Grip ‘N Rip: Kevin Rice, Atlanta Blaze

What head and shaft are you using?

Right now I’m using a black Evo 4 with the new StringKing Metal shaft.  Really excited to get my hands on the new StringKing Mark 1 head however, which comes out in February.

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Do you string your own sticks? If not, who does?

I have no idea how to string sticks unfortunately.  All through college my roommate Brandon Mullins strung up my sticks.  Little ironic that a defenseman from Texas strings an attack man from New York’s sticks but that’s how it goes sometimes.  Lately I have had Trevor Wilkerson from StringKing work with my heads, he’s a guru.

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What kind of pocket are you using?

  •  Mesh: I use the new StringKing Type 3 mesh.  I’ve always used well worked in hard mesh before, but I’ve found the StringKing mesh holds a consistent pocket longer.
  • Pocket placement: I predominantly use a low pocket.  I don’t keep the top as tight as most attack men who use a low pocket do however.
  • Shooters: Three straight shooters across the top.  I got used to that style at Syracuse because of the college rule where your lowest string cannot be more than 4 inches below the plastic.
  • Whip: I would say I’m somewhere in the middle when it comes to whip.  My first instinct is to feed, so I need a pocket where I can snap my wrists and have the ball out quickly.  With that being said I like to have a little pull for shooting around GLE purposes because it allows me to keep the stick protected longer and keep it out of the goalie’s sightline for as long as possible.

How do you tape your sticks?

I’ve never really had a consistent tape job strategy.  During college Dylan Donahue convinced me to use the lattice type taping which I liked but don’t really have a knack for doing consistently.  The only part of taping I’m picky about is that I have to do it before pregame practice to work in the tape.

You had to adjust to the 2013 NCAA shooting string rule, how did you go about it? Was it a hassle?

In high school I had used two straight shooters and a U.  The transition to three straight shooters actually wasn’t too hard, as the mesh naturally formed that U channel which I was accustomed to.

Any superstitions or funny stories?

I try not to be very superstitious because I wouldn’t want to be thrown off if something small goes wrong or your routine changes a little.

What is something else we don’t know about your equipment? 

Is it cliche to say everything about StringKing?  The Metal shaft is the lightest one I’ve ever had, and as an attack man the lighter the better.  The mesh makes it easier to create the pocket you want and holds together better than any I’ve used before.  Most important are the people, they are extremely professional and are always looking for ways to improve their products and move the game in a positive direction.

You’re well known for your feeding and shooting ability, how are you able to get a pocket that does both equally well?

This question is probably better asked to Brandon Mullins.  I drove him crazy during school trying to get the perfect pocket that can make snap feeds and still have a little pull on a full windup delivery.  Ultimately the most important thing for me is to be able to feel the ball come off the top, without that I don’t feel like I have the necessary control to shoot/feed.

What is the best sandwich you’ve ever had?

Easily the Doctor from A la Mode in Syracuse.  Grilled chicken, turkey, provolone, hot sauce and ranch.  Wouldn’t advise eating it before practice however.

Lacrosse Playground

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