How to Treat Blisters from New Hockey Skates

As hockey parents encounter issues and ask questions, we provide answers to common concerns. What hockey player hasn't had a blister? Here is a reader question we recently received.



Question: Any great ideas on bad blisters from new skates?  We're using liquid bandage and tape, and wondered if there was another great product.

Answer: Funny you should ask that as I have a package of moleskin on my desk right now, ready to go out to the hockey bag. You can buy it in sheets (which my son cuts up and puts in a baggy) or precut. It's really more preventive, than a cure, however.

For blisters, the players tend to use those corn pads with a hole in the center. A parent on my older son's team, who is a pediatrician, does recommend the liquid bandage. (But as you probably know, it can burn!) Also, be sure the skates are tied tight so his or her feet aren't moving around a lot to start with.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Kelly Kordes Anton for answering this question.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Hockey Sticks

While a hockey stick might seem like a simple piece of equipment, there are many considerations when shopping for the right stick for your hockey player. Choosing an inappropriate size and type of stick might actually be detrimental to their game. Here are a few tips to consider.



Overview: Hockey sticks are available for right-handed or left-handed players in a wide variety of sizes, lengths, stick flex and curvatures. The length of the stick is cut down to match the height of the player. Curved stick blades and flexible shafts are for more advanced players. Beginning players should use a stick that fits their hands and has very little curvature to enable them to master both their forehand and backhand shots and passes. Cheaper sticks are just as functional as more expensive sticks and younger players aren’t strong enough to take advantage of more flexible shafts. Additionally, players need a different stick for off-ice practice since off-ice activity is very hard on equipment.

Stick Sizing: When sizing the stick to the player, don’t cut it too long and wait for them to grow into it. A proper length is essential for optimal stickhandling. To measure the stick correctly, place it on the ground in front of a barefooted player. Put the stick on its toe and measure to the player’s nose. Mark the stick at nose level and cut off any excess.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Sports Esteem for this article.

Questions to Ask When Selecting Hockey Pants

When looking at which hockey pants to buy you will want to ask yourself a couple questions. First, analyze your playing style. What level of play are you competing in: a beginner, a travel player or higher, or are you an old timer? Second are you more concerned with protection, mobility or a happy medium? The answers to these questions will dictate the type of ice pant you need. Hockey pants come in various designs with many different features.



Mobility - If mobility is your major factor in buying ice pants then you will have to give some on the protection side. The more padding and features that are added to the pant the less mobile it can become. Generally the least expensive pants will offer the most interior room and the greatest mobility. Top level pant designs are allowing for more mobility then in previous years, however, they will still carry more bulk than the least expensive pants.

Padding - The pads which you want to focus on when looking at ice pants are the thighs, tailbone, kidneys and spine. The thigh pads should be preformed so they fit around the thigh and not stick out which can restrict your movement. The tailbone should have a preformed PE insert to protect you from nasty falls. The kidney pads should be preformed also so they wrap around your waist to keep the pant close. The spinal protection will protect you from crosschecks and awkward collisions with the boards.

Features - Additional features that you will want to look for are; a padded belt, a double belt system, zippers on the inner thigh, and segmented thigh pads. The belt is an important factor in the fit and comfort of the pant. Some ice pants come with a double belt system which holds the pant in place better. You will also want to look at getting a pant with a padded belt. The area where the belt wraps does not have much padding so adding some padding around that same area will give you some added protection. The zippers allow you to put your skates on first then your pants. Segmented thigh pads allow for a wider range of motion and less restriction.

Liner - The most important factor with the liner in an ice pant is the type of material. There is no protection factor in the liner so you want one that offers comfort. Higher end ice pants will offer a more durable better feeling material. Some manufactures also use a silicon grip print to lock the pant in place and help stop it from twisting. Antimicrobial liners are becoming more widely used. These liners are treated to stop the growth of bacteria which cause that awful smell and cause skin irritations.

How to Properly Maintain Hockey Equipment

Hockey equipment can be a big financial investment. Keeping this investment in the best possible condition can be difficult, especially considering they are being utilized by children.  Here are some great tips to keep your child’s hockey gear in top working order and extend the time that it is able to be used.



