If you are into hockey you have probably heard of slick tiles. This kind of flooring goes beyond the typical dryland hockey flooring that is pretty common. Although you can’t ice skate on this type of flooring like you can on synthetic ice, you can shoot pucks on it and get the same feel as you would as real ice. There are several types of flooring that are great for practicing hockey on, but the best kind for you will depend on what your needs are.
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Slick Tile Dryland Hockey Flooring
If you like to practice your hockey on a type of flooring that will allow you to shoot and practice with pucks the same way that you can on a typical ice rink flooring, slick tiles are probably your best bet. Although it is not a good idea to try and ice skate on dryland flooring, you can still use inline skates or your tennis shoes. This type of flooring is designed so that you can have a wide variety of hockey choices while you are using it. You can use it for a Dek hockey court, with hockey balls, or you can practice roller hockey with regulation pucks. The slickness of the tiles is built into the plastic when they are manufactured so that you never have to apply any extra additives or lubricants. The pucks will slide smoothly over the surface much like they do on the ice.
The tiles are compact, lightweight, and easy to install. All you need is a hard, flat, level surface to build on, and you will have a great flooring area before you know it.
Regular Dryland Hockey Flooring
With the standard dryland hockey flooring tiles, you will not have the slickness of the slick tile flooring. Although not all dryland hockey tiles are created the same – some might be much better than others – in general, dryland tiles will not allow you to shoot regulation pucks the way that you can on slick flooring. Dryland flooring is great for shoes and inline skates, but will not work with ice skates at all. Many players prefer to play hockey with balls in shoes on standard dryland flooring tiles.
Synthetic Ice Flooring
Synthetic ice panels are another popular type of flooring for hockey players. Unlike dryland flooring, you can ice skate on ice panels. It is possible to build a whole ice skating rink in your home with synthetic ice because it is so easy to install and does not have to have any special conditioning or protection in order to function properly. You can build synthetic ice rinks outside in the sun, or indoors where it is protected. Either way, the tough and durable high-quality construction of well-made synthetic ice is a great way to stay ice skating throughout the entire year without having to be refrigerated.
Conclusion
Hockey is a very competitive sport so the more that you practice the more you can stay strong in your game. Whether you are practicing on real ice, artificial ice, dryland flooring, or even the asphalt you are keeping your body in motion and strengthening your skills. Stay true to your own game and continue to practice and train faithfully and consistently. You will be able to feel the difference when you get out there and win games with your team.
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