The following is an article on the use of battery-powered skates.
Quebec manufacturers, Therma Blade Inc., have recently designed a battery-charged ice hockey skate that literally heats up the competition. The blade on this ground-breaking product, which was invented and designed by Troy Weber, is heated to approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing players to skate faster with less effort by actually melting the ice and thickening the film of water between the blade and the ice.
The blade is powered and regulated by a rechargeable battery pack, located in the heel of the skate.
This has not yet-been approved by the NHL, but tests are under way this month. The revolution of technology in sports never ceases to amaze me, especially in the NHL. Changes to equipment that improve the game have been unprecedented. From the composite stick to bigger, lighter goalie pads-the effort to improve the game is always on the rise. And now, the battery powered ice skate. This product, as stated above, is still being tested on the ice, but I personally hope it doesn't make its way to the NHL.
Why?
The "new-and-improved" NHL have already changed it's rules and regulations. Even re-designing the ice rink for faster, more offensive-minded play.
The players nowadays are bigger, faster, and much more athletic than the players of yesteryear. The thought of a battery-powered heated skate to make the game even faster could actually backfire and make it slower.
Take, for instance, hockey teams playing in cities with warmer climates—Florida, Phoenix, Tampa Bay. The ice in these arenas tend to melt a little faster, which slows down play, especially during the end of each period.
Can you imagine heated skates adding to the slush throughout the game? Sure, the players would be moving faster, but ultimately there would be more damage to the ice—more slush, more snow, and less ice, causing the puck to move at a snail's pace. Could this result in more Zamboni time? Perhaps. I certainly admire the thoughts and ideas of these crafty inventors but, bottom line: Leave it alone.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4321-the-latest-technology-in-hockey-battery-powered-skates
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