From The Edge
SEPTMEBER 2025Sharpen your edge every month – insights, tips and tools to help elite hockey players skate faster, smarter and stronger!
In this issue: Sharpen your stride and start the season strong with the latest from Falcons Edge. This month, Coach Stephanie shares pro insights on how to tie your skates for maximum performance and a new pre-game shake recipe to fuel your energy.
With 34+ years of elite skating experience, Coach Stephanie is the technical force behind Falcon’s Edge. A former national-level figure skater and professional Ice Dancer trained at the renowned Mariposa School of International Skating, Stephanie brings world-class expertise in edge control, balance, stride efficiency, and explosive power.
She works with players from U7 to OHL, tailoring her approach to each athlete’s needs while focusing on building a strong technical foundation that translates into faster, more confident, and more efficient skating. Stephanie’s passion for teaching proper mechanics has helped countless players reach their full potential.
Stephanie’s mission is simple: elevate every skater’s technical execution and turn great skating into on-ice dominance.
Meet Coach Stephanie
How a youth hockey player ties their skates can make or break their on-ice performance. Laces should be snug around the toes and mid-foot, tightening progressively through the ankle to lock the heel firmly into the boot. This setup provides maximum support, enabling strong stride mechanics, quick edge response, and powerful acceleration. Properly tied skates enhance balance, stability, and confidence, especially during tight turns, stops, and explosive plays.
On the flip side, loose skates can cause slippage, blisters, poor edge control, and loss of power. Overtightening may restrict blood flow, causing numbness and reduced feel. Taking a few extra minutes to lace skates correctly helps young athletes compete — and dominate — at the elite level.
There is something to be said for a nice, crisp and new pair of bright white laces to start the season off looking professional and sharp!
Coaches Corner:
How to properly tie your skates!
This quick and creamy smoothie is the perfect pre-game boost for young athletes. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural carbs, it delivers steady energy without feeling heavy — helping players hit the ice strong and focused.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened chocolate almond milk
(or reduced-fatdairy milk)
1 small ripe banana
1 scoop kid-friendly chocolate whey
or plant-based protein powder (15–20g protein)1 tbsp natural peanut butter
(or WowButter if nut-free)½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup
(optional, for extra carbs)Handful of ice cubes
Directions: To make this pre-game smoothie, combine all ingredients in a blender — milk, banana, protein powder, peanut butter, yogurt, honey or maple syrup, and ice — then blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a shaker or cup and enjoy 30 to 60 minutes before game time for lasting energy on the ice.