Skate Sharpening ---Myths and Realities…
The Crosscut is DEAD!
Goalie skates offer more than just protection for the player. The nature of the position is that goalies also need stability and lateral movement. This he gets form the skates. How they are sharpened determines how stable he is on his feet and how effectively he can move side-to-side. It used to be (in days gone by) that the only sharpening available was either regular or crosscut. The regular sharpening had a fixed-length radius (we discussed radius in a previous article) and was used for players, and crosscut that was used by goalies. Although many more sharpening options are available today, the old school thinking is alive and well in the world of hockey. Crosscut sharpening creates little “track” lines perpendicular to the blade along its length thus allowing this side-to-side (or lateral) movement of the feet without having to lift the skates off the ice. This worked well, especially when the alternative was considered, and at one time, it was the only option available. Goalies opting for the “player” sharpening found themselves “catching edges” on the ice far too often. Having to lift their skates off the ice to avoid this was the price to pay for this choice. Also, after repeated crosscut sharpenings, more steel is ground away from the centre of the blade than the toe and heel areas leaving two “points of contact” with the ice. This is largely due to over grinding of the middle of the blade by sharpeners with limited experience Still, today, goalies will walk into a shop and ask for a “regular” or “just like a player” sharpening, only because they are unaware of the options available; options that will compliment their style, skill, experience and weight.
The FLAT Cut This is a sharpening that is becoming more popular with goaltenders. It is a horizontal cut (as opposed to the vertical one of crosscutting). The sharpening stone is dressed with no radius, resulting in 90° inside and outside edges. This cut provides a lot of stability, lends itself to lateral movement and provides some braking. I classify it as a utility cut ideal for new goaltenders or seasoned ones looking for just a little more from their skates. The edges are there, but not as pronounced and require a little getting used to. The HOLLOW Grind If you remember the article on “Radius”, it applies here. Some shops have the ability, experience and equipment to sharpen skates with radius settings over and above what is generally available for “regular” skates. Radius settings at or above 1” will result in a bit more “bite” than flat cuts, but limits the sliding and lateral movement. This is an ideal cut for goaltenders who are good skaters or tend to roam a little (they need the extra grab to get back to their crease quickly and then stop once they get there). Just like a player’s skates, the edges must be maintained to be effective. There is also the risk of catching an edge. The COMBO This cut, as the name implies, is a combination of “flat” and “hollow” sharpening. It offers the best of both alternatives, but on one pair of skates. The majority of the blades are flat cut and the toes (about the front fifth) hollowed out. This choice is the favorite for butterfly-type goaltenders or those just wanting that little extra push when going post-to-post or moving out to apply a poke check. So, there you have it; a set of options for the sharpening of goalie skates. And, yes, crosscut is still a viable choice. Not as popular as it once was, but still alive. If you are considering changing how your goalie skates are sharpened, I’d suggest NOT doing so in the middle of the season or just prior to an important run at a playoff spot…Any significant change, especially to the skates, requires some getting used to. |