How do the edges of skate blades influence on-ice speed?
Keil: In terms of speed, there are very few blade issues. The blade itself doesn’t play a huge role into quickness or speed or speed development. When [some players] stride, especially when they’re in a sprint-stride, [they] tend to have a little bit of a heel kick. That’s when the blade comes into play when you’re in skates and the hamstring action of kicking the heel produces no speed on the ice. We consider that a wasted motion. When the heel kicks up, the foot comes straight down and the toe kind of bangs into the ice first. This could be something that inhibits speed development. STACK: What’s the role of the edges of the skate blades? Keil: Edges are for turning and cutting. Hockey players need to have exceptional balance on their edges. Your ability to cut and turn and still maintain speed actually comes from the laws of physics and how that works on a frictionless surface. In terms of the upper body, cutting and turning should be something you learn when you’re 10 years old and
