Synthetic ice rinks offer warm, dry skating for hockey players during practices and games. Rather than rely on refrigeration equipment to keep the ice frozen, these rinks utilize high-density plastic panels that allow skaters to practice in any type of weather. Synthetic skating rinks offer a great deal of potential for ice hockey training, and may make ice hockey accessible to a wider audience.
History
Synthetic hockey rinks date back to the 1890s, when skaters would practice on wax-coated cardboard sheets, according to "Sports Illustrated." By the 1970s, players had turned to vinyl floor sheets designed to transform any surface into a hockey rink. By the 1980s, manufacturers developed rinks out of very hard, dense plastic materials that were able to mimic the feel of real ice. In 1985, the world's first full-sized hockey rink using only synthetic ice opened in New York. Today, these rinks can be found all over the world, particularly in Europe.
Features
Ice hockey players skate on synthetic rinks at schools and recreation centers. These rinks may be indoors or out, as the surface resists UV-rays, moisture and other elements. Some players skate on backyard or even indoor rinks as well to train for games or build skills.
Smaller synthetic rinks allow beginner players to learn basic stickhandling and skating skills, or may serve as a warmup spot before games and practice. Full-size plastic rinks serve as a location for games and practice for recreational and competitive players.
Benefits
Synthetic rinks offer players a comfortable skating experience that builds leg muscle and allows the skater to perfect their technique. Because these rinks require no refrigeration, they cost less to operate and maintain, which allows hockey players to train more affordably. Plastic rinks also provide an eco-friendly alternative to ice, and contribute fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Drawbacks
While some skaters claim that playing hockey on a plastic rink feels just like ice, others argue that it's an inferior experience. On most types of synthetic ice, stroking, shooting and puck control posses a different feel than they do on real ice. "Sports Illustrated" also suggests that plastic results in a 5 percent to 10 percent reduction in speed compared with ice. While this helps players build leg strength and stamina during training, it may slow skill progression in terms of getting a feel for shooting and aiming the puck.
Expert Insight
In a 2010 study published by the National Institutes of Health, Montreal researchers found little difference between playing hockey on ice and playing on plastic. Players experienced few kinetic differences in player movement and motion, but researchers did note one small difference. Those playing on synthetic ice utilized more knee bend, presumably to generate sufficient speed on the slower surface.
Considerations
Synthetic treadmills represent the most cutting-edge advancement in ice hockey training. These devices rely on large sheets of high-density plastic to help skaters build muscle memory, increase speed and build strength. Players often wear a harness as part of treadmill training, and may skate on a flat or inclined surface to build endurance. Everyone from beginner to Olympic players can benefit from this type of training.
References
- Pub Med: Nationals Institutes of Health: Comparison of Skating Kinetics and Kinematics on Ice and a Synthetic Surface
- Chemical & Engineering News: American Chemical Society: Synthetic Ice Rinks, Historic Hot Cocoa
- Sports Illustrated: Although Some Hockey Players Like Plastic Ice, It Leaves Others Cold
- Newburyport Daily News: Endless Ice New Treadmill Means Countless Possibilities
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