# Heated Blades Thermablade To Revolutionize Hockey By Bianca | Published 2007-10-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heated-blades-thermablade-hockey References: [krisabel.ctv](http://krisabel.ctv.ca/blog/_archives/2007/10/16/3295350.html) Thermablades, a unique new invention, could revolutionize the sport of hockey, making it a whole lot faster. The blades are heated by a small electric current, creating a thin layer between the skate and the ice that allows players to make tighter turns, smoother strides, and skate a whole lot faster, particularly, in when making quick starts. "The Thermablade takes a traditional steel blade and connects it to a special plastic mold that contains a heating wire, microprocessor, and proximity sensor," Krisabel said. "When turned on, these will heat the blade to a consistent temperature of 5 C degrees, not hot enough to melt ice, but warm enough to increase the microscopic layer of water that exists between ice and steel. The company describes the effect as having a pair of mini Zambonis in front of your feet." Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky is very excited about the idea. "I first heard about Thermablade because of my involvement with [Team Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/womens-running-shoe)-[Hockey Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hockey-box). My first reaction was, 'Where was that when I played?'" The blades were created by [Calgary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prime-monday-night-hockey) inventor, Tory Weber. The inspiration came to him on a cold Alberta morning while he was a student working at a lumberyard. On his way out the door, he slipped on warm shoes he had left on the heater, and the second he stepped onto the ice, took a hard fall from the slip. Now he's managed to convince even hockey legends like Gretzky that this could forever change the sport. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 46% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Heated Blades:** Advancements in technology for blade heating presents an opportunity to revolutionize the hockey industry. - **Electric Skates:** Innovations in powered skates can lead to enhanced performance for athletes and an improved experience for customers. - **Smart Sports Equipment:** Integration of technology in sports equipment, such as proximity sensors and microprocessors, opens up opportunities to enhance athletic performance. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sporting Goods Industry:** There is an opportunity for companies in the sporting goods industry to invest in the development and use of heated blades for hockey and other ice sports. - **Athletic Apparel Industry:** Companies in the athletic apparel industry can capitalize on the development and marketing of apparel designed to work in conjunction with heated blades. - **Ice Rink Industry:** The ice rink industry can benefit from the development of partnerships with companies producing smart sports equipment, as it can enhance the experience of their customers and improve safety measures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Motorized Inline Skate Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/escend-blades.md) - [Rugged All-Terrain Rollerblades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allterrain-rollerblades.md) - [Portable Ice Resurfacing Rentals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zamboni-rentals.md) - [App-Controlled Skates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/appcontrolled-skates.md) - [Active Wearable Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/active-wearable-tech.md) - [Customizable Therapy Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperice-x-technology.md) - [Self-Heated Kitchen Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meltbuddy.md) - [Electric Inline Skates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmosgear.md) - [Hybridized Electric Longboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybridized-electric-longboards.md)