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Heated Skate Blades? Now That's Hot!

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leigh
Moderator

Canada
1755 Posts

Posted - 10/16/2007 : 16:55:48

Ok the NHL is looking at introducing heated skate blades to the game.

"Thermablades use a rechargeable battery and a microprocessor within each skate blade to maintain a temperature of 41 degrees. The warm blade increases the thickness of the water layer between the blade and the ice surface, and the company said its tests have shown this reduces gliding friction and starting resistance for skaters.

The charged battery in each blade will last for about two games. Fingers placed on sensors on either side of the rear of the plastic blade holder for three seconds activates the battery to warm the blade. The system automatically turns off when a player is idle on the bench, and the energy of returning to the ice reactivates the system. The system is turned off by repeating the process used to turn it on"

Read the full article here: http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3066347&campaign=rss&source=NHLHeadlines

Mikhailova
PickupHockey All-Star

USA
2918 Posts

Posted - 10/16/2007 : 18:45:20

quote:
Originally posted by leigh

Thermablades use a rechargeable battery and a microprocessor within each skate blade to maintain a temperature of 41 degrees.

I assume that's Fahrenheit, lol

Somehow players have managed to play in the NHL just fine for decades without thermal blades, I think they can keep it up...

____________________
Whether in hockey or politics, the Senators have always annoyed me

Edited by - Mikhailova on 10/16/2007 18:46:04

fly4apuckguy
PickupHockey Pro

Canada
834 Posts

Posted - 10/16/2007 : 21:10:09

Dumb. Mind you, I'm still trying to get used to helmets and big shoulder pads.

PuckNuts
PickupHockey Veteran

Canada
2414 Posts

Posted - 10/17/2007 : 07:56:47

Where are all the scientific people out there.

How much battery power is needed to heat the steel blades to 41 F (5C).

The weight of the battery will slow the skater down more than the heat it could produce will spped them up.

The players are on the ice for 30-45 seconds a shift, how long will it take to heat the blade to 41 F?

Would it not bet better to heat the floor under the bench, then you would not have batteries in the players skates, and you could reach a higher temperature...

I don't necessarily agree with everything I say.
- - Marshall McLuhan

Edited by - PuckNuts on 10/17/2007 07:58:57

MarkhamMax
Rookie