What are the standard lacrosse stick screw sizes. How to properly fit a lacrosse head to your shaft. What tools and techniques can improve stick performance. How to address common issues like head rattle and stripped screw holes.
Understanding Lacrosse Stick Screw Specifications
Lacrosse stick screws play a crucial role in attaching the head to the shaft securely. Standard lacrosse screws are typically self-tapping Phillips head screws designed to fit both men’s and women’s lacrosse heads. While exact sizes can vary slightly between manufacturers, most lacrosse screws fall within a common range.
Common Lacrosse Screw Characteristics:
- Material: Usually stainless steel or aluminum
- Head type: Phillips drive
- Thread: Self-tapping
- Length: Approximately 1/2 inch (12.7mm)
- Diameter: Around 8-32 thread size
Can lacrosse screws come in different colors? Yes, many manufacturers offer colored lacrosse screws for personalization. Gold, silver, and various team colors are popular options that allow players to customize their stick’s appearance.
Essential Tools for Lacrosse Stick Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your lacrosse stick requires a few key tools. Having these items on hand will help you address common issues and keep your equipment in top condition.
Must-Have Lacrosse Stick Maintenance Tools:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Athletic tape
- Hair dryer
- Wine cork (for advanced fixes)
- Spare screws
Why is a hair dryer useful for lacrosse stick maintenance? A hair dryer can be used to heat and soften the plastic of a lacrosse head, making it more pliable for adjustments or easier fitting onto a shaft.
Eliminating Head Rattle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Head rattle is a common issue that can affect a player’s performance and confidence. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution using athletic tape.
Steps to Fix Head Rattle:
- Clean the top of the shaft where it meets the head
- Cut a small piece of athletic tape
- Place the tape over the end of the shaft (do not wrap around)
- Test the fit by attaching the head
- If rattle persists, add another layer of tape
- Repeat until you achieve a snug fit
Is it better to wrap tape around the shaft or place it on top? Placing tape on top of the shaft rather than wrapping it around provides a more precise fit and is easier to adjust as needed.
Reshaping the Throat of Your Lacrosse Head
Sometimes, a lacrosse head may be difficult to fit onto a shaft due to its shape. Using heat to reshape the throat can solve this problem.
Procedure for Reshaping a Lacrosse Head Throat:
- Use a hair dryer to heat the throat area of the head
- Apply heat evenly for 30-60 seconds
- Carefully stretch or compress the heated plastic as needed
- Test fit on the shaft
- Repeat if necessary, allowing the plastic to cool between attempts
How long should you heat a lacrosse head? Generally, 30-60 seconds of direct heat is sufficient to make the plastic pliable without risking damage. Always exercise caution and avoid overheating.
Addressing Stripped Screw Holes in Lacrosse Shafts
Stripped screw holes can be frustrating, but there’s an ingenious solution using a common household item: a wine cork.
Fixing Stripped Screw Holes:
- Cut a small piece from a wine cork
- Insert the cork piece into the stripped hole
- Carefully screw into the cork, creating new threads
- Remove excess cork if necessary
Why does a wine cork work for fixing stripped screw holes? Wine corks are soft enough to allow the screw to create new threads but firm enough to hold securely, providing an effective and inexpensive solution.
Choosing the Right Screws for Your Lacrosse Stick
Selecting the appropriate screws for your lacrosse stick is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Lacrosse Screws:
- Compatibility with your head and shaft
- Material durability
- Corrosion resistance
- Self-tapping vs. standard threads
- Color options for personalization
Are all lacrosse screws interchangeable between brands? While many screws are standardized, it’s best to check manufacturer recommendations to ensure proper fit and avoid potential equipment damage.
Preventative Maintenance for Lacrosse Sticks
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your lacrosse stick and prevent common issues from arising.
Lacrosse Stick Maintenance Tips:
- Regularly check and tighten screws
- Clean your stick after each use
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Avoid leaving in extreme temperatures
- Periodically inspect for wear and damage
How often should you perform maintenance on your lacrosse stick? It’s recommended to do a quick check before each practice or game, with a more thorough inspection and maintenance routine monthly or as needed based on usage.
Advanced Customization Techniques for Lacrosse Sticks
For players looking to take their equipment to the next level, there are several advanced customization options available.
