The New England Revolution is set to kick off the MLS 2022 season with a brand-new look. Not only the shirt will display a new design of the team’s badge, but the ‘Revs’ will step foot in MLS fields as one of the favorites to win the MLS Cup in November. 

The team managed by Bruce Arena stormed past the MLS last season. 2021 was a record-breaking year for New England as they set an all-time single-season points record with 73 points in 33 matches during the regular season in the Eastern Conference. They also scored the most goals in both conferences with 65 goals in favor and they recorded the biggest goal difference margin of the league with +24. 

This led the New England Revolution to top off the MLS league and claim the Supporters’ Shield. Sadly, the hopes of lifting the MLS Cup vanished after a heartbreaking semifinal loss against the New York City FC on penalties.

But the hopes are all set for 2022 for a team that showed an amazing display of football the past season. The 2021 performances on the field were later rewarded by experts when Bruce Arena was awarded the Coach of the Year award, Matt Turner was handed the Goalkeeper of the Year award and Carles Gil won the vote to the Most Valuable Player of the MLS Season.

The Spanish player was the leading goal assistant in the MLS with 18 assists on top of his 4 goals. New England’s fans baptized him the “Messi” of the MLS which is a testament to the level showed by Gil, who spent most of the 2020 season injured and made a comeback in 2021 which saw him get the award of Comeback Player of the Year as well as the aforementioned MVP.

Carles Gil was one of the main reasons for the ‘Revs’ amazing season in the MLS. And with a contract running until the end of 2024, we can expect him to be a leading star in the MLS for the upcoming seasons.

The impressive rebranding of the New England Revolution is indeed the rebranding of Carles Gil, a player that had a long spell in different European clubs where he never attained the footballing quality that was expected of him.

He grants his improvement on the field thanks to personal development off the field. He has now reached a mental maturity at the age of 29, one that he lacked early in his career. Gil never enjoyed stable opportunities as he was constantly loaned out by his childhood club, Valencia. 

He was able to secure a transfer to Premier League team Aston Villa in 2015 but the club entered a difficult period that ended in relegation in the 2015-2016 season.

After a short spell on Deportiva La Coruña in Spain, he landed in New England in 2019, and as he remembers, was barely recognized in the MLS.

But now he’s the MVP of the league and he sees a bright future in a league that’s improving its level every year and attracting better players in their prime more easily.

Lorenzo Insigne, UEFA EURO winner with Italy in 2021 and star of Napoli is set to arrive at Toronto for the upcoming season, and Carles Gil confessed that the 2022 season will surely be harder, but he must find motivation in being able to improve his 2021 year in an MLS that’s getting each time more repercussion worldwide.

By reuniting stars such as Insigne or Gil, the MLS continues to expand its influence in foreign markets where the league is now being showcased on the best sports betting sites as far as in the Arab world. MLS fans that wish to bet on their teams can even find useful betting tips and welcome offers to improve their experience.

The New England Revolution is now on top of the bookmakers’ consideration for the upcoming season in the MLS. Should Carles Gil and Co. reenact their 2021 performances, they will be up for another incredible season.

Bruce Arena’s task will be to improve an almost perfect team, but if the ‘Revs’ want to be considered the best team in the MLS they will have to claim the MLS Cup next November.

Luis Tiant, a starting pitcher with the Boston Red Sox, has been neglected by the Baseball Hall of Fame in recent years. Luis Tiant was on the BBWAA ballot for the whole period that he was allowed to remain. There were 15 years in which players might remain on the ballot; Tiant was permitted to remain on the ballot for all of them. He won the most votes on his first ballot, though, with 30.9 percent of the vote in 1988. Throughout the rest of his political career, Tiant never received more than 18 percent of the vote, which he received in 2002, his 15th and last year on the ballot.

Nevertheless, a closer examination of Tiant’s career reveals that he should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Therefore, in this article we will go indepth of his career and why he should be in the Hall of Fame. Before we get into the details, if you would like to support Luis Tiant or any other Red Sox players, teams or even any other sport, here is more information on how you can do so. Within these gaming platforms, you will receive a good welcome package to help you get started, you will also get enhanced odds, offers, promotions and much more. 

Luis Tiant should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Boston Red Sox icon.

