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Skating Lessons

2010-09-24T11:01:00.001-04:00

See Perry Boskus of Global Synthetic Ice give some skating tips on the latest Super-Glide synthetic ice skating surface.

Edges

2010-09-20T06:44:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the Newmarket Redmen Minor Bantam AA hockey team. Champions of the Richmond Hill Early Bird tournament.

Congratulations to the Newmarket Redmen Atom AA hockey team. Champions of the Flamborough Early Bird tournament.

Many of the players on both teams have trained on Super-Glide synthetic ice, use Maximum Edge skate maintenance and have used the Edge Again rechargeable sharpening device.

A World First in Canada

2010-07-22T21:28:00.000-04:00

Over the past eight months a prestigious Canadian group has been conducting extensive research to find the best synthetic ice to replace real ice at their facilities throughout Canada. Fifteen Synthetic Ice companies submitted bids for this major contract. Experts compiled information such as company backgrounds, types of assembly methods, quality of skating surface, durability and more. Synthetic Ice surfaces from each of the companies were extensively tested, checked and double checked. All of this information was scrutinized, and in the end Global Synthetic Ice, producers of Super-Glide Synthetic Ice, won the bid to build the first full size rink at the Archie Simpson Arena. This once again proves the superiority of Super-Glide synthetic ice.

The 85' by 200' Super-Glide system will include patent pending inventions such as new goalie crease, embedded hockey lines and our new goal net holding devices. Located in the community of Wood Buffalo in Alberta, the Archie Simpson Arena will be the first fully functioning synthetic ice arena in the World!

(reprinted with permission from Global Synthetic Ice)

SkateAnywhere.ca Facebook Page

2010-07-20T14:01:00.000-04:00

Here's a video that provides instructions on how to add our Facebook Page to your Facebook App on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Just another way to keep us close.

Hockey Skill Centre Business Services

2010-07-06T23:11:00.001-04:00

We've added several services for hockey skill centres to grow their business. Read details about our App (in development), Marketing Services, Rink Board Advertising and Product Sales. Head over to this webpage

Backyard Rink in June

2010-06-28T15:40:00.002-04:00

This Super-Glide synthetic ice rink was installed in June in a New Jersey backyard. The markings are permanent...embedded right into the synthetic ice. The rink size is 32' x 48'. See theo video of the rink being put together. These rinks are also available in 20' x 48', 32' x 48', 50' x 100' and NHL size. Contact us for a quote

Did you see our ads on your mobile phone?

2010-06-25T20:40:00.002-04:00

We ran some ads via Admob and wanted to get your feedback about the ads if they appeared on your mobile phone. Here's the ads below. You can click on them if you like for the effect.

Backyard Rink Video

2010-06-24T21:35:00.000-04:00

Okay. I thought I had a bad habit of building rinks. I did have a backyard rink that required sub zero temps for it to work. Then I decided to put a synthetic ice rink in the basement and then a demo rink in town.

I found this video via Twitter. This guy is the king!

http://www.home-and-garden-info.com/blog/Chris-Bavelles-Directed-HGTV-Backyard-Hockey-Rink

Edge Again Rechargeable Skate Sharpening Device

2010-06-24T11:10:00.003-04:00

We're happy about selling this new great device. It's a must have on the team bench, at tournaments, at home for backyard rinks and of course on your Super-Glide synthetic ice rink.

When company owner, former NHLer, Chris Kontos and his son Kristoff (Sudbury Wolves) came to try it out at our Super-Glide synthetic ice demo rink in May, I was impressed. I recently used my skates on our portable rink at the Toronto Hockey Show and did not get a chance to get my skates maintained at my professional skate shop (The Skater's Performance). I used the Edge Again and right away felt the "bite" on the rink. I'm sold on it.

I asked the usual questions that you would ask too. Does it wreck your skates or profile? How do you use it? How long does the charge last? How much? Visit the Edge Again FAQ to get all the answers.

Throw out those stones. For improved player performance, use this device between your regular professional skate sharpenings.

You need to see the videos of the NHL players using Edge Again in the playoffs. As well, Chris explains the value and benefit of this device. Visit EdgeAgain.com

The Goalie model is coming soon.

Super-Glide in a Montreal backyard

2010-06-07T19:20:00.000-04:00

Have a look at the slide show video of a Super-Glide synthetic ice rink recently installed in Montreal. Georges Laraque is helping install it too.

Buying Synthetic Ice - Questions to Ask

2010-06-07T12:28:00.007-04:00

I'll assume that you've already decided that synthetic ice is the right choice for your training facility, home, office or entertainment needs. You also know that the cost of your rink is significant and front-end loaded. What you don't know is that your return on investment will depend on which synthetic ice brand you choose. Using a synthetic ice product that is not up to spec and not preferred by the end-user will be a waste of your investment.