Advanced Lacrosse Stick Customizations:
- Custom dye jobs for heads
- Grip tape patterns for shafts
- Weight reduction modifications
- Specialized pocket stringing
- Head pinching (where allowed by regulations)
Do customizations affect the legality of a lacrosse stick? Some modifications may impact a stick’s legality for official play. Always consult current regulations and check with officials before using heavily customized equipment in games.
Understanding the intricacies of lacrosse stick maintenance and customization can significantly enhance a player’s performance and enjoyment of the game. From addressing common issues like head rattle to exploring advanced personalization options, players of all levels can benefit from taking an active role in caring for their equipment. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, lacrosse enthusiasts can ensure their sticks are always game-ready and tailored to their individual playing style.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so too do the methods for optimizing equipment. Staying informed about the latest maintenance techniques and customization trends can give players a competitive edge on the field. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned veteran looking to fine-tune your gear, paying attention to the details of your lacrosse stick can make a significant difference in your overall playing experience.
Remember, while proper equipment care is essential, it’s the skill, dedication, and passion of the player that truly makes the difference. Use these techniques as a foundation to build upon, allowing you to focus on developing your skills and enjoying the game to its fullest. With a well-maintained and personalized lacrosse stick in hand, you’ll be ready to face any challenge on the field with confidence.
Buy Lockoff Brand Colored Self-Tapping Lacrosse Head Screws
Brand : Sustainable Things
Brand : Sustainable Things
Description
- 10 High Quality self tapping Lacrosse Head Screws.
- Gold Color Screw Head.
- All screws are Phillips Head screws. Will fit both men’s and women’s heads.
- Imported from USA (Sizes & Specifications are based on the USA Market).
Personalize your stick with these colored head screws. 10 High
Quality self tapping Lacrosse Head Screws. All screws are
Phillips Head screws. Will fit both men’s and women’s heads.
These screws are a must have for any coaches equipment bag.
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Sports And Outdoors › Sports › Team Sports › Lacrosse › Player Equipment › Heads
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LaxHacks: Stick Prep, Part 2
Greetings, LAS faithful! Hope you enjoyed Part 1 of our Stick Prep rodeo.
Lacrosse All Stars has teamed up with the good people at LAX WAX to bring you a new and improved version of our LaxHacks series. Through #LaxHacks, we aim to help you simplify and element proof your game. Every episode, we’ll share specific tips and pointers that will help you save time, money, and heartache. Balling on a budget, and enjoying the beautiful game of lacrosse… that’s what it’s all about.
Today we’re hitting you with a Part 2 of a multi-part series that will teach you (or remind you of!) the best ways to take care of your lacrosse stick. Learn how to conquer rattle, how to re-shape the throat of your head, and how to deal with those annoying stripped screw holes on your lacrosse shafts.
Athletic tape, a hair dryer, and a wine cork…these items enable some brilliant Lax Hacks. Check it out.
Stick Prep, Part 2: Fitting Your Head To Your Lacrosse Shaft
What You Need
Here’s a list of items for today’s hacks.
- Hair dryer
- Athletic tape
- Wine cork
- Lacrosse Shaft
- Lacrosse Head
- Screw/Screwdriver
Why You Need It
Sometimes your head won’t be a perfect fit on your shaft. If your head rattles take a piece of athletic tape and place it over the end of the shaft rather than wrapping it around the shaft. If your head still rattles on your shaft continue adding a layer at a time until you reach a snug fit. You may also have a difficult time getting your head onto your shaft. In order to soften up the plastic and make it more malleable use a hair dryer to heat the throat of your head until it expands enough to fit onto your shaft. You will be amazed at how much easier it is.
Make sure you evenly heat the throat to prevent any damage to the head.
If you’ve drilled a ton of holes in your shaft you might have a tough time driving in a new screw. Remember that each shaft has a front and a back and also a top and a bottom. If you’ve already used those or aren’t looking to flip your graphic around we’ve got a solution for you. Take a wine cork (if you’re not 21, ask your parents) and slide it in the top portion of your shaft. Problem Solved!
Just screw in to one of those stripped holes and you’re good to go!
Get Hacking!
Now you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve to keep your stick in tip top shape.
Remember: Properly fit your head and shaft, secure your butt end, and hone your taping skills. Take care of your equipment and it’ll take care of you!
