Author Archives: Cole Rodriguez

Best Apps to Follow Live Cricket Score

Cricket is a sport followed by millions and millions of people all around the globe. It is the most-watched one in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, etc. Right now, a lot of action is going on in the cricket world and a ton more is yet to come. After a dry 2020, 2021 is going to be a very busy year for the cricket fans. People nowadays tend to watch the live streaming of all the matches, and if they can’t for some reason, then they keep up with the live cricket scorecard.

Pakistan vs South Africa is about to begin, Sri Lanka and England are battling it out with the latter set to travel to India afterward for a four-match test series. Big Bash League, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Pakistan One-Day Cup, and many more events are live. The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League will begin on the 20th of Feb, which isn’t far away either. Later on, this year, there will be the final of the ICC World Test Championship at Lords with the Men’s T20 World Cup following suit, and much more. So as can be seen, 2021 is the year dedicated to cricket.

Now specifically in this article, we will discuss some platforms from where you can watch the live score of literally all the cricket matches, whether international or domestic. So, make sure you go through all of them.

Cricket Live Score Platforms

Certainly, there are many websites and apps which offer constant live score updates of the matches, alongside ball-by-ball commentary and other features. Below are some of the best in that regard.

ESPNcricinfo

ESPNcricinfo needs no introduction. It has over 10M downloads that are stacking up every day. Cricinfo offers constant live score updates, ball-by-ball commentary of every ongoing cricket match, in any corner of the world. You can install the application on your Android or iOS device as it is compatible with both.

Cricbuzz

Second on the list is the Indian cricket app, Cricbuzz. Cricbuzz, similar to Cricinfo, offers live score updates, ball-by-ball commentary, records, stats, and much more. However, there is a big difference in the theme and appearance of both platforms. You can install either, depending upon your preference.

Cricingif

Cricingif is another source for the cricket fans to keep up-to-date with all the cricketing action. Apart from the usual live score and commentary, Cricingif also provides continuous ball-by-ball video highlights, which is a great feature. Especially for PSL, Cricingif would prove to be the best platform, as many people opt for it.

Yahoo Cricket

Yahoo Cricket is yet another website cum application for live score updates. They have been providing cricket live scores for quite some time now and many fans refer to Yahoo for this purpose.

There are many more apps and websites from where you can watch the live score, commentary, videos, and much more. That being said, you won’t regret installing either of the above-mentioned ones.

Will quarantine period have an effect on the 2021 Australian Open?

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the sporting world has been hugely significant, and it now almost feels like the norm for there to be many different protocols and testing procedures during major sporting events. Tennis has been affected just the same as every other sport, with the pandemic wreaking havoc on the 2020 calendar, notably leading to the cancellation of Wimbledon.

Now that 2021 has arrived, it is hoped that the sport will be able to boast a full complement of Grand Slams this year, and it all gets underway on February 8th with the Australian Open, which has already been delayed slightly – proof that the pandemic is still forcing the hand of tournament organisers.

Indeed, the reason for this slight delay is due to the fact that the players must complete a quarantine period on entry to Australia, staying in hotels for a certain length of time before they can get their tournament underway. Australia has taken an extremely strict stance on containing the virus, and the Melbourne Slam is granted no exemption from the guidelines imposed on people arriving into the country from other places.

Most players have taken the quarantine period with grace, and videos have been seen on social media of players hitting tennis balls off hotel room walls and doing shuttle runs in a bid to maximise their fitness in these strange circumstances.

But for some, the logistics of the quarantine period have clearly rankled. One of these is World No. 1 and defending Aussie Open champion Novak Djokovic. The Serb made headlines recently by sending a list of demands to tournament organisers, complaining of different aspects of the quarantine period, and requesting certain liberties in the name of preparing properly for the tournament.

These included more fitness apparatus in hotel rooms, more freedom to spend time with coaches of negative test results had been recorded, better food, and that players be allowed to move to private houses with tennis courts, among other things.

The requests were swiftly shot down by organising bodies, and it’s clear that Djokovic isn’t going to get his way. But it raises the question of how much is this quarantine period going to affect the outcome of the Australian Open? There’s no doubt that some players will suffer greatly being made to endure a period of relative isolation, and this could well affect their performances come the beginning of the tournament.