Young players often outgrow their equipment long before it wears out. However, proper care of the equipment helps make sure that it continues to provide safety in case of an accident and doesn’t interfere with making plays. The most common complaint with hockey equipment is that it can smell bad after usage. Just like clothes left in the washing machine, wet hockey equipment starts to mildew and smell. The easiest fix for this is simply to air the equipment out after every game and let it dry properly. When putting on each piece of equipment, players and parents should inspect it to make sure that:

• The equipment still fits


• There are no loose screws on the helmet


• There are no cracks


• There is no rust on rivets


• All clasps are working


• Velcro is still holding well


• All pads are intact and laced as needed.

Some equipment, like helmets and hockey pants can be adjusted to compensate for growth. Other pieces must be replaced. A basic repair kit kept in the hockey bag can help solve problems when they are most likely to occur — two minutes before game time. Handy items to have are:

• Extra Laces


• Helmet Screws


• Screwdriver


• Scissors


• Tape


• Towel


• Practice Puck

Skate Sharpening
In order for the skates to grip (cut into) the ice properly especially while turning, they should be properly sharpened. Skate blades have edges that cut into the ice and help a skater stay upright while turning. If the edges are nicked, a skater has difficulty making turns and going full speed.

Skate Blade
The amount of blade sharpness and hollow are often a matter of skater preference. Sharper blades have a deeper groove in the blade that helps with pushing off, stopping, changing direction, pivoting and turning. However, if a blade is too sharp, a player can have problems gliding and stopping as the overly sharp blade tries to grab the ice. Sharper blades are more dangerous and may also be damaged more easily.

Examining Skates
To see if a skate needs sharpening, hold it sideways up to the light so that only one edge is between the light source and your eye. Look for any nicks along the blade.  Flip the skate and over and examine the other edge in the same way. Then, look  lengthwise down the blade to make sure the edges are level. If you have trouble, place a dime on the edges of the blade and make sure it lies flat. If there are no nicks and the edges are level, then the blade does not need sharpening.

Key Points for Parents

• Don’t let you child skate with the wrong sized equipment; make sure that it continues to fit properly.


• Replace any problem equipment immediately.


• Make sure skates are always sharp.


• Use skate guards to protect the blade and guard against injuries;

Key Points for Players

• Always wipe down your skates after use and air out your hockey gear.

Hockey Equipment 101– More Than a Pair of Skates

For those just starting out in a youth hockey program, the endless supply of equipment needs might seem overwhelming. However, even seasoned players can become confused about the essential and non-essential equipment. Here is a break down from HockeyX.com of the must-have equipment to include on your shopping list. Use this handy checklist the next time you hit your local sporting goods store.



The biggest issue we encounter with new players or parents is the task of purchasing the right equipment. There are many different pieces and we now that it can feel overwhelming. For this reason we have designed this checklist to make it easy, fun and informative. There are many misconceptions about what is needed and not needed. This checklist will help you ensure that you or your child is adequately protected for the greatest game on earth. The two most important pieces of equipment is your helmet and skates. We always suggest that if you are going to spend an extra few dollars spend it in these areas.

Helmets

If you play in an organized league you will be required to have a HECC and CSA approved helmet. These certification standards mean that the helmet has been tested and meets the minimum standards. We only carry approved helmets because we believe that no matter what age you are, your head is the most important part of your body. All players under the age of 18 are required to wear a cage or full shield. We have a hard time understanding why anyone would stop using a cage or full shield once they are no longer required too. We suggest using a half shield at the least, to protect your eyes, at any age.

Skates

Skates are the second most important piece of equipment. The biggest mistake we see is parents trying to buy a skate that is two sizes to big so their child can grow into them. Unfortunately this will hinder their skating ability and put them at a disadvantage.

Shin Pads

Shin pads are designed to protect the knee and shin from collisions, sticks and pucks. You can wear shin pads two different ways; a slightly longer shin pad that cover the outside of the top of the skate or slightly shorter that slide in behind the tongue. There is no right or wrong way; it is all at the preference of the player.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pads protect you in two ways. The fist is to protect your elbow from hard falls and impacts with the boards and other players. The second is to protect your forearms from sticks and pucks.

Shoulder Pads

Many people do not like shoulder pads as they used to be bulky and restrict movement. That is changing with some innovative designs. Shoulder pads are required for ice hockey except for adult non checking leagues. They are not required for roller hockey. Shoulder pads protect more than just your shoulders. Traditional shoulder pads will offer full body protection from your shoulders, to chest to the top of your arms. Newer styles are more like a shirt that fits snug and protects the chest and stomach only. These are designed for roller hockey.

