[Eleven]

My kid isn't a huge goal scorer, the team has that area covered. But our team lacks grit, mainly due to the speed and skill, most of our boys don't have to be too physical, they just deke and avoid contact.

My kid on the other hand has found his calling on the team, he is a playmaker and all-around pest. Not the Sean Avery - Matt Cooke type of pest, you can't get away with that kind of crap in youth hockey, but my kid hits hard and finishes his checks and does a great job drawing penalties. He drew 3 penalties on the same kid in one game in Toledo a few weeks ago. He has a way of getting under your skin.

He has also developed a great knack for face-offs, over 3 games this weekend I bet he only lost 6 faceoffs. He did take an interference penalty and the other team started to figure him out in the 3rd game. He has this move where he ties up their stick, and swivels around to block off the other guy in the faceoff while moving the puck back to the point.

So while he isn't lighting up the lamp, he is up there on the team with assists and no one on the team is as physical as he is. He reminds me a lot of Lindros in his play, and although I didn't have a clear view of his faceoff interference penalty, (I do the timeclock and music so I can't see the corners very well) I imagined it was Lindros-like.

So he has been whining for a new stick, I teased him with the "Get me some goals and I'll get you a stick" line. Long story short...(too late!) he got 4 goals and 4 assists in the 3 games this weekend. Then he told what stick he wanted. Bauer APX, *or* if I wouldn't spend that much, Easton EQ50. Does anyone have experience with either of those sticks?

Next time I will put a limit on my bribery, like "Get me some goals and I will buy you a new stick with a manufacturer suggested retail price of $150.00 or less!"