As a member of the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians, Luis Tiant played a total of 19 seasons in the big leagues. It is possibly the most astounding statistic in all of baseball: He had a 66.1 rWAR throughout his career. A great year for him occurred with the Cleveland Indians in 1968 when he finished fifth in the AL MVP vote.

However, Tiant had a 1.60 ERA in 34 outings to lead the American League (32 starts). His 9 shutouts, ERA+ of 186, FIP of 2.04, and H/9 of 5.3 ranked him first in the American League. WAR was the most important statistic for pitchers in the American League, but he also ranked fifth in strikeouts and many other categories.

In eight seasons, he had a WAR of 4.0 or greater (and he had another at 3.9). He had an ERA+ of 120 or above in nine of those seasons. At the time of his death, he was a four-time All-Star and three-time finalist for the Cy Young Award (and another 11th place finish).

Mac Jones enjoyed a solid rookie season for the New England Patriots that ultimately ended in disappointment for the franchise. Bill Belichick’s men ensured that their 2020 campaign was an outlier in terms of failing to reach the post-season, bouncing back to the playoffs after one down year.

The Patriots finished with a 10-7 record, propelled by a seven-game winning run in the middle of the season, although the campaign did end on a sour note by losing three out of their last four games. As a result, New England missed out on the number one seed in the AFC Conference, the AFC East title, and were placed on the road in their Wildcard Round clash against the Buffalo Bills.

Last time the @BuffaloBills faced the Patriots, Josh Allen threw for three TDs in the Bills' victory.

On Saturday, the two teams meet again for the 3rd time this season.

Saturday 8:15 pm ET | CBS and @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/VghTjr7jVT

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 12, 2022

Belichick’s men were pummelled by Josh Allen and company, losing 47-17 which was flattering to the Patriots, who could neither keep pace nor stop Buffalo from accumulating points. Jones proved that he had a long way to go to match Allen, although there is hope for the future given that Allen had initial struggles before blossoming into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. A Pro Bowl berth was generous for Jones’ exploits last season, but it shows that his performances did strike an accord with fans and players across the league providing a platform to take into the Patriot’s 2022 schedule, reported here at bostonsportsextra.com.

Rebuilding The Brand

New England no longer has the overwhelming advantage at the quarterback position that Belichick enjoyed for 20 years with Tom Brady behind center. His team will have to transition back to the side that started their dynastic run in 2001 by playing solid defense and clinical football on offense. The future Patriots will not be the team that was downright imperious under Brady and Belichick.

They built their brand on winning, becoming the most successful franchise alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers with six Super Bowls, and moving behind only the Dallas Cowboys in terms of their outright value. The Patriots became the team that everyone wanted to play as on Madden NFL, with Brady and Rob Gronkowski among their star players to have graced its cover. The reach of the franchise has expanded far and wide across the globe, and it is fair to say that the Patriots are the most notable team in the NFL, especially in the modern era.

As the United States and the NFL have relaxed their stance regarding online gambling, no team has yet broached the casino sector of gaming and slots. Themed slot games are extremely popular across the globe, from the UK’s thriving gaming scene to South African online casinos like casinos.co.za, which has been noted by a number of leading companies and brands, who allowed their likeness to be used and adapted by these games to provide entertainment to millions. It is another potential revenue stream for the NFL that could be looked at in the future, and a franchise as savvy and as recognizable as the Patriots would certainly fit the bill for a potential option for an NFL-themed slot game.

Retooling The Offense

However, that would be dependent on the success of Belichick and Jones in restoring the Patriots back to the top of the NFL. Jones had his peaks and troughs as a quarterback, which was to be expected of a rookie player thrown into his first season. There were great moments where the Patriots’ offense performed as it did under Brady, putting the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars to the sword with fifty-burgers. They were equally on point against the Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans.

When running backs Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson were in full-flow, it opened up the passing game for Jones to find Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne. Both Henry and Bourne were great free-agent pick-ups and will certainly be staples of the offense in 2022 and beyond. The issues arose when Jones was forced to keep pace with the leading offenses in the league, and that will be a driving factor for the quarterback and Belichick in the off-season. There’s no Cooper Kupp, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, or JaMarr Chase in New England. Jones does not have a top-tier target to line up when the chips are down or one that defenses have to accommodate for in their game plans.

