in hockey-handedness is this: if you’re raising a goalie, figure out his baseball handedness so the catching is consistent.

    The Ducks have let us down. They’re wearing the white unis again today. I thought for sure we’d see them break out green or yellow ones.

    Also, ESPN2 is not broadcasting the game in HD. Has that been the case for all of the Maui Invitational games? I only saw the first two days’ games on a standard TV.

    [quote comment=”302290″][quote comment=”302289″][quote comment=”302283″][quote comment=”302221″][quote comment=”302217″][quote comment=”302214″][quote comment=”302209″]
    Sounds like they’re just giving a big middle finger to lefties.[/quote]

    Not quite. Since the majority of the world is right-handed, and you can only play the ball with one side of the stick, you can’t have it both ways. Otherwise, there’s no reason to only have one side of the stick flat.[/quote]

    or…they’re just giving the middle finger to lefties[/quote]

    Lefties have rights too, Phil. LOL[/quote]

    Left handed people are one of the most discriminated against minorities in the world boys and girls. Its a fact.

    Certainly none of it rises to the level of civil rights offenses (I don’t mean to say a leftie’s plight is worse than dealing with racism of course), but being a leftie in a right-handed world is a real pain in the ass sometimes.[/quote]

    Right on, Brother Jim!! Tell it all!!

    In the bowling world, lefties are sometimes treated quite unkindly.[/quote]
    and i am not sure if this is accurate or has been covered, but i believe lefties are not allowed to play jai alai – something to do with the spin of the ball from the basket …[/quote]

    So if Steve Carlton had played jai alai he probably would have been known as “Righty”.

    (okay, let’s not dissect that TOO much; I was just seeing if anyone was paying attention heading into the four-day weekend).

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”302175″]Can someone explain why the nets always have that wood board at the bottom?[/quote]

    As I understand it, the purpose for the wooden board at the back of the goal relates to Terri’s comment about dangerous play being called where a ball is elevated into a crowd of players. While a shot on goal that’s lifted (or “flicked”) can go in anywhere in the goal, one that’s struck (or “hit”) can’t exceed a certain height. The sound (or not) of the ball striking board assists the referee in making that determination. Though given the force that high-level players are able to generate on flicks, I’m not sure what purpose this serves, except maybe to discourage players from taking a big backswing when hitting the ball. And on free hits a big backswing is allowed, as defenders are required to be at least 7 yards away when one is taken (at least at the HS level).

    [quote comment=”302291″]The righty/lefty discussion: how’s this for weird? In baseball IN PERSON, I bat right-handed, but in Wii baseball, I bat left-handed.
    And to Teebz: I was always told that in hockey, there are pluses and minuses for both righties and lefties. Thus, in an ideal world, kids would start with flat blades and pick their shooting direction. Personal example: I’m a righty for most applications, including shooting pucks. If I were a lefty hockey shot, I would have better stick control, but as a righty shot (read: weak hand on butt-end), I always felt my wrist shots got higher, quicker, and my passes, crisper. The only given in hockey-handedness is this: if you’re raising a goalie, figure out his baseball handedness so the catching is consistent.[/quote]

    As true as that may be, Mike, as a defenceman, I was always taught to have my strong hand on the butt-end of the stick. Your strong hand is better at poke-checks and stick control because it is stronger and more developed in terms of motor skills as a child.

    As for the wrist shots, you’re exactly right in that your wrist shots would travel faster and higher because the lower hand is responsible for the snap in the wrist shot. The top hand is a fulcrum and provides almost no power, but better control. This is why your passes were crisper with your dominant hand lower: more power. The problem is that the fulcrum point is weaker when you’re a kid, and that leads to errant passes and poor puck control.

    Learning how to control the puck and stick-handle as a kid makes the world of difference when they get older. This is why we were taught how to hold a stick properly.

    Again, I’m not saying it’s for everyone, but the physics of the game suggest that the idea works.

    [quote comment=”302290″]
    and i am not sure if this is accurate or has been covered, but i believe lefties are not allowed to play jai alai – something to do with the spin of the ball from the basket …[/quote]

    I believe it has to do with the rebounding wall being on the left side of the court, but I could be wrong. I didn’t spend enough time in Florida learning about it. Something about beaches and girls when I was in college….

    [quote comment=”302262″]“a blousy shirt can get in the way.”

    Give me a break, a shirt can get in the way of a lot of sports, but they don’t resort to making the uniform shorter and tighter. The woman want the sport to be reflected as not “girly” yet they want tight uniforms – please.[/quote]

    In basketball, you’re not holding a stick close to your body while trying to manuver a ball that can get caught up in a big, baggy shirt. Granted, it shouldn’t happen with skilled players, but it’s still better to not have to worry about it.

