A Look At Roller Hockey

As it’s name implies, Roller Hockey is a combination sport that links hockey and skating together into one single activity. There are two types of Roller Hockey, including Hardball and Inline Hockey. While the two games involve different equipment, rules and types of skating, they are similar in that the action is fast paced and exciting.

An Inline Hockey competition, which is one form of Roller Hockey, is held in a rectangular rink, which measures twice as long as it is wide and must be as close to 200ft. x 100ft. as possible with the minimum size being 165ft. x 65ft. The rink’s surface can be constructed of wood, asphalt, plastic or cement. The setup is similar in style to that of ice hockey and features two goals and a center red line. The puck, however, is made of plastic. Each game of Inline Hockey features two teams, which can consist of up to 12 players. However, only five players from each team are allowed on the rink at any given time, including the goalie. As for referees, there must be two on the rink during play. A goal is scored after one of the players sends the puck into the opposing team’s net and it crosses the goal line. Each game consists of four quarters, each of which lasts for 12 minutes. At the conclusion of the game, a winning team is announced.

Hardball Hockey, the other form of Roller Hockey, is played with a ball rather than a puck. In addition, the stick used in Hardball Hockey is different in it’s design as opposed to Inline Hockey. Quite often referred to as a cane, it’s shape is reminiscent of the same. During a Hardball Hockey competition, two teams of five players attempt to get the ball into their opposing team’s goal. Each team is permitted to have up to 10 players, with a minimum of 6, but only five can be on the rink while a game is in play. Competitors are permitted to stop the ball with any part of their body except the hand, but it can only resume motion with the use of the playing stick. Hardball Hockey is played in two 25 minute intervals and upon expiration, a winning team is announced based on the one that has the highest number of goals.

Of both Roller Hockey variations, Inline is the most popular form in the United States. In fact, many have never even seen a game of Hardball Hockey. Regardless, both types continue to make Roller Hockey the worldwide popular sport that it is today.