Tom Brady's 12 Best Throws With The Patriots. Everyone has a favorite, or 10. These are ours. Did we miss any, @TomBrady? pic.twitter.com/rwYKVqhddV

— FitzyGFY 🍺 (brew checkmark) (@FitzyGFY) February 7, 2022

Now that New England has the quarterback in place that can manage the offense as Belichick sees fit, they can start to assemble the complement pieces around him as per nbcsports.com. Brady had Deion Branch, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, Julian Edelman, and Gronkowski to support his drive for titles, Jones now needs to cultivate his top targets to bring success back to New England and all the plaudits and grandeur that comes with it.

(Feature image from masslive.com)

It has been an exciting few years of change across the US as the vote by senate to allow states to make individual decisions on sports betting and gambling laws have led to the rapid emergence of different online platforms and the huge growth for online services offering this – the same has rung true around the world as more information about bet365 in Australia and other countries with a continued push for bigger and better services from a wide range of different operators. Despite the big push across the US, there are some sites that have fallen behind the curve, as there are many that have yet to introduce options in the online sporting or the online casino space. 

Massachusetts is one such state that has fallen into the space of falling behind – in 2019 there were multiple bills submitted in hopes of getting the ball rolling at a time where other states like Colorado had first started to experience widespread success, but all fell flat, and none gained the traction that was needed. Similar had been true in 2020 too, many states were able to use a recovery from the pandemic and the economic push as a way to push their own bill and this had been the hope in MA too as it was snuck into an economic development bill, but once again was not able to gain the attention it needed, and the sports betting bill once again would see no movement. 

Hopes then grew that perhaps 2021 could be the year, neighboring states were posting incredible numbers for efforts they had put forward in sports betting and there were a large number of bills submitted in the hopes at least one would pass – and with public support from Gov. Charlie Baker too, it seemed this would be the best opportunity. Despite this, an unexpected budget surplus disrupted a number of different bills and sports betting was one of them as it was put on the back burner and declared a non-priority, pushing any hopes for legalized sports betting back down the rungs once more. 

Attention was once again brought to this at the Super Bowl as Charlie Baker has continued to promote why MA should get legalized online sports betting sooner rather than later by pointing out how it’s losing out to states close by, players cross the state lines in large numbers to be able to place bets and this is money that could be instead reinvested back into the state – stating that whilst a difficult issue with lots of elements, other states are increasing options whilst MA continues to remain still.

As one of the oldest yet most popular casino games around, blackjack is one of the most widely played games, both in brick and mortar casinos and online. As a strategic game, it attracts many characters and professional casino players, some who have even managed to make careers out of playing blackjack.

Yet, the rise in online casinos has meant that games like blackjack have become more accessible to everyday players across the world. In fact, we’re now seeing more first time players getting stuck into the game than ever before as mobile and online blackjack enables people to learn, practice and play against others from the privacy and comfort of their own home.

Interestingly, the game of blackjack is also popular with a range of well known sports personalities who are regularly seen playing and competing in high stakes games. Below, we’ll take a look at some of these sports personalities who enjoy playing blackjack. 

Wayne Rooney

Known as one of the most legendary English football players, Wayne Rooney currently plays for Manchester United and England. Rooney is considered as one of the strongest players in the English Premier League, in which he’s scored over 200 goals for Manchester United and Everton throughout his career. 

In addition to his famous football career, Rooney is well-known for being a blackjack fan in which he’s been spotted wagering huge bets at the Manchester casino. It’s been reported that Rooney has been known to wager over $500,000 in just a two hour period, showing he’s not shy when it comes to raising the stakes. It’s also reported he’s a big fan of roulette too. 

Floyd Mayweather Jr

As a world famous wrestler, Floyd Mayweather Jr is best known for his undefeated 49-0 record and has been coined the best boxer of his generation. While the now mainly retired Mayweather Jr may have left the boxing ring behind, today’s he’s known as a world-class boxing promoter.

Yet, that’s not all he’s known for. With a notoriously big personality, it’s known that Mayweather Jr enjoys splashing his cash, in which he has assets worth over $90 million. Mayweather Jr can often be seen in the likes of Vegas and Miami where he raises the stakes to a jaw dropping degree.

Enticed by the thrill of the high stakes game, Mayweather Jr has been known to bet more than $5.9 million. While this is more than many of us could ever dream of, it’s simply a drop in the ocean of wealth that Mayweather Jr has accumulated from his long time professional boxing career.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is one of the most well-known and respected golfers in the world. Beginning his career in 1997, he became the youngest man and the first African-American to win the US Masters. As one of the first billion dollar sportsmen, Woods is also known to indulge in a little luxury quite often. 