Got a Lax Hack you want us to share with the world? Drop us a line!
How to choose a hockey stick by length and height
The stick is considered to be the main element of equipment for hockey players. Therefore, all players are interested in the answer to the question: how to choose a hockey stick? To answer it, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances.
How to choose the perfect hockey stick for you?
The following criteria must be taken into account to select the appropriate club size:
- age;
- growth;
- wt.
If we talk about age, it is worth knowing that there are 4 age categories:
- children (YTH) – up to 7 years;
- juniors (JR) – up to 14 years;
- adolescents (INT) – under 17;
- adults (SR) – over 17 years of age.
Before picking up a club, you need to pay attention to its marking. It indicates attachment to a certain age group.
The length of the hockey stick is also important. It must match the height of the child. By size clubs are classified according to age categories:
- children (YTH) – club length up to 114 cm, player height up to 122 cm;
- juniors (JR) – stick length up to 132 cm, player height up to 145 cm;
- teenagers (INT) – club length up to 145 cm, player height up to 165 cm;
- adults (SR) – stick length up to 157 cm, player height from 168 cm. Junior models are suitable for players weighing up to 55 kg. Teenage sticks are used by hockey players weighing up to 72 kg. Adult models are chosen by players with a weight of 65 kg.
How to choose the length of the stick according to the height of the player?
Answering the question of how to choose the length of the club, it should be said that there are several rules for measuring. Firstly, the length of this ammunition must be selected while standing on skates. This is due to the fact that skates add a few extra centimeters. If the player does not take into account this nuance, he may make a mistake with the choice of ammunition.
Secondly, look ahead while measuring. In this case, the club must be held parallel to the body. It should rest on the nose of the hook.
Thirdly, you need to take into account the level of professionalism of the player. Beginners should choose an average stick (Average). This stick ends between the nose and chin. There are also models Long (end above the nose) and Short (up to the chin).
How to choose a stick according to the curve of the hook?
When choosing the length of the club, it is necessary to pay attention to the bend of the blade. There are 3 basic options:
- Curl at the heel. In this case, lifting the puck is greatly facilitated.
- Curl at the toe. This design feature of the hook provides reliable control of the puck on ice.
- Fold in the middle. This is the most versatile option.
The selection of a suitable fold should be based on the tasks that the player will face.
How to choose a right-handed and left-handed stick?
When choosing the right type of hockey sticks, you need to choose a comfortable grip side for the player. To do this, you need to do a little research. The hockey player should hold the stick with both hands. If the left hand lies above the right, then the player has a left grip. Otherwise, the hockey player has a right grip. It does not matter at all who the player is – right-handed or left-handed.
Stick designs
To find the answer to the question of how to choose the right stick, you need to take into account its design features.
One piece stick or two piece stick
Sticks may be one piece or two pieces. Externally, these models are almost impossible to distinguish. In the first case, a one-piece one-piece design is used without a handle and hook connection point. This model is much lighter. She is also more balanced. One-piece clubs are usually chosen by professionals.
A compound stick is a construction in which the handle is connected to the blade. Today, manufacturers of this ammunition use innovative technologies, thanks to which it is almost impossible to detect a joint between parts of a hockey stick.
Stick hook: bend, screw, feather, angle
When choosing this ammunition, the type of bend must be taken into account. This parameter defines the hook bend depth. There are 3 types of bends:
- heel;
- medium;
- toe.
As for the screw, this characteristic determines the degree of bending in the vertical plane. It can be open or closed. The open screw provides that the working surface of the hook is visible when looking at the club from top to bottom. Otherwise, the screw is considered closed.
The nib can be long or medium. Finally, the angle affects the player’s comfort level. A small angle is suitable for hockey players who prefer to control the puck at a fairly large distance from themselves. A large angle is chosen by hockey players who are more comfortable in controlling the puck closer to themselves.
Which stick is better – wood or composite?
When choosing a club, the material of its manufacture must also be taken into account. If the budget is limited, then choose wooden models. Their advantages include not only accessibility. These sticks also allow for better control of the puck. But they have a significant drawback – a short service life. Another disadvantage is the large weight of wooden clubs. Such ammunition is usually chosen by beginners. But experienced hockey players prefer more expensive composite sticks. The advantages of the latter include durability and lightness.
