In social situations, people often use the phrase “breaking the ice” to describe ways of making others feel comfortable. A similar concept exists in hockey: “breaking the ice” on synthetic ice.
Synthetic ice allows players to train year-round without the expense of maintaining natural ice. It’s an excellent option for players living in climates where ice is difficult or impossible to find.
Speed
A vital component of a hockey player’s skill set is speed. While nothing can compare to the feel and gliding of natural ice, achieving comparable speeds on synthetic surfaces is possible. This is particularly true with synthetic ice tiles, which offer a self-lubricating surface that mimics natural ice in how it glides and absorbs energy.
Synthetic ice also requires significantly less maintenance than traditional rinks. While it needs to be resurfaced occasionally, it uses considerably less water and electricity than a conventional ice rink, saving money and resources. This also makes it an ideal option for those in warmer areas where access to and the cost of a natural ice rink is impractical.
While shooting on synthetic hockey ice may not feel the same as on natural ice, improving shot accuracy and strength on this surface type is still possible. Unlike inline skating, which allows for smooth and powerful shots, hockey players must put more effort into each shot when shooting on synthetic ice. This can help build a player’s power and endurance, making transitioning back to natural ice easier. This type of resistance training can also help players develop a more robust and accurate shot.
Agility
Even though it’s not as slick as natural ice, hockey players adjust quickly to training on synthetic ice. They can practice the same stops and moves as they would on natural ice. The exception is toe-pick jumping for figure skaters, as this action can dig into the plastic and leave dings that are challenging to repair.
Synthetic ice also offers resistance training, helping athletes build muscle and strength that should translate to higher speed and endurance when playing on natural ice. This added effort is significant for new skaters to help them develop better balance and agility on the ice.
Some NHL players have even started to use their home rinks to hone their skills during the pandemic. One player, for example, used Zoom sessions three times a week during quarantine to work on his stickhandling and shooting with a rubber puck. Other players have installed synthetic ice in their homes or garages to work on their game without traveling to the city or the rink during the pandemic.
Most synthetic ice surfaces require a topical lubricant to be applied regularly. However, some products imbed a layer of lubricant within the plastic to create an incredible glide with no additional additives. This is why it’s a popular choice for training centers and professional teams.
Coordination
Hockey is a sport that requires a high level of coordination. Synthetic ice is an excellent surface for practicing shooting and passing drills with players of all ages. It’s also an excellent option for players in warmer climates where a natural rink would be prohibitively expensive to maintain.
For new skaters, the slower movement on synthetic ice can help them gain confidence and become comfortable with their balance. It also provides resistance training, as the effort required to move on the ice will build muscle and strength. This can translate into higher speed and durability on natural ice.
Some players may find that the increased resistance of synthetic ice makes it difficult to shoot with as much power and accuracy. However, it can also provide a good challenge for players and help them better control their shots.
Many professional NHL players have backyard ice rinks or use a facility like GRIT Athletics to work on their skills. Many of these players have busy schedules and find that practicing on a synthetic surface allows them to keep up with their game without taking time away from family and work.
Hockey was designed to be played on natural ice, and it’s unlikely that artificial surfaces will ever replace it. However, they offer several benefits for practice and training that can significantly affect players’ progress.
Skills
A good hockey player must be able to execute a variety of skating and shooting drills to improve their overall game. Due to weather or cost, finding open ice for these drills can be challenging, but synthetic ice makes it possible to train in the comfort of a home or garage.
Using a high-quality synthetic ice surface is one of the best ways to train the forward power stride. This is essential to any hockey player’s skill set and can make the difference between winning and losing. Start assuming a neutral stance with your skates parallel, then shift your weight to the back skate as you push off the ground.
Synthetic ice provides more resistance than natural ice, which forces players to work harder to overcome this obstacle. This type of training helps develop a player’s strength and stamina, giving them the edge they need to excel on the ice.
Synthetic ice also offers the opportunity to practice stickhandling with a rubber puck, essential for developing a player’s hand-eye coordination and providing them with a feel for handling the ball in game conditions. Many young players need help to perform these skills on dry land, but a high-quality synthetic ice surface allows players of all ages and abilities to practice these essential techniques.
