For players who don’t have access to a traditional rink or those worried about the high costs of maintaining real ice, synthetic ice is an ideal alternative. It’s independent of climate conditions, easy to install, and doesn’t require any refrigeration.
Synthetic ice can be used to train on drills and improve stickhandling and shooting skills. It also offers resistance training.
It’s Durable
Hockey players can use synthetic ice to practice their skating, stick handling and shooting in places where access to real ice is limited or expensive. This is especially true in areas with warm weather or during the off-season. The main drawback to synthetic ice is that it is smoother than real ice, which can cause more friction on the skate blades.
However, this extra friction can be beneficial because it forces players to work harder to overcome the resistance and build strength and endurance. This can lead to a more powerful and easier glide on natural ice when players return to the real thing. Fake ice for hockey is also durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, including from hockey players wearing full gear. It is also easy to clean, requiring only an occasional vacuuming.
It’s Versatile
While real ice will always have a place in hockey, synthetic surfaces offer a useful alternative. With synthetic ice, players don’t have to worry about daily resurfacing and dealing with the associated costs. Additionally, they can practice on the surface year-round and in various climates without paying for a refrigerator or traveling long distances to find ice. While it’s true that most synthetic ice surfaces don’t glide as smoothly as real ice, they do offer a more realistic feel than other skating surfaces. The extra resistance can also help build a skater’s strength and endurance.
Additionally, many players can use synthetic rinks to work on their stickhandling and passing skills. This is particularly helpful for those with busy schedules who cannot regularly make it to a public rink. In addition, the versatile nature of rink panels means that they can be installed in any location where space is available, such as a home basement or garage. Rinks made with premium synthetic ice products like Glice can even be used in remote areas that are not feasible for traditional ice, including desert countries and the tropics.
It’s Affordable
Unlike traditional ice rinks that require significant maintenance energy, synthetic ice tiles use less power. They are also more affordable, enabling more people to access hockey training. In addition, they can be used in any climate, making it easier to practice the sport year-round. Some NHL players, like Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos, even use artificial ice at home to improve their skills. He says it’s a great way to hone a shot or to work on passing.
Other coaches say the synthetic ice allows them to conduct lessons in the evenings and on weekends when it would be impossible to find an ice rink. They say that the students can focus on detailed instruction without distraction and the noise of a full-ice rink.
It’s Easy to Maintain
The maintenance required to operate a traditional ice rink can be expensive. Not only do you need to maintain the right temperature and have a tool like a Zamboni, but you also need to buy and store special equipment, coolants, and electricity. With synthetic ice, these costs are eliminated. Synthetic ice is easy to install and doesn’t require large tools like a Zamboni to resurface it. It also doesn’t require daily resurfacing and can be used for hockey training all year round, even in hotter climates.
While some synthetic ice products require that a topical lubricant be regularly applied, higher-end options like D1’s are self-lubricating. The product is designed so that your blades cut into the surface, releasing the oils, and this provides an incredible glide that’s hard to match. This feature eliminates the need for additional lubricants and reduces skate blade wear. The resulting surface is easier to clean than natural ice, and the rink can be stored easily in a garage or basement. This makes it a great choice for people who want to play hockey but may not have the space or budget to build an arena.
It’s Safe
While real ice is only feasible in cold climates, synthetic ice can be used for hockey training in any space. Unlike real ice, it doesn’t require expensive compressors or the maintenance of water and coolants. It also doesn’t need to be cooled so it can be used all year round and even in hot or desert locations. Synthetic ice closely mimics real ice in terms of how it feels under your skates, so you can practice your skating and stickhandling skills as you would on real ice.
Shooting will feel different, though, as you must put more power into your shot due to the surface’s resistance. Many NHL players have installed synthetic ice in their homes to work on shooting and other drills whenever they want. This is especially helpful for those with busy schedules, as they can practice without worrying about catching up on other tasks or losing a chunk of their day at the rink. It’s also a great option for those who don’t have easy access to a local rink or arena.
