Hockey is a sport that not only provides an opportunity for people to socialise and meet new friends, but it is also a beautiful thing to behold. There are so many unique pieces of equipment that make hockey what it is today, from its iconic red and white sweaters to its speed skates and hockey sticks. While all of these play a role in making your game day experience that little extra special, none of them are immune to damage from the elements outside of the rink. It’s not just the sweat that builds up during a game that causes problems for the equipment – it can also be the cold weather or the moisture that is trapped inside the balls or netting during a rainstorm.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can prevent or reduce the damage to your hockey equipment, and we’ve put together a list of tips that will help get you started.
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Wash And Clean Your Equipment Regularly
In the world of hockey, you cannot replace a good wash and clean regularly. Even during a game when you’re not taking your skates off, the ice can still be a dirty surface that is ideal for growing bacteria and fungus. The truth is that dirt and moisture breed bacteria and fungus easily, and it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to preventing any kind of infection.
To ensure that your skates and other equipment are always looking their best, you should clean them thoroughly after every use and ensure that they are washed and stored properly.
Use Deodorisers
Another critical tip when it comes to keeping your equipment clean is to use deodorisers. The use of deodorisers will help prevent the growth of any fungus or bacteria on your skates, sticks, and other equipment, as well as in the ice. Many deodorisers are also antibacterial, which means that they can help prevent or reduce the effects of sports injuries that are caused by bacteria.
When you’re shopping for deodorisers, make sure that the product meets the standards set by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). You should also look for products that are approved by the U.S.A. hockey association (USAHockey), as these must be approved for use in American ice hockey leagues and competitions.
Avoid Exposed Ice
If possible, you should try to avoid placing any ice in direct contact with soil, whether it be outdoors or in an ice cave. Soil has a way of seeping into cracks and crevices, making it perfect for harbouring bacteria and fungus. This particularly goes for places such as parking lots and asphalt surfaces, as well as the playgrounds and courts where babies and toddlers play.
In addition to being a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, ice that is in direct contact with soil becomes more susceptible to breakage and damage. A good rule of thumb is to always skate on a smooth surface, whether that be ice, a frozen waterway, or a sheet of concrete. If there is any kind of rough patch, it’s best to traverse around it rather than through it.
Maintain A Temperature
The last thing you want to do is take a walk on the wild side and have your equipment melt all over you. When it comes to keeping your equipment cold, there are three things that you need to remember:
- Your equipment must be stored at a proper temperature: try and keep your equipment between -20° and 10°C
- Your equipment must be packed well: make sure there is lots of space between the items in your storage unit. A little space goes a long way
- Make sure that your equipment is clean and dry: after every use, wash and clean your equipment thoroughly and store it in a clean and dry place.
Taking all of this into account, your hockey equipment will serve you well for many years to come, both on and off the ice. If you want to make sure that your equipment is taking up less room in your storage locker, you can always remove some of the pieces and put them in storage for the season. If there’s one thing that hockey is known for, it’s its ability to bring people together, and with unique pieces of gear that are the product of years of innovation and improvement, it’s easy to see why.