However, there comes a time when reality hits home, and if one does seriously aspire to become a hockey player, one has to do more than dream by becoming a student of the game that is known for its aggression, speed and pin-point accuracy.
Apart from possessing immaculate skating skills, one important aspect of the game involves mastering the various shots that are vital to any team’s success. One such shot is the slapshot, which if not hit (or used) correctly can lead to much embarrassment on the field if you wiff on the puck completely.
Before one learns how to hit the slapshot, it’s important to know when to use the shot. Since, this shot generates a speed of up to 100 mph (while not being necessarily accurate), it is (or should be) used by a defenseman in his position near the blue line. Another excellent opportunity to hit this shot is when you are alone.

Firstly, point your feet towards the puck (about three feet away) with your front foot in line with the puck. Depending on the position of the puck (in line with your front or back foot), this will determine whether you can follow through high or low, which will determine the amount of power that goes into the shot. What is important though with the follow through is that your stick should stay up.

1. Wayne Gretzky - He is considered one of the best athletes in hockey that lived up to his nickname, ‘The Great One’. Despite his athletic skills not considered impressive, he seemed to have ‘eyes in the back of his head’ and a knack of ‘rolling with a check’, that was crucial to his performance and which led to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1999.

2. Bobby Orr - He is considered to be a perfectionist of the game whose efforts revolutionized the game with his command over the two-way game that was considered unique for hockey players who played for the position of defenseman.

3. Mario Lemieux - If he is to be described in one word that word would be ‘magnificent’. He was a gifted playmaker and skater and was considered one of the most talented players in the game by many of his peers. If not for his health problems, his on-ice achievements would be greater although his contribution as a player to the NHL and the Pittsburg Penguins was crucial to its success.

4. Gordie Howe - Many would argue Gordie Howe is the greatest hockey player of of all time due to his scoring prowess, his physical
strength that helped him achieve the unique feat of competing in the NHL in five different decades. He is popularly known as “Mr. Hockey” while receiving the first NHL Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

5. Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard - Rocket Richard was incomparable while being the most prolific goal-scorer during his era, while being the first player to achieve the feat of 50 goals in 50 games, while representing the Montreal Canadiens during his entire career.

6. Bobby Hull - He hails from a long line of NHL hockey players in his family. During his career, he was known for his quick skating speed, blonde hair and possessing the fastest shot (and a feared slapshot) thus earning him the title, ‘The Golden Jet’. He is regarded to be the greatest left winger to have ever played the game.

7. Terry Sawchuk - Terry Sawchuk is the favorite of veteran fans, and is the greatest goaltender in the history of the game, playing 21 seasons in the National Hockey League.

8. Mike Bossy - He was a true goal-scoring machine for the New York Islanders and arguably was the greatest bona-fide sniper of all time, resulting in his team’s four-year reign as Stanley Cup champions in the 1980s. Despite his career being cut short by injuries, he was among the league’s top goal scorers for the duration of his career.

9. Bobby Clarke - He was both hockeys’ greatest player as well the greatest villain, depending on how you look at him. As captain of the notorious Broad Street Bullies team known for their tireless work ethic as well as a willingness to bend the rules, his infamous slash to the ankle of Valeri Kharmalov in 1972 Summit Series is still a subject of controversy even until today. However, he was a great defensive player, checker and one of the best in the face-off circle, which earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987.

10. Guy LaFleur - In the six year period he played during the 70’s, his goal-scoring ability and smooth skating style has earned him a reputation of being one of the most gifted and natural players in the NHL. He was affectionately called ‘Flower’ by English fans while the French nicknamed him “le Démon Blond”, and was regarded to be the cornerstone of five Stanley Cup championship teams which was good enough to induct him into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

It may be a surprise to some, but in recent times other industries have utilized information gathered from their customers on social media sites. For example, “Creditors have been known to utilize information taken from Social Media sites- the more active their creditee on social media sites, the more likely to pay back what they owe.”

For now, due to their large customer base, it would be next to impossible for large lenders to extract sound information or trends from social media sites that could be used against a customer, say one seeking bad credit repair after bankruptcy. Most importantly, this practice could violate the Fair Credit Reporting Act. For guidance about improving credit, you may consider contacting a reputable credit repair services company like Vitesse Financial.

It is important that the need to keep being great be always on your mind. Staying focused, achieving little goals that help you get better at your game and constantly pushing yourself is what is necessary. It is not enough to over-perform for a ‘big’ event - as excellence is not a periodical thing, but should be an ‘all time’ thing.

Remember, good players settle for being outstanding when it suits them and is necessary, whereas great players are excellent at all times.

- They choose to warm up before every game and keep practicing no matter what.
- They will train off the ice, on the ice, whatever is possible.
- A hockey-specific nutrition plan is followed to the finest detail and ample amounts of water are consumed - these are followed minus any reminders.
- They set personal goals and keep aiming to achieve them.

If you want to be a great hockey player, then, remember, it is about being a great performer all the time, everyday and at every game.

Taking hockey sports tours into perspective, a big favorite is the tour to Prague. Unbeatable in its quality of the sport, the cuisine, the history, breweries and everything else is an experience every hockey player would love to have.

The city is steeped in rich cultural history, six centuries worth of untouched architecture and beautiful landscapes.

A great place for any hockey fan to visit, Prague is full of hockey destinations. However, a visit opens up so many more possibilities. One of the favorites shared by a large majority of hockey players is beer - and the tour involves a visit to one of Europe’s oldest breweries. Not only is Prague’s drink of choice sampled, but also the local cuisine.

During the hockey tour to Prague, the visiting team will play around four games against Czech teams.

Apart from playing and if beer is not really all that interesting, perhaps the white wine might be of interest. The tour also includes a visit to a factory that makes Bohemian crystal, made popular by the Czech Republic.

The city is a hub for hockey. Once in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia are all accessible. The trip to Munich is a top favorite amongst hockey tour participants. Once there, you will play a few friendly hockey games in Nurnberg and Regensburg.

Prague is not only a hotspot for hockey tours but soccer and handball teams are known for touring Prague as well as it is a wonderful, picturesque city that offers that right combination of food, sports and rich culture.