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hockey fans, resources, plus moreRoller Hockey Sticks For League Play
Posted on July 20, 2010I have to admit right here and now – I’m not the world’s expert on roller hockey sticks. But I do have a 13 year old son who has been playing roller hockey since he was 6 years old, So I believe I have some authority on the subject. I’ll tell you what I know from a purely practical viewpoint, and let you be the judge of the information. Fair enough?
Size The Roller Hockey Stick Correctly
Roller hockey sticks must be sized correctly for the height of the player. After watching literally hundreds of hockey games, I can tell you that parents are not always on top of their kids’ hockey gear – especially hockey sticks. More often than not, the hockey player will grow out of his or her stick. This is so true as you watch a kid out on the rink who has a hockey stick that would have been too small even last season! Come on, parents – roller hockey is difficult enough without being hampered by a too-small stick. ‘Nuff said on this topic.
Exotic Materials Vs Wood
If you keep the business end of the stick taped up with that special hockey tape (it comes in all kinds of colors, and it is tough as nails) you can make due with a wooden stick for years. Even if your child is a power hitter, that taped-up wooden hockey stick will surprise you with how long it lasts. Maybe that’s why you see so many kids with too-short sticks? I suppose if you have extra cash burning a hole in your pocket, then you could go all out and get a composite or a graphite stick – but why?
These hockey sticks can be quite costly, and I don’t see any evidence that they will outlast a good wooden stick.
Consider A Goalie Stick
If your child is a goalie, chances are you might just use the skating rink’s goalie pads, etc. That may be a good call, because the equipment is expensive, and the chances are that your kid will outgrow the goalie outfit before the season is over. But, don’t scrimp on a goalie stick. Especially, a hockey goalie stick that is sized for the height of the player. This may be one of the most frustrating things I’ve ever witnesses in a hockey game: a goalie with a too-short goalie stick. In this situation, you (and the unfortunate goalie) will watch the puck slide through his or her five-hole more times than you care to remember. How about a stick that’s sized for the goalie – please?
Roller hockey sticks don’t have to be expensive or super high tech to be a great part of your hockey player’s hockey gear.
All Roller & Ice Hockey Gear At RollerHockeySticks.org We also have hockey sticks, helmets, skates, pads & guards and almost everything you could ever need for the best hockey experience at RollerHockeySticks.org.
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Ice Hockey Vs Inline Hockey – Know the Difference
Posted on July 19, 2010The biggest difference between ice hockey and roller hockey (inline hockey) is obviously the surface on which the sport is played. Ice hockey is either played on frozen ponds or on indoor ice rinks. As a result, ice hockey can be inaccessible to many people, especially those living in the southern United States. Inline hockey offers one distinct advantage over ice hockey in that it can be played on any paved surface. In fact, many inline leagues and pickup games take place on outdoor basketball and tennis courts.
Besides the differences in playing surface, there are several significant rule differences between the two sports. The most significant of these rule differences is that ice hockey is played with five skaters per team, whereas inline hockey is only played with four. Furthermore, a standard game of inline hockey has no offsides or icing rules. In other words, skaters generally have more freedom to skate and shoot in inline hockey. Finally, many inline hockey leagues are played using a ball rather than a puck. For players used to using a puck, adjusting to a ball can be quite difficult because of its different characteristics of movement on the court.
In general, the roller hockey player also uses less equipment. While shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, and a helmet are all necessary to play either sport, inline hockey players generally do not wear shoulder pads or breezers (ice hockey pants). This is because roller hockey pucks and balls are not nearly as hard as a frozen puck and most inline leagues are non-checking.
So which sport should you play? Ice and roller hockey are both tremendously fun to play, with some subtle differences in style of play and rules. Many hockey players actually play in both inline and ice hockey leagues. The type of hockey that is right for you is based completely on preference. Both types of hockey can be extremely competitive and challenging. I recommend that one play in both types of leagues in order to gain a better feel for each sport. Either way, start skating and practicing as soon as possible. Hockey is a tough sport to learn but a rewarding one to play.
Ron Capurso is the author of a popular Disc Golf Blog. And contributes to a Hockey Bearing website
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