Woods is frequently seen at the likes of MGM Grand Resort and Bellagio where he indulges in some pretty high stakes blackjack games. While he gets VIP treatment at these venues, it isn’t surprising considering his average spend is around $4 million dollars. 

 Michael Jordan

Basketball NBA legend, Michael Jordan is well known for his skills on the basketball court, yet he’s also known for some serious skills in the casino too. As a frequent visitor of Atlantic city, Jordan is known to place significantly high bets since his retirement from basketball.

Fans believe Jordan is enticed by the same winning feeling Jordan achieved on the court, in which he now gets his thrills from betting in high stakes of $165,000 or more. Like many lackjack players, Jordan is drawn in by the thrill of the game and the highs that come with winning. 

Not to mention, as basketball is also a strategic game, Jordan is able to continue playing a game where he has to think on his feet and form a great strategy, perhaps bringing some nostalgia from his basketball days. 

John Daily

As another legendary professional golfer, John Daily led a multi-million dollar career, but he’s also known to be a big casino fan. Daily has mentioned his favourite casino games to get involved in are online slots and blackjack, however he’s lost huge sums as well as making some wins. 

In his autobiography, Daily mentions he’s lost as much as $55 million in the two decades that he’s been gambling. 

Overall, similarly to sports, the game of blackjack comes with the highs and lows of the game. By forming a great strategy and dedicating themselves to the craft, these sports stars have shown how to make some big wins. 

Intro: Baseball is a game of inches. Just ask any player or coach, and they will tell you that the slightest variation in how hard you hit the ball or where you hit it can mean the difference between getting on base and striking out. As a player, you want to hit the ball hard. It’s exhilarating and makes everyone watching take notice. You want to be the one who clears the bases and brings your team home. But how do you do that? With just a bit of practice, you can improve your batting skills and send those balls sailing over the fence. Here are some tips to help you hit baseball harder.

1. Warm-up before playing: 

Before you start playing, warm up your muscles. It loosens them up and gets the blood flowing so that you can play harder without worrying about getting injured. Before you even step into the batter’s box, you want to start with a good warm-up. Jumping jacks are entertaining and help get your mind off of hitting so hard, but most importantly, it gets your muscles ready for exertion. 

Go through a few different stretches for about five minutes before entering the field or court so that you don’t get hurt playing. It is essential to give your muscles and joints a warm-up before playing. A few jumping jacks, arm circles, and some light sprinting will do the trick. It will make it easier for your body to move through the motions of batting and be able to hit that ball harder than ever.

2. Choose your bat wisely: 

Your choice of bat can either help or hinder your game. A heavy bat is suitable for power hitters but looks for something lighter with a big barrel if you are starting. The larger the barrel, the more area there is to hit the ball and make it farther. Lightweight aluminum alloy bats are also ideal for beginners, but it is essential to consider your strength when choosing a bat. You don’t want to put too much strain on your shoulders and arms initially. Find a balance depending on your skill level and physical abilities. Andrew Smith, a baseball and softball expert makes it easy for players by reviewing the latest products on his blog The Bat Nerds so make sure you go through all the reviews before purchasing any baseball equipment.

3. Wear proper batting gloves: 

Gloves are essential for anyone who plays baseball. Not only do they help you grip the bat better, but they also protect your hands from being hit by a flying ball or bat. Batting gloves come in pink “female” versions if you start and want to look stylish while at them. They are not designed to throw off your game a bit, but they will help you get used to holding a bat and swinging it. 

There are different types of batting gloves out there. Look for ones that fit your grip well and give you an extra sting when you hit the ball. The padding in the back will help to cut down on vibrations if you aren’t wearing a cup or other protective gear, but only wear what makes you feel comfortable. These keep your hands dry, which prevents slipping on the bat. Batting gloves will also reduce the sting of hitting the ball off of the bat. It helps you maintain grip and avoid injuries.

4. Use a lighter bat: 

When you start playing, a heavier bat may seem easier to swing. It will be harder to control your swings, and you will drop them more often. It can take away from your game if it happens every time. A lighter bat means better control over where you hit the ball and less chance of injury. You’ll hit those baseballs further if you can maintain your control over the bat. Consider using a lighter bat if you’re a beginning player or want to hit the ball a long way but don’t have much strength. It is crucial that it still feels comfortable in your hands and doesn’t make you tired too quickly from swinging it. The longer the distance of the pitch, the more important this tip becomes.

