Do NHL players use new skates every game?

Publish date: 2024-06-09

In the world of professional ice hockey, equipment plays a crucial role in a player's performance.

Among the essential pieces of equipment are skates, which are customized to provide the best fit and performance for each player.

The question of whether NHL players use new skates every game or go through a high volume of skates in a season is an intriguing one.

Custom Capabilities of Skate Manufacturers

  • According to a forum post by JR Boucicaut, both Bauer and CCM have had custom capabilities for years, suggesting that NHL players can have their skates made to their feet by these companies.

    • Skates Usage by NHL Players

  • Victor Hedman, a notable NHL player, reportedly gets new skates every 10 games and goes through around 100 sticks in a season.
  • Another user, Santos L Halper, mentioned that Patrick Kane uses a brand new stick every game, which amounts to at least 82 sticks per season, not including playoffs and breakages.
  • Dion Phaneuf was known to go through a pair of skates every 2 games due to his preference for the feel of fresh skates.
  • JR Boucicaut shared insights from their time with Tampa Bay, highlighting that some players, such as Ohlund and MSL, were heavy switchers of skates, with MSL alone providing them with 15 pairs in a season.

    • Insight from GearGeek.com

  • GearGeek.com is an online NHL player equipment database that keeps track of the equipment being used by every active NHL player, including skates.
  • The website was created to satisfy the demand for easily accessible and organized information about players' gear changes, highlighting the interest and passion for hockey equipment among fans.
  • GearGeek.com is focused on tracking the gear used by NHL players, indicating the significance of equipment details in the hockey community.

    • Challenges and Changes in Equipment

  • GearGeek.com and its team face challenges in tracking equipment changes, especially with the increasing popularity of shot blockers and players switching between models and brands, even during games.
  • It was observed that there were about 10 changes per team needed to be made during the first week of the season, emphasizing the dynamic nature of equipment usage in the NHL.

    • NHL EDGE and Player Tracking Technology

  • The NHL launched the website NHL.com/EDGE as the next phase of the development of its Puck and Player Tracking technology, providing public access to the same data available to teams and broadcasters.
  • NHL EDGE offers detailed metrics on skating speed, distance, shot speed, shot location, and zone time, providing in-depth insights into players' performances.

    • Insights from NHL EDGE

  • NHL EDGE presents insights into the skating speed and distances covered by players, shedding light on the physical demands placed on their equipment, including skates.
  • The data from NHL EDGE showcases the intensity and physicality of the game, which directly impacts the wear and tear on players' equipment, including their skates.

    • The information gathered from various sources provides a comprehensive understanding of the usage and preferences of NHL players when it comes to their skates.

    While some players opt for new skates frequently to ensure the best fit and feel, others may have their own unique preferences and usage patterns.

    The insights from GearGeek.com and NHL EDGE further emphasize the significance of tracking and understanding the equipment used by NHL players.

    The practices and preferences regarding the use of new skates among NHL players vary, reflecting the individual needs and demands of professional athletes in the fast-paced and physically demanding sport of ice hockey. 

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