Definition

Noun: A specialized ice skate designed for playing the sport of ice hockey. Its key distinguishing features are a short, rockered blade optimized for quick maneuvers and a sturdy, protective boot constructed to shield the player's feet and ankles from impacts.

Usage

The term "hockey skate" refers specifically to the piece of equipment. It is typically used in contexts discussing sports gear, ice hockey, or skating activities. * You need a good pair of hockey skates to play safely. * The player tightened the laces on his hockey skate. * Hockey skates are different from figure skates.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Description: In equipment specifications, the "hockey skate" is characterized by its boot's ankle support, blade holder (tuuk), and blade curvature (rocker), all engineered for agility and puck control on ice.
• As a Modifier: The term can function adjectivally in compound nouns to specify a type, e.g., "hockey skate blade," "hockey skate boot."

Variants and Related Words

• Ice Skate (n.): The general category of skates for gliding on ice, which includes hockey skates, figure skates, and speed skates.
• Figure Skate (n.): An ice skate with a longer blade and toe picks, used for figure skating.
• Bauer, CCM: Common brand names associated with manufacturing hockey skates.
• Skate (v.): The action of moving on ice skates.

Synonyms

• Ice hockey skate (a more explicit, though less common, variant).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To lace up one's (hockey) skates: To prepare to play hockey or to begin an activity requiring readiness and effort.
  • The team is lacing up their skates for the championship game.
• To hang up one's skates: To retire from playing hockey or skating professionally.
  • After twenty seasons, the veteran decided to hang up his skates.

Noun

1. an ice skate worn for playing hockey; has a short blade and a strong boot to protect the feet and ankles