Henry

When you watch speed skating at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, you might notice two completely different competitions happening on ice. One features skaters racing alone against the clock on a massive oval. The other shows pack racing with elbows flying and dramatic crashes around impossibly tight turns. These are short track vs long track … Read more

Nothing ruins a practice session faster than boots that pinch, squeeze, or leave you with blisters halfway through your routine. I learned this the hard way after spending $400 on a pair of competition-grade figure skates that felt perfect in the store but turned into torture devices after my first extended session on the ice. … Read more

Choosing between synthetic ice vs real ice rinks can feel overwhelming when you’re deciding how to invest your time and money. Our team has spent years researching both technologies, talking to hockey players, figure skaters, and facility managers to understand the real differences. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about synthetic ice … Read more

Figure skating is scored using the International Judging System (IJS), where every performance breaks down into a simple formula: TES + PCS – Deductions = Total Score. TES (Technical Element Score) rewards jumps, spins, and footwork difficulty, while PCS (Program Component Score) scores artistry, presentation, and skating quality. Two separate panels of officials work together … Read more

A standard NHL hockey game lasts 60 minutes of regulation play, divided into three 20-minute periods. However, if you are planning to watch or attend a game, you need to set aside approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from puck drop to the final whistle. That is the short answer to how long is a hockey … Read more

Stepping onto the ice for the first time can feel overwhelming. I remember my first public session – I had no idea about the unwritten rules that everyone else seemed to know instinctively. Learning proper ice skating rink etiquette tips isn’t just about following formal regulations. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming space where beginners … Read more

Walking into an indoor ice skating rink for the first time can feel like stepping into a freezer. If you are wondering exactly how cold is an ice skating rink, here is the direct answer: the ice surface itself stays between 17°F and 29°F (-8°C to -1°C). The air just above the ice typically ranges … Read more

Olympic figure skating combines athletic precision with artistic expression on ice. Understanding how does figure skating work at the Olympics transforms casual viewing into genuine appreciation. I have watched figure skating evolve over decades, and the scoring system changed dramatically after the 2002 Salt Lake City judging scandal. The International Skating Union (ISU) implemented the … Read more

Goalie neck protection has never been more important. The tragic death of Adam Johnson in October 2023 after a skate blade cut his neck during a game sent shockwaves through the hockey world. His passing forced leagues at every level to examine their safety requirements and reminded goalies that their position puts them at unique … Read more

A camel spin (also called a parallel spin) is one of the three basic spin positions in figure skating. The skater balances on one leg while extending the torso and free leg parallel to the ice, creating a horizontal line similar to a ballet arabesque. This elegant position has been a staple of competitive skating … Read more