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Just summarizing: -your son is a pretty good player and is happy with the skates he is in -his skating coach previously recommended new skates because he were getting soft but nothing about the fact that it was impacting his skating -his game seemed to improve after that but there was no way to attribute that to new skates -you notice that the top of his skates are getting soft when you squeeze them (which honestly may have little correlation to how they are affecting his skating once on his foot and laced, even down an eyelet) but are simply worried it will affect his performance Seems like there is nothing to see here, performance should be the indicator as well as player preference.

I am a coach. Have 4 pairs of blades. Ls4, Stepsteel stainless and Black stepsteel, fairblades too. Also do sharpening in my club and my boy who is 13. My advise would be unless you need a spare set of blades do not bother. From my personal experience you do can tell the difference but it is not relevant. The more important is to have a right profile and good quality sharpening.

If the player already has a new pair and refuses to switch, don't force the issue. He may actually prefer a softer boot.

Idk ball hockey is popping off. The National Ball Hockey League just had its top 5 plays of the week broadcasted on nhl network

I would try an EE in a Vapor or Jetspeed.