For Djokovic especially, it’s clear that he’s frustrated with the way things have been carried out logistically, although many pointed out that all players were made well aware of what the quarantine period would entail ahead of time. The Serb will need to ensure he has a clear head going into the tournament, and that he doesn’t let his frustrations get the better of him. He is currently the favourite in the tennis betting odds, but that could change if he’s not in the right frame of mind at the start of the competition.

It will be interesting to see whether there are shocks in the early rounds of the Australian Open as a result of players’ preparations being so hampered. But, in the end, it would be no surprise to see the same old favourites battling it out in the latter stages of the tournament.

Top Boston Events in 2021 You Will Really Like

2020 was a year that most of us will not remember nicely. Coronavirus pandemic, murder hornets, fires in Australia, Beirut’s explosion – it’s safe to say that 2020 brought us more harm than good. However, that is in the past now, as 2021 is here.

2021 already seems to be better than its predecessor, with so many concerts and other events planned – some of them being smaller and happening very often (such as Mass Cash results, which happen every day), and some of them being massive – for instance, the postponed world tours.

Keep in mind, though, that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the events we are mentioning below are prone to changes, meaning that depending on the epidemiologic situation, they might be either postponed, canceled, or moved online.

So, what are some of the top Boston events this year? Keep on reading to find out!

Open Mic Night

This event takes place every week in a place called “Modern Party Art.” You don’t have to be a professional, as people on all levels are welcomed to join. If you are a:

  • singer
  • storyteller
  • poet
  • rapper
  • comedian

and so on, don’t hesitate to book your place. Due to the pandemic, there is a limit of participants allowed to take part in the event (20 people), which is why if you are interested in it, you need to make sure to book the tickets in advance.

In order to take part in the event, you need to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer when entering the location, and have a temperature below 98.6, as it will be checked at the door.

Concerts

2020 took away from us the chance to enjoy seeing our favorite artists live in a concert. However, it looks like 2021 will compensate for that, with not only previous year’s shows being postponed till now, but also new ones being announced.

Although many of the tickets are already sold, there are people for whom the new date is not convenient, so if you are interested in one of the events, but the tickets are sold out, just look on different forums and the concert’s Facebook page.

So, let’s take a look at some of the concerts taking place in Boston in 2021.

5 Seconds of Summer – 1st of June

This one will probably be more interesting to teenagers and people in their 20s (but not only). Sometimes considered to be the new One Direction – but a bit more rock – the Australian group consists of four members (Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin).

The 2020 tour (now 2021) called “No Shame” comes in the wake of their hit “Youngblood,” which went Platinum in the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada.

Billy Joel – 4th of August

Although already in his 70s, Billy Joel is still one of the most popular artists in the world. Even though he hasn’t released a new studio album in over 20 years, his music still generates millions of streams every month, and the areas in which he plays a concert are almost always sold out.

Some of his hit singles (that you have probably heard at some point) include “Piano Man” (1973), “Uptown Girl” (1983), and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” (1989).

The concert in Boston was supposed to take place on August, 27th 2020. However, due to the situation, it was postponed.

Lady Gaga – 7th of August

The long-awaited tour is finally here – ‘The Chromatica Ball.’ The tour was supposed to take place in 2020; however, it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Lady Gaga is probably one of the artists that don’t need an introduction – if someone doesn’t know her music, they definitely heard about one of her ‘creations’ back in the day (yes, we’re talking about the meat dress).

Chromatica‘ is Gaga’s sixth studio album – it was released four years after ‘Joanne’ (2016). It includes singles such as “Stupid Love,” “Rain On Me” – made in collaboration with Ariana Grande – and “Sour Candy” recorded with BLACKPINK.

Hamilton On Tour – 6th of July – 21st of August

Hamilton,” one of the most iconic musicals of the 21st century (or maybe of all time), is coming to Boston in the summer of 2021. As the title suggests, the play tells the story of one of the founding fathers, who was also the First Secretary of Treasury – Alexander Hamilton. Full of amazing music and rapping founding fathers, it’s easy to see why it stole the hearts of millions of people.

With 16 TONY nominations (11 of which it won), Pulitzer award for ‘Best Drama’ and Grammy award for ‘The Best Musical Theatre Album,’ it’s a must for everyone at least slightly interested in musicals.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, 2021 already appears to be better than its predecessor, with so many concerts and other events planned – Lady Gaga, Billy Joel, 5 Seconds of Summer, and ‘Hamilton on Tour’ are just a few of the big stars that will make an appearance in the Boston locations this year.

