hockey skates

Question
My son is a bantam AA hockey player.  It is mid season and his skates might be getting small.  If he extends his big toe out, it touches the end of the skate.  He wants to wait till seasons over to buy new skates.   If the skates are getting small, will it affect his skating abilities?ie. speed, edging etc.

Answer
hello Terry!

Unless the big toe is crunched up against the tip I would say the skate is still PERFECT in length!  If the skate is NOT hurting him in any way - I would also say NO this will not affect him adversely!  In fact... this may actually HELP him.  The best scenario is to have your skate EXACTLY the size you need for each foot.  NOT a speck bigger!!  This offers more feel, more flexibility and actually LESS resistance by weight or amount of blade on the ice for friction.   While there can be something said for a little less stability with less blade on the ice - if the boot is lighter and less restrictive from being "loose" - then this will more than compensate!

SO -- I would say your son is saying the RIGHT thing and will actually benefit ...  (again - as long as his feet do not hurt!!)

Hope this helps!

Feel free to follow up if you need more clarification!

Good luck!

martial