SHER-WOOD’S HYPE: When you think high-end one-piece sticks, Sher-Wood isn’t usually the first brand that comes to mind. But that’s about to change with the launch of its new Nexon series. The Nexon 12 is the top-of-the-line stick in a very impressive group of “true” one-pieces and boasts a weight comparable to its competition with equal marks in the balance department. Sher-Wood introduces a new composite material (Varimax) that alleges to deliver better energy return and pop, and the weapon also champions high- tech foams in the blade and a “Pro Fit” radius on the shaft.
We asked Boston to test drive the Nexon 12 to see how it stacked up against his Bauer Total One stick.
OVERVIEW: I was pleasantly surprised with the Nexon 12’s look, including its matte black coating, baby blue and grey graphics and checkered sides. The weight also shocked me; it was extremely light and
had great balance - comparable to the Bauer Total One - and that helped me use it to the best of my abilities. I didn’t expect this kind of presentation from Sher-wood, but nonetheless I was impressed.
FIRST USE: Like any new stick, the Nexon 12 took some getting use to, but not very long. The one thing I noticed right away was that my stickhandling and shot improved dramatically; both were smooth and accurate. The feel of the N12 was remarkable, too, and my overall game seemed to get better and better every time I took the ice.
OVERALL PERFORMANCE: The N12 definitely competed with the Total One and other sticks of that caliber. My passing was unreal - especially saucer passes - and my shot was a lot harder and more ac- curate. The N12 was light, too, helping me maneuver quickly around the ice. Its performance surprised me and helped me control the puck a lot better. If what
the N12 delivers doesn’t match the higher-end sticks, then it’s above them.
DURABILITY: Even after the customary board battles and a few weeks of use, my N12 was in mint condition; there were no cracks, breaks or chips in the stick at all. Both the blade and shaft looked terrific, which is always a good sign for longevity.
SUMMARY: I have to admit: I was shocked at what Sher-wood delivered and the N12’s performance. It’s a great weapon that can help any player - from a sniper to a dangler - improve their game. From my shot to my passing to my control with the puck, I felt a lot more comfortable and confident in my abilities on the ice. One a 1-10 scale, I give the N12 a 9; it’s a fantastic piece of equipment for any player.
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Sun Devils shooting for more roller success A
By Alex Dodt
rizona State University experienced a suc- cessful 2010-11 season in which both its Divi- sion I and B Division teams finished in the top 10 at nationals for the second year in a row. Not bad for a school that’s quickly establishing itself as one of the country’s elite roller hockey programs.
“We’re now a known entity on the national scene,” said Sun Devils coach Nick Boyarsky, whose teams begin their seasons with a tourna- ment on Oct. 15-16 in San Jose. “Players from all over the country are looking to ASU to further their education and to play for a national champi- onship.”
One key to the program’s good fortunes is the steady increase of players participating at try- outs. With only 15 students taking part in the school’s initial auditions in 2008, ASU has wit- nessed those numbers climb to 25 in 2009 to 30 in 2010 all the way up to 45 this year. “It wouldn’t surprise me to see 75-80 players at next season’s tryouts and even more as the program matures,” said Boyarsky. “Looking at where we are now, we only have room to grow and expand.”
The Sun Devils’ Division I squad has con- tended for the national title the last two years, but this season will have to overcome the depar- tures of All-American defenseman Brian Ganz to graduation and top forward Tyler Koressel, who transferred to Northern Arizona.
“It’s not a rebuilding year because we do have a lot of talent, but those losses will be felt,” said
22 magazine
Boyarsky. “This season, the bench has been expanded and we’ll need to have a more balanced attack, which we hope will make us a harder team to play against.”
Because of the impressive turnout at tryouts, ASU will field two teams in the B Division for the first time ever. Per league rules, a school can have two B teams compete in regional play during the season, but only one can advance to the national tournament.
After suffering disappointing losses in the quarterfinals at nationals the last two years, the higher-tiered B team, Maroon, is hoping to buck that trend.
“We’ve had some rough luck (at nationals), but that’s all in the past,” said B coach Jimmy Woods. “We expect to
go to there this year with a big target painted on our backs, but that won’t slow us down.” The only players returning from last year’s team are starting goaltender David Johnson and the team’s top-four scorers, including for- wards Jeff Stern and Jason Titchenal. Joining them upfront are two Arizona natives
- Chris Pardi and Jake Lund - and two fresh- men from California: Timothy Fierro and Victor Almeida.
The additions of Califor-
nians Gavin Torres and Luke Shaw have bolstered the defensive corps. Torres is a transfer
from ASU’s top rival in the B Division, Saddle- back College. Shaw returns after taking a year off; he was part of the Sun Devils’ B team that finished a perfect 23-0 two years ago. Led by three players from last year’s squad
- Andrew Horine, Kyle Letendre and Michael Tanaka - the B Gold squad expects to compete with the best in the Western Region as well. “Playing in this league is definitely a new experience,” said Horine, the Gold team captain. “Veterans are going to need to step up and help the newer players adjust.”
Rounding out the forward attack are 2011 Arizona Rubber Magazine Division II High School Player of the Year Grant Greeley, Paradise Valley Community Col- lege transfer Garrett Halbert and Andy Andreoli, who hails from San Clemente, Calif. Aaron Smith, from Orange, Calif., headlines the defense where he’s joined by three Prescott natives: Chris May and Stephen and Matthew Polk. “We have a very young group this year,” said Woods of his team, which boasts seven first-year
Yuma’s Kyle Letendre and the rest of the Arizona State University roller hockey program have high hopes as the 2011-12 season commences.
players, “but we have a lot of raw talent and I’m confident we’ll find our stride quickly.”
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