How often do you sharpen hockey skates? The answer varies. Sharpening skates allows you to have edges to better turn and stop. The answer really depends upon your preference, your child's style of skating, and your access to a good skate sharpener, not to mention your budget.
In house league hockey my kids get about 5 or 6 skates in per month and generally get their skates done about once per month. Some of my kids do not stop well and are not comfortable with sharp skates the day of a game. Therefore the skates are sharpened before a practice before the next game. Skates that are left wet in the hockey bag can develop rust spots, so place a small towel in the hockey bag, and make sure your child learns to dry the blades after each wear.
In rep or travel hockey, the kids may get 5 hours on the ice per week. I find that parents tend to guiltily tell me they get them done about once per week - but I'm suspecting the average is once every 2 weeks or more. One of the kids we know from hockey school compulsively gets his skates done every 3 hours on the ice. It seems over the top but he has beautiful turns and stops - so maybe he's right! NHL players get their skates done every game, and some between periods. How much is too much? Ask your kids what they think.
By the way, if you sharpen their skates alot, you'll need to replace the blades before they grow out of them. (About $60-$70). Something to ponder.
Here is another point of view from Northern Freeze Hockey at: http://www.northernfreezehockey.com/2011/05/skate-sharpening-for-youth-players.html
Please let us know how often you sharpen skates. We'd all love to know!
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