Keep in mind, though, that life is unpredictable, meaning that if the situation doesn’t change, the dates of the events may, unfortunately, be changed again due to the organizers’ concern about the audience’s health.

For now, there’s a lot to look forward to, so let’s just hope for the best!

How to play baseball? Learn it for recreation with friends and family. 

Are you a sports lover? Or want to have some fun time with your friends or family members? Try some new games like baseball. It is not very difficult to play a baseball game with your friends. You only need a few things to start the game. A large field is compulsory, the baseball bats, the gloves, and the catchers bags 

Once you have all these things and know how to play the game, it will be fun and learning, especially for those who want to explore the world of sports. The baseball game is an American version of cricket, but it is slightly different. 

The teams in the baseball. 

To play a baseball game, we need two teams. Each team comprising of nine members. One of those teams will be the batter team, and the other one will be the fielding team. Now the fielding team will decide the pitcher and the catcher. The catcher will be the person who will stand in the center of the field. And the pitcher will be the one throwing balls towards the batter. The catcher and pitcher both wear gloves. The catcher also wears a face cover to avoid any injury.    

Selection of infielders. 

The infielders will be three people who will stand at the three bases of the inner field. These are from the fielding team. They can be any random person sometimes if you are not enough people, so you can skip a few infielders. 

Selection of the outfielders. 

These are the fielders who are not going to stand in the infield diamond. These are also three fielders; they are supposed to capture the ball going outside the field. These are named as the right fielder, center fielder, and the left fielder. 

Set the bases. 

There are four bases in a baseball game. These are the safe areas for the batting team. The home base is one of them from where the runner starts to take a run, and upon clearing all the bases and completing the circuit, he will get a score for the team. 

Pitcher’s spot/mound. 

This is the center of the diamond field. Here the pitcher will stand and throw the ball to the home base. It is 60ft away from the Homeplate. 

Start the game. 

Now ask the players to get to their assigned positions. The batting team will have to select the batters, and then the pitcher will throw the ball. The batter will have to keep a close eye on it and strike it as hard as possible while avoiding the foul lines. 

Tag the runners. 

To stop the batting team from making runs, the fielding team needs to catch the ball before the runner arrives at the base. The fielder who has the ball can tag the runner. This way, the runner will get an out from the game. 

Complete the nine innings. 

One baseball game is quite long. It consists of nine innings. You cannot finalize the score after two innings. 

The Detroit Tigers and Freeagency

For those that don’t know, a free agent is an unrestricted player that has terminated a contract with a certain team and therefore they are free to sign with any other party. While the market is fraught with information on free agents, very often it is sportsbooks and odds makers that provide, not only the best information but also an opportunity for fans to get in on the action before the season actually begins.  Although these players are also a part of the baseball draft, they are able to negotiate freely with any team and make their own decisions of which one they want to sign with and also determine how many seasons their contract will last for.

Like many other baseball teams, the Detroit Tigers have made numerous decisions regarding the wellbeing of their team. Among these decisions they have decided to make major changes in their team that also involve hiring free agent players. For this same reason, the following season remains an enigma, given that fans don’t know which free agent players the Tigers going to pick.  A number of legal gambling sites in Michigan have postured guesses as to how the team is going to react to this seasons free agency but there are still too many questions for the most devoted fans.

The one thing that people do know is that the Tigers are searching for numerous ways to improve their teams throughout their players and therefore, hiring free agents is only the first part of the strategy. With this improvement in mind, there are a couple of factors that the Detroit Tigers focus on when hiring a new free agent player and possibly some inside tips for fans that like to work the odds across reputable sportsbook websites in Michigan.

The Priority is Always the Pitch

If there is something that a baseball team is always looking for is a pitcher that stands out. Having a good pitcher in your team can make a difference throughout the season. It is, after all, these players, that can get the entire team to the playoffs. Although there are numerous qualities that are searched in players as they are hired in the team, adding a pitcher or even more than one, can cause a tremendous impact on the entire team. For fans that are playing the odds a safe bet is always to steer towards the free agent pitchers that are available.  More times than not, this is where the payoff lies.  If the main focus is the wellbeing of the team and a major improvement on the overall season, the Tigers need to search for a strong pitcher.

