Top 5 NHL Jerseys

The following is the opinion of the Alexandria Blizzard, share yours below. 

Each team in the NHL has created a look all their own. Not all teams, however, have been able to perfect their jerseys' overall appearance. Here are our rankings of the best jerseys in the league and why.

1. Detroit Red Wings


Detroit has one of the most iconic logos in sports. The color scheme, arched names, and simplicity of the jersey make this look flawless.


2. Boston Bruins

If you’re going to go with a bold color like yellow, you better have the perfect shade. Boston was able to do just that. The spoked B logo is also why we admire this look.



3. Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago has one of the most storied logos in hockey. The colorful warrior logo is what snagged this jersey third place.



4. New York Rangers

Not many teams can pull off words instead of a logo on their jersey. The tie up in the front adds to this simple and classic look. The bright color isn’t overwhelming either. All these things contribute to why this is one of the best jerseys in the NHL.


5. Philadelphia Flyers

Philadelphia’s logo has represented this team since their inception. The unique color is something only this team can pull off. This timeless look is why Philadelphia made it into the top 5.

Honorable Mentions: Edmonton Oilers, Montreal, and Toronto Maple Leafs

Comment below and let us know which NHL jerseys top your list. 

Top 5 Qualities of a Goalie

Alexandria Blizzard Hockey presents the following 5 qualities of a goalie. Share your top 5 in the comments below.

In hockey, the goalie is the anchor of the team and their role is extremely important. Although many agree it's the most challenging position, the abilities of a goalie are often overlooked.  Important qualities of goalies include:

Photo courtesy of Bill Krafcheck

1. Agility: A goalie needs to be nimble and quick on his or her skates. Stopping a puck requires a quick change of the body. Goalies must also have good balance when making these quick movements.

2. Flexibility: Stopping a puck can require the goalie to bend or stretch in ways that sometimes don’t seem humanly possible. Aside from a 1st baseman in baseball, there are few positions in team sports that require a player to do "the splits" on a regular basis. 

photo courtesy of Bill Krafcheck

3. Speed: Goalies need an exceptional reaction time. They need to be able to see a puck coming and move to block it. Not only does their reaction time need to be fast, they need to be able to skate fast to get to the puck. Many goalies are actually the most talented skater on their team. 

4. Hand-eye coordination: A goalie needs to be able to see a puck and move his or her hands accordingly to stop it. Without hand-eye coordination, a goalie can’t stop the puck.

5. Work ethic: This is arguably the most important quality of a goalie. If a player is willing to put in the effort and train harder and longer than the average hockey player, he or she can achieve many of the previously listed qualities. A goalie willing to work hard is a good goalie.

These are just five of the many important qualities of goalies.  With an average save percentage of 87-90 % and higher, Tanner Elmore, Evan Bisek, and Kyle Miller, continue to be instrumental to the success of the 2013-14 Blizzard team.

Blizzard Mid-Season Review

We've officially hit the mid-season mark in the 2013-14 season and the Alexandria Blizzard are off to a great start so far! 

The Blizzard currently hold the 3rd spot in the West division, right behind rivals North Iowa Bulls & the Granite City Lumberjacks. With a .667, they currently hold the 5th best win percentage in the entire NA3HL league and their record on the road is an impressive 12-3! The Blizzard hold a 6-6 record at home and definitely hope to win more home games as they attempt to take the number 2 spot from Granite City.

By winning their New Year’s Eve game against the Lumberjacks, the Blizzard will be able to make a strong push for the 2nd spot before the regular season ends (Make sure you help ring in the new year with some great hockey at the RCC!!).

Blizzard mid-season MVP awards go to Joe Anderson and Ian Ecklund for their 45 and 42 points respectively. On the defense end, Tanner Elmore has been a rock in the net appearing in 12 games with a 9-2 record on the year. 

With a great start in the season, the Blizzard are in a position to make a strong push for the division. We can't wait to see what 2014 has in store! 

