Things went a bit awry recently. I had my skates sharpened, but my gauge said the edges were off by 4 thousands of an inch. Well they seemed fine on the ice, but I wanted to know if the edge error made a difference, and I was curious to see how they'd compare to a sharpen from a ProSharp automatic sharpening machine near a local rink. I'm thinking of buying an automatic machine, and I want to make sure they do a good job. So I had them redone on the machine. The edges were perfect according to the gauge. That evening, I went onto the ice for a hockey session and I could barely skate. I could not even do hockey stops, my feet were juddering horribly. I felt incredibly uncomfortable on the ice, and just wanted the session to end. Several of us thought the edges were much deeper than 5/8" which is my normal RoH. So the next day I decided to buy some new blades (the old ones were nearing the end of their life) from the shop I trust, and have them sharpen them. I went for Step Steel, which are supposed to be better than stock blades. They are taller than normal blades, and harder, so they hold an edge for longer. I was able to skate normally again, though they felt odd at first, no doubt due to the slightly different height and profile. But after a few sessions I'm getting used to them. They do seem better, I'm able to hold deeper edges on crossovers and tight turns. This evening for the first time I felt comfortable doing CW backwards crossovers. Are they better? I think they are, and well worth the slight extra cost over stock steel. If they hold a sharpen for longer, then they are a winner. I was finding that my edges were going after maybe 15 hours on the ice, or less than three weeks skating.
On a separate issue, I did a Thursday Stick n Puck recently, and I don't think I touched the puck once in the scrimmage. What's the point? It's supposed to be for novices, but lots of good players were present, and they were only passing to their mates. Even when I was in a good position to receive a pass, I was ignored. I think they see it as a good way to get practice at an early time slot, unlike most hockey sessions which are late in the evening. The coach uses the scrimmage as an opportunity for him to practice shooting at the opposite end of the rink to the action. There is a lad who is a poor skater, and no better at hockey than me, but others including the coach pass to him all the time, so he gets lots of practice. Without doubt he is improving because of the practice he gets. And this has happened in many previous sessions. It might be they think someone my age is not worth bothering with. Or maybe they only pass to mates. I go to some sessions on Saturday too, and sometimes on Monday, and they are much better, with more team spirit. They make a point of passing, and they are very tolerant of my inability, and helpful. The coaches make a point of encouraging everyone. A friend says Thursday is full of show ponies, and I think he is right. Interestingly one of the show ponies got into a fracas on Thursday, and I think he was punched after threatening someone. He is quite short and about 16 years old. Many months back he threatened a friend of mine, a very friendly and placid chap, who is well over six foot tall, and 53 years old! This show pony is potentially an excellent hockey player, but he never passes the puck, so ends up losing it to the opposition.
I think that is enough rambling. In case anyone thinks I sound miserable, naah! Monday morning was brilliant, a really really good hockey session. And Saturday is usually excellent.
As they say, if you throw enough muck at a wall, you end up with a muck covered wall.