Hey hockey parents!
Did you know that one of the biggest changes in hockey over the years has to do with skate sharpening? It’s something that might not be on your radar, but it can make a huge difference in your child’s game.
A Look Back: The 80s and Skate Sharpening
When I was a kid in the 80s, the standard skate sharpening was a half-inch cut. If you wanted a little less bite, you might go with 5/8”. That’s what I grew up on, and it’s still what many kids skate on today. My family even had our own sharpener—an old 1987 EZ Sharp that I still use! For years, I skated on a half-inch sharpening, and it felt like the best thing ever.
The Turning Point: Changing to 5/8”
When I was 16, something changed. During a game, I was on a rush, and a defender slid into me trying to block a pass. My skates didn’t slip, but instead, it bit into the ice, which led to a high ankle sprain. I realized I needed a sharpening that offered a little more give, so I switched to 5/8”. It still had plenty of bite, but it allowed for more play within the edge, and I loved it.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom: Enter the 1-Inch Cut
Years later, as a coach, I started questioning why we do things a certain way. I was lucky enough to work with some NHL players, and they told me they were skating on a 1-inch cut. At first, I thought they were crazy, but when I learned their skating coach was on a 1.5-inch cut, my mind was blown. I knew I had to try it.
So, I started slow. First, I switched to 3/4”, and then eventually to 1”. The difference was incredible! The 1-inch cut gave me more glide and less bite, which meant I stayed on top of the ice more and could hold more speed through turns. It even helped me discover my “flats”—a third edge where both the inside and outside edges of the blade touch the ice at the same time. This improved my overall skating, especially in moves like punch turns and stops.
What Does This Mean for Your Young Skater?
For most young players, especially mites, jumping straight to a 1-inch cut might be too much. I recommend starting with a 3/4” cut. It gives them enough edge to learn how to turn and stop without too much bite. As they get older and more skilled, you can consider moving them to a 1-inch cut, which can help with balance and speed.
The 1.5-Inch Experience: Advanced Skating
Personally, I’ve been skating on a 1.5-inch cut for the past four years. At first, it felt like I had skis on with no rudder, but after just 20 minutes, I was back to my normal self. The key to skating on a 1.5-inch cut is getting low and leaning hard through turns. If your child is ready to take their skating to the next level, this might be something to try.
Give It a Try!
If we never try something new, we’ll never know if it’s right for us. I encourage you to have your child try a different skate sharpening and see how it feels. Give it two weeks, and if it doesn’t work out, they can always go back to their old sharpening. But who knows? It might just be the change that takes their game to the next level.
And if you need help adjusting to a new cut, come see us for a lesson. We’re here to help your young hockey player reach their full potential.
Thanks for reading, and keep supporting your young hockey stars!
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