5. The most important factor is practice: 

Get out there and play as much as possible. Practice makes perfect! If you can’t go outside or get access to a field, throwing or hitting into a net is a great option. It’s essential to have a solid, accurate shot before going outside and playing competitively to avoid injury. Practice makes perfect. When you practice, you are essentially teaching your body how to react in certain situations. It is what will happen when it’s game time, and you’re facing a 90 mph fastball coming right towards your face. It would be best if you did not try to hit the ball while traveling at that speed, but practice hitting balls while they are only traveling at 30 mph. It will help you develop your swing and allow you to get the timing down so that when you do come up against a fastball, you can adjust your swing to make contact with this faster ball. Hitting baseball harder is about committing yourself mentally and physically to hit the ball as hard as possible.

6. Keep your eye on the ball: 

If you’re looking for too long, the ball will seem to become much faster than it is. Keep your eye on it just long enough so that you can see where it’s going and then focus back on the catcher at home plate. This way, you’ll make contact with the ball as early as possible without slowing down or speeding up. It’s essential to keep your eye on the ball until it leaves the pitcher’s hand. If you try to swing before then, you’ll have to adjust the angle of your swing at the last second, which will not help you hit it harder.

7. Work on your stance:

The more open your stance, the easier it will be to hit the ball. If you’re a righty, hold your hands in front of your body and stand with your left leg slightly in front of your right. Your left foot should nudge out a little bit further than your right. Position yourself so that you can see either the pitcher or center field when you swing. If you’re batting lefty, your feet should be at a right angle. One of the most common mistakes that hitters make when they’re trying to hit the ball harder is that they lean back into their stance when the ball is made. Stand in front of a mirror and practice your swing without a bat to fix this. As you do this, see if you’re leaning back onto your heels or even standing up straight. Try to position yourself evenly on both feet, and hitting it hard should be more convenient.

Conclusion: 

As you can see, hitting a baseball is all about making slight adjustments and using the proper techniques. With a bit of practice, you, too, can start sending those balls over the fence. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start practicing! 

Ahmad Rashad almost didn’t make it onto the Vikings team. With a journey of up-and-down gameplay, injury, and racism, there were many things that could have stopped Rashad from being part of this golden team.

And without Rashad, the Vikings might never have made it to the Super Bowl XI or amazing Miracle at the Met.

5 Years Of Back And Forth 

Ahmad Rashad’s journey started at high school. Before he left this crucial education system, he was recruited by the Oregon Ducks. He originally played as a wide receiver but quickly found out that a running back was a better fit.

In 1971, Rashad was added to the 1971 College Football All-American Team. Later he was drafted by the Cardinals but put back into his older wide receiver play style.

This was when things went strange for Rashad. He played for 2 seasons, then was traded to the Buffalo Bills. With the Bills, he spent most of this time benched due to a knee injury.

After a while, the Bills got rid of this secret star and traded him to the Seattle Seahawks. And this continued until Rashad was traded to the Vikings in 1976.

All this trading meant that Rashad never had a place to settle. When he was with the Cardinals, Rashad was part of the all-rookie team of 1972, but when Bob Hollway was fired, the team was dispersed. The new head coach, Don Coryell, traded off multiple players, including Rashad.

One season in play, another locked down to his knee injury. Rashad’s best friend was the bench.

The Seahawks took Rashad on as they trained to expand their own reach, but days before their first game, trading papers came out again. Rashad was stuck in limbo, waiting for the Viking’s future picks. 

How Racism Held Him Back

On paper, it seems like Rashad never really got a break. He was a great player for college, but injury, team expansion, and trading politics didn’t allow him to show his skills in the NFL.

However, when we look at newspapers at the time, we can see just how much racism was involved. 

In 1972, when the drama began, Rashad converted to Islam. Born as Robert Earl Moore (nicknamed Bobby Moore), Rashad took on his new name of Ahmad Rashad. The name means “Admirable one led to truth” in Arabic.

This personal decision should have been a non-issue, but newspapers of the time show how he was treated as a “troublemaker.”