Low Risk Signing

Although there are a couple of efficient moves that the Tigers have done when it comes to hiring players, there are also certain hires that haven’t paid off as they expected them to. These hires are known as “low risk signing” and they are a huge red flag for the gambling community.

These situations refer to hiring a player that causes no risk on the team, but in the same way it disappoints a lot of fans given that this isn’t going to be a star player that offers high rewards for the team. Although the Detroit Tigers are constantly looking for top-notch players, they might often feel the voids with “low risk signing” free agents in order to avoid any exposure or uncertainty. It is true that hires also depend on injuries, the popularity of the free agent players, or even other factors, but something that is constantly considered when hiring a new player is that they aren’t a risk for the team.

5 Notable Canadian NHL Stadiums

If you’re a hockey fan, you must be having some details about your favorite team. And knowing your favorite team’s home and away kits, slogan, team managers, and the entire schedule of this important. Equally important is knowing the home arenas of your favorite team so that you can follow-up live matches when they play.

NHL teams have realized the importance of investing in their home stadium, a fact that has been consistently shown through various sports news venues. Fans will always spend money to have the exhilarating experience a world-class stadium offers.

However, it is no longer the norm to watch live game events due to the pandemic’s social distancing guidelines. NHL teams can take advantage of this time to upgrade their stadiums to world-class standards to reopen sports arenas soon.

The Top 5 Notable Canadian NHL Stadiums 

Some teams have done an excellent job investing in their home arenas. We are going to have a look at some of the stadiums and what makes them outstandingly attractive. Here’s a collection of some of the top 5 notable Canadian NHL Stadiums.

 

1. The Canadian Tire Center – Ottawa Senators

 

Canadian Tire Center is the Senators’ home arena, with a capacity of more than 19,100 seats. Opened in 1996, the stadium has grown to be a host of major hockey events, including the 3rd and 4th games of the 2007 Stanley Cup finals. 

Being the home arena for Ottawa Senators, the stadium is under the management of the iconic team owner Eugene Melnyk. In his website, www.eugenemelnyk.com, Melnyk has a sports section where he reveals his journey with the Ottawa Senators. 

The Canadian Tire Centre has run on well under his tenure since he purchased the arena in 2003. It has hosted two world ice hockey tournaments in 2009 and 2013. 

The arena is outstanding for a reason. Its facilities have played a significant role in its function as the home arena for the Senators. It has six restaurants where fans can get refreshments, as well as a fitness center. 

Notably, there have been calls to move the home arena from Canadian Tire Center to federal land in downtown Ottawa.

 

2. Bell Center – Montreal Canadiens

 

The atmosphere at Bell Center is an entertaining one. It creates an ideal ambiance for indoor games and has played host to some of the most historic sports history teams, including the Montreal Canadiens. 

Its giant scoreboard and booming sound systems make the experience in the arena a fantastic one. That explains why fans never get enough of the 21,000-seater stadium during hockey matches. 

Its 21,000 seat capacity makes it the most famous arena in the NHL. The stadium is situated in downtown Montreal where you can get numerous restaurants. There are also hotels where you can stay, following up on league games for several days.

 

3. Nationwide Arena – Columbus Blue Jackets

 

One of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ pride is their elegant and modern arena where they play their home games. In the stadium, you will be mesmerized by the cleanliness levels maintained and the variety of foods available on offer. 

The facility is ideal for bringing both family and friends who can watch the game while enjoying the restaurants’ variety of food.

Despite having an ideal stadium like this, Blue Jackets have had a stream of poor performance over the years. They have been continuously finishing near the bottom of the league standings every season.

Its 18,500 hockey capacity is large enough to host even the final games of the season. If you are yet to watch a game at the arena, you can only imagine how colorful an event in this world-class arena can turn out to be. 

The robust audio systems, the modern lighting, and the comfortable seats all add to the top-notch experience you get at the stadium.

 

4. Air Canada Center – Toronto Maple Leafs

 

Toronto Maple Leafs can’t be any prouder to have the Air Canada Center as their home arena. The building showcases the franchise’s rich history even though there has not been a significant number of winnings for the arena’s home side. 

The Air Canada Center (ACC) is situated a few meters from the Hockey Hall of Fame. You can walk to the hall and spend a memorable moment there during the day and later come back for an evening hockey game at ACC.

The ambiance in the arena is one to admire and long for. When you add this to Toronto’s active fan base, the game’s excitement and colorfulness become an experience you live to behold. 

