NBH would like to congratulate Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers on agreeing to a new three year, 15 million dollar contract with the club.

Carter, who is just 23 years old, is coming off his best season in the NHL. He recorded career highs in goals (29), assists (24), and points (53) and helped lead Philly back to the postseason. In the playoffs, Carter scored six goals and picked up five assists to help the Flyers make it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

I'm very excited to be staying in Philadelphia," said Carter. "We have great group of guys on this team and I can't wait to get back on the ice and continue where we left off last season."

Carter has been an instrumental piece of the Flyers offense, and with him and Mike Richards in the loop for a while, you can be sure that Philly will continue to be near the top of the league in scoring. Congrats again to Jeff on his new deal.

Quote taken from tsn.ca

Posted By: Luke Ventura

The Vapor XXXX Protective series recently launched, so here is a look at the new gear and some of the new features.

The Vapor XXXX Shoulder Pad is optimized for fit and protection. A Precision Fit Systerm lets the player customize chest coverage, while the Free Flex Arch and Bicep System maximizes range of motion. Fused Vent Armor Composite Shoulder Caps, molded 3-D chest plate, Flex Shields, NIKE Dri-FIT and Strap Stays combine to create a comfortable, protective fit.

The Free Flex Elbow Cap of the Vapor XXXX Elbow Pad incorporates the Free Flex Liner and Vent Armor Composite, creating an optimal flexibility through an additional flex point. Vent Armor Foam provides protection while a molded poly forearm, Anchor Straps and NIKE Grip Print set the benchmarks for fit and maneuverability.

The Vent Armor Composite shell of the Vapor XXXX Shin Guard provides lightweight impact absorption while the ventilated Free Flex Liner allows for increased flexibility. The Free Flex Knee Cap's flexibilty dual density impact guard covers more area and protects the player in any position. The Vapor XXXX Shin Guard will have you feeling invincible.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

On Saturday, Jared Staal began the next step in his journey to the NHL when he was drafted 49th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes.

At his home with his family in Thunder Bay, Jared heard his name on the tv and found out who he was drafted by on his computer. "I heard my name, I just didn't know where I was going so I had to wait for it to pop up on the computer there," said Staal.

Being drafted by Phoenix will put the youngest of the Staal brothers in the Western Conference, while his three older brothers will battle it out in the East. "Obviously I was really excited, I know Phoenix has a really young team, and obviously have a really bright future. I'm just really excited to be part of an organization like that and it should be good going forward."

Staal also talked about the chance to be coached by Wayne Gretzky who is the Coyotes head coach. "What better person to learn the game from than the greatest player of all time?" Staal asked.

Jared received txt messages of congratulations from Eric and Marc, while Jordan was home to celebrate with Jared and their parents. The upcoming year has alot of question marks in terms where Jared will be playing, but he knows what he needs to be do to make the next step. "Train my butt off, that's the biggest thing now. I have to get a lot bigger, a lot stronger and a lot quicker. Hopefully I'll work hard and have a good camp and see what happens."

Quotes taken from the Chronical Journal in Thunder Bay.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

NBH would like to congratulate Jared Staal on being drafted in this years NHL entry draft. Jared was selected 49th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes. Jared is now the fourth Staal brother to be drafted into the NHL. His three older brothers, Eric, Marc, and Jordan are all currently playing in the league.

Jared had a strong season for the Sudbury Wolves, collecting a team high 21 goals and 28 assists. We'll have more news and reaction later on. Congrats again to Jared and his family.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

Many have you been asking about the new Vapor XXXX gloves and where you can see them, so here are some shots of the new gloves.

The glove section on nikebauer.com will be updated soon with more in depth info on them, but for now take a look at these images and let us know you're thoughts. The new gloves have a Segmented Back Roll which gives you maximum flexibilty, allowing for complete integration of the glove and your hand.

Along with the back roll, there is a Multi Flex Lock Thumb. The three part thumb is designed for maximum movement, yet it also features a locking component to guard against hyperextension.

There is also a dual layer Ivory Nash Palm which increases the durability. The cuff of the glove features an Adjustable Pad for customized protection and a restriction free dynamic pad for increased covereage during wrist flexion.

Hope you like the pictures and the info. Let us know what you think.

Posted By: Luke Ventura

NBH would like to congratulate Patrick Kane and Jason Blake for taking home some pretty nice hardware last night at the NHL's annual awards show.

Patrick Kane took home the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. Kane led all rookies in scoring with 72 points, which included 21 goals and 51 assists. "To be honest, I didn't start the season with the goal of winning rookie of the year," Kane said. "Coming into the preseason, my only goals were to make the team and help us win games. It's pretty funny how you can go from trying to make the team to winning rookie of the year."

The 19-year old was quick to acknowledge that this is a great award to win, but knows he couldn't have done it by himself. "Overall, it was a great year. I didn't just win this for myself because I didn't win it by myself. I'm winning for my teammates because they really made this possible, and for my family and the Blackhawk organization. This inspires me to work harder to make myself a better player, and I feel good about the future of our team with the talent and experience we have coming back."

Meanwhile, Jason Blake took home the Bill Masterson Trophy as the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Blake, who was diagnosed with leukemia prior to the start of the season, persevered and played in all 82 games this season. An emotional Blake took to the podium and was quick to thank those who have helped him through this chapter of his life. "When I came to Toronto in the fall, the last thing I expected was to be diagnosed with cancer. I've had such great support from around the league...I know I'm going to have this the rest of my life and I know I'm going to be okay. I have something to prove."

It was clear that his health scare has given him a new perspective. "I've been so lucky in life to play in the NHL, have three beautiful kids and be married to a wonderful woman," said Blake. Again, congratualtions to both Jason and Patrick on their well deserved awards.

Some quotes taken from Chicago Sun Times, TSN.ca, and Toronto Star

Posted By: Luke Ventura

NBH would like to congratualate the 2007-08 Detroit Red Wings for their incredible season, which was capped off on Wednesday night when they hoisted the Stanley Cup as the league's best team. The Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in Game 6 to win the series four games to two.

Detroit went an impressive 16-6 on their run to the Cup and never trailed in a series. Winning the Stanley Cup this year gives the club four Cups in the last 11 years.

Detroit was led by numerous players, but there were few that put up numbers like Johan Franzen. Franzen had an incredible 13 goals which led the league during the playoffs. His scoring touch certainly helped propel the Wings into the Finals.

Niklas Kronwall was arguably the biggest hitter of the entire playoffs. He threw his weight around every chance he could, and opponents learned quickly not to keep their heads down. He didn't limit his game to the defense either, as he also led the Wings with 15 assists and with a plus/minus rating of +16.

Last, but not least, was Tomas Holmstrom. Holmstrom picked up four goals and eight assists throughout the playoffs, but his presense in front of the net doesn't go on the stat sheet. Holmstrom was a constant in front of the opponents net, screening goalies anddemanding defenseman's attention. He is just another example of the team that Detroit has put together that does whatever it takes to win.

Again, congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings on an incredible season. They certainly deserve to be holding the Stanley Cup this year.

Posted By: Luke Ventura