When we hear the word hockey, we typically think of ice hockey as it is the most popular form. But don’t forget about its close relative, inline hockey, which is similar but has its differences nonetheless.
Inline Hockey was developed as a warm-weather alternative for ice hockey players. Other than the rink itself, there are some other interesting differences between Inline and Ice Hockey.
Skates
The most obvious difference in equipment between inline and ice hockey are the skates. Ice hockey is played wearing blades and inline hockey is played wearing wheels.
Since inline skates are on wheels, they have a wider base which offers better stability and balance. Inline skates also have multiple locking systems which secure your feet in place and help build the confidence to skate.
Ice skates are a little harder to balance in as there is a thin blade underneath your boot. It takes quite a while to master ice skating and learning to stop on blades is even harder.
The challenge with inline skates is to build your ankle strength as balancing on one line of wheels does put pressure on your ankles and feet. The truth is BOTH types of skates – inlines and quad roller skates – are hard at first as they require balance, core strength and leg strength.
Players and Game Play
Roller hockey typically has fewer players on a team than ice hockey with only four skaters on each side during play.
Inline hockey games, lacking the cooling aspect of an ice surface, are played in two – 20-minute halves for world championship games, ice hockey uses three – 20 minute periods. Inline hockey player shifts are usually 1 to 1-1/2 minutes in length.
Pucks
The pucks in ice hockey and inline hockey are different and can have an effect on players’ performance.
- Ice pucks are solid rubber and flat on either side weighing 5.7oz.
- Inline pucks are plastic with raised points to reduce friction and weigh 4.15oz.
Because of the difference in space and weight of these pucks, hockey players’ stickhandling and shooting can be drastically affected.
Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville
Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood & Hendersonville has New and Gently Used equipment to keep you on the rink this season.
To help you with this season’s prep, Play It Again Sports ~ Brentwood and Play It Again Sports ~ Hendersonville is offering October Hockey Sales!
- October 17 – 23: 10% Off Inline Hockey Wheels
- October 24 – 31: 10% Off Inline Hockey Pucks
Have a question forPlay It Again Sports ~ Hendersonville,fill out the form below:
FAQs
Important differences in game rules also exist. Each inline hockey team fields only four skaters and one goaltender (5 players) rather than ice hockey's five skaters and one goaltender (six players). Many leagues do not stop play for icing.
Is there a difference between hockey and ice hockey? ›
Playing Surfaces: Ice hockey is played on a solid, slippery surface, while field hockey is played on grass or artificial turf. Equipment: In ice hockey, players wear sharp ice skates and a variety of protective gear, whereas in field hockey, players wear cleats and minimal protective gear.
Are there 2 types of hockey? ›
There are many types of hockey. Some games make the use of skates, either wheeled or bladed, while others do not. In order to help make the distinction between these various games, the word hockey is often preceded by another word i.e. field hockey, ice hockey, roller hockey, rink hockey, or floor hockey.
Can you use ice hockey sticks for roller hockey? ›
Notice that if you buy an ice hockey stick and use it for street or roller hockey, the lifespan of the blade will be significantly shortened due to the faster wear of the wooden blade.
Can you body check in inline hockey? ›
Both body checking and fighting are illegal in the sport of inline hockey and result in severe penalties against any offending player.
Which is harder field hockey or ice hockey? ›
Both sports require a high fitness level and physical skill. However, due to the fast-paced nature of ice hockey, it requires more agility and strength than field hockey does. This is why ice hockey players need to wear extra protective equipment - to protect themselves from flying pucks and hard checks!
Why isn t ice hockey popular? ›
In conclusion , Hockey is not as popular as other sports because of the regional differences in the United States, from the issue of where hockey must be played, how much it costs, and how hard it is to play.
Why is it called ice hockey and not just hockey? ›
Because there's also field hockey, which is referred to as 'hockey' in several countries, some of which also play ice hockey. Just like how football is soccer in several countries, but football in others. To avoid confusion.
What is hockey without skates called? ›
HISTORY OF PARA ICE HOCKEY
It follows the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) with modifications. Instead of skates, players use double-blade sledges that allow the puck to pass beneath. Players use two sticks, which have a spike-end for pushing and a blade-end for shooting.
What is a hockey game without ice called? ›
Games are commonly known by various names including cosom hockey, ball hockey, floorball, or simply floor hockey. Floor hockey game being played outdoors on asphalt.
Hockey (or field hockey as it is known) is a game that can be played either indoors or outdoors. More commonly seen, the outdoor version of the game is 11-a-side and is played on a pitch similar in size to a football pitch.
What is the meaning of inline hockey? ›
Inline hockey is played on an inline hockey rink. During normal play, there are five players per side on the floor at any time, each of whom is on inline skates. There are four players and one goaltender per side.
What is hockey inline skating? ›
"Inline hockey" is played using inline skates, ice hockey sticks, and a puck; it is a full-contact sport though body checks are not allowed. "Inline skater hockey" is a European version of inline hockey that uses a ball instead of a puck.
What are inline skates called? ›
The terms “inline skates” and “rollerblades” are often used interchangeably, which may cause some confusion. While it seems like these terms are describing two different activities, they are actually referring to the same sport.