Club balance
Keep in mind that the higher the center of gravity on the handle, the better the balance of the club. If the center of gravity is low, then we can say that the hook is too heavy. To find the center of gravity, you need to balance the stick on your finger.
One-piece composite sticks generally provide the best balance. Therefore, they are chosen by professionals.
Stick Wrap
It is customary among hockey players to wrap the blade of the stick from heel to toe. Winding is necessary to prevent wear on the hook. The wound tape will not interfere with the player during training and matches.
It is also customary to wrap the handle. For this, grip tape is used. It allows the player to feel the stick better and eliminates the risk of hand slip.
Stick cover
There are 3 types of stick cover:
- Grip. This is an anti-slip coating for the most reliable fixation of the hand. The advantage of this coating is the ability to minimize the loss of energy during the throw. The disadvantage of this coating is the difficult movement of the hands during dribbling.
- Clear. It is a glossy and smooth finish that allows the hand to glide freely. When performing powerful throws, a partial turn of the handle is allowed.
- Matte. This coating combines the strengths of the two previous options. This is a matte and slightly rough coating, which simultaneously provides free sliding of the hand and good fixation when throwing.
Top best hockey sticks
If we talk about the best hockey sticks, then the following models deserve the most attention:
- Bauer Vapor X2.7 S19 Grip. The advantages of this model include lightness, excellent torsional rigidity, balance and obedience.
- Warrior Alpha DX5 GRIP. This professional stick has made it to the top due to its lightness, responsiveness and unique wedge-shaped taper.
- CCM Tacks 4092. This is a durable semi-professional model with an anti-slip finish and excellent puck feel.
- Bauer Supreme 3S S20 GRIP. It’s a professional stick that’s versatile, lightweight and has the ability to deliver great puck feel when dribbling.
- Salming Tornado. This is a budget model for beginners. Its advantages include lightness, rigidity of the hook and low deflection point.
Stick size chart
Before choosing a hockey stick for height, you should read the matching chart.
Age category
Height, cm kg
Club length cm
Children (3-5)
91-16
90 178
13–29
96–11
Children (6-8)
116-142
22-36
114-124
901 97
Junior (7-13)
132-155
31-49
127-137
Adolescents (11-14)
90 002 150-162 43-56
139-147
Adolescents (12-14)
157-172
45-63
1 39–147
Adults (14+)
165– 177
56-79
144-154
Adults (14+) 9000 3
170–185
68–90
147–157
Adults (14+)
177-193
81-106
90 173
152–160
Adults (14+)
185+
95+
152-160
How to prepare a hockey stick?
Preparation of the stick consists of wrapping tape around the hook. Thanks to this, you can protect it from mechanical damage. For winding it is recommended to use a special fabric tape. And there are 2 options for such a tape. It can be designed for a hook or handle. Accordingly, you will need a winding of the handle. This is necessary to ensure a secure upper grip and prevent the risk of the hand slipping off.
Answers to questions about hockey sticks
Beginners and even experienced players often have a lot of questions about the use of hockey sticks. The following are answers to the most common questions about this ammunition for hockey players.
CCM Stick Curls
This manufacturer of hockey gear has 3 main flex types – P28, P29 and P30. Learn more about CCM bends here.
How to wrap a hockey stick with tape?
Tape is wrapped around the blade of the stick from heel to toe. The handle is also subject to winding. To learn how winding is performed, you should read this article.
Stick flex
The flex depends on the player’s weight. The lower the weight of the hockey player, the lower the level of stiffness of the stick. More information can be found here.
How to choose a hockey stick for a child?
When choosing a club, consider the player’s age, weight and height. More information can be found here.
The most expensive stick in the world
The most expensive stick in the world costs $4,250,000. And it was made back in the 50s. Learn more about why this stick is unique here.
Bauer Stick Knob Points
This setting determines whether Bauer sticks are more comfortable for flicking or flicking. There are also generic models. You can find out what a deflection point is in this material.
Goalie stick size by height
52 cm sticks are recommended for children 120-130 cm tall. For adults over 183 cm tall, I advise you to choose 71 cm sticks. Learn more about the rules for selecting sticks for goalkeepers in this article.
