GUSTO summer CUP 2013

DEAR HOCKEY FRIENDS AND CLUB OWNERS: In 2013 GUSTO has been proud to take the development of Ice hockey in SA to a new level! With already 3 successful camps, and the 4th one coming up in August already, we’ve shown our commitment to help with the growth of new, current and seasonable players! And now, GUSTO’s latest addition to help with the development of Ice hockey in SA, we’re proud to announce our new initiative.. The GUSTO summer CUP!

WHY: We felt there’s a big need to have a championship for development players only. Players often wish to compete in tournaments, but there’s only so many games a year, and most development players are just not good enough to even make the team. Hockey championships are always limited to PHL and Provincial players, and that’s where we saw the gap.. let’s create something special for beginner players! Making them want to better themselves, and come back for more hockey!

HOW IT WILL WORK: We need the participation of all clubs to make this yearly event possible and a success! Each Club in SA must select, and submit a 2nd division team. All players are strictly development players only. No 1st division, or PHL players are allowed to participate in this championship.

CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT: Teams will be split into to pools played out in a round robin format. 1 and 2 place from each pool will qualify for the semi’s with winners going to a grand final where the Gusto Summer cup Champions 2013 will be crowned.

WHO CAN PLAY: This is strickly a cup for development players, so only 2nd Devision and new players are allowed to play. No PHL or 1st devision players are allowed to play.

VENUE: The Vaal Ice Arena Vereenegin

WHEN: 20 - 22 September 2013

ACCOMODATION & FOOD: More infromation about this will be availble on the GUSTO website once we’ve finalized how many players to cater for.

COST: The cost per team entry is R5000.00 a non-refundable 50% percent deposit is to be paid before the xx of July in order for us to secure the ice-time, food and accommodation. The difference must be paid on the day of the tournament.

BENEFITS: This is great to give your new players a change to feel what it’s like to compete in a real tournament! This will encourage players to work hard to reach bigger goals like the Interprovincials, or even the National squad! This is also a very good bonding time for the club and members!

INFO: More info will be available soon, and we will get it through to you as well. But please let us know if you’re willing top participate in making this an successful event!

CONTACT: Albertus Cell: 083 618-6040 E-mail: berdy@3dtree.co.za

CHANGING MY BRAND?

Hockey players are like smokers. Once they've chosen a brand they stick to it! But one NHL player who uses the Mako skates is Sergei Gonchar of the Ottawa Senators. And for him, it was an easy switch to the Mako skates, especially since he was personally involved in the process.

"I was working with Dave on this skate since the first model that he built," said Gonchar. "I always felt they're what I needed. Especially now with Easton, when they started making those skate, they were comfortable, they worked for me right away and I had no problems adjusting to them."

We spoke with Gonchar about the Mako skates, the Senators' surprising success and his hockey future. Enjoy.

Q. What is it about these skates that set it apart from any pair you've used in the past?

GONCHAR: The technology they're using. When you heat up the skate, when you put it in the oven, and then you put it on, it really molds on your foot, so you never have blisters or anything like that. I can only wear one before the game starts and I have no problems putting them right on and skating. Second, is they're very protective with the materials they're using. Really good against shots. Third, you have such a quality for the protection, this one is up there with other skates that they are very light.

You've felt a major difference in your skating ability since you've started using this skate?

Yeah. Another thing is the skating ability. I like the way they're built, the angle on the ankle. When I put them on it puts me in a position where I'm very comfortable. For me, personally, it's the right angle and I'm in the right position when I'm ready to push. Since they have the underguard, it gives you extra mobility on your ankle when you're pushing.

How does the process work? Does Easton come to you with new gear to try out or do you tell them you're looking for something new?

The way it happend, I met Dave with the MLX company and he was working on those skates. For me, it was an easy transition because I knew him and what he was working on and the ideas behind it and what he was trying to achieve. So when he told me about how Easton has made the product even better, that was a no-brainer.

NEW CLUB OPENING IN VAAL

Evolution of a Skate

Dave Cruikshank a former Olympic medal speed skater developed the well known MLX skate. 
Easton and MLX merged, and recently brought out the long anticipated MAKO skate.
As the sport evolves, so does the equipment. Enjoy the evolution and art of skating! 

!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Celebrating 2012 like the great nr.4 - Bobby Orr!

2012 Was a great year for GUSTO, and I really want to thank all the clubs, associations fans, supporters and players for their ongoing support! We've got a few very exciting things lined up for 2013, and will announce it soon in the new year! So thanks again, and enjoy the rest of your holidays!! But..

..if you are still on Holiday, and traveling abroad, and desperately looking for a rink to go and play some pick-up hockey or just enjoy a good skating session, go to this website: www.hockeyarenas.net

This is the best resource for hockey arenas around the world! With my recent trip to Germany, I found this website very helpful. 

See you all next year!