You don’t have to leave your kids behind when going for a hockey game. The arena has numerous fun activities for kids and a wide variety of foods that will accommodate your child’s needs. The building is easily accessible by car, making it even easier to bring your family along for a big game.

While some fans complain of high concession and ticket prices, they forget to mention the high-standard facilities and services they are accorded in the arena. If you are a hockey enthusiast planning to visit Toronto, you can never afford to fail to visit the ACC for a remarkable hockey experience.

 

5. Xcel Energy Center – Minnesota Wild

 

Xcel Energy Center is an iconic and modern arena in Minnesota that portrays eye-catching beauty both inside and outside the arena. If the NHL stadia technology was the primary factor, then Xcel Energy could rank as one of the league’s best stadiums. 

The stadium has a giant video display screen that ensures fans enjoy clear images from whatever angle they are sitting. Its sound systems are also of top-notch standards. 

Canadians can only rank this stadium as one of the most complete because it hosts music concerts and college and high school sports. The large variety of food options makes it one of the most significant areas to enjoy a game.

More splendid moments are yet to get recorded in the history of Xcel Energy Center. If you happen to be in Minnesota, you can always drop by to have some fun in the arena.

Final Words

You cannot overlook the importance of a world-class sports arena. Apart from the love for the team that fans have, they are also always attracted by the unique facilities and great sports arenas. Otherwise, fans can watch from home or wait for match updates if they feel it not worth spending to watch live games in sub-standard arenas. 

The five NHL stadiums in our list are a modern depiction of what world-class stadiums should look like. If you haven’t watched a game in them, plan to watch one when the league resumes.

The Rising Star of 2020

Carlos Castillo Diaz, popularly known as Charlie Diaz, is a 19-year-old up-and-comer in the turf of TikTok stars. He emerged as a social media influencer in June 2020. Soon after, Diaz was entertaining more than 132K followers on his TikTok Channel. His videos have over 4.3 million likes in just a span of a few months. He is an exceptionally gifted individual, who has been affiliated with many fields in his life. He is pursuing a degree in law and sociology from the California State University. Alongside, he has also enjoyed a lucrative career while playing soccer. Since his childhood, he had been interested in sports and played soccer at the Central Coast Condors club. In his sophomore year, he was nominated for second team all-league. He was also awarded the title of MVP in 2017 in tennis. By 2019, Diaz was serving as a team captain for both soccer and tennis teams. He has also bagged the title of MVP in the both the sports.

At such a young age, Diaz has impressed a team of audience with his extraordinary skills of making videos at times with just his iPhone 12 Extra Pro Max. Diaz creates content for the sole purpose of entertainment; as he strongly believes that entertainment helps people divert their minds from the everyday pressure of lives. He creatively makes use of song lyrics and comes up with funny recordings. His lip-synced and musical videos have tossed him to TikTok’s hall of fame. All his videos receive great commendation and gets shared on many platforms. Diaz also receives thousands of comments that encourage him to continue making and sharing his content. Charlie Diaz is new to the stardom but has successfully carved a niche for him. He is amongst the stars, who are geared up for a path of triumph ahead of them.

Instagram: @Ccdiaz12

Tiktok: @Charlieediaz

Twitter: @Charlieediaz

4 Mind-Blowing Benefits of Playing Online Casinos Revealed

There is widespread acceptance of online casinos, with the list of games increasing. Equally, the conditions are also becoming favorable. The popularity of the various games is improving according to the recent ratings. Some people gamble for fun, whereas others gamble for money. Through online gambling, the internet landscape has taken a brand-new landscape. Casinos, including Judi online, have top games that are readily available for gaming enthusiasts to take advantage of. Below are benefits that punters can enjoy from online casinos.

1. Mind-Blowing Deals 

An online casino is all about offers and bonuses that are availed due to the sites’ competitive nature. One can be assured of big wins as long as you identify a reputable bookie. All that is needed is to sign up by using genuine details, and you can receive instant registration welcome bonus and a deposit bonus, which are exciting. Also, there are exclusive features available such as a VIP gaming club that lets you have unique treatments. Who doesn’t want such a kind of preferential treatment? 

