Valken Hockey would like to welcome the newest team to our family, the Valken Patriots! A 16-U team out of Livonia Michican, the Patriots was undefeated at their latest NARCH qualifier, and will be busy playing in tournaments nearly every weekend from now throughout the end of summer. The players have not only impressed everyone in the arena with their playing skills, but also for introducing the Livonia area to the Valken name. They certainly are an impressive sight, with their red, white and blue uniforms. They even bought blue laces for their skates to match their Valken pants and bags! The guys have this to say about their new sponsor: “Thanks so much for making such an awesome product!” And “These pants are sweet and the bags are awesome and this logo is just way too cool!” With that kind of enthusiasm carrying onto the rink, it’s no wonder they’ve been beating pretty much every team they face! Stay tuned to Valkenhockey.com for more news about the Valken Patriots!

Valken Venom ATL 94 recently played in the TORHS Regional Tournament in Georgia. In front of a packed arena, they defeated the Sabres from Newport Richey Florida 6-4, with the winning goal coming from Patrick MacDonald. Valken Venom also racked up the awards, with the MVP award going to Corbin Jensen, who was also the leading scorer for the pee wee division. The goalie, Colin Langham won the MVG award. (Most Valuable Goalie.) Stay tuned to Valken Hockey.com to see more Valken Venom news as they take on the 2hot4ice regional in Atlanta,(in their new jerseys!) April 17-19.

The Valken Kodiak teams were very successful over the TORHS tournament weekend in Lakewood, Colorado. They won every division that they played in! Here’s how the day played out:

U8 Division Champions: Valken Colorado Kodiaks
U10 AAA Division Champions: Valken Colorado Kodiaks
U12 AAA Division Champions: Valken Colorado Kodiaks
U12 AAA Division Runner-up: Valken Colorado Kodiaks Black
U14 AAA Division Champions: Valken Colorado Kodiaks

In the U14 AAA Division finals, the Valken Kodiaks defeated the OD’s Dare Devils 3-1. In front of their home state crowd, Jake Townsend scored a hat-trick and was awarded the MVP.

Here is the link to the scores page for the tournament: www.torhs.com/broomall_stlouis_colorado/scores_3.html

A review from Goalie Store.com:
I just got my hands on a set of Valken V-Max gloves. Here is my review of them:

The glove:
When I first saw this catcher, I thought “oh great, another low-level mission-like catcher”. I’m glad I gave them a chance. The V-Max catcher costs $150 and I think it’s the best $150 catcher on the market! I was looking for a pro catcher when I stumbled upon Valken Hockey. I’ve heard good things about their inline pants, but how’s their goalie equipment? First thing you notice is that the catcher has pro specs. It’s as large as an RBK P2 pro, RBK X-Pulse pro, Vaughn 5500, I-Tech 12.8, ect. I measured it, and its NHL and IIHF legal. For the most part, the glove comes broken in. The glove has nice leather-work, not the fake leather that you see on low-end equipment. The glove has two adjustable straps for proper fitting. It’s not the lightest glove I’ve used, but its size and protection makes it great for goalies that play angles. On the rink, it eats up the puck; that’s because of the catcher’s deep pocket. No pop-outs! For protection, the catcher has a thicker than normal palm. For its features, I would expect paying $250+ for this catcher. Overall, this is the best glove on the market for its price. This catcher is legit!

The Blocker:
The V-Max blocker is just solid. Like the catcher, it’s NHL and IIHF legal. Nice pads in-front of the fingers, solid thumb protection, and a nice palm. Just like the catcher, the blocker has nice leather-work. As for it’s weight, not the lightest but not the heaviest blocker I’ve ever used. There also is a wrist strap on there too. Overall, I have no complaints. This is a solid blocker for $120.

I play against players that play college, juniors, and pro, and I have no fears wearing these gloves. Valken does make leg pads as well. I got to see them (and they look solid), but I haven’t had a chance to wear them in a game. Bottom line, Valken isn’t just low-end, cool looking, inline equipment. Valken goalie equipment is legit. I was blown away the first time out on the ice.