In 1986 the Canadian Government paid for a large hockey stick (207 feet long to be exact) to be put into place in Vancouver for our world fair, Expo 86. When it was all over, the town of Duncan, BC over on Vancouver Island, won a contest and became the permanent home of the stick.

It's been deemed the "World's Largest Hockey Stick" although there is a city in Minnesota that has the "World's Largest Freestanding Hockey Stick" outside the US Hockey Hall of Fame. This other stick is 110 feet long and weighs over 10,000 pounds.

Some say that Duncan's stick shouldn't count since it's just a "sculpture" and the one in Eleveth, Minnesota is actually a "real stick". No matter the dispute, it's just kind of fun to see hockey commemorated this way.

There are also others, such as Tim Schmalz, who actually think that there should be something more commemorative and permanent for all of Canada to enjoy. He's on a mission to make a 50-foot sculpture in the name of Canadian hockey, giving us all a national monument for the sport.

He started out on the East coast earlier this year and by this time next year he should reach BC. He's crossing the country, sculpting, and adding to the piece bit by bit, while collecting donations from Canadians to keep it going; this way it will be our monument and not something built by a corporate sponsor. By the end he hopes it will reach the goal height and then it will be cast in bronze. It also hasn't been decided where it will be placed, but several cities have already expressed an interest.

Hockey evolved in Canada and to many it's more than simply our national (winter) sport. It's a lifestyle, a community-builder and something to be proud of. Any structure, sculpture, or giant puck (or maybe even net) in honor of this dedication and camaraderie is a good thing in my books.

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Early morning practices can sometimes means scarfing down a banana or a bowl of cereal while the car warms up then heading to the rink, however is that enough food fuel to keep you going?

According to some nutritional resources, those *are* actually a really great ways to start your day.

An active hockey player's diet should consist of carbohydrates (found in cereals) even though they've got a bad rap in recent years. They are the perfect fuel and source of food energy that you can and will burn off during practice or a game.

Carbs can also be found in breads (like having a slice of toast, crackers, a granola bar), vegetables or fruit (dried or in soups or salads), or in dairy products (like milk, yogurt, or even chocolate milk).

Although, you can't survive on those carbohydrates alone, you'll also need to combine them with proteins like nuts or eggs, cheese or milk, and lean cut meat, chicken or fish.

According to The Hockey Source, there are six types of nutrients for top performers: Carbohydrates, fat (good fats, like vegetable fats), protein, vitamins, minerals (calcium and iron) and water. Being hydrated is a huge part of staying healthy and fit. Not only does your body need a lot of it during the day, if you're active you're going to be sweating out moisture that you'll need to get back.

Power-Fuel Nutrition also has some great recipe suggestions for meals before or after games and even some snacking options.

Nutrition is a big part of being a good athlete and you'll find that at most hockey schools or programs they'll promote it, just like they would stick handling or shooting.

There are different ways to make sure your body can keep up with your activity, especially for back-to-back games or road trips, so making sure it has the right nutrition is key.

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It's around this time of year that the rollerblades get put away and the bare floors of local arena get covered in what will become this season's best playground: the ice rink.

In my hometown of Vancouver, Britannia, Kerrisdale, Kitsilano, Riley Park, Sunset and the West End Community Centre are in full swing with their lessons, public skates, and drop in hockey games. Many are home to leagues, and some can even be rented out for school outings and private events. But what is it that gives a particular rink its appeal?

Ice
Is ice just ice? According to the Science of Hockey, "slow ice" and "fast ice" can be explained. "Fast ice is harder and colder with a smoother surface, while slow ice is warm and soft and may have a rough surface."

Facilities
Off the ice, what makes a rink special? It could be the historic significance, or the brand new facilities for players and guests. Locker rooms, rental area, and stands are all a part of a successful hockey rink. In the locker rooms you gear up and get advice from you coach. In the rental area your friends can lace up for an afternoon of fun on the ice, and the stands are for family and supporters of your team, without which you might not make it to practice on time, or get up enough courage to go on that breakaway.

Added touches
For some, it's all about the thrill of the game combined with the food. Food you may only eat on game days and only when handed to you over the counter of the concession stand. I did a quick poll this afternoon on Twitter and some of the top arena foods are peanuts, popcorn, chili fries, frosted malts, pizza, and of course, the hot dog. I had one person respond with 'poutine', which makes me definitely want to go to a game in their hometown.

Whatever the housing for the rink or what's served up inside, it's what takes place on the ice that matters most; playing fair, being safe, and being proud to represent your community and team.

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Last week Alberta Minor Hockey declared that it is now mandatory for all coaches to wear helmets as well when they're on the ice during practices [CBC News]. They were actually the last province in Canada to bring in this rule and it's just another indication of how important safety is for all, at all levels of play.

The job of being a coach changes so much each year and in this age of internet tools, coaches and players can learn skills and grow their teams using a new set of equipment: online games and websites.

For example, you can throw away notebooks and whiteboards and discover some really cool plays online. Coaches can share a website like this Animated Hockey Playbook with their team and they can all learn strategies through the computer.

Aside from games and animated pucks, there are so many great resources available on minor hockey websites as each league, team and association makes sure to nurture up-and-coming coaches as well as share the expertise of veterans.

In BC, there's the Coaches Association website that also provides resources for coaches much like the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. Another good resource is Hockey Canada which has an extensive drill library, as well as videos, articles, and practice plans.

A coach's role is as much about keeping players (and themselves) safe and challenging to grow their skills as it is about making sure the team runs smoothly and pucks go in the net.

In 1959, after being struck in the face with a puck, Jacques Plante became the first goalie to ever wear a hockey mask. Now, helmets and masks are a regular and required part of any hockey game. Depending on league rules, there are four types of helmets that can be worn. Plain helmets, or ones with a visor, a cage, or a combination (half-visor). Surrey Minor Hockey rules simply state: "Helmets must be worn at all times while on the bench or on the ice surface," and that "No player is to remove his/her helmet while on the bench or ice surface."

Hockey skates were first modified in 1866 [see: Hockey 101: History Notes] and now we can choose from countless brand names customized by boot, blade, and blade holder. Stephenville Minor Hockey suggests this to parents and players, "Keeping your skates sharp helps maneuverability and prevents you from catching your blade on the ice, which can lead to leg and knee injuries. Brand-name skates are your best bet. Make sure the skate has a well-constructed heel and ankle support."

When it comes to sticks, they're pretty much essential - not so much for safety but it is your best bet to get a puck in the net. There are three main types of stick to choose from - wood, fiberglass or graphite - and each have their advantages. According to Gloucester Centre Minor Hockey, wood sticks are recommended for "budding stars" as they can give you a better feel for the puck.

Many other pieces of equipment help your play and keep you safe, like gloves, mouth guards, pants and pads (and don't forget the socks and tape). At the end of the day, it comes down to fit and safety. If you find the right equipment for your skill level, your body, and your style of play, you can't go wrong.