Do I need full equipment for treadmill/skating training? What should I bring?

You don’t need full game gear for every session. For treadmill training bring your skates, shinpads, athletic wear, and a water bottle. For the synthetic ice rink, also bring your hockey helmet and gloves. We’ll provide pucks, targets, and all training aids.

Is treadmill skating safe / will it affect my stride?

Yes — when done with proper coaching and supervision. The treadmill helps identify and correct stride inefficiencies. With trainer feedback, athletes improve stride, control, balance, and explosiveness.

How does treadmill training translate to on-ice performance?

Treadmill work builds strength, muscle memory, edge control, posture, and power. These improvements carry over to speed, balance, explosiveness, and stamina on the ice. Many athletes notice more consistency after just a few sessions.

Does skating on the treadmill or synthetic ice dull skate blades?

Both surfaces have more friction than fresh ice, so blades may dull faster. However, you won’t need sharpening after every session. Sharpening every 3–5 sessions is usually enough. We also offer skate sharpening on-site for convenience.

How is skating on synthetic ice different from real ice?

Synthetic ice has slightly more resistance than fresh ice, which helps athletes build strength and engage more muscles. The glide and feel on our high-quality surface are very close to real ice, and skills like edge control, stickhandling, and shooting translate seamlessly.

Will Edge Lab Sports track my progress?

Yes. During hockey treadmill sessions, we provide real-time feedback and capture notes in your player profile. Our coaches use a structured four-level progression rubric — from fundamentals through elite training — to track stride mechanics, rhythm, and power. This framework gives athletes and parents a clear picture of progress, helps set goals, and creates a common language for development. We’ll check in regularly with athletes and parents to review improvements and next steps.

CAN I get coaching for shooting or stickhandling?

Yes. While our Skills Zone (synthetic ice rink and shooting lanes) is designed for self-guided practice, coaches are available for one-on-one or small group instruction. Email team@edgelabsp.com to customize a training plan.

How many sessions until I see improvement, and how often should I train?

Every athlete is different, but many notice better balance or stride feel after 2–3 sessions. Visible, measurable gains often appear after 5–10 sessions. For best results, we recommend training 1–2 times per week, depending on your schedule.