Rashad explained, 10 years later in an interview with the Pittsburgh Press, that “On the practice field, I was like a leper.” When the loudspeaker called his name, it was drowned out with boos.

Rashad explained that the Cardinals were “very much against my name change.” And it’s at that point that the non-play and constant trading began.

Becoming A Viking 

It wasn’t just one team that started to treat Rashad differently, it was the culture and sport of the time. 

When Rashad was handed to the Vikings, he was told to do a practice session. Due to this previous injury, the Vikings declared that Rashad didn’t pass his physical. This meant he couldn’t play for another team.

Luckily, Fran Tarkenton saw Rashad in the training room and asked what had happened. Rashad explained, and Tarkenton blew a fuse. He rushed to Bud Giant and demanded that Rashad play.

After a big meeting, a conditional deal was made. Rashad could play a certain number of games, and then the contract would be looked at again.

It was this contract that allowed Rashad to shine. During that time, Rashad caught 319 passes, brought the team to the Super Bowl, and scored 44 touchdowns!

If Fran Tarkenton didn’t make a stand, the Vikings wouldn’t have found these golden nuggets in Ahmad Rashad.

Super Bowl XI 

As you can expect from the fans’ reaction to Rashad, the Super Bowl predictions were not in the Viking’s favor.

It would have been the perfect ending to Rashad’s story if the Vikings won this match, but unfortunately, life isn’t so neat. The predictions were correct. 

Ahmad Rashad still managed to make an impression, though, and he managed to create 104 receptions, 13 touchdowns, and 1,577 receiving yards with his partner Sammy White. He even managed to tackle the all-mighty Ron Yary.

Although the Vikings didn’t win this Super Bowl, they managed to break a record nonetheless. This was the fourth time they made it to the Super Bowl, and it was the first time for any team to reach that achievement.

They held onto that record for just one year when the Dallas Cowboys reached the Super Bowl and joined them on their 4th appearance. 

Football Career

Ahmad Rashad has had an exciting career going from Football to Television to Basketball.

During his football career, Ahmad caught 495 passes for a total of 6,831 yards. He completed 44 touchdown passes and also achieved 52 rushing yards.

He was also the pivotal player for what the country remembers as “The Miracle At The Met.” 

Summary 

Ahmad Rashad had a great start to his career that was unjustly dampened. When players, managers, and fans finally looked past his name change, that’s when Rashad was allowed to become the powerful player he always was.

An estimated 45.2 million Americans said that they intended to wager on NFL this season which equates to around 17.5% of the total adult population in the United States. Those figures should give you an idea of the extent of the popularity of betting on the NFL along with the fact that over $12 billion worth of wagers are placed on the sport each year.

However, not everyone is familiar with betting online and the various options that are available when doing so. You can bet on NFL with Whichbookie.co.uk and several bookies accepting US players and over the past few years, online sportsbooks have added several more betting markets which means that customers have a lot more choice when it comes to what to bet on. 

This guide will explain the basics of betting on the NFL online and will hopefully give you a better understanding of the process and the options that you have.

Moneyline Betting

Betting on the moneyline is perhaps the easiest to understand NFL betting market as you are simply backing one team to win the game.

For example, if the moneyline on the New England Patriots was -150, this would mean that you would have to bet $150 in order to win $100.

Point Spread Betting

Point spread betting is the most popular wager on football but requires a little more thought than when betting on the moneyline. You are still betting on one of the two teams but your selected team must win by a certain number of points which is the ‘spread’.

The underdog in the game will have a positive ( + ) spread value and the favourite will have a negative ( – ) spread value.

For example, a typical points spread market may look like this:

New England Patriots

• Spread +4.5 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Spread -4.5 (+110)

This means that Tampa Bay are the favourites for the game and if you bet on them, they would have to win the game by 4.5 points or more which is 5 or more points.

To put things simpler, if you subtract 5 points from Tampas score at the end of the game and they still have more points than the Patriots, your bet would win. Similarly, if you bet on the Patriots and they had more points than Tampa after adding 5 points to their score at the end of the game, your bet on the Patriots would win.

Over/Under Points

Another popular bet on NFL games is betting on Over/Under points. With this market, you are not betting on a team to win and the game winner doesn’t have an impact on whether or not your bet comes in. Instead, you are betting on the total number of points scored in the game to be either Over or Under a certain amount.

