Whether you’re only starting in hockey or have been training most of your life, you probably know the struggle—you want to train but ice time is limited, rink fees add up, and winter doesn’t last forever. But what if you could practice your dangles, slap shots, and skating strides anytime, anywhere? Enter hockey tiles, the game-changing training tool that brings the ice to you.
What Are Hockey Tiles?
Designed to mimic the feel and properties of real ice, innovative hockey tiles are synthetic ice panels that provide players with a versatile surface for training and practice year-round, regardless of whether they have access to traditional ice rinks.
You may wonder: “What are hockey tiles made of?”. While multiple materials are available, the options made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) infused with slip agents to give you a smooth surface are best for skating and puck movement. Most hockey shooting tiles often feature interlocking edges for easy assembly and customization of the training area.
Common hockey tile sizes include 18″ x 18″ (45.7 cm x 45.7 cm) and 15.25″ x 30.75″ (38.7 cm x 78.1 cm), with thickness ranging from 3/8″ to 1/2″ (9.5 mm to 12.7 mm). The hockey ice tiles are self-lubricating, eliminating the need for wax or liquid treatments, and are designed for indoor and outdoor use with UV-resistant and weather-resistant properties.
Tiles vs Shooting Pads
The tiles are interlocking tiles that create an ice surface that simulates a real ice field for off-ice hockey practice. Even on uneven ground, the tiles can be swiftly placed into the ground utilizing a proprietary, symmetrical clipping process that lessens the appearance of seams! High-quality hockey tiles that fit together smoothly and are easy to assemble are made by reputable companies that have perfected the craft.
Pads, often known as shooting boards, are designed for athletes who would rather shoot from a smooth, level surface. The goal of these pads is to create an ice-like surface as closely as possible. The main difference between hockey shooting pads and tiles is that the former are typically purchased in single pieces for stickhandling, while the latter are purchased in bulk to cover larger areas like garages and basements and to construct hockey rinks.
Are Hockey Tiles Worth It?
The versatile training tool they are, tiles have become increasingly popular among players and enthusiasts. They’re well worth the investment for many of them for several reasons.
Year-round Training
Tiles allow players to practice their skills regardless of season or weather conditions. This consistent access to training can significantly improve a player’s development.
Convenience and Accessibility
Having a training surface at home saves time and provides flexibility in training schedules. Players can set up tiles in various locations such as basements, garages, or driveways. This eliminates the need for frequent trips to ice rinks, saving time and potentially money in the long run. You can expect to benefit:
- Skill Development;
- Honing specific skills;
- Stickhandling;
- Shooting accuracy;
- Passing;
- Puck control.
Durability and Longevity
High-quality tiles can last 10 years or more with proper care, making them a long-term investment. However, their value depends on individual needs, goals, and circumstances. For serious players looking to improve their skills or those with limited access to ice rinks, they can be an excellent investment. For casual players or those with regular access to ice time, the cost-benefit ratio might be less favourable.
How to Set Up Hockey Tiles?
As long as you have the space, you may install your rink indoors or out, in your garage, deck, basement, or driveway. The most important requirement is a level, stable surface on which to construct your rink; plywood, concrete, or asphalt are all acceptable choices.
Because certain synthetic ice tiles are more flexible or thicker than others, they can withstand somewhat uneven surfaces. When building your rink, be sure to do so according to the manufacturer’s instructions; if you don’t, you run the danger of damaging the interlocking mechanism.
The majority of synthetic rinks are made by piecing together multiple overlapping panels. The interlocking system needs to be tight, strong, and perfect enough that when you glide over it, you won’t notice it’s not one large piece. This is one situation where quality cannot be sacrificed.
Maintenance Tips
Over time, most artificial ice won’t need to be resurfaced because it is self-lubricating. In actuality, things usually get better with time! Some upkeep is necessary, though, when it comes to cleaning. You should thoroughly clean the surface before you start skating. Similarly, after skating, you should remove any ice shavings from the surface.
You can use any method, such as a vacuum, a microfiber towel, or a broom, to get rid of the shavings. Like any other surface, your ice rink may need to be swept from time to time to get rid of accumulated dirt. Sometimes, you might consider pressure washing it, although it may not always be required.
