keeping skate toes nice...

[ramensandwich 1]

Hi, I was wondering what suggestions you might have for helping to keep skate toe caps nice and shiny? I know the toe protector works good on fabric-covered toe caps,

but I just got a pair of skates with plain plastic toecaps. I don't want to have ugly brush strokes or anything, but as an official it's important to keep them from

getting scratched up or looking ratty. Would you still recommend the pro-tec-toe?

Any ideas?

[GekigangarIII 0]

Hi, I was wondering what suggestions you might have for helping to keep skate toe caps nice and shiny? I know the toe protector works good on fabric-covered toe caps,

but I just got a pair of skates with plain plastic toecaps. I don't want to have ugly brush strokes or anything, but as an official it's important to keep them from

getting scratched up or looking ratty. Would you still recommend the pro-tec-toe?

Any ideas?

Keep them in the box? Seriously there isn't a whole lot you can do (if you're actually using them) to keep skate toes in good shape, no matter the material.

[IniNew 53]

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/ice-hockey-equipment/pro-guard-hockey-skate-toe-protector

[hyprlte 0]

Keep them in the box? Seriously there isn't a whole lot you can do (if you're actually using them) to keep skate toes in good shape, no matter the material.

+1 - Its hockey, your skates will get banged up. If they're not then your not trying hard enough

[AfftonDad 88]

Hi, I was wondering what suggestions you might have for helping to keep skate toe caps nice and shiny? I know the toe protector works good on fabric-covered toe caps,

but I just got a pair of skates with plain plastic toecaps. I don't want to have ugly brush strokes or anything, but as an official it's important to keep them from

getting scratched up or looking ratty. Would you still recommend the pro-tec-toe?

Any ideas?

I think you are taking that t-shirt that says "These are my other dress shoes" and shows a pair of skates a little too seriously

[Chadd 916]

[quote name='ramensandwich' timestamp='1282747557' post='817222I know the toe protector works good on fabric-covered toe caps,

but I just got a pair of skates with plain plastic toecaps. I don't want to have ugly brush strokes or anything, but as an official it's important to keep them from

getting scratched up or looking ratty.

Your plastic toe caps will be fine, it's not like you're going to be kicking for pucks along the boards while you're wearing stripes. I'm also all for a referee looking the part, but a lot of guys go way over the top with the appearance thing. Show up with a clean jersey, no holes in anything and you're fine.

[scorer75 9]

As an official, how exactly would they get scratched up?

[Fisticuffs 0]

As an official, how exactly would they get scratched up?

I know it doesn't always seem like it, but most officials actually play hockey too.

[ramensandwich 1]

Okay guys, thanks. You've talked me out of any protectoe or anything, I will just see how it goes with

bare plastic caps. Thanks again.

[stick9 905]

Might sound stupid, but if your worried about how they look, clean up any cuts with the edge of a razor knife and then wipe em down with some Armor All.

[ramensandwich 1]

Might sound stupid, but if your worried about how they look, clean up any cuts with the edge of a razor knife and then wipe em down with some Armor All.

That was exactly the kind of solution I was looking for. Thanks!

[Canuck 0]

That was exactly the kind of solution I was looking for. Thanks!

This is sort of a odd thread, I think most people(myself included) get a new pair of skates and can't wait until they look broken in. Having gear too clean and new looking makes you look like a newbie(NHL excluded, they get free gear all the time). Besides who has the time to take a razor to their toe cap and armorall it all the time???

[Chadd 916]

Might sound stupid, but if your worried about how they look, clean up any cuts with the edge of a razor knife and then wipe em down with some Armor All.

If you're shaving down the toe caps, I hope you don't use the same skates to play.

[stick9 905]

If you're shaving down the toe caps, I hope you don't use the same skates to play.

Hopefully he understood I meant just frayed ends of scraps and cuts.

[ramensandwich 1]

Hopefully he understood I meant just frayed ends of scraps and cuts.

I know exactly what you meant, I build model cars as well so I'm quite skilled with a hobby knife.

I have an old beat up pair of vapors that I wear to actually play in, so this nice pair of skates is just for officiating. I'm at the point where I don't have any chance of going pro with playing obviously (I'm 20 and have hands like bricks), but I'm advancing quite rapidly in the officiating realm so appearance is very important. I do the adult A and upper levels (lots of ECHL and AHL players), and a good deal of travel youth (AA and AAA) tournaments.

They are really pushing development of elite officials here in NC since the Hurricanes won the cup, so long story short, I want every advantage I can get towards moving up the ladder, even shiny toe caps.

[Chadd 916]

Being "one of the boys" is far more important than anything else with officials. If you don't know someone, you are at a significant disadvantage.

[zebra_steve 11]

As an official, how exactly would they get scratched up?

Linesman will get them beat up a bit because they end up in the middle of everything... ie: the sticks and skates during face offs, scrums, and sometimes holding the blue line... (I have had guys literally step on my feet crashing into the face off - it can really suck and be dangerous for the linesman if a center doesn't win it cleanly)... I know guys that have painted their toe caps gloss black, used black shoe polish or baby oil.... all to make them look blacker like wet glossy paint for appearance. More so at higher levels and the guys trying to get noticed for a recommendation for a try at higher levels.

[zebra_steve 11]

Being "one of the boys" is far more important than anything else with officials. If you don't know someone, you are at a significant disadvantage.

I would not say that "being one of the boys" is "far more important", but you do need to get noticed. Once you get noticed you have to perform.... And it's a little different in every district.

Ramensandwich:

FWIW - When I walk into a rink to supervise, evaluate, or mentor an official one of the first things I notice would be their appearance..... Good or Poor..... You only get one chance at a first impression..... That first impression can shade peoples opinion of you and you don't want to start out trying to make up ground.

Sounds like you have already started "networking" if you are already skating AA & AAA tournaments.... boys U16 & U18? As you look to move up, the "text book" appearance should be a given (both on and off the ice). Everything must be neat, clean, pressed, shined up, and squared away, short(er) hair, minimal\no facial hair, etc. How you carry yourself off the ice matters as much as how you are on the ice. In short you should "look like an official" out there and not just a guy wearing a zebra suit. Hit me with a PM if you want to discuss any of this in depth.

[Chadd 916]

I would not say that "being one of the boys" is "far more important", but you do need to get noticed. Once you get noticed you have to perform.... And it's a little different in every district.

I'm talking about more than just the district level. Oh, and forget about being a linesman at a high level if you're anything less than 6-3.

[zebra_steve 11]

I'm talking about more than just the district level. Oh, and forget about being a linesman at a high level if you're anything less than 6-3.

Just like anything else in life.... it's usually a bit easier go of it if you can get out there and "network" a bit.