GongShowHockey.com Contributing Writers
By: Sean Boychuk

With camps and a new season soon approaching its time to start thinking about getting your gear ready to go.  The first thing you’ll probably want to check out and the most important too is skates.  With so many new technologies in a very competitive market, skate manufactures are pumping out some unreal skates for this year.  I decided to check out my local sports store and try some out. Â

By: Jimmy Kerr
GongShow Hockey.com Contributing Writer
kerrzy@gongshowhockey.com

Edmonton native Justin Taylor of the 2003-2004 Red Deer Rebels has recently signed a 3-year deal with the NHL’s Calgary Flames.  Taylor started out in junior as a 16-year old with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL but after recording only 6 points in 39 games, he turned to the AJHL, Alberta’s Junior “A” Hockey League.  Starting out with the Sherwood Park Crusaders, Taylor calls joining the Camrose Kodiaks and playing under Boris Rybalka, the GM/Coach of the Kodiaks, the turning point of his junior career.

Alex “Calihockey”
GongShowHockey.com Contributing Writer

The NHL over the last couple of years, has been in a downward spiral in the United States. Hockey has always flourished in Canada. But this year, the NHL ratings on ESPN2 in the States are down 23% from last year for the first 25 games of the playoffs. Why have the rating gone down so drastically in a year? Is it because there aren't enough goals or spectacular plays?  Hockey, the greatest team sport in the world has not caught on in a country that embraces team sports.