Created in 1960, synthetic ice makes for a warm and dry training environment. Made of a plastic material, synthetic ice provides high endurance and strength training for hockey players. Synthetic ice provides a unique training experience that greatly differs from that of a traditional ice rink. There are benefits as well as downfalls to training on synthetic ice.
What Is Synthetic Ice?
Synthetic ice creates a high-performance training facility for hockey players, as well as individuals who participate in ice sports. Synthetic ice is made of a plastic material. The plastic material eliminates the slush and ice buildup that occurs on regular ice. It is used in hockey training center, dry training rooms and municipal ice skating rinks around the globe, according to Hockey Farm.
Synthetic Ice History
Synthetic ice has been in existence since the 1960s, according to Chemical and Engineering News. Initially, synthetic ice was covered with a sticky silicone material. Silicone made for a dirty ice surface and sticky clothing. As a result, synthetic ice developed a bad reputation. Today, synthetic ice contains a plastic coating, which is not sticky.
Benefits of Synthetic Ice
Synthetic ice allows players to build leg muscles and practice their technique, according to the Hockey Farm in New Jersey. Synthetic ice requires more energy to be exerted to skate. After skating on synthetic ice, players should come back stronger and faster on regular ice. Aside from training benefits, synthetic ice is environmental friendly. Synthetic ice is recyclable and does not require Zamboni cleaning -- the large machine used to clean traditional ice rinks, which consumes a lot of energy. Synthetic ice rinks also cost less to operate.
Downfalls of Synthetic Ice
Synthetic ice will not destroy your blades. However, it will make hockey blades become duller more quickly. Many synthetic ice rinks will sharpen your skates for free. "Sports Illustrated" indicates that synthetic ice slows down players. A speed reduction can range anywhere from 5 percent to 10 percent. It may also slow a player's progression when it comes to puck handling and shooting.
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