Hopping around corners, jumping out of tight turns, or leaping into the air for a "quick start" each results in both blades leaving the ice, and zero force being applied.
While teaching players the correct movement, I have been told by them that such actions give them more speed. In fact, it is just an illusion. They move their body in a quick manner which leaves them with the sensation of speed, but there is a high vertical component to each of the actions which does not contribute to horizontal motion. In other words, the force being applied to vertical motion is taken away from horizontal motion or less distance covered in the same period of time.

Programs that centre around drills such as hopping around on one foot, leaping over objects or jumping from side to side make you good at hopping around on one foot, leaping over objects, or jumping from side to side. Drills aimed at improving skating should be performed in ways directly related to proper and efficient skating motion.
Firstly, what is the ultimate use of this "balance"? Is it part of the proper skating stride? NO, because of its high vertical displacement. Does a balanced position contribute to the application of power to the ice? No, power is generated during an out-of-balance position, with proper skating technique utilizing a controlled series of out-of-balance positions.

As for developing muscle explosion - yes, it most likely does. However, does it develop muscle explosion as required for proper hockey skating motion? Once again, the answer is no. Muscles used to produce this vertical displacement may not even be used to produce oblique forces for skating. For example, vertical displacement requires major use of the quadriceps, which for skating are mainly knee stabilizers, used to maintain the integrity of the skating position, with some use in leg extension toward the end of the skating stride.
Efficient application of force with a resultant increase in speed is the ultimate goal of proper technique. How efficiently force is applied with a resultant of speed is determined by three main factors.

The first is the direction of the force. The force applied to the skating surface is important, but not so much as the direction on the application.
The second is the duration of the force being applied. To obtain the maximum benefit, the force must be applied for as long as possible.

The two factors are interdependent on each other. If force is applied in the wrong direction, the duration will shorten, and the application of force will therefore shorten. Conversely, if force is applied in the right direction but with a shorter duration, the end result is the same because less total force will be applied to the skating surface.

Third is the rhythm of all the moving parts, including the stick, combining for a smooth flow of motion. Every movement or lack of movement of one part has an effect on overall performance and efficiency. For example, proper arm movement adds rhythm and flow to the hockey skating technique without necessarily increasing speed, but incorrect arm motion can and will hinder it.