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20 / MARCH.APRIL.2018 USICERINKS.COM heavy pressure. Take a look at the marks on the skate blades and determine if you will need to raise or lower the skate blade on each side of the holder. Some holders will have independent adjustments for both sides while others will have a single adjustment in the center of the holder. Regardless of the adjustment differences, the intention is to center up the high point of the sharpening wheel on the center of the skate blade. If you are having trouble seeing the marks you can use a black marker to color the bottom of the skate blade. This should make the indicator marks very clear visually. If you are using the sharpener to level the edges of the skate blade you will need to remember the angles from earlier. Depending on the blade condition you may need to place the indicator mark higher or lower of center on the skate blade to give you a level blade. Once you are comfortable with the indicator marks you can begin to make passes on the sharpening wheel to give the skate blade a new edge. Sharpen the skates by moving the blade from right to left across the sharpening wheel. Once you begin to run the blade through, focus on maintaining a consistent speed and pressure against the wheel. Be sure not to stop or apply too much pressure during the process and allow the wheel to guide you through the motion. Once you have made a complete pass from heel to toe remove the skate blade from the wheel and repeat. Be careful not to round the heel or the toe during the sharpening process. If you are sharpening figure skates with use extreme caution when approaching the toe pick. There are specific tools to help sharpen figure skates in the small areas where you stop sharpening the blade and the toe pick. Run the skate through 4-5 times to put an adequate edge back on the skate blade. THE FINAL PASS On the final pass apply a finishing product and perform a nice smooth pass one last time on the sharpening wheel. There are several finishing products that can be used. Wax and liquid finishing products are available through most manufacturers. Typically the product will be applied to the skate blade prior to the final pass, however, there are finishing options that can be applied to the sharpening wheel as well. Once complete, remove the skate from the holder and check the edges to ensure you have a level skate blade throughout. Repeat the same process with the second skate. Be sure to follow all manufacturer recommendations and place your sharpener in a place within the facility where you can fully concentrate on the task at hand. Eliminate unnecessary anxiety by placing the sharpener in a space that is not visible to the general public. Practice will lead to confidence. Grab the skates from the skate rental counter and practice. J *This article was originally published in RINK magazine 2011. Author – Cory Portner, Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, St. Cloud State University , Be sure not to apply too much pressure while sharpening. ELIMINATE UNNECCESSARY ANXIETY BY PLACING THE SHARPENER IN A SPACE THAT IS NOT VISIBLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC." UP YOUR SKILLS