Imagine this, you are in the state championship pre-game warm-up and you slide back to the goal post, smashing directly into it, nicking your skate blade. The nick is so severe that you have to leave the ice to get your skate sharpened by the equipment manager before the game begins. The pre-game clock frighteningly ticks away and so does your focus. As the equipment manager rushes to get you your newly sharpened skate seconds before the team heads out of the locker room, you try desperately to regain your mental focus.

Edge Protech’s inventor, Stan Matwijiw, Director of Bandits Goalie School and goalie coach at the University of Michigan, came up with the idea of Edge Protech while doing a private training lesson with St. Louis Blues goalie, Jason Bacashihua during the summer of 2004. Matwijiw had Bacashihua pushing off the goal post and stopping at the top of the crease, then sliding in a butterfly position directly back to the opposite goal post, working on technique and repetition. After a few repetitions, Bacashihua became frustrated. He was no longer able to do the drill because his skates had become so nicked and dull that he no longer had a sharp edge to push with.

On the car ride home, Matwijiw starting thinking how many times he heard goalies complain about having dull edges on their skate blades. Skate blades with dull edges from contact with the goal posts during practices and games were limiting his students. Matwijiw wanted to do something to help all goalies regain their confidence.

Edge Protech owner, Joe Messina can recall Stan telling him the idea. When the conversation was over, Joe could only think of one thing, “The idea is so simple, but it will save a goalie from the headaches of dull skate blades.” Messina quickly went to work on the formal design and the production of this unique product. After 2 years of research, development and marketing, Edge Protech recently hit stores across North America. Within the last 6 months, Edge Protech has gained recognition in the hockey world. College teams such as Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Bemidji State University and the US Military Academy at West Pointe have been using Edge Protech since the start of the 2004 season. Even with the NHL locked out, a few professional teams were able to get their hands on this innovative product. Teams in the AHL such as Philadelphia Phantoms, Hartford Wolfpack, Worchester Icecats and the Manchester Monarchs have all raved about the product. Stephen Valiquetter of the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack recently said “My skates are my most important piece of equipment and Edge Protech is the best way to protect them. I have so much confidence in this product that I don't need to get my skates sharpened on the day of the game anymore."

Goalies have always complained about having too many nicks and dull edges on their skate blades from striking the goal post directly. Edge Protech was designed to minimize metal to metal contact during play. Edge Protech will give goalies the confidence they need when playing so they never have to worry about dull edge again!

To learn more about Edge Protech and to find a retailer near you, visit Edge Protech on the web at www.edgeprotech.com.

"My skates are my most important piece of equipment and this is the best way to protect them. I have so much confidence in this product that I don't need to get my skates sharpened on the day of the game anymore."

Stephen Valiquette – Hartford Wolfpack - AHL

“Being on the ice everyday takes a toll on my skate blades. For years getting my skates sharpened on a consistent basis was a regular thing. With Edge Protech I found I have more confidence moving in my crease, even in the later stages of practice.”

Brad Atkinson – Salmon Arm Silverbacks – BCHL

“Before using Edge Protech I never realized how many times I was running my skate blades into the post, Now that I’ve used Edge Protech, I won’t go on the ice without them. I recommend them to any and all goalies at any level.”

Matt Swanson – Ferris State University – CCHA

“After using Edge Protech throughout the year, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my blade performance. Before I used Edge Protech I was always noticing I was nicking my skate blades on the post during practice, warm-ups and even in games. All this damage affected not only my skates but most importantly, my confidence in my game. With Edge Protech I can now eliminate nicking my skate blades in practice and even in warm ups. Thanks Edge Protech!”

Bryan Hogan – Detroit Catholic Central High School – 2005 Division 1 State Champions