How to spot a fake Bauer stick?
The original differs from the fake in high quality paint and coating. It does not show traces of stains and any irregularities. You can find out how to distinguish a fake stick from the original Bauer in this material.
Do-it-yourself repair of hockey sticks
Only prefabricated sticks are subject to self-repair. Here you can learn more about how to repair this ammunition.
How to properly cut a stick?
The length of the club must be such that it does not have to be cut. If such a need arose, you can find out about this process here.
How to lengthen a hockey stick?
Any of the possible options will not be the best solution. Therefore, it is more rational to buy a new stick. You can find out about all existing extension methods here.
Do-it-yourself stick
Making a stick with your own hands is reasonable for those who sometimes prefer to play hockey in the yard. If you are serious about this sport, it is reasonable to purchase ammunition from one of the trusted manufacturers. You can find out how to make sticks here.
Playing with fire (18+). Chapter thirty seven. Part 1 – DO NOT WORK! – Blogs
This post was written by Sports.ru user, every fan can start writing (you can do it here).
Chapter 37. Dark, dark time
Upon my return to Calgary, I went on a major party. In three years, I sniffed out about 15 pounds of cocaine (6.8 kg.). This habit cost me $2,000 every week. Josh and I rented a luxurious apartment in the city center – a stone’s throw from Eau Claire (Eau Claire – one of the most prestigious areas of Calgary). At first, I somehow tried to educate Josh, but what could I say to him with the lifestyle that I led myself?
Joshi was basically a loner. We started working on our relationship and I’m proud of who he is now, but for a while he felt miserable. I felt guilty, but I couldn’t really tell him anything. All I had to do was be there for him and lead by example. At first, I couldn’t do it.
Shannon said that all this reminded her of how the beautiful sweater she knitted with her own hands began to unravel before her eyes. If you live with me, then you have a lot of money, you communicate with girls like Pamela Anderson, and you dine exclusively in restaurants. After that, somehow I don’t want to go back to my mother and eat broccoli for dinner.
My typical evening began in a bar and ended with a two or three day continuation of a banquet at my house. For me, it was a dark, dark time. And Josh saw it all with his own eyes. A terrible picture.
One day during a party, I met a hockey player named Steve Parsons. He was a tough guy and had been playing in the minor leagues for several years. Fighting occupied a huge part of his life – there were over 300 fights in his career. It was a big guy from Vancouver. Height – 193 cm, weight – 115 kg.
He didn’t have a special talent, but he told me that he realized at a young age that if you have a heavy hand and stand firmly on your feet, then there will always be a place for you in the team. He was an amazingly sweet and kind person. But only off-site.
Due to a hand injury, Steve was out for a couple of years and received offers from two amateur teams, Lloydminster and a northern reservation team called the Horse Lake Sanders. He could not make up his mind about which team to go to as a free agent. I got a couple of calls from Horse Lake, but I didn’t even call them back. I gave up hockey. Why would I want to play in some backyard league up north when I just left the NHL?
I’m tired of fucking practice, judges and other shit. And then, playing for a team from the reservation means risking your life. My brothers Teddy and Trav had a lot of experience playing in these leagues, playing both white and Indian teams. Formally, there are rules, but in fact they are not. At first everything goes as if normally, and then the tin begins to happen. Let’s say one team takes out the other in one gate – and then the Indians become very angry. And it all happens very quickly.
Trav once told me a funny incident during one of the matches of the team from the reservation. Their team with Teddy (and this was the “white” team) was invited to meet with the team from the Ebb and Flow reservation. Of course, half of their team fell ill on this reservation with the flu. In addition to Trev and Teddy, only six people were able to go on the ice, including the goalkeeper.
As a result, Teddy played 55 minutes – he left the court only when he was sent off. The game itself was so tough that at one point Teddy was thrown onto the ice and he broke his nose. Then the rivals attacked one of the healthy defenders from the team of Teddy and Trev. When he began to defend himself, he was sent off until the end of the match. He went to the locker room, and only a rope separated him from the audience. A crowd of fans rushed at him, and he began to swing his stick in all directions and yell: “Well, who’s the bravest here? Come on!”.
