Henry

Figure skating judges evaluate performances using the International Judging System (IJS), which breaks down every element into quantifiable points. They look at two main categories: the Technical Element Score (TES) which rewards difficulty and execution, and the Program Component Score (PCS) which evaluates artistry and presentation. Understanding what judges look for transforms figure skating from … Read more

A hat trick in hockey is when a player scores three goals in a single game. It is one of the most celebrated achievements in the sport, marked by fans throwing hats onto the ice in tribute to the scorer’s performance. This tradition creates one of the most electric atmospheres you’ll experience at any hockey … Read more

If you have ever watched an NHL game and wondered what the plus and minus numbers next to a player’s name mean, you are not alone. The plus-minus statistic is one of hockey’s most discussed metrics, yet many fans find it confusing at first. This guide will explain exactly what plus minus means in hockey, … Read more

A hat trick in hockey occurs when a player scores three goals in a single game. When this happens, fans celebrate by throwing their hats onto the ice, creating a colorful shower of headwear that honors the player’s exceptional scoring achievement. This tradition has become one of the most recognizable and beloved customs in ice … Read more

I still remember the first time I scored a bar down goal. The puck left my stick, hit that perfect spot under the crossbar, and the sound that followed was pure hockey magic. That metallic clang echoed through the rink as the puck dropped straight into the net. That moment hooked me on understanding what … Read more

If you have ever watched figure skating and heard commentators mention a skater “flutzing” their Lutz, you might have wondered what exactly that means. A flutz is one of the most common technical errors in competitive figure skating, yet it remains confusing for many fans. Our team has spent years analyzing skating techniques, and we … Read more

The five hole in hockey is the space between a goaltender’s leg pads, representing the fifth and most vulnerable scoring target on a goal. Every hockey player, from beginners learning to shoot to goalies learning positioning, needs to understand this fundamental concept. In this guide, I will explain exactly what the five hole is, why … Read more

I have been ice skating for over a decade. I have seen falls that ended in laughter and falls that ended in ambulances. The question of whether you need a helmet for ice skating comes up constantly, especially from parents bringing their kids to the rink for the first time. The short answer is yes, … Read more

The International Skating Union banned backflips from figure skating competition in 1977. They deemed the move too dangerous and ruled that it violated the sport’s fundamental one-foot landing principle. The ban lasted nearly 50 years until the ISU reversed the decision in 2024. If you watched the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, you witnessed history when … Read more

The most common injury in ice skating is an ankle sprain or fracture, accounting for the majority of emergency room visits from skating accidents. If you’re new to the ice or a parent researching safety for your child, you might feel anxious about potential injuries. Our team has analyzed medical data, consulted physical therapy research, … Read more