I wanted to take a minute and step away from our Hockey Camps reviews and give a shout-out to Mike from 111 Street Skate Sharpening. Mike has helped Max out a ton by providing consistent skate sharpening.
The Best Hockey Camp Experience and Skate Sharpening
Whether you attend hockey camps or just like to attend practices or games, you know that having your skates sharpened to your profile and radius can make all the difference in your game. Let’s dive into why I trust 111 Street Skate Sharpening to keep skates in top shape!
Personal Experience
This summer, we were fortunate enough to attend some of the best hockey camps in Edmonton. From intense drills to fun scrimmages, it has been an unforgettable experience. One of the key things I learned is having skate blades sharpen in a consistent way makes a big difference on the rink. One key aspect is the radius of hollow, which refers to the cut or depression in the blade that influences grip and glide on the ice. We often focus our reviews on HockeyIQ, Speed, Passing, Shooting, and Skating, but what really stood out to me was how foundational skate sharpening is to skating that needs to be there before a player can focus on how to accept their next pass. Having consistent edges can elevate your game to a whole new level.
How often should you Sharpen your Skates?
This really is personal preference and some condition factors such as you playing at an outdoor rink (which will require sharpening more often). I believe Max is about 6-10 hours of ice time. We were just adding up his ice time as his blades are starting to dull and he is at 7.5 hours of on-ice practice time.
Signs That Sharpening is Needed:
- Difficulty stopping or today was some tight turns that Max noticed his edges needed to be sharpened.
The Importance of Skate Sharpening
At camp, some coaches emphasized the importance of skate sharpening. The radius of hollow, which refers to the depth of the blade cut, significantly affects how well a player can glide and grip the ice. They explained that a sharp skate blade with two edges is essential for maintaining control and speed on the ice.
Why Consistency Matters
As I mentioned earlier, one thing I learned is that consistency in skate sharpening is key. Consistency in maintaining the radius of hollow ensures that the skates perform optimally every time. It has been a blessing to see Mike at 111 Street Skate Sharpening as we know the skates will have the perfect edges.
The Convenience of Local Service
One of the best things about 111 Street Skate Sharpening is the convenience. Their store location is at the Kinsmen Twin Arenas near South Edmonton Common.
The Process of Skate Sharpening
One of the cool pieces of equipment used at 111 Street Skate Sharpening is called the E-S4. The E-S4 machine ensures that the radius of hollow is precisely maintained, which is crucial for optimal blade performance.
I was curious so I had a look at the Elite Blade Performance Technology website, here is the description.
“Unlike all other sharpening machines on the market today, E-S4 automated skate sharpener’s revolutionary technology maintains the integrity of the blade profile and its performance characteristics from one sharpening to the next, for the life of the blade.
The E-S4 uses high-tech industrial controllers and precision digital drives to automatically control the speed and pressure of the sharpening. The ELITE automated skate sharpener protects the profile of the blade and its radius with exact precision. That means we preserve the performance characteristics of your blades in a way which is impossible to achieve with any other sharpening system.
Prior to sharpening, the E-S4 first scans and registers the blade shape. Once the sharpening begins, the system detects changes in blade angle and position at every millimeter and adjusts speed and pressure to remove exactly the same amount of material along the length of the blade. In real time, the E-S4 uses sophisticated algorithms to react to hundreds of data points in order to accurately reproduce the existing blade profile throughout the sharpening process.” (Source: Elite Blade Performance Technoloty)
The final step (I think) of the sharpening process, parents can feel confident that their child’s skates are not only well-prepared but also tailored for a positive skating experience. Properly sharpened skates can significantly boost a child’s confidence and enjoyment on the ice, making it easier for them to learn and excel in the sport of hockey.
Conclusion: My Recommendation
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best skate sharpening service, I highly recommend 111 Street Skate Sharpening. Their experience, consistency, and dedication to quality make them the top choice for anyone needing skate sharpening.
Visit the 111St Skate Sharpening website by clicking here.