    [quote comment=”302294″][quote comment=”302175″]Can someone explain why the nets always have that wood board at the bottom?[/quote]

    As I understand it, the purpose for the wooden board at the back of the goal relates to Terri’s comment about dangerous play being called where a ball is elevated into a crowd of players. While a shot on goal that’s lifted (or “flicked”) can go in anywhere in the goal, one that’s struck (or “hit”) can’t exceed a certain height. The sound (or not) of the ball striking board assists the referee in making that determination. Though given the force that high-level players are able to generate on flicks, I’m not sure what purpose this serves, except maybe to discourage players from taking a big backswing when hitting the ball. And on free hits a big backswing is allowed, as defenders are required to be at least 7 yards away when one is taken (at least at the HS level).[/quote]

    Actually, as long as there aren’t any players (except the goalie)in the path of the ball, it wouldn’t be dangerous and would count. The only time the board really comes into play is on penalty corners, where the first shot off the corner can’t be more than 18 in. (the height of the board) high.

    And if anyone still thinks the sport is girly, I’ve seen a ball bust right through that board before.

    As for the lefty thing, I’ve actually only ever heard the complaint from non-players. Most field hockey players just accept it and don’t really consider it, I think, because they’re only ever taught one way.

    Have any other lefty golfers had problems at the driving range? It seems whenever I go on busy days and set up next to a righty, I get glares, and even verbal abuse. Apparently, right handed golfers can’t handle someone looking them in the eyes (for non-golfers, most stalls at driving ranges are separated by a 2-3′ high wall. When a lefty and righty set up in adjacent stalls, it’s like looking in the mirror.).

    Well, Matt (and others)…

    The new Nike Experience store finally is open at Mall of America, right across the freeway from my office. I’ll check it out for you. Probably not until next week, though, because they’re expecting 200,000 shoppers at MOA Friday (some stores opening at 5 a.m.; the rest at 6) and I’m sure the weekend will be a zoo, too.

    Anything special I’m supposed to look for?

    —Ricko

    …and I still wanna know why ESPN almost always calls Purdue the “Boilers” and not Boilermakers.

    —Ricko

    Ricko-

    The U of Oregon’s women’s basketball team has a radio spot out locally in which the players refer to us fans as Webfoots. I was very gratified when I first heard it since I have always felt this was a superior nickname to Ducks.

    [quote comment=”302303″]…and I still wanna know why ESPN almost always calls Purdue the “Boilers” and not Boilermakers.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Most people on campus refer to our beloved Boilermakers as the “Boilers”. It works better in cheers (2 syllables as opposed to 4), Boilermakers is a mouthful. I don’t think we’ve ever worn “Boilers” on a jersey, though, in fact I don’t know that I’ve ever seen us wear any wordmark other than “Purdue”

    Also, the bookstore right across the street from The Mack and Ross-Ade is called the Boiler Black and Gold Mine.

    So, long story short (too late, I know), Boilers is easier for the fans to cheer.

    Anyone seen this yet?

    [link]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/11/25/mets.citigroup.ap/index.html?eref=si_mlb[/link]

    sorry.. not sure how to link :S

    [quote comment=”302299″][quote comment=”302294″][quote comment=”302175″]Can someone explain why the nets always have that wood board at the bottom?[/quote]

    As I understand it, the purpose for the wooden board at the back of the goal relates to Terri’s comment about dangerous play being called where a ball is elevated into a crowd of players. While a shot on goal that’s lifted (or “flicked”) can go in anywhere in the goal, one that’s struck (or “hit”) can’t exceed a certain height. The sound (or not) of the ball striking board assists the referee in making that determination. Though given the force that high-level players are able to generate on flicks, I’m not sure what purpose this serves, except maybe to discourage players from taking a big backswing when hitting the ball. And on free hits a big backswing is allowed, as defenders are required to be at least 7 yards away when one is taken (at least at the HS level).[/quote]

    Actually, as long as there aren’t any players (except the goalie)in the path of the ball, it wouldn’t be dangerous and would count. The only time the board really comes into play is on penalty corners, where the first shot off the corner can’t be more than 18 in. (the height of the board) high.

    And if anyone still thinks the sport is girly, I’ve seen a ball bust right through that board before.[/quote]

    A penalty corner is given when there has been an infringement in the circle (like the ball hitting a defender’s foot) or a serious infringement has occured outside the circle (like a defender intentionally trips an attacking player heading towards the circle). When a penalty corner is given, all but five of the defending team must return to halfway. The five defenders (4 plus goalie) must stand behind the baseline while the attacking team restarts play from a position on the baseline, sort of halfway between the edge of the circle and the goal. Generally the ball is pushed to the top of the circle, where it must go outside the circle before being played back into the circle for a shot on goal. The first shot, if hit, cannot go higher than the wooden backboard. If the ball is flicked, it can go at any height towards the goal.