Gloves

Gloves protect your hands, fingers and wrists. Some gloves will fit tighter to the hand and others will fit fairly loose. Again, this is a personal choice.

Ice Hockey Pants

Ice hockey pants protect your thighs, hips and tailbone. More expensive pants will protect your lower back and kidneys also. Pants should fit comfortable around the waist and come down to the top of your shin pads.

Ice Hockey Socks

Socks are part of the uniform and cover the players shin guards. They are held in place with a garter belt or a jock short that have Velcro tabs for the socks to hook to.

Sticks, Shafts and Blades

Sticks range from an inexpensive wood stick to get started, to technological pieces of wonder. The options are more than plentiful. You can get a wood stick, composite stick or a composite shaft with a blade.

Jocks

There are 2 different styles of jocks. The first is the old school jock strap with cup. The second is a loose or compression short with a cup built in with Velcro tabs on the thighs to hold up ice socks if needed.

Mouth Pieces

Mouth pieces are becoming required in more leagues for players under 18. There are many different designs. Some styles are designed to protect from players from concussions or for players who wear braces to being gel moldable for the best in comfort.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to HockeyX.com for this informative article.

How to Tape Your Hockey Stick

A player’s stick is often his most personal piece of equipment. Adding tape to your stick makes it uniquely yours. Taping a stick should be done with cloth hockey tape.



Taping a stick can help:

• Control the puck while stick handling


• Keep hands from slipping off the end of the stick


• Provide a better grip when shooting, stick handling, stick checking or picking the stick up off the ice.

The blade is taped to help cushion the puck and keep it on the blade while carrying the puck down the ice. Some players prefer white tape on the blade to help them see the puck better. Other players prefer black tape to try to hide the puck from their opponents. Players should stay with either white or black tape for their blade.

The handle is taped to provide a better grip and a knob is created that keeps the hand from slipping off the end of the shaft. It also makes it easier to pick up the stick when dropped on the ice. The use of color here is strictly a personal preference. Some players like to tape down the shaft where they place their lower hand. Tape on the middle of the shaft can interfere with sliding the down hand up and down and should be used only if gripping is a problem.

Key Points:

• Pick colors that you like or mix them to make it more personal. If your stick is in a big pile of sticks, your taping choice can help you quickly identify your stick.


• Take care of your stick and it will take care of you.

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Sports Esteem for the above article.

How to Choose the Right Hockey Stick Blade

There are many factors that go into choosing a blade that is right for you. Besides the material, construction, and weight there are plenty more factors to consider. The curve type, depth, loft, lie, and toe shape will drastically change the manner in which the puck reacts when shot, passed, or tipped.



Material

Blades come in either wood, carbon fiber or a combination of both. Wood blades will offer the most feel and responsiveness however it does not perform like carbon and is heavier. A carbon blade will offer the highest performance and lightest weight but will suffer in feel. However, advancements in the core and carbon thicknesses are closing the gap. A blade that is a combination of both tries to marry the best aspects of each.

What the Pros Use

Majority of pros use one of two patterns. The most widely used is a slight to medium heel curve that is open and has a round toe. This offers a large flat surface which creates a big sweet spot for off center shots, big slap shots, deflections and one-timers since you have a better chance at getting more “wood on it”. The open toe allows them to get the puck up quick from the slot to pick the top corners and aids in chipping the puck up quickly in scrambles in front of the net. The second pattern is a medium mid cure that is open with a round toe. This helps to sling the puck for added velocity on wrist shots and snap shots. The mid curve is better for stickhandling and dangling around defensemen.

Curve Type

The curve is the first blade aspect you will want to decide on. Blades curve in three spots; Heel, Middle and Toe.

Heel Curve – Heel curves are most popular with players who take mostly slap shots, one-timers and like to sit in front of the net and deflect pucks. Since the blade curves at the heel it creates a large flat surface which creates a big sweet spot for off center shots. Defensemen will reap the benefits when they are being pressured at the point and need to get the puck on net. It will also help in one-timers since you have a better chance at getting more “wood on it”. A heel curve is not the optimum curve for stickhandling.

