I just returned from Healthsouth Training Center in El Segundo, Ca (the place where The Kings practice). I actually went to the skate shop there to pick up a few things. What a great place it is!!! Clean and the upper levels are all heated…They even serve beer which struck me as odd for a training center

I’ll be playing in a tournament there pretty soon and it was nice to go down and get a look at the place. I am impressed. Seeing the little guys on the ice today made me start itching to get on the ice. I can wait until tomorrow’s game though.

I originally went there to purchase new shoulder padding. I was looking for some that had more protection for the rib area but I didn’t seem to see ANY that protect RIBS. Seeing as I’ve injured 2 of mine since I started playing hockey in this last year, I thought it was time I looked for something to help.

I didn’t buy any new shoulder padding but I DID get a shirt with rib protecting material that slides in and out of the shirt. I tried it on and it looks a little silly BUT…I’m pretty sure this is going to be the LAST of rib pain for me. I’m just surprised that they don’t seem to make shoulder padding with more rib protection.

I’m not sure how many of you have ever have any sort of rib injury, but let me tell you…It’s quite painful and unlike any other sort of pain I’ve felt before(it’s strange to say “ouch” after a sneeze or cough, not to mention taking a deep breath in). Also it seems to take FOREVER to heal! In any case, by buying this protector…This should be my very last gripe about ribs…Other than how gross it is to watch people eat.