The plate is the part of the stock that comes in contact with the playing surface whether it is ice or concrete, etc.
The plates are rated at different speeds and are used selectively depending on the type of shot the player wants to take, for example
* a fast plate might be used by a novice player to make an ordinary shot or used by an advanced player who may want enough speed to shoot one or more opponents out of the square.
* a slow plate my be used by a player who wants to resist efforts from following opponents to shoot them out of the square (slower plates are harder to move).
There are basically two types of plates, both broken down into various speed ratings.
i) Winter plates for use on natural or rink ice. These are not used in Australia.
ii) Summer plates, which are designed for use on concrete, bitumen (asphalt) or even polished timber surfaces. Most are smooth but some have a tread which can assist if playing in wet weather.
The plate has a speed rating printed on the topside of the plate, but for convenience, the lower side (the side that makes contact with the playing surface) has various colours to indicate speed.
The "slower" the plate, the harder it is to throw. But the attraction of a slow plate is that it is harder to be knocked out of the playing square.
Fast plates: White (rare); Black & White; Green & White; Lime; Green; Red
Medium Fast: Black
Medium: Dark Grey; Light grey
Medium Slow: Orange; Yellow
Slow: Blue (any of the 3 shades).
Very Slow: Purple
The plates are rated at different speeds and are used selectively depending on the type of shot the player wants to take, for example
* a fast plate might be used by a novice player to make an ordinary shot or used by an advanced player who may want enough speed to shoot one or more opponents out of the square.
* a slow plate my be used by a player who wants to resist efforts from following opponents to shoot them out of the square (slower plates are harder to move).
There are basically two types of plates, both broken down into various speed ratings.
i) Winter plates for use on natural or rink ice. These are not used in Australia.
ii) Summer plates, which are designed for use on concrete, bitumen (asphalt) or even polished timber surfaces. Most are smooth but some have a tread which can assist if playing in wet weather.
The plate has a speed rating printed on the topside of the plate, but for convenience, the lower side (the side that makes contact with the playing surface) has various colours to indicate speed.
The "slower" the plate, the harder it is to throw. But the attraction of a slow plate is that it is harder to be knocked out of the playing square.
Fast plates: White (rare); Black & White; Green & White; Lime; Green; Red
Medium Fast: Black
Medium: Dark Grey; Light grey
Medium Slow: Orange; Yellow
Slow: Blue (any of the 3 shades).
Very Slow: Purple