Here are the questions you need to ask your supplier to make sure you get a quick and premium ROI.

How many years have you been in business?

You should really ask ‘how many years will you be in business’? Synthetic ice has been around for decades and mainly sold by 3 or 4 companies. But new technologies and popularity of the product is bringing in several new so-called synthetic ice companies with little experience with this product. Perry Boskus, owner of Global Synthetic Ice, makes Super-Glide synthetic ice and has over twenty years experience in this market.

Why can I find synthetic ice that is priced less than Super-Glide?
You need to ask what material is being used and how the panels are manufactured. Even though other brands of synthetic ice are priced below Super-Glide, you are likely being over charged for the quality of product they are selling to you.

What material do you use?

Polypropylene – retails for $167.00 (4ʼ X 8ʼ X 1⁄2” stock) Shiny, and smooth on both sides, this is the cheapest plastic sheet material made. It has been around since the 1960ʼs and is considered very hard to skate on.

Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) – retails for $290.00 This can be sticky and is not considered good for skating.

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - retails for $175.00 This material can be skated on.

Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) - retails for $547.00 Because of its high price, synthetic ice companies do not purchase this material, as it is virtually impossible to sell competitively, with such a high raw materials cost. However, it has been found to be the best plastic sheet material to skate on. Super-Glide is made of UHMW and uses an extrusion process.

Where do you buy your material and where are you on the supply chain?

Most synthetic ice companies buy their plastic from the same manufacturer and then put their own name on it. The manufacturer also produces the same plastic for other industries and applications. The synthetic ice companies usually are near the bottom of order fulfillment. Super-Glide synthetic ice is made from it’s own facility in Georgia, USA and readily available. The product is not marketed or resold under any other name.

How does the hurricane season affect the cost of the product?

Hurricanes increase the price of oil. Oil is used to make plastic. The manufacturer increases their price and the synthetic ice companies constantly change their consumer prices up and down. Global Synthetic Ice’s raw material purchasing behaviour minimizes the effect of changing oil prices.

What is your delivery time?

The information in the previous two questions will impact the delivery time of your rink from the synthetic ice companies. Some customers with a deadline have had to go to other suppliers to get a rink because the manufacturer was not supplying panels. Super-Glide panels are generally shipped within two weeks.

How do the panels connect?

Super-Glide uses patented interlocking seamless technology. After using a rubber mallet to connect the panels, the surface appears as one sheet of ice. Many companies try to copy Super-Glide. Some still require you to use other parts with a sledgehammer and crow bar to install.

How much will my rink expand and contract during temperature change?

We can’t change science. The physical properties of plastic will cause the surface to expand in the heat and contract in the cold. It’s important to get a calculated measurement to make sure the rink if free of obstructions (rink board supports, posts, curbs, etc.). Now you need to think about how the weight of the rink moves without the panels buckling or separating. Each Super-Glide commercial panel weighs 78 lbs. That’s a lot of weight to transfer horizontally across the base surface for any sized rink. Global Synthetic Ice has a proprietary sub-floor that allows your rink to move freely.

What is the life span of the panels?

Super-Glide commercial (heavy duty) panels will last 15 years. It works out to be $1.33 per sq. foot over it's life span. (as of June 2010, $640 CDN per 4' x 8' panel).

What’s the warranty on the panels?

More like ‘What’s the quality control of the manufacturing process and will you stand behind it?” There is a 10-year warranty on the Super-Glide commercial panels. If something is going to go wrong, it will happen on the first day of use. I’ve had no defects with any of the Super-Glide rinks that I’ve sold.

Can I try your ice?

You really need to do this. You should have a sample of your user group try it too (i.e. goalies, figure skaters, hockey players, general public). Have both weaker skaters and stronger skaters try it as well. Put them through a variety of drills to test for glide, stopping, tight turns, pivots and puck behaviour. How much dust has collected on your gear and clothing? Many users of synthetic ice over the years are unhappy with the overall performance of the product and are looking for hockey skill development centres that have invested money in high quality Super-Glide product for a better user experience.

Where have you sold it?

Get a variety of references. Government, skill centres, a technology company, event organizers and many homeowners in Canada have used Super-Glide.

What's the largest rink that you have built?

Not everyone needs an NHL sized rink nor do you need a rink this size to effectively train hockey players. However, large rinks are a great testament to the technical strengths of the synthetic ice product. Do the panels stay connected during temperature change? Super-Glide Canada recently won a bid to install a full size rink (80' x 180') in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta (October 2010). The rink includes embedded goal creases and lines. This is the first of its kind in the world.

How much silicon or glycol do you need to apply?

All surfaces require some glide assistance. The area, amount and frequency adds cost to your maintenance and impacts the end user experience. While Super-Glide has glide material built-in to the ice, Skate Enhancer is available to use based on the user’s preference. A mist spray in a few areas once or twice a month will change the glide factor.

