Ice rinks and difference between hockey skates and figure skates

Ice sports are fairly well known in many parts of the world. Two of the most popular ice sports are ice hockey and figure skating. In India, many of us have not been exposed to the so called ice sports and hence in this article we will take a look at what an ice rink is and how skates used in both ice hockey and figure skating differ from each other. Although both sports take place inside an ice rink, the type of skates used and the quality of ice make a huge difference.

Brief history

Ice skating was a form of crossing the frozen waterways in northern Europe in earlier times. Sports such as ice hockey and figure skating started gaining popularity only when ice was available throughout the year. The Patrick brothers, Lester and Joe are credited with the success of modern ice rinks. In 1912, on Christmas day, the two brothers opened their first indoor ice rink in Victoria, Canada and from then on, they created many more rinks in northwest United States and western Canada.

Ice rinks

Forming a good skating surface is not a simple task by any means. Freezing a rink properly involves many stages of laying ice. Some of these ice layers can be as thin as 1/32 of an inch (0.8 millimetres), while some layers require paint to give it an attractive background. Ice hockey also requires very clear markings. Moreover, ice that is best for one sport might not be suitable for another sport.

The technology behind indoor ice rinks is quite similar to the functioning of refrigerators and air conditioners. The main difference, apart from the massive size is that the refrigerant doesn’t cool the ice directly. It actually cools a calcium-chloride solution known as brinewater which is pumped through pipes from beneath the ice. The system mainly consists of three main pieces namely, chillers, steel pipes and brinewater.

Approximately three chillers are used to cool the brinewater to 16 F (-9 C). The brinewater’s chemical mark-up keeps it from freezing. Based on the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the refrigeration system’s temperature is set manually. In order to freeze the rink surface, the system pumps freezing brinewater through the pipes on the ice-bearing concrete slab. This ice-bearing concrete slab is just between the skating surface and the insulation layer which helps the ice to expand and shrink with the demands of temperature and time. Beneath the insulation surface is a heated concrete layer which keeps the ground below the ice from freezing, expanding and cracking the rink structure. When the skating surface needs defrosting, brinewater is heated and pumped through the ice-bearing concrete slab.

Standard ice rink for ice hockey

The ice

Making an ice rink is a difficult job. Water must be applied very carefully and slowly to ensure that it is of ideal thickness. A surface that is too thick requires more energy to keep it frozen. Also, towards the top it risks becoming soft. Whereas, a surface that is too thin is very dangerous as the skaters can cut straight through the ice. Many different layers of ice are required to form the proper surface.

The first two layers are formed by a paint truck which sprays the layers on. These layers are only 1/30 of an inch and the first layer freezes immediately. After the first layer is frozen, the second layer is sprayed on. The second layer is then painted in white by the truck. For hockey games, this is very essential as it brings out a strong contrast against the black hockey puck. The puck is the substitute for the ball which is used in field hockey. Next, we have the third layer which is sprayed on and is only 1/16 of an inch. This layer acts as a sealer for the white paint. In case of hockey games, the markings and lines are painted on this layer. Finally, when all the markings have dried up, the final layer is applied.

Ice temperature - good ice and bad ice

Indoor conditions are a very important factor while creating a new ice surface. Generally the temperature of the skating surface should be 24 to 26 F (approximately -4 C), the building temperature around 63 F (17 C) and the indoor humidity at around 30%. However, if the temperature is warm outside and if doors are kept open for an event, then the temperature needs to be adjusted as even a slight change in temperature can make a big impact on the quality of ice. High humidity indoors is responsible for creating a fog over the ice.

However, there is still a difference between what figure skaters and hockey players judge to be good ice and bad ice. Figure skaters prefer the ice temperature to be in the range of 26 to 28 F as the ice is softer which helps to grip the skate edges better. Also, it is not likely to shatter under the impact of jumps. Hockey players on the other hand prefer colder and harder ice. Generally the temperature at the top of the ice is maintained between the range of 24 to 26 F.

Difference between figure skates and hockey skates

First of all, let us take a brief look at what these two sports are. Figure skating is an elegant sport where the skaters either in single or in pairs perform freestyle combination of jumps, spins, lifts, footwork, etc. It requires graceful movements and athleticism. Different events make different demands of skaters. Points are awarded to each competitor based on their performance and the competitor with the highest points is declared the winner. Ice hockey is about putting the black puck (substitute for ball) into the back of the net. The game is played with 6 members from each team on the ice at a time and the team with the maximum goals at the end is the winner.

Now, even though both sports take place on an ice rink, the skates required for both are very different from one another. The two sets of skates can only be interchangeable for very basic beginning moves such as learning to balance, stop and stroke on skates. The design of both skates is different and the toe picks, blades and shape vary greatly between the two sports.

Figure skates are longer than the hockey skates of the same size. In figure skating, different balance of weight is required and some moves place more emphasis on weight on the heel whereas other moves place more weight on the toe. In most of the figure skates, blades are directly mounted on the boot and replacement blades can also be added which is not the case for hockey skates. Hockey skates are designed for maximum speed and they fit the skater comfortably. The blades on these skates are usually soldered on and cannot be replaced. Toe picks or notches at the top of the skates are also crucial for figure skates. They are used to perform jumps and spins and hence figure skates are more complex and difficult to master than the ice skates.

Also, an important aspect is that blades vary within the different groups of figure skating and hockey skates. For example, different skates for figure skating can be designed for freestyle, synchronized skating or ice dancing. The blade of freestyle skaters is longer than that for synchronized skating or ice dancing. The tail of the blade is short for these types of skating which prevents the skaters from stepping on each other’s blades by mistake. Ice dancing requires deeper knee bends and for this these skates may also be cut lower in the top. Similarly, skates for hockey players are also designed differently. The skates for forwards are generally lighter which is useful for fast footwork. For defensemen, the skates are stiffer which makes it easier for the players to use their feet to block the puck. The goalkeepers are equipped with lower boots and wider blades enabling them to move around easily from side to side while guarding the net.

Another point of differentiation is the boot composition. Figure skates feature a long slim-fitting boot and they end several inches above the ankle. These skates are made from layers of heavy leather. This is particularly useful for stiff ankle support required to prevent injury during jumps and spins. Hockey boots on the other hand are generally made from a combination of synthetic leather and hard nylon. This type of material makes it easier for the skaters while turning and stopping quickly. It also provides the players with a thicker barrier to protect their feet. Hockey boots also come with cushioned interiors for extra comfort.

Figure skating is a truly peaceful form of sport focusing on graceful movements and hence skaters require long skates which can help them with their balance as well as make it easier to perform their routines. Ice hockey is a hard hitting, fast paced sport which requires comfortable skates to manoeuvre quickly.

Suggestions for first time skaters

Although various sports are making their mark in our Country since past few years, ice sports are still yet to come to the fore. However, if you ever get a change to put on ice skates, then first time skaters are usually advised to start with figure skating. Even thought they are difficult to master, the shape of figure skate blade distributes the skater’s weight more evenly. It is also easier to balance on the ice in these skates. However, a key point to remember is that the toe pick should not be used to push off or stop the skate. Skaters who are comfortable with inline roller skates could be more comfortable with hockey skates as the weight distribution between the two is similar.

So the next time you are presented with a chance at figure skating or ice hockey, make sure you get a taste of these literally ‘cool’ sports! If you enjoy roller skating then ice skating is something you should definitely give a try. And, if you are an enthusiast in racing then you can also try speed skating which is practically racing on ice.

Edited by Staff Editor