Ice hockey players are athletes first and foremost; however, they also live in the world of physics with each game. Friction is the biggest enemy of movement, as the topmost layers of liquid on the ice refreeze, causing skating difficulty.
Skates
Wearing just any pair of ice skates for hockey is a big mistake. Skates designed to take the brunt of hockey play are ideal for controlling friction and improving player performance on the ice. Your individual level of play determines the type of skates you will need. The trick is to make your skates last longer while avoiding chipping and rusting of the blades. Frequent, hardcore hockey players find better success with a high-performance skate made of more durable materials and thicker metal. As your skates start to wear down, it is more difficult for you to glide over the ice.
Sharpened Blades
Hockey players are trained to care for their skates in between games. One such maintenance technique includes sharpening your blades to conform to your position on the team. The grinding stones used to sharpen hockey blades offer different benefits to each player, according to the No-Icing Sports website. The two main grinding methods are known as deep and shallow hollow grounds. Skates are sharpened to the same density, however, a hollow is made with the grinding tool at the front and back of the blade. Deeper hollows grip the ice and allow for sharper turns, increasing friction; however, the skater possesses little control over the skate. Shallower hollows do not grip the ice as well, while decreasing friction and provide for more control on the skater's part.
Performance Training
Training also makes a difference in the way friction affects the player. Players who apply more weight to their feet during a game tend to experience more friction and more difficult movements. Performance exercises are essential to training players how to distribute weight evenly and avoid turns or moves that may increase friction on the ice. Muscle strengthening and speed are the two main performance tools in hockey.
Technological Advances
Skate fit and proper care as well as training go a long way in friction reduction, while technology has introduced an alternative to friction problems in hockey. According to the National Hockey League, four unnamed hockey players were fit with heated skate blades in 2007, testing the effectiveness of the heat's ability to melt the top layers of ice to increase lubrication. These blades were equipped with a rechargeable battery that could last for up to two full games before needing a charge. As of 2010, heated blades were still being inspected for safety and durability by the NHL.
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