Howies Hockey Takes

2023/24 NHL Playoff Preview

2023/24 NHL Playoff Preview

As the regular season fades into the rearview mirror, the intensity of playoff hockey is once again upon us. With five of the eight series already locked in, anticipation crackles in the air as fans eagerly await the clash of titans on the ice. From the sweltering rivalry between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Florida Panthers to the perennial showdown between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the stage is set for an electrifying spectacle of skill, determination, and raw passion. As the contenders lace up their skates and sharpen their blades, we delve into the matchups...
Craziest Trades Of All Time

Craziest Trades Of All Time

The Trade Deadline is here! Check out these trades from over the years that were absolutely crazy!  #1: Kris Draper Trade Draper played over 1000 games in his career for the Detroit Red Wings. Crazy to think he was acquired for only $1 from the Winnipeg Jets… He was a big time role player for Detroit over the years, and definitely worth every penny of that $1. #2: Ray Sheppard Trade Draper wasn’t the only $1 trade in NHL history - Ray Sheppard was dealt for the same price just 3 years earlier. He was traded from Buffalo to the...
Too Early NHL Playoff Preview

Too Early NHL Playoff Preview

  As we hit the midway point of the exhilarating 23/24 NHL season, the race for playoff contention is heating up, and the stakes are higher than ever. Every game becomes a crucial battle, shaping the postseason landscape. While there's still ample time for teams to make their mark, a few have already caught our attention. Here is a our 2023/24 Too Early Playoff Preview.  The Team No One Thought Would Be Here In a season filled with surprises, the Philadelphia Flyers have emerged as one of the most unexpected success stories. Currently securing the #2 spot in the fiercely...
2023/24 NHL Season Outlook

2023/24 NHL Season Outlook

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to paint the landscape with shades of red and gold, hockey fans around the world can feel the excitement building in their hearts. The ice is freshly prepared, the players are lacing up their skates, and the anticipation for the upcoming NHL season is palpable. With each new season comes the promise of thrilling games, jaw-dropping goals, bone-crushing hits, and the pursuit of the most coveted trophy in professional hockey, the Stanley Cup. The 2023/24 season is set to be a good one, here are a few insights to...
The Importance Of A Quality Tape Job

The Importance Of A Quality Tape Job

"Stick to Success: The Importance of a Quality Tape Job on Your Stick" Hockey is the fastest sport. Every fraction of a second counts, so your equipment can make all the difference between a win and a loss. While players often focus on honing their skills and training rigorously, they sometimes overlook a critical aspect of their gear—the tape job on their stick. Believe it or not, the quality of your tape job can significantly impact your performance on the ice. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons why having a good tape job on your hockey stick is...
Howies In The News

Howies In The News

We're thrilled to share a remarkable spotlight on Howies Hockey. Fox 17 West Michigan, was at the HQ last week, and have written an awesome article highlighting the success of Howies Hockey over the years. If you have never heard our orgin story, it is definitely a must read! The article dives into the journey of our Owner & Founder, Howard "Max" Sieplinga, as he tranformed his small college "project" into a household name in the hockey world. The link to the article is here! Make sure you check it out!
Why Champs Choose Howies

Why Champs Choose Howies

We had the incredible opportunity to speak with Chris Davidson-Adams, the esteemed equipment manager of the Stanley Cup Champs. As the backbone behind the scenes, responsible for ensuring the team is fully equipped and ready for action, Davidson-Adams's expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the Golden Knights' success. In this exclusive interview, we delved into his journey in professional hockey, his favorite career moments, and, of course, his experience using Howies. Join us as we gain insight into the life of a championship-winning equipment manager and discover the role Howies plays in enhancing the game-day experience for players at the...
NHL Trades That Just Make Sense (To Us)

NHL Trades That Just Make Sense (To Us)

The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the playoff picture is getting tighter, and tighter. Some teams are looking to make that last move to become a true Cup Contender. Others are looking to dish their star players, in exchange for some draft capital. The trade deadline is one of the more exciting weeks in the NHL season. Players are shipped off to a new city, and suit up for their new squad within days of the deal. As the deadline approaches on March 3rd, the trade rumors continue to buzz. After some office banter, the team at Howies decided...
Hockey Superstitions

Hockey Superstitions

A superstition is an unjustified belief that the causation of a certain event is directly correlated with a very specific action. The bad luck that comes with opening an umbrella indoors, walking under a ladder, or walking by a black cat on Friday the 13th, are all real life examples of superstitions as old as time. They say that Hockey Players are the most superstitious athletes, and there is good truth to that. Looking back through history, and talking with some fellow Howies employees. Here are The Best Hockey Superstitions.   The Same Lunch Every Game Day  Josh VanderWel, the Director...
The Lucky Tape Splice

The Lucky Tape Splice

It’s the night of the big tilt. You finish pregame warmies, and head into the locker room to tape up the twig. You grab a crisp roll of Howies 1” White Cloth from your Howies Accessory Bag, and get to work. So far, it is an absolute masterpiece. Each strip is evenly distributed across the blade. There’s the perfect amount of overlap, and absolutely no creases or air bubbles. This may be the best TJ you have ever done. You are nearing the final few wraps. You are thinking about how you are definitely going to snap a photo when...
NHL TJ's

NHL TJ's

Here at Howies we know that taping your stick is an art. You can tape heel to toe, toe to heel, tape the toe or leave it exposed, you can even choose between black and white or even colored cloth. But have you ever wondered how players in the NHL tape their twigs? Most go the traditional route like you and I, simple yet classic. But these guys take TJs to a whole new level...   Ranger's player Artemi Panarin has a hard time choosing between white or black, so why not both?    David Pastrnak of the Bruins clearly...
Chris Davidson-Adams; Howies in the Pros

Chris Davidson-Adams; Howies in the Pros

We sat down with long-time Howies fan Chris Davidson-Adams to find out why he trusts Howies for his players. If you don't recognize the name, Chris is the Head Equipment Manager for the Vegas Golden Knights. Read on to hear what he had to say... Tell us about how you got started in professional hockey: While I was playing JV hockey in high school, my assistant coach was a security guard at the arena where the Grand Rapids Griffins (at that time in the IHL) play. The Griffins’ Equipment Manager was looking for some kids to volunteer to fill water...