Toe Curve – If your goal is to pull off the sickest moves possible, the toe curve is for you. With the blade curving at the toe you are able to cup the puck more for exception control. The toe curve is also great for quick shots as it pulls the puck to the center of the blade. The toe curve offers exception control to pull off sick moves. This is the toughest blade to use. Your backhand will suffer and it is not great for slap shots and one-timers.

Mid Curve – This curve starts in the middle of the blade and makes a nice smooth pattern. A mid curve is the all around do everything pattern. It is great for puck control, backhands, shooting and passing. Since it does everything well it does not do any task great. For instance the heel curve will be better for slap shots and one-timers and the toe curve offers exception control to pull off sick moves. The mid curve is the most popular of all curves and it is the best starting point for beginners.

Curve Depth

The depth of the curve is the next aspect to consider. There are generally three different depths; Slight, Moderate and Deep.

Slight – A slight curve depth gives you an advantage with slap shots, one-timers, deflections and backhand shots due to its large flat surface. The disadvantages of a slight curve are that it is hard to raise the puck and harder to control the puck as it really does not cup the puck at all.

Deep – If you’re desire is to pull off ankle breaking moves then you may want to try a deep curve since it cups the puck for increased control. The deep curve will also help you hit the top shelf from close quarters. Since the curve is deep it makes it much harder for backhand shots, slap shots, one-timers and deflections. The deep curve is not a good beginner’s pattern.

Moderate – The moderate curve depth is the most popular. It will help with puck control, raising the puck on slap shots, backhand shots, one-timers and deflections. It may affect backhands some but not the extent of a deep curve.

Loft

Loft is the angle of the blade from bottom to top. There are generally three different angles; Closed, Slightly Open, and Open.

Closed – A closed face will give you more control of your shot and it will be easier to keep it low on longer shots. A closed face will also aid in stickhandling and backhand shots.

Slightly Open – This face angle aids in getting the puck in the air. It is the most widely used face angle of the three. It will help with slap shots, deflections and saucer passes.

Open – If you need some help getting some air under the puck, you may want to try a blade that has an open face. An open face sill also help chip the puck up quickly in scrambles in front of the net.

Lie

The lie is the angle which the blade comes off the ice and up the stick. When your lie is incorrect your shooting will suffer. In order to maximize power you need the complete blade on the ice so you can achieve maximum energy transfer. You want to find the lie that suits your playing style. Lie angles are broken into three categories; High, Mid, and Low.

High Lie – A higher lie allows you to maneuver and keep the puck in tight and close to your body. This lie will put you in perfect position for to use your leverage for quick hard shots. Check your stick; if there is more wear on the toe then you need to go to a higher lie to get the heel down.

Mid Lie – Allows you to still keep the puck close yet still maintain control of passes and shots at a longer reach. A medium lie is versatile for all shots and will also allow you a full range control for stickhandling and passing.

Low Lie – A Lower lie gives you maximum control with longer sticks and lengthens your reach. Will open up more room for large passing lanes and is the optimum angle for slap shots. Check you stick; if there is more wear on the heel then you will need a lower lie to get the toe down.

Toe Shape

The last factor to consider is what type of toe you want on your blade. The toe shape is the least important of all the aspects. The higher level you play than the more it will matter to your game. There are two basic toe shapes; Round and Square.

Round – A round toe will aid in pulling off some more advanced moves and allow for greater puck control.

Square – A square toe has a bigger surface area so it make it easier in receiving passes, taking one-timers and collecting the puck off the boards.

If you have any other questions about blades please contact HockeyX.com by phone (877-837-4427) or email (service@hockeyx.com). We love to sit around and talk hockey with our customers!

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to HockeyX.com for the above article.

Q&A: Wearing Glasses with a Hockey Helmet

Cristina asked: “My son wears glasses but when it comes to hockey he has to take them off. His glasses shift or move when he is wearing his helmet. Sports glasses are too bulky and the helmet gets too tight. I am concerned about buying a bigger helmet size because of safety. Not to mention that the glasses gets foggy after a few minutes on the ice. Do you have suggestions? He is only 7 years old and can’t wear contacts.”

Answer:  “This is not an uncommon problem.  I wear glasses myself, but am able to wear contacts so I do not have a problem.  You definitely do not want to wear a bigger helmet; there is too much risk if the helmet is too big.