 

2. Perfect Opportunity to Learn  

 

Are you still worried about how you can improve your skillset as it entails online casino gaming? Casino agencies solve your worry in much better ways. When you visit a land-based casino to the game, you may feel intimidated by experienced players who take advantage to harass you. Some of the punters would be even close buddies who would want to discourage you. Nonetheless, online poker is convenient in terms of options available, such as engaging persons you don’t know. Conditions are made favorable for you to the game, and hence all that is needed is to get better by continuously learning the game till nothing makes you nervous. Equally, information is made available on the platforms that guide you to become a better gamer and brainstorm a better gaming way. 

 

3. Remotely Accessed

 

Traditional gaming ways would compel individuals to round up buddies, identify a casino, and find a time that everybody will be available so that you can visit the casino to gamble. Things were not favorable since individual punters decide stakes. However, online poker is somewhat exhilarating since you aren’t bound to the above setbacks at any point in time. Every detail has been streamlined in a much better way, such that you only need to access a site, and everything is in place. Gaming is open all day and night, and it just for you to select from the click of a button. Available options you choose from are many. 

 

4. Interactivity

 

The online space hosts millions of people across the world who are very much opinionated in terms of their view towards issues. By playing the various casino games online, you interact with a mixed bunch of players, with some doing it professionally while others for recreational purposes. Therefore, every player’s degree of expertise varies, and hence you can find one who matches your gaming need within no time. Equally, people come from all walks of life who have different cultures. In a way, you can mingle and create a social community that is always willing to share their experiences. It makes it possible to check whether you are positioned for greatness in a gaming career. 

The above benefits can only become a reality if you pick the right bookie, including Judi online. Also, have the right mindset of playing such that you understand what is needed, the proper gaming techniques to enjoy and have a fun experience. Technology is a good thing but has its setback if not used correctly. Be a smart person so that the above benefits become realizable.  

Top Features of the Best Golf Wedges Ever

The best golf wedges ever are the ones that will help you hit perfect shots and will be responsive to the force with which you hit the ball. Choosing the ideal golf wedge can be tricky. How do you identify the right one? How do you know there isn’t a better one out there? There is no one perfect golf wedge. Each game and each surface will require a different wedge. But if you know the features of a good wedge, you can significantly narrow down your search. 

Here are some of the best parts. 

 

1. Wedge Loft

 

A good wedge will have a loft angle of around 50 degrees. A pitching wedge has a loft of 46 to 50 degrees and can push a ball for about 120 yards. A gap or approach wedge has an angle of 50 to 55 degrees. 

Sand wedges have a loft range of 54 to 58 degrees and are mostly used for bunker plays. If you want to get your ball in the air but only for a short distance, then you should opt for the Lob wedge, with an angle of 60 to 64 degrees. 

 

2. Good Bounce Angle 

 

The bounce of the club is the curved area on the sole of the wedge. Its purpose is to stop the club from dragging in the grass when you take a hit. A bounce of 10 to 14 degrees is considered best by most golfers. It should not ideally go over 18 degrees; that is regarded as a high bounce wedge. 

Those with steep attack angles prefer this kind of wedge. If you have a shallow attack angle, you can opt for a low bounce wedge. The best golf wedges ever are the ones with standard bounce wedges. 

 

3. Shaft Flex and Type

 

The best golf wedge ever for you will have the perfect shaft and flex. Try to maintain uniformity in your golf bag. So it will be best if your irons have the same shaft as your wedges. 

In the same way, if your irons have regular-flex shafts, opt for the same for your wedges. It will give consistency to your strokes. If you want to use a gap wedge, your shafts should be consistent as they fall between a pitching wedge and sand wedge. 

 

4.Surface

 

What is the nature of the course where you play the most? Is it grassy or sandy? Is the sand firm and often hard, or is it powdery soft? A wedge with a low bounce angle is best suited for hard ground, whereas the soft ground will ideally require one with a higher angle. For this reason, it is advisable to have a few wedges with different bounce angles in your golf bag to align your play with different surfaces. 

The concept of one size fits all does not work here. Your golf wedges would be unique to your style. So, figure out your game plan and your style before investing in them. Ask an expert to tell you whether you have a big or small divot; or if you are a digger, sweeper, or slider based on which you can choose the wedges

10 Tips For How Hockey Players Can Maintain Their Equipment

Helmets, pads, protectors, undergarments, and all the standard hockey equipment need to be properly cleaned and maintained. Otherwise, you run the risk of rink stink, a smell that you, as a hockey player, are only too familiar with. Bacteria, mold, and fungus build-up causes the foul odor; sports gears absorb all these nasty things from the athlete’s body, resulting in a stench that is basically bacteria waste.

