What is Skate Sharpening...
Skate sharpening is the method by which skates are maintained. However, we at Front Row Sports believe that it is much more than that!! Skate sharpening is a precise procedure process which joins the athlete to his or her playing surface. Each sharpening is customized based on the athletes weight, skating style, and outside weather temperature. (i.e.) If the skater is a heavy individual with a hard stride, he or she will need less of an edge than will a skater who is lighter on their feet,...as more pressure will be transferred from their bodies to the ice. Also, all of our sharpening wheels are adjusted in accordance with the temperature outside. the colder it is, the harder the ice is thus requiring the skater to have a greater edge for better performance. Every skater's needs, from the precession figure skater to the pick-up hockey player can be accommodated by us as we are able to sharpen within a radius from 3/16" to 6".

What is Body Balance Contouring...
Patented by Mr. Glen Sakeriska, body balance contouring involves shaping the radius of the skate blade differently for each individual according to their body. Height, weight, age, arm length, leg shape, foot position, position played, skate manufacturer and boot size are all taken into consideration. Contouring can only be correctly performed in-store with the individual and his or her skates. The benefits of a body balance contour are a more balanced, comfortable skater with a stronger stride and smoother glide on the ice. The net result will be a more confident and better performing hockey player.

What is Blade Alignment....
Blade alignment is the process of altering blade positioning to correct the abnormal foot (eg. supination, pronation).

Did you know that only ten percent of all feet are correctly positioned under ones' body? Given the fact that all factory mounted skate blades are assembled to accommodate a normal foot, up to 90% of all skaters may require a skate blade alignment . The objective is to try to make the skate blade perpendicular to the foot. An example of an abnormal foot would be an "ankle burner". [This is actually an incorrect statement as the ankle is a hinge joint, moving front to back and not side to side. "Ankle Burning" is caused by the heel being positioned to the outside of the ankle (supination)]. The skater's positioning would be to the inside of his or her skate blade. (see fig. 1) By re-aligning the skaters blades inward, positioning will become more central. (see fig 2)