I have seen some kids that have glasses with a strap similar to swimming goggles to hold them in place without any extra bulk.  I have seen others wear smaller and thinner wire frame glasses that fit.  The only other option is to go to a shop and try a couple different helmets on and see if one model fits better than another with his glasses on.  There is a very good anti-fog product that we carry called Fog Zero, it is used for snowmobiling and snow skiing as well and it works very good.”

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to Kevin from HockeyX.com for answering this question. HockeyX.com specializes in providing hockey families with the best service and prices to meet your hockey equipment needs. For more, please visit HockeyX.com.

If you have a question, we would love to help. Please email us and we will do our best to answer your question.

Do This Before Buying Sports Equipment

When shopping for sports equipment, keep in mind that most retailers offer discounts. Don’t make a significant purchase before checking to see if a discount or special offer is available for the equipment you want to buy.

To check for available discounts, all you need to do is execute a search on Google, Yahoo!, or other major search engines. In the search box, simply put the retailer’s name and the word “Coupon” in parenthesis.

You can also replace the word “coupon” with “discount code” to find additional discounts. For most retailers, you can usually get at least 10 percent off or free shipping with your order.

RetailMeNot.com is a helpful website that offers over 25,000 discount codes for online stores. Simply go to the site and enter the URL of the store from which you are purchasing equipment (the site also offers codes for many other online stores). You will see a listing of promotional codes with their success rating. Start with the codes that have the highest success rating and work your way down.

Doing a quick online check for discounts and coupons is a simple step that will take you only a few minutes but can end up saving you quite a bit of money.

Protect Your Player – Choose the Right Hockey Helmet

The hockey helmet is the single most important piece of equipment that you can put on your child. The most critical factor of the helmet is fit. Check to see if your child’s helmet is adjusted correctly by placing the helmet on the child’s head and have the child shake his or her head from side to side. If the child’s head moves more than the helmet does, then the helmet is not tight enough. It has to fit snugly and not move around on the child’s head.

Also make sure the helmet is approved. Every approved helmet will have a CSA and HECC label on the back. These labels signify that the helmet meets the minimal certification standards. The higher-end helmets can exceed these minimal standards by as much as 50%. Experts in outfitting youth hockey players suggest getting the most protective helmet you can.

Foam Type

There are various densities in the interior foam used in helmets, resulting in different levels of protection. The more advanced helmets combine various foams to offer the maximum protection and comfort. The most common foam types are explained in more detail below.

Single Density – Single-density foam is most widely used in lower-end helmets. This type of foam is softer foam that is comfortable and fairly light. The single density foam will offer the least protection. Equipment experts recommend this type of foam only for young beginners, as collisions or falls with this group do not result in high impacts.

Dual Density – Dual-density foams are a combination of softer single density foam joined together with harder, lighter, and more protective closed-cell foam. The softer foam will be closest to your head to keep the comfort level high, and the harder foam is on the outside between the inside of the shell and the softer foam. Dual-density foams come in various protection levels depending on the amount of each foam that is used. Dual-density foam is the most widely used foam type, as it offers the best combination of protection and weight at the best price.

EPP Foam – EPP foam is the most protective of all foams. It is also called concussion foam, as it is the best at preventing concussions. This foam is designed to absorb and spread the impact throughout the foam to keep the head from taking the shock. Once the foam experiences a huge shock it should not be used again as it loses its protective abilities. EPP is designed to protect your head from one big impact. EPP is used extensively in other applications such as bicycling helmets, race-car helmets, and downhill skiing helmets, to name a few. EPP is becoming more widely used, and as a result this is bringing the price down. EPP foams are very protective and light. This foam offers the highest protection of the three types of foam. Helmets that offer EPP will have memory pads placed throughout the helmet for comfort.

Shell

Factors in shell design include vents, adjustments, and fit. Studies have lead designers to produce shells that help vent the interior of the helmet. The vents are designed to force air through the helmet while you are skating to keep your head cool to help with fatigue and overheating. Helmets that can be adjusted in various ways will help you secure the best fit. The adjustment options that are available vary from helmet to helmet. The three most common adjustments are the length from front to back, side adjustments to keep the helmet tighter, and an adjustment on the back of the helmet to secure it to the occipital bone to keep it from sliding up and forward. Some helmets will also feature toolless adjustments. These make it very easy to get a perfect fit.

« Previous Page — Next Page »