by Shelley Kettles

Skating is a crucial aspect of the game in today’s NHL, and it’s an area that has seen significant improvements in recent years. NHL players today are expected to have a combination of speed, explosiveness, edgework, quick feet, efficiency, and a commanding presence on the ice. To achieve these skills, many NHL players are now turning to expert skating coaches such as former figure skating instructors or stars to help them refine their skating abilities.

Speed is the first aspect that comes to mind when we think of skating. In today’s NHL, players must be able to reach top speeds quickly and maintain that speed throughout the game. Speed also means acceleration, and a player who can quickly reach top speed has a significant advantage in the game.

Explosiveness is another important aspect of skating in today’s NHL. Players need to be able to change direction, stop, and start quickly, and with a lot of power. This is where edgework comes into play, which is the ability to use the inside and outside edges of the skates to change direction, stop, and start. Cutbacks, mohawks, and jab steps are just some of the edgework skills that players need to master.

Quick feet are also essential for NHL players, as they need to be able to move quickly and smoothly in all directions. Quick feet help players to evade defenders, maneuver through traffic, and make quick decisions on the ice.

Efficiency is another important aspect of skating in today’s NHL. A player who moves with efficiency uses less energy and has a smoother stride, which allows them to skate faster and for longer periods of time. A commanding presence on the ice also helps players to be more efficient and confident in their skating abilities.

The stride is a critical component of skating in today’s NHL. A player’s stride can be the difference between being fast and being slow, so it’s important to have a strong and efficient stride. Ice coverage is also important, as players need to be able to cover a lot of ground quickly and smoothly. Knees and ankles also play a big role in a player’s stride and overall skating abilities.

In conclusion, skating is a complex aspect of the game in today’s NHL, and it takes a combination of speed, explosiveness, edgework, quick feet, efficiency, and a commanding presence to be successful. NHL players today are turning to expert skating coaches to help them refine their skills and take their game to the next level. Whether it’s a former figure skating instructor or a star, these expert coaches can help NHL players to become elite skaters, and that can be the difference between winning and losing.