When someone thinks about caring ice skates, the process is not at all time consuming. In fact this whole process requires a lot of concentration and attention. If someone gives a little proper care to their ice skates, they can last for a longer period of time. If you just by chance miss your maintenance program, then so called expensive pair of ice skates can actually get ruined within a period of seven to fourteen days itself.

When off the ice but still wearing skates, always and without fail wear plastic or rubber skate guards over ice skate blades. Skate guards protect the blades from hard surfaces and grit that can very quickly ruin a well-sharpened blade. Keep skate guards at the edge of the ice and place them on your skate blades even if you only plan to be off the ice for a few steps.

It is very important to note that when you are not wearing skates, it is advised that one should never leave the skate guard on the blades. One must understand that the guards are used only for walking purpose and left only for a small period of time. They have the capability that they trap moisture when the skates are near the ice.

Since they get consistently exposed to moisture when people use them for skating, it is very important they are maintained carefully and even proper maintenance is taken too. When the skate blade starts rusting, they further move into a territory where they can’t be repaired. Prevention is the only way through which you can save your skates.

Experts are of the opinion that these Skate blades are dried after they have been used. If they are dried manually, after skating, they can surely achieve the results. The best way of saving your skates is that you make use of very absorbent golf size cloth towels. These towels have the capability that they wipe down all the moisture from the metal plate, from the blades, and possibly even from the boot. It is very vital that the special particular attention is paid to the metal parts of the skate. One should never think that they can leave the skates for later wipedown, it is next to impossible to later clean.

When it becomes visible that there is no presence of moisture on the skates, then one can possibly cover the blades with the help of blade cover made out of fabric. It is advised that one should always avoid using plastic or even rubber guards for storage purpose. These materials are not at all successful in removing the moisture from the skates and in fact trap further moisture from atmosphere. This way, your skates will rust pre maturely. When you prefer to buy quality skate cover, they have an absorbent lining that absorbs almost all moisture and also takes away moisture from the blades as well. They will also provide cushions to the skates when you carry them in the skate bag.

When you are not using ice skates or when at home, make sure that they are not stored in travel bag. It is advised that they remain in the best state when they are removed from bag. It is also better that you loosen the laces and pull the tounge out so that the drying process takes place quickly. One can also lay the skates in a dry towel so that the drying takes place uninterrupted. It is best when they are air dried in a place where there is immense sun light. But, it is very important to know that they are as far as from the heat sources.

With the popularity of hockey growing around the world and even reaching into some non-traditional hockey regions, many parents with little or no experience with the game are finding themselves in a position where their kids want to play hockey but they don’t really know where to begin as far as outfitting their kids with equipment. Compared to many other sports, hockey requires an extensive amount of equipment, and it can be a little confusing to a newcomer. It can also be very expensive and if you don’t know what you are doing you can wind up spending a lot of money unnecessarily. So I’m going to give you a brief overview of the pieces of equipment that you must have, as well as some useful tips for getting the most for your money. I’ve played hockey for over 30 years, worked in hockey stores and am now at the point where my kids are starting to play so I’m speaking from experience.

The Necessary Equipment

Skates: Skates are going to be the most expensive and most important item and the one place you don’t want to skimp and buy low quality. There is a huge difference between quality levels of skates when it comes to comfort, performance and durability. If your child has bad skates that hurt the feet or provide poor support, their ability to play and enjoy the game will greatly suffer. My advice is to put money into good skates and try to save elsewhere. Also, skate sizes do not work the same as shoe sizes so be sure to buy them from someone who knows how to properly fit them.

Shinpads: Cover from just above the skate to above the knee.

Socks: These are long socks that cover the shinpads and are sometimes provided by the team or hockey association. They are held up with a garter belt which you will also need to purchase.

Pants: These are like big padded shorts that should cover to just above the knees.

Cup: Pretty self explanatory and important if you also want grandchildren who play hockey.

Shoulder Pads: These protect the shoulders, upper arms, chest and upper back.

Elbow Pads: Cover the arms from below the shoulder pads to the top of the gloves.

Helmet with Facemask: Facemasks can be either a metal cage or a plastic visor.

Stick: Sticks have traditionally been made of wood and fiberglass but are now available in graphite which are lighter and considerably more expensive. You’ll also need stick tape to wrap the blade with.

Jersey/Sweater: Practice and game sweaters often provided by the team.

Some youth hockey associations require neck guards and mouth/tooth guards. Be sure to check with your local association for their specific guidelines.

Money Saving Tips

Buy Used. Whenever possible, used equipment is the way to go. There are plenty of stores that take trade-ins and sell used equipment. Especially with young kids, the equipment is usually in great shape as it has been outgrown before it is worn out. You also avoid having to “break in” the stiff new equipment. You will not be sacrificing any quality and will save lots of money.

Wood Sticks. Especially for kids, there is no need to spend $150 on a graphite stick. With their skill level and physical strength there is not going to be any difference in performance level or durability. In fact, the graphite stick will quite likely break sooner. I know graphite sticks are the cool thing to have and your child will probably insist on having one but, if at all possible, stick to the $30 wood version.

Adjustable helmets. Most helmets come in adjustable sizes. Try to buy one that fits your child at the smallest setting, allowing for maximum growing room.

No top end models. Similar to cars, most equipment brands will have a range of models. No need to buy the top end with all the bells and whistles and extra padding. The lower models will provide plenty of protection and often better mobility.

Be sure to check with your local hockey association to see what equipment they require and if there are any colour requirements for helmets, gloves and pants. There is no getting around the fact that hockey is an expensive game, but be smart about it and you can definitely minimize the costs.

Clark Everest