There is no arguing that ice hockey is the most beloved indoor sport among us Scots. Aside from watching the skates roll and the hockey sticks clatter, there is a fortune to be made from hockey for punters.

The best bookmakers on sites like liontips.com generously lavish us with odds when the top teams in the Scottish National League clash.

Talking about The Scottish National League, it is the dream of every Scottish hockey player to play on that grand stage. To get to that elite level, technique and work ethic are emphasized. But you also need your equipment right.

More specifically, you need to get the perfect ice hockey skate for your best performance. How do you make the best pick?

A wrong skate size is a common nuisance in ice hockey, contributing to a lackluster display by affected players. Especially for beginners, skates that do not fit can be nerve-wracking and dangerous.

This is why you should always source the right skate size during purchase. Normally, the manufacturers have their size grading formulas.

However, it is ideal to note that the right ice skate for you is 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than your regular shoe size. That is to say, if your regular shoe size is a size 10, then you should go for a skate of size 8.5 or 9.

Nevertheless, it is best to try out the skates at the point of purchase to be assured that it properly fits you.

As a professional ice hockey player, just any skate on the market wouldn’t cut it. This is because manufacturers produce these skates with play levels in mind.

Beginners and amateurs may not have to worry about play levels – but every professional should. This is because skates are crafted with specific technological features that aid smooth gameplay, especially in elite sporting tempos.

Therefore, if your ice hockey engagement is more than just recreational, buy a skate better optimized to your play level.

Just like the aforementioned, manufacturers also take into account the estimated time that the player should spend on the ice. This brings durability into play.

An ice hockey skate designed for beginners will wear out fast, and the blade will become blunt if it is frequently in use by seasoned professionals.

Therefore, whether you are a beginner or a professional, you should consider the time you spend on the ice periodically and go for those skates designed to last long with respect to your level.

The aesthetic appeal of sporting gear is not overlooked in the industry. This is because in every sport, particularly as a professional, you can use its gears to tune up your style or announce a brand if you represent one – ice hockey inclusive.

Ice hockey skates come in different colors and designs. In addition, you can also request customization features.

This customization can come in handy if you have a brand you own or represent or are trying to create awareness for a particular task. Simply get the one that suits your persona.

There is quite a distinction between the type of skates used by ice hockey goalies and those of the other players.

This is because the goalies are confined to a particular area and do not navigate much, while the opposite is true for other players.

Goalie skates are shorter for better range, have thicker and longer blades for side-to-side movement, and possess a cowling that wraps around the boot to block hard shots.

This is in contrast with those of regular out-field players that are better streamlined for fast-paced movements.

Therefore, consider your position in the game to avoid making the wrong purchase.

Periodically, ice hockey skates require maintenance and blade sharpening. Most outlets offer this service for a fee. This cuts across skate manufacturers and retail outlets.

That said, these maintenance fees are discounted for some manufacturers. It, therefore, makes sense, from an economic perspective, to go with a manufacturer that subsidizes maintenance.

Doing this can save you that extra cash useful for other procurements.

Besides, who will be better at adequately maintaining a product than those who made it themselves?

Just like other products, ice hockey skates come in different price points. Buying the most expensive skate does not mean you have the best unit.

Weigh up the options and choose based on preferences and necessary features with a budget in mind.

Blunt skates do not allow seamless navigation through the ice. Specifically, such blunt blades can also pose a danger to the individual. Once this is noticed, take the skates to the appropriate outlet to sharpen the blades.

Most professional hockey players prefer sharpening their skate blades after a couple of games. Nevertheless, if you notice constraints during movement, then it is the right time to get it sharpened.

No, there isn’t. But it is not ideal to soak the skates in water or machine-wash them. Instead, use a damp and neat cloth to wipe off stains and leave it under the sun to dry.

Log in to leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Please help us to keep on reporting the news as free to access. Make a small donation on Ko-fi if you can. We are really grateful to all our supporters

Sign up to receive all the latest news from The Edinburgh Reporter direct to your inbox.