Whether playing at the NHL level or in the local rink, hockey players face ice availability and quality challenges. When natural ice is unavailable, the most significant synthetic ice offers a workable alternative that enables players to practice and improve their abilities.
Choosing the correct synthetic ice panels requires considering factors such as glide and performance, interlocking system, portability, warranty, and more. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect synthetic ice for your home.
Cost
If you’re planning to build a hockey training rink at home, it’s essential to consider the cost of materials. You’ll also need to consider your space and other home-friendly accessories like goal nets and pucks. The good news is that there are now lightweight panels on the market that can make building a hockey rink in your backyard a reality without breaking the bank.
The best synthetic ice for hockey is designed to offer the ultimate in skating performance and durability. Products imbed lubricants deeply within each sheet, which allows your skate blades to cut into the surface and release lubricants as you skate, making for an unmatched glide that improves with use.
Synthetic ice is an excellent option for beginners and kids, allowing them to work on their skating skills year-round. It can also help them develop stronger muscles and increase endurance to play at a higher level when they finally step on a traditional ice rink.
However, it’s important to remember that nothing beats natural ice when developing your hockey skills. Balancing your training on synthetic and natural ice is crucial if you’re a serious player. This way, you’ll be able to take your game to the next level and enjoy every moment of it.
Durability
Hockey players constantly try to improve their game and acquire an advantage over their rivals. While on-ice training is essential, off-ice training can also make a huge difference. One tool that has gained popularity in recent years is synthetic ice, which provides a realistic and safe environment for players to practice stickhandling, shooting, and skating.
A high-quality synthetic ice surface is highly durable and can be used for long periods without resurfacing. It is also much safer than natural ice, making it an ideal surface for injury prevention and rehabilitation. In addition, synthetic ice can absorb impact, reducing stress on joints and muscles.
Regarding maintenance, synthetic ice is very easy to care for. Like natural ice, it must be regularly cleaned and sprayed with lubricant to maintain a smooth surface for skating and puck handling. Regular cleaning and lubrication will help the synthetic ice last longer, allow you to skate more freely, and increase your performance.
With a quality synthetic ice surface, you can easily set up a hockey rink anywhere you have room. This makes it easy to train in areas or countries where accessing natural ice is limited or expensive. Some hockey players have even installed a synthetic ice rink in their home.
Safety
Synthetic ice offers an ice-like training experience when access to natural ice is limited or cost-prohibitive. It is portable and can be set up in garages, basements, or backyards to provide hockey players with a dedicated skating surface for their workouts. Additionally, rinks can be equipped with a variety of accessories to help enhance the training experience. For example, a small Zamboni-like resurfacer can be added to keep the surface smooth and provide a consistent glide. Other accessories like goals and nets are ideal for practice drills, while storage solutions can make keeping equipment and skates organized easier.
It’s important to note that synthetic ice’s feel differs from natural ice, so it will take time for a hockey player to adjust. However, this shouldn’t be a deterrent, as a proper training program will allow players to develop their skills and improve.
Moreover, by training on a surface that makes it harder to maneuver, players will build strength, agility, and endurance, allowing them to be more effective when they are back on natural ice.
An iron cross is one of the most common drills when training on a synthetic ice surface. This simple but effective drill helps hone a player’s ability to change directions quickly. To perform this drill:
- Place four markers equally distributed from each other in a cross pattern on the surface.
- Skate soon between the two closest markers and back to the starting point.
- Repeat this drill for a maximum of 15 reps each session.
Appearance
Until recently, people who enjoyed skating had to wait until winter or visit an ice rink to enjoy their favorite sport. Ice hockey enthusiasts can build their backyard rink using synthetic ice products. This product is easy to install and doesn’t require water, power, bulky equipment, or a Zamboni. It also has an incredible glide, making skating a pleasure.
However, the appearance of synthetic ice may be something that some players need help to get used to. Shooting will feel different on this surface, and players must adjust their technique accordingly. This can be good, as it will help players develop a more robust and accurate shot.
Another way to make the most of your training experience on synthetic ice is by creating creative ways to improve your game. This can keep the process fun and motivate you to continue improving your skills. Consider adding various training activities to your regimen, such as agility or shooting drills.
One great way to train on your synthetic ice is by setting up an obstacle course. This can help you improve your speed, stopping ability, and cross-step skills. To do this:
- Place a few markers in a cross pattern on the surface of your synthetic ice.
- Skate quickly to the back marker, then forward to the next marker.
- Repeat this drill for several sets and take a rest in between each set.
