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From: k9un@ihu1e.UUCP (j w ague)
Newsgroups: net.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: Putting on skates
Message-ID: <595@ihu1e.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 31-Dec-85 13:40:09 EST
Article-I.D.: ihu1e.595
Posted: Tue Dec 31 13:40:09 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 1-Jan-86 01:04:42 EST
References: <11322@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories
Lines: 38

> For all you hockey players out there, here's kind of a strange question 
> that came up at a skate last night:
> 
> Do you put on your skates before you put on the rest of your gear (pants,
> shin guards) or after?
> ..........

I put mine on after my shin pads and pants are on. I do so because it
would be difficult to get my stockings on over the skates.
I do, however have more trouble with my skates when I am wearing
full equipment as opposed to when I am running a clinic or practice
and wearing just a jogging suit.

I have found that the socks always interfered with my skates so I
cut the bottom of the socks so that they don't strap around the bottom
of my feet. This has been a big improvement. There is just enough
room for one pair of medium weight socks let alone the stirrup from
the hockey socks (I know some guys who don't wear any socks under
their skates - but I doubt that this does much for the longevity
of the skates).

I also don't use the top eyelet in my skates. I skip the top one
(as well as the eyelet on the calf guard) and find that I have
much more maneuverability. By the way, I have Bauer Custom 100's
size 8 1/2   (I wear a 10 1/2 street shoe). 
My son has been leaving the top eyelet undone for 5 years now,
and is one of the best skaters on his team. He has never had
any problem with it.  I saw Keith Magneson (sp?) helping to run
a high school practice last year and noticed that he had the top
two eyelets undone. I realize that many of the pros even go so
far as taping the entire top of their skates to their ankles,
but you will also see several who leave the top eyelets unused.
If you haven't tried it, do so - but give it some time to get used
to the feeling.

					Wes Ague
					Naperville, Ill.
					ihu1e!k9un