HOCKEY VOCABULARY
Here are a few skate terms every player
should know:
Footbed:
Sometimes called the "sockliner," the footbed is a piece
of thin, compressed foam that helps fill in extra space in the bottom
of the hockey boot providing comfort and support.
Uppers: Commonly
used term that refers to the material used to construct the boot.
It's usually leather, vinyl or mocrofiber.
Eyelet Facings: The
piece of upper material into which the eyelets are inserted. The
facings run from the toe to the tendon guard.
Outsole: The boot
base onto which the blade holder is mounted.
Hollow: The grove
put onto the blades runner when your skates are sharpened. The deeper
the hollow, the more the skate will cut into the ice - reducing
speed, but increasing maneuverability.
Midsole: Refers to
the portion of the skate under the footbed. The midsole or insole
is in place to provide a base on which the boot is constructed.
Toe Cap: The molded
plastic piece which protects the toe against impact. The toe cap
can be either covered or uncovered by ballistic nylon.
MAINTAIN YOUR GAME
Skate Care and Maintenance
With a little effort, you can extend the
life of your hockey skates:
- Wipe off all excess moisture with a dry towel especially the
blade runners.
- Remove the footbeds of your skates after use to prevent corrosion.
- Sharpen blades after every four or five games.
- Frequently check blades for chips or rust.
- Check and tighten runner fasteners as needed.
- In off-season, coat the blade runners with petroleum jelly to
prevent rusting.
- After play, remove skates from hockey bag and store in a cool,
dry place.
- Check and replace worn laces as needed.
YOU BUY IT...YOU BREAK IT IN
By Neil Wensley
The process of buying and breaking
in hockey skates is a critical step to the start of your season.
When selecting the right pair of skates for you, follow these guidelines
in the store:
- Buy skates that match your playing experience - ask the salesperson
for help (the most expensive model may not be the best for you).
- Measure your foot - hockey skates are usually one and a half
sizes smaller than your shoe size.
- Try on several different models of skates - each has a unique
fit.
- Make sure the skates fit snugly and there is no heel slippage.
- Lace the skates firmly - as your would in a playing situation.
- Walk around and check for any painful pressure points.
- A little bit of discomfort at first is normal - your skates
will become more comfortable with time.
Once your descision is made, break-in your new skates as much as
possible before playing. Wear them around the house a few times
- remember to always use blade guards. Do not pour water into your
boots. This will permanently damage the skate.
Neil Wensly is the Skate Product Manager
for Easton Sports.
Guide
provided by American
Hockey Magazine, the official publication of
USA Hockey. USA Hockey
non-members interested in subscribing to the magazine may contact
TPG Sports at 1-800-597-5656. |