For example, if you bet on the total points to be Over 59.5, your wager would win if 60 or more points were scored in the game and lose if 59 or less were scored. The half point is included in these bets to eliminate the possibility of a draw so that your bet either wins or loses.

Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America. Ice hockey players need to be fit and active to maintain high energy levels throughout the game.

To achieve this high level of performance, a player needs the right set of equipment. Ice hockey is an intensely physical game and requires appropriate equipment to ensure player safety while on the ice.

If you’re a beginner, buying your first set of hockey skates can be challenging. This guide gives you the top 5 factors to consider when buying ice hockey skates.

1. Consider the primary use for your skates

It’s important to consider how you intend to use your skates before purchasing your first pair. Do you intend to be a part-time or full-time hockey player?

If you intend to play the game for long hours, you want to go for a pair that meets your best gaming needs. Below are some of the ways how your game plan can influence your choice of skating boots.

Professional ice hockey skaters need to jump, glide, spin and turn effectively on the ice. Flexibility is an essential factor when selecting figure skates. The gear needs to hug your foot and ankles properly to improve the player’s agility on the ice. A stiff pair of skates will offer you more control on the ice.

More importantly, the blades of figure skates need to be extra sharp to enable quick turning by the player. Toe picks are another common feature of ice skates. The toe picks will allow the skater to spin, jump and glide without losing control.

Ice hockey skates should fit more loosely on the ankles and feet than figure skates. They also tend to be light and streamlined to minimize interference during gameplay. Unlike figure skates, ice hockey skates do not feature toe picks. Instead, their curved blades tend to be narrower to maximize speed and agility while on the ice.

2. Foot size

Skate fitting varies from player to player. When buying ice skates for children, you need to remember that their feet will grow bigger later in life. If you are buying hockey skates for your kid, consider choosing skate shoes that are one size larger than their recommended shoe size to allow room for foot growth. 

Ice hockey skates are usually a long-term investment requiring adequate planning before paying hard-earned money for a new pair.

To ensure you get proper fitting skates, avoid purchasing your ice hockey gear online unless you are confident about their size. The best practice is to visit your local dealership and try them out first before buying. The skates should hug your feet snugly without causing discomfort. 

Your boots’ lacing system will determine the degree of snug it delivers; if your foot moves while inside the boot, it is likely that you won’t have the control and accuracy your desire during gameplay.

3. Pricing

Pricing dictates the quality of ice hockey skates. If it’s your first pair, it’s advisable to go for inexpensive options. These equipment prices usually range between 150 for entry-level boots to over 1000 dollars for elite-level skates. There is often a high correlation between price and the hardness of the skating boots.

However, hard boots are not ideal for players who weigh less than 82 kilograms due to the low likelihood of breaking the equipment. Timing is also a significant factor that influences the pricing of ice hockey skates. 

You can enjoy discounted prices when you purchase gear during the offseason. It’s advisable to thoroughly research your skate shoe options to avoid falling victim to marketing tricks from salespeople.

4. Level of protection

Ice hockey is an exciting game, but despite the thrill and adrenaline rush, players need to protect themselves by choosing the right gear. The ice boots you choose should provide adequate protection to your ankles, toecaps, and side foot. Ice hockey skates are made from different equipment and have varying finishes.

It would help if you chose boots with additional padding and preferably composite inserts to help absorb hits during gameplay for your toecaps. High-end skating boots will also offer complete composite material packages for the side of the boot to reduce the risk of injury during aggressive gameplay.

Generally, your level of game involvement and speed of shots will determine the level of protection you require from your skating boots.

5. Ease of maintenance

Maintenance is another crucial factor when purchasing ice skates. If you use your ice skate regularly, it’s normal for the blades to get blunt over time. Ice skates need sharpening, preferably after every playing session, to ensure they are in prime condition. Blade sharpening can be expensive, especially when offered as an after-service.

A good ice hockey dealership should offer their vendors free or discounted sharpening services and heat stretching. When purchasing your skating boots, it is advisable to inquire from your local vendor whether the maintenance costs are part of the purchase price and how much they charge for hockey skate steel maintenance.

Summary

Hockey skates are an essential piece of equipment for any hockey player. However, similar to other sporting equipment, it is necessary to consider how you’ll use your skates. Ill-fitting skates will most definitely affect your stability and agility throughout the game. Not to mention, choosing the wrong set of skates can put you at risk of injury from tripping and hits from other players.