Are you insured?

The distributor or manufacturer should carry liability insurance. Very much like a play structure or bicycle, users can get injured. How they get injured, the extent of the injury, who is liable and if damages are sought is why coverage is a good idea.

What do you think about Super-Glide synthetic ice?

All synthetic ice companies know Super-Glide very well. A good competitor will try to sell on the strengths of their product. Others who fear Super-Glide and have a lesser quality product will try to find a fault in the Super-Glide product.

Coach to Coach

2010-05-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

If someone were to ask me if I consider myself a hockey expert, I'd say no.

I still learn about hockey from coaches and other members of the hockey community. What's interesting is that every coach has their own vision or path to success. Their approach is built upon what they have learned from other coaches and the guidelines developed by the governing hockey body. Hockey is so multi-dimensional that there is no formula or standard to guarantee getting to the finals and becoming victorious. That's what makes hockey exciting and competitive for both coaches and players.

At risk though is a player's development for next season. It comes down to how broad or narrow a coaches' vision is and what their style of coaching is. If a coach was determined to win the provincial or state championship at the beginning of the season and they didn't win, can they acknowledge other achievements? This is a narrow vision. If a coach was determined to 'win' every shift, be competitive every game, do well in the regular season standings and prepare for the playoffs, this broad vision puts a lot of attention on the players individually. The players' skills will be ready for next season.

There are a variety of coaching styles out there. Some that the players/parents like but do not always result in the players and the team developing. Some that the players/parents do not like but does result in highly developed players and a winning team. I think that all coaches should be open to new or different techniques. Remember, hockey is multi-dimensional which means that any given composition of the team or lines and any given game situation is subject to change at any time. Coaching style should be flexible.

Players should experience several coaching styles to ensure their game knowledge and skill improves. Some players will leave successful teams just for that reason alone while others maybe locked into that coach for years to come.

In my first year as a rep head coach, I held to one style of coaching. While there were measurable successes for both players and the team, I think that my style restricted growth in other areas. In my second year, I changed my style and noticed player and team improvements in other areas than the previous year. Also, I have moved around and stepped aside over the years to allow my own two boys to experience other coaching visions and styles.

I enjoy learning more about hockey from these new coaches as well.

The Puck Catcher

2010-05-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

We're selling the made in Canada Puck Catcher for $59.99.

This is much better than their original model. It holds 40 pucks, has a deep well, durable and easy to carry. This device is good for your safety on the ice. No need to take your gloves off and less chance of getting hit by a puck in the head by a player like you would if you had to bend down and pick up pucks by hand and place them into a bucket.

We have a promotion for 1 Puck Catcher and 40 game pucks for $99.59. A $12 savings.

Contact us at rinks@skateanywhere.ca

Player Evaluations

2010-05-02T21:57:00.003-04:00

As part of our Coach Mentoring service, we'd like to share with you our Player Evaluation Guide that you can use to evaluate the skills of your hockey team.

As a coach, I conducted individual player evaluations which resulted in an overall team improvement. With over 40 skills used in a game, it’s important for a player to know which skills they need to work on. Identify these now so you are ready for the start of the hockey season. Do it again in November so you are ready for the playoffs in January.

If you are in York Region, Ontario, our 16’ x 32’ Super-Glide synthetic ice rink is ideal for you to evaluate stance, starts, stride, turns, passing, shooting and puck control for players and reaction and recovery skills for goalies. The rink can handle up to five skaters and one instructor at one time.

After your evaluations, please look at skill development centres in your community where you can send the team or make a recommendation to the parents as to where they could send their son or daughter for training. It’s important to correct those bad habits with experts.

Once the player receives the proper training, they can practice those skills at home over and over again.

Green Hockey initiative

2010-05-02T21:35:00.000-04:00

Yes we are hockey 'green'. As a participant in the Green Hockey initiative we do things that eliminate or reduce damage to the environment created through hockey.

We promote Super-Glide synthetic ice rinks instead of water based rinks for the backyard, skill centre or municipal rink. No water and no hydro required for refrigeration. Our showroom and demo rink uses fluorescent lights, a programmed thermostat and ceiling fans.

Participation in the program is free: http://tinyurl.com/y2dy69v

Hockey Tryouts - Get Noticed

2010-04-30T09:30:00.002-04:00

I sent a digital marketing email recently to the folks on our mailing list. It was a three page guide on getting the kids ready for hockey tryouts. The feedback was great and some parents shared stories of how well their kids did in tryouts. Some centres have tryouts during different times over the course of the 'off-season' (for hockey parents, there really is no off-season) so please use this while you can.

Here's the link to download the PDF. Tryouts Get Noticed