Less than a week after the official launch and Odd Man Rush is already receiving some love from WeLoveWP.com, a showcase of the best WordPress powered websites.

Given that this was the first time that I’ve ever built a site using WordPress I’m thriled to be listed among the elite of WP theme creators.

Edit: 23rd May 2008
It seems that there is even more love in the design community for OMR. Since writing this post the site has been listed on CSSMania, Most Inspired and WP Wordpress.

So you decided that you want to play ice hockey and you’ve located a rink that you can play at. The next thing you need to do is get some equipment. This weeks beginners guide to will explain what kit you need, where you can get it and answer some frequently asked questions.

The first and probably the most important piece of equipment in your kit bag should be your skates. Often people who are just beginning to play hockey purchase skates such as the CCM Vector 2.0 or the RBK 1K as they are much more affordable than top of the range skates such as the Nike Bauer Vapor XXXX or the CCM Vector 10.0.

We aren’t suggesting that you spend £400 on a flashy pair of top of the range skates, we do however recommend that you stay away from price point skates. While they may be ok for skating around the rink they do not provide the stability or strong ankle support needed for hockey. Their exterior also tends to be weaker and therefore won’t protect you from any pucks that may hit you.

We suggest you look at the middle of the range skates such as the RBK 5K when starting out as they provide you with adequate performance for hockey, but come without the large pricetag.

Time to blow my own trumpet here. Yesterday the 2nd Annual Northern Ireland Inline Hockey Association playoffs where held at the Multi Sports Arena in Bangor.

Having finished a poor third place in the league, the Northern Cyclones and I were determined not to end the season without picking up some silverware, if not for ourselves, for netminder (and heart and soul of the Cyclones) Brian Morrow who would be playing his final games before hanging up the skates for the final time.

Having defeated East Coast Blaze in the semi-finals, a game which I had to watch rather than play due to suspension, the Cyclones faced their bitter rivals the Belfast Bruins in the final. With both teams having beaten each other convincingly during the regular season, this was always going to be a nail biter and it certainly lived up to that description.

The game finished in a 1:1 stalemate and penalties would be required to crown this seasons playoff champions. Cyclones netminder Brian Morrow stole the show, shutting out the Bruins on 3 of their 4 penalties and with Dave Nicolai, Dorinda Foot and Steven Ewen all converting on their penalties, the playoff trophy was the Cyclones for the 2nd season in a row.