    At international level, the players can flick the ball as hard as they can hit it, so generally penalty corner shots are flicked. Because the ball can go at any height quite fast, facemasks that non-goalie defenders can use have been developed (hopefully this link works as an example – link). Usually players leave them behind the goal during field play, and put them on when they’re defending a penalty corner.

    Field hockey is a bit like soccer, but it has removed the offside rule so more players are pushed forward to attack in the open spaces behind defenders.

    Here is a youtube link of some hockey game highlights – link

    [quote comment=”302309″]Best non-Paul post since the site started (and I’ve read every one.)

    Well done, Phil.[/quote]

    thank you mr. booty

    [quote comment=”302276″]Good stuff from Rovell:

    Steve & Barry’s, History. Seeya to Starbury shoes and the Venus Williams 11 line. (Hello, Nike; joining Serena?)
    link

    100M Nike bonus if/when LJ goes to NY?
    link

    How can the NBA allow Nike to sign LBJ and other players to give them a bonus for playing in a certain place? They didn’t say anything in the article, but don’t you think that it’s a competitive advantage to the Knicks to be able to attract free agents because they get a shoe bonus for coming to that city? I know that the article says that it isn’t in LeBron’s contract anyway, but any kind of city-specific bonus should be against the fair-play and salary cap rules.

    [quote comment=”302314″][…] Chicks with Sticks Let’s begin this holiday-getaway Ticker with something from yesterday’s comments – a really great photo gallery of college football trophies. … Jeremy Brahm reports that the Hiroshima Carp have unveiled their 2009 uniforms and that the … […][/quote]

    What is this?

    [quote comment=”302303″]…and I still wanna know why ESPN almost always calls Purdue the “Boilers” and not Boilermakers.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    The same reason they call the Astros the ‘stros and the Coyotes the Yotes. It’s cutesy and it pisses me off. I’m assuming they’re too lazy to use that one extra syllable.

    Thanks to Phil and Terri for the informative article. I’ve always wondered about field hockey and that helped out a lot. Perhaps we can see more articles about other “obscure” sports here in the future.

    Speaking of lefties, being one myself, I was surprised to findout that the President elect, the senator he defeated, and many of the recent presidents were all southpaws as well.

    college football trophys…

    Central Michigan has just added a new trophy to its case. It is awarded to the winner of the annual game against Western Michigan. Cant remember exactly what its called right off the top of my head

    and another note about my alma matter CMU. It has been rumored that they plan to switch from new balance to nike next year. Seeing as how our whole school utilizes New Balance for their uniforms, I would imagine that this would effect all of our varsity teams.

    Love the field hockey talk! Twenty-some years ago, I worked as a general assignment reporter/sports editor for a weekly newspaper in Worcester County, Massachusetts, and as part of my duties I often covered high school field hockey games. Fortunately for me, the first one I attended included one of the area’s better coaches, who made a point of taking me aside before the game and giving me an outline of the game so I could understand better what was going on.
    Can’t say I’m a field hockey “expert” in any way, shape or form, but I was very impressed by the energy, guts and determination I saw from the young women out there on the field.

    [quote comment=”302272″][quote comment=”302271″][quote comment=”302228″]im guessing the UW world may be disproportionately represented by the sinister hand…paul, scotty, duck, larry…

    who else amongst us is ‘lefty’?[/quote]

    I can use both my left and right hands. I’m amphibious![/quote]

    Speaking of such a thing, does anyone else remember when for a while there–late 60’s, early 70’s, maybe?–when Oregon took to calling themselves the “Webfoots”? I guess they thought “Duck” was a tad…nerdy. Not saying they did it officially but I can remember TV games where virtually the entire time the announcers would call them the “Webfoots”?

    Also, what’s with ESPN consistently calling Purdue the “Boilers”. They are still the “Boilermakers,” aren’t they? ESPN think that’s too alcohol sounding or what? Hope not, considering all the beer commercials they run. Would be just a tad sanctimonious, not to mention outright hypocritical.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    “Webfoots” was the original name for the UofO sports teams. A sports writer trying to save space started calling them ducks and it eventually stuck. However, webfoots actually refers to New England transplants in Eugene.

    A quick google found this
    link

    [quote comment=”302300″]As for the lefty thing, I’ve actually only ever heard the complaint from non-players. Most field hockey players just accept it and don’t really consider it, I think, because they’re only ever taught one way.[/quote]

    Of course you’ve only heard it from non-players. The people on the receiving end of the discrimination [i]aren’t allowed to play[/i].

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