Teddy and Trav’s team won that match, and at the end of it got the referee, who was knocked down on the ice a couple of times. When the team of Indians left the site, their goalkeeper spat in his face. Well, and finally, they left the arena as a group, because it was too dangerous to go out alone. And as they were getting into their Suburban, some 4-year-old guy who was standing near the car turned to Trev, stared at him with an indifferent look and said: “Fuck you. You are not playing fair.”
Anyway, Steve liked Horse Lake’s offer and called me shortly after Christmas 2004. He said that according to his information, “Horse Lake” is interested in my candidacy. I answered him: “No, don’t even offer it. I quit. And then they’ll scalp me there.” Then Steve said: “Theo, you will be completely safe. We have five NHL-level enforcers on the team.”
I thought for a minute and said, “No, I don’t want to.” But Steve didn’t give up: “Theo, you’re a hockey player. Hockey is your life, it’s your job, it’s what you do best. You gave hockey 35 years. Trust me Theo, if you agree to play, you will be completely safe.”
“No, I’m not interested,” I answered and hung up. After that, I called my brother Trev and he told me, “Well, it’s actually not such a bad idea. ” Trav was worried about me. He saw how every day I lie in complete prostration on the couch and flip channels. I put on weight, at least up to 100 kg. I turned into a real kolobok.
The offer to play hockey without any burden of responsibility sounded tempting. I thought that I would feel better if I fell in love with hockey again. I won the Stanley Cup, Canada Cup, World Youth Championship and Olympic gold, but I did not have the Allen Cup in my collection – the main trophy of the AAA amateur league.
The Allen Cup has been played since 1908, so there is a rich history behind it. In hockey, he is far from the last place. And besides, I had absolutely nothing to do. Unless you sit and drink at the Cowboys bar, but that gets boring over time. Well, what can you talk about with the same people every single evening? So I called Steve back and said, “I agree.”
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I met Chief Dion Horseman in Calgary and he turned out to be a great guy. He was 32 years old and the youngest chief in Canada. He stood out from the others. He was ambitious, cheerful and dreamy. He wanted to build the best amateur team in the world.
Why? Because he believed that this would inspire his young tribesmen, and instead of getting into various troubles, they would play hockey, and in general, people in Horse Lake would have a reason to be proud. In general, we then fucked up with this leader.
I asked him, “So, how is it going to look in detail? How are we going to work?” He replied: “Very simple. I will pay for your flight every weekend, or whenever it suits you. If you want, your mom and dad can come to the matches too. Buy yourself new equipment and whatever you want. I pay.”
I had a cousin, Todd Holt, who was five years younger than me. I just adored him. Holty was a talent. He had a lot of talent. Born sniper. If it is open, give the puck to it – this is a 100% goal. Despite the fact that he was 170 cm tall and weighed 72 kg, San Jose selected him in the NHL draft.
From 1989 to 1994 he played for the Swift Current Broncos, so Graham James was his mentor for six years. Toddy started drinking and eventually moved to Horse Lake in a broken state. But no matter how much he drank, he still always worked miracles in front of the opponent’s goal.
The Horse Lake Reservation is located near the town of Beaverlodge (Alberta Ave.), about six hours northwest of Edmonton. Compared to this, any hole looks like a metropolis. As soon as you enter Beaverlodge, there immediately begins a country road without lighting, and after seven kilometers one of the most beautiful arenas in which I have ever played outside the NHL grows in front of you.
I would compare it to a church. It was brand new and cost $9 to build.000,000. This reservation is all right with the money, because they leased the land to an oil company for a very good amount.
Most of the players on the team were either Indians or Indians. There was such a Brent Dodginhorse, 182 cm tall, weighing 88 kg. – a privileged Indian from the Tsu Tina reservation, which is located near Calgary. He played left flank for two years for the Calgary Hitmen, participated in 18 fights and won most of them.
Gino Odjik (191 cm, 98 kg) also played there. He is an Algonquin himself and one of the best heavyweight fighters in the NHL of his day. There are just tough guys like Ronnie Stern and Paul Cruise, and there are those who are not even comparable to them in terms of toughness. Dave Brown, Marty McSorley, Sandy McCarthy, Bob Probert and Ojik were the kind of guys who could kill a man with one punch. They split hockey helmets in half with their fists – I saw it with my own eyes.
