AboutMartial Expertise I have been playing amateur hockey for 45 years... from Youth hockey up to Jr. "B", and now still play in adult leagues. I have coached youth hockey for 10+ years and have been an "active student" of all aspects of learning, playing and coaching hockey for past 8 years. I offer not only some X`s & O`s about hockey but also some experience in practical, philosophical, spiritual and motivational aspects of playing and learning the game. My son is now 23 - and playing in College. He went through all the hurdles to get to Juniors and play there for 3 years. I am happy to share our experience during that journey.
Experience Now in my 45th year involved with this awesome ever evolving sport! I am USA Hockey Certified as Intermediate Level Coach.
I have a BA degree in Psychology with minor in business (Brock University), as well as a LLB (law degree) from Ottawa University.
I have owned and run my family business for 20+ years now. I have co-parented 3 great kids!
I received new hockey skates. How do I break them in? Do they need to be sharpened or are they ok right out of the box? Any other tips I should know about? I haven't really skated for a few years but I'm sure it will come back quickly.
Michael
Answer Hi Michael...
Welcome back to ice hockey... New skates can sometimes be a challenge -- depending on the ones you bought!!
Notwithstanding -- a good way I like breaking them in is putting them on and off lotsa times! The tigthening and loosening of the laces really softens the top part of the boot. Make sure you loosen them fully - even removing laces from top 2-3 eyelets and pulling the tongue out ... this is a good habit to form to get your skates to dry properly too!
For the ankle part - I like going up and down stairs with them on --- flexing the ankle and the knee as much as possible in the process. It's not only good for the skates but a great toner for the legs... (Of course use skate guards and be careful!! Wouldn't want you slipping and falling down a bunch of them... at least not without your gear eh??!!!)
Most skates are not presharpened! Unless you bought them at a sports store and specifically asked or were told they were sharp - then you'd be best to get them done. It usually takes a good 4-5 sharpenings to get some rocker going on the blade anyway ... unless you get a custom radius done. So it wouldn't hurt getting them done again, even if they did have a good edge.
Skating IS like riding a bike --- indeed it will come back to you --- but remember - keep those knees and ankles bent -- that'll not only save your back - but give you more balance and stability!
Hope this helps! if you have any other questions please feel free to ask away!