Moreover, if not properly maintained, your hockey gear can become breeding grounds for bacteria that could infect you and make you ill, causing you to miss games. 

 

1. Jersey, Stockings, Throat Protectors, And Undergarments

After each game or practice, make it a habit to wash these items. Don’t put them in the dryer after washing. It’s best to air dry them—hang them or put them out and lay them flat to dry. Don’t forget to regularly clean and air out your gym bag too. To prevent that old gym bag smell, use a hockey sports bag deodorizer.

 

2. Athletic Supports

There are two types of athletic supports: jockstrap for males or jill strap for females and boxer shorts style. These are fitted according to a player’s waist size. If the strap on the jock or jill strap has a tear, you should repair or replace them immediately. After each game or practice, both the strap and protective cup should be washed and hung to dry. Before washing, be sure to remove the plastic protective cup. If you see cracks on the plastic protective cup, replace immediately.     

 

3. Shin Pads

Clean your shin pads after each use by mixing a little laundry soap with water, then using a soft scrub to brush the padding. Hang this equipment to dry—remember to air-dry only. Ensure a proper fit by checking the length of the straps with the shin pads on. Also, using Velcro straps to keep shin pads to the legs is cheaper than using tape. Thus, to avoid getting hurt on the shin, have a look at Honest Hockey’s high quality reviews to acquire the best shin pads.

 

4. Pants

You should replace pads that have cracks in them as they’re no longer effective. Tears in the outer shell of the pants should be immediately repaired. Inspect also the inside of the pants for signs of tearing. If you see any tears, fix them too. Air-drying the pants after use is essential. Hang them in a well-ventilated area. You also have to periodically remove all removable paddings and wash them with a mild detergent. Don’t forget to air-dry them only.      

 

5. Skates

Open boots wide to dry skates and pull out removable liners after each use. Check blades for sharpness or any signs of bending, which can be corrected as well as blade holders or blades that are cracked, loose rivets, and loose blades. Skates should be sharpened weekly, especially if you are on the ice, at least, thrice a week. 

If you notice that you’re having problems stopping or turning, try sharpening your blades; if you hear squeaks whenever you stop, there could be bending. You should also regularly check your skate boots, eyelets, and laces. Replace or repair as needed. Remember to wipe dry your skate blades after each session. Place the skate guards on the skate blades to avoid damaging them during transport or when walking on non-ice surfaces.    

 

6. Shoulder Pads

Check for any cracking or tearing in any parts of the pads. If you see any, repair them immediately. Missing fasteners or rivets should be replaced promptly. Hang shoulder pads to dry after each use. Something to keep in mind: There are specialty hockey hangers and racks you can use for your equipment; very useful for drying and storing your gear. Also, have your hockey gear cleaned by professionals once or twice a year. They have specialized sports equipment cleaning services that could thoroughly remove bacteria and odors. 

 

7. Elbow Pads

You should pay attention to the straps and make sure that they attach comfortably to the arms. Keep in mind that straps should not be replaced with tape as this can affect circulation and cause you discomfort, not to mention decreased protection. 

Dry your elbow pads in a well-ventilated area to keep the donut pad from breaking down. Wash these pads the same way you wash shin pads. The same should be done to the goalie’s pads.

 

8. Gloves

Air dry your gloves after each use, but don’t dry them over an open heat source. Don’t hang on to gloves with missing finger pads or roll pads. Repair or discard them. Worn out palms should be replaced to avoid injury. 

 

9. Helmet  

Air-dry your helmet after each session. Check regularly to make sure that your helmet’s screws are in place and secure. Use only manufacturer-approved replacement parts. You shouldn’t paint your helmet, which could weaken the helmet’s structure and void the CSA certification. Drilling holes, removing clamps or chin cup, or side straps will also void the CSA certification. A tampered helmet could weaken its structure and put you in danger.   

 

10. Sticks

Keep your sticks away from any direct heat source, as your sticks could dry out quickly. Although taping the stick’s blade is a personal preference, some players put tape on the blade for better puck handling.   

Conclusion 

Take good care of your hockey gear, and you’ll enjoy it for longer. Clean it, dry properly, and maintain it. Your equipment will last longer, plus it would smell better. You’ll no longer inflict rink stink on yourself and others. Finally, remember to keep safe out there.