About Inline Hockey

Inline hockey, often referred to as roller hockey is a sport similar to ice hockey but played with inline skates. Like its parent sport, skaters on two teams use hockey sticks to shot a puck into the opponent's goal; however, various details of the game, such as the playing surface and puck design, have been adjusted to allow the use of inline skates

Chief differences from ice hockey

Although inline hockey appears, at first glance, to simply be ice hockey on inline skates. Inline hockey is generally a less physical sport. Most leagues punish fighting harshly, and body checking is a penalty. Leagues generally require players to wear full face masks, but otherwise, players tend to wear lighter clothes and less protective padding.

There are other rules differences as well. Each team fields only four skaters (plus a goaltender), rather than ice hockey's five. Many leagues do not stop play for icing. Offsides rules are generally looser as well; a few leagues call offsides only on the center line, while most omit the rule entirely.

All of this adds up to a game focused more on skill and speed and less on strength and intimidation. Skaters have more room to maneuver and fewer obstacles to slow them down. Games are typically faster-paced and higher-scoring, while still retaining many of the same skills and strategies as ice hockey.

Equipment

Since inline hockey is a contact sport, although body checks are not allowed, injuries can still be a common occurrence. Protective equipment is required. This includes a helmet (cage worn if certain age), elbow pads, protective gloves, athletic cup, shin pads, and skates at the very least. In addition, goaltenders use different gear, (optionally) a neck guard, chest/arm protector, blocker, catch glove, and leg pads.