I remember one day in Calgary, when I was still playing for the Flames, we were meeting with Philadelphia, and I saw how Dave Brown hit Stu Grimson in the face. Stu then had a screw sticking out of his eye for a month and a half to keep his cheekbone from falling apart. Gino fought for Vancouver, Philadelphia, Islanders and Montreal. In the NHL, he fought everyone, accumulating a career total of 184 fights.
I saw him fight a bunch of times when we played Vancouver. In the fall of 1996, he seriously grappled with Jamie Hascroft, who was about his size. They dropped their leggings and began to blizzard each other like dinosaurs. A couple of months later, he boxed with Todd Simpson, and Carrie Fraser, the referee, began to separate them. So Gino nearly blew his head off. After completing his career, Gino works with children, telling them about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
The same week I agreed to play for Horse Lake, a charter arrived for me, Steve Parsons, and Brent Douginhorse, and we set off for the Great Steppe. The leader met us there and took us to a sports shop. He had his own account there, and he told us: “Take whatever you want.”
We acted like children: “So, please, I’ll have ten of these clubs and ten of those, and also …”. The three of us squandered 10 grand on clubs and other ammunition. I also asked him: “Are you sure that you are ready to go to such expenses?”. To which the leader replied: “Yes, yes, take what you want.” I had Easton clubs made to order and had them shipped straight to Horse Lake. I was in ecstasy.
And so we came to the arena for the first time. We go in, go to the locker room, open the door, and there are 20 open trunks and hockey equipment scattered all over the floor. At first I thought they were robbed or something. Then, after hockey, everyone gathers their things in a trunk, goes home and hangs them up there to dry. I turned to the chief and asked, “What the f*ck?”
It turned out that the chief gave this outfit for public use. The children of the Indians came, grabbed the left skate, then the right one, then leggings . .. Sometimes they fit in size, and sometimes they didn’t – and they didn’t care about the size or manufacturer. They took the first stick they found in the common pile and went out onto the ice.
The guys there were incredibly talented. We watched them shoot over the crossbars, hit the posts, throw brilliant passes, fix pucks in the air… I saw some of them lift the puck up on the hook and drive across the court like they were holding a lacrosse net. They played at absolutely phenomenal speeds.
These children were 9-10 years old, but they were absolutely independent – they got to the rink by themselves, changed clothes and played. Very self-sufficient young people, what can I say … They spent a lot of time with us, so we constantly gave them sticks and everything else that we only had, and also taught them how to properly wrap a stick or tighten the laces on skates. I must admit, I got a wild buzz from all this. I liked being with children.
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I was ready to go on the ice in my first match for the Thunder in the Great Steppe against the Athletics, but then it turned out that I was not allowed to play. It was on TSN, CBC, CTV (Canada’s biggest television channels) and all the newspapers – the Alberta Ice Hockey Federation ruled that I didn’t pass the rules. Four thousand fans gathered in the arena, and in the end they had to watch an ordinary beer league match.
Some motherfucker from NHL management calls me and says, “You still have a contract for a year.” He was referring to the 2003-04 season. I tell him: “Yes, I did have a contract, but Chicago no longer pays me a salary because I fulfilled the conditions for ending my suspension.”
The leader hired a lawyer, and we began to sue. We insisted that my contract with the Chicagos was worthless, and Bob Palford, senior vice president of the Blackhawks, was on our side. In the event that the court recognized my contract as valid, then formally I could play for Chicago again if I had undergone a course of treatment. Or the club would have had to write me $4.5 million for a penalty. Palford must have been close to having a heart attack.
The whole story got into the press only because the NHL was in lockout and sports journalists had to write at least something about hockey. Apparently, whatever I did and wherever I was, everything that was in any way connected with me caused a resonance.
But I never shied away from a fight. Never. So I told reporters that when the guys who were trying to get me out of hockey dropped their leggings, I was ready to fight to the bitter end.
To be continued…
Theo Fleury
Chapter thirty six
Chapter thirty five. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Chapter Thirty Four
Chapter Thirty Three
Chapter Thirty Two
Chapter Thirty One
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Twenty Nine. Part 1, Part 2
Chapter twenty-eight
Chapter twenty-seven
Chapter twenty-six
Chapter twenty-five
Chapter twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter sixteen
Chapter fifteen
Chapter fourteen.