Skate Sharpening
Skate Sharpening is done by SHL parent volunteers. There are two totes in front of the utility room at the rink. One for un-sharpened skates and one for the skates that have already been sharpened. Place your skates in the tote after practice and someone will sharpen them and place them in the other tote when finished.
Please write your child's name on the bottom of the skates or attach a tag with the skaters full name.(If names are not on the skates, they will not be sharpened as it's too hard to remember which skates go with each skater.)
Skate sharpening for SHL Members is $5.00 per sharpeningor you can purchase a Skate Card for $20.00 for 5 sharpenings. We will write the skaters name on the back of the card and keep in a Rolodex at the rink and punch the card after each sharpening. If you are paying for each sharpening separately, the fee must be paid before skates will be sharpened. You can place the money inside the skate.
Skaters should be getting their skates done at least once a week and have one practice on them before playing in a game.
Please stop by the concession stand or see a Board member if you have any questions or would like to purchase a punch card.
Shawano Hockey League is always looking for more volunteers to sharpen skates. Sharpening skates is a great opportunity to gain volunteer hours. If you are interested in learning to sharpen skates please contact a Board member.
You hear of many professional hockey players sharpening their skates before every practice and game. Generally, this is done to remove nicks in the blades sustained during hard and heavy action, not because they are dull. This is not necessary for youth hockey players.
As a general guideline, young hockey players need only sharpen their skates once or twice a month if the blades are wiped dry after each use and kept free of nicks. (Always walk on mats to protect your skates or wear skate guards; stay off the cement!)
How can you tell when skates are getting dull?
1. If your skates slip sideways when pushing against the ice they are dull.
2. Check for large nicks in the blade edges. If they cannot be removed with a honing stone, have your skates sharpened.