#GoBlizzard

2013 NA3HL Showcase Tournament

Hockey is back in action this weekend as the Alexandria Blizzard head to Illinois for the 4th annual NA3HL Showcase! The tournament will feature some of the best junior hockey talent in the country and will be heavily scouted by colleges. Each team will play a minimum of three games and a maximum of four. Tournaments will begin on November 21 and end November 25 at Canlan Ice Sports in Romeoville, Illinois. The Blizzard are set to play four games in a row and we couldn't be more excited!! 

Alexandria Blizzard Showcase Schedule:

• November 22 @ 10:15 AM- Alexandria vs St. Louis  
• November 23 @ 4:15 PM- Alexandria vs Flint 
• November 24@ 7:15 PM- Alexandria vs Cleveland 
• November 25 @ 11:15 AM- Alexandria vs Cincinnati 

Click here for the full 2013 NA3HL Showcase Schedule

All of the action will be broadcast live on FASThockey and we would love for you to tune in & cheer us on! The tournament is sponsored by Easton and will be one of the only tournaments that the Blizzard will be playing in this year. Thanks for your support and LET'S GO BLIZZARD!!!!!

#FearTheClaw

Gear Up!

We are excited to announce some brand new merchandise in the Blizz Shop this season! Whether you are looking for a hat, hoodie or a onesie for the youngest Blizzard fan in your life, we've got you covered. Check out some Official Alexandria Blizzard Gear that will keep you looking good.. now AND during the off-season!!

 Click HERE to see all of our Alexandria Blizzard Merchandise!

#GoBlizzard

Alexandria Blizzard New Staff

The 2013-14 season officially begins for the Alexandria Blizzard this Saturday as they take on the Granite City Lumberjacks. Excitement is in the air as we get ready for that first puck to drop. Once again we have put together a great team and we're gearing up to have our BEST season yet! Many new players have joined the Blizzard this year and we have a few new additions off the ice that we'd like to welcome as well.

Jon Crouse- Assistant Coach

Jon is in his first season as the Assistant Coach for the blizzard.  Jon, who is the cousin of Head Coach Jeff Crouse, comes to the Blizzard after a very successful playing career. After graduating from Alexandria high school in 2006 Jon spent 3 years with the North Iowa Outlaws of the NAHL where he was team captain and named to the NAHL Central Division Top Prospects Team. After North Iowa, Jon continued his hockey career at Bethel University in St. Paul. At Bethel, Jon received Freshman All American Honors as well as the rare honor of being named to the MIAC All-Conference First team in each of his four seasons at Bethel. Jon recently graduated with a degree in marketing and is the Assistant Golf Professional at the Alexandria Golf Club where he is pursuing Professional Golf Management.

Sandy Bessingpas - Housing Coordinator

Sandy has been associated with the Blizzard since 2010 when she hosted her first player and was introduced to the sport of hockey. Since that winter, she has been a host “Mom” to 12 different hockey players and 6 different baseball players. When she is not at a hockey or baseball game she can be found sewing a quilt or pulling weeds in her garden. Sandy is a key resource for the logistics of one of our most important parts of the players year with the Blizzard. Please contact Sandy if you want to 'House' a Blizzard player or just have questions about it. 

To all of our Blizzard Staff- new and returning.. We thank YOU for your time and dedication!! #GoBlizzard

Get Involved This Season

Hockey season is FINALLY within sight and we couldn't be more excited to get back out on the ice! We've been gearing up all summer long with a new housing coordinator, new Blizzard assistant coach, upgrades to our facility and more. 

You better believe that the Alexandria Blizzard team is ready to have our BEST season yet. And because you, our wonderful fans, are a HUGE part of the winning equation, we want you there for EVERY second of the action!! 

Check out all of the ways in which you can be involved this season!

1. Become a Blizzard Season Ticket Holder. You won't miss any of the action. Plus you score the benefits of saving 20% off ticket face value, prime seating guaranteed AND no waiting in lines. 
   
2. Become Blizzard Game Day Staff. You get to choose how you'd like to volunteer- promotions, mascot, security, tickets, pressbox, set-up/tear down and more!
   
3. Interact with us on social media!
• Like
• Follow
• Connect
• Pin
• +1

However you choose to get involved, we hope that you'll join us in making this an unforgettable season #FearTheClaw