Roller Hockey Equipment, Blades, and Sticks
Roller hockey has been a popular sporting activity for more than a century. Organized roller hockey was played in Europe as early as 1901 and by 1936 the first world championship was played in Stuttgart, Germany. Since that time, the sport has gained a wide acceptance throughout the world.
Roller hockey rules differ based on which of the two types of games you’re playing. The more traditional game is played on quad skates, which look like the commonly recognized “roller skate”. The skate has four wheels, with two in front and two in back. The game is played with a goalie and four players, unlike ice hockey which allows five players and a goalie. Also, rather than three periods of 20 minutes each, a roller hockey game is played in two halves ranging from 15-25 minutes per half, depending on the league and age group.
The second type of game is inline roller hockey. As is implied by the name, this game is played on inline skates rather than the traditional roller skates. Inline roller hockey rules are very similar to those of regular roller hockey, with a few exceptions. The most noticeable difference is that rather than the game being played in two halves, it is often divided into four quarters of 12 minutes each.
Aside from skates, there are many other necessary pieces of roller hockey equipment. While it’s true that the rules prohibit checking (a major difference from ice hockey) roller hockey is still a contact sport protective gear is required for any organized league play. A helmet should always be worn and a facemask is highly recommended. Shin, knee, and elbow pads are also recommended as added protection.
Perhaps the most vital piece of roller hockey gear is the stick. The game simply cannot be played without one. A roller hockey stick, as with those for ice hockey, can be found for both right and left handed players. The roller hockey blade, which is the part of the stick that contacts the surface and is used to move the puck, will curve to the right for left handed players and to the left for right handed players.
Throughout the world there are a variety of different roller hockey organizations. They range from small local clubs and teams to state and national leagues, and finally international play. Most of the leagues are designed for amateur roller hockey enthusiasts, but there are several professional leagues as well. Leagues can be further divided into men’s and women’s organizations as well.
Many high schools and colleges in the United States, and other countries as well, have formed roller hockey clubs of their own. These are most often amateur student organizations, but are usually very popular and well attended games. Many of these student clubs end up forming their own leagues.
The invention of inline skates in 1986 introduced the game of roller hockey to a whole new generation of players and fans. Pick-up games are commonly found in empty parking lots throughout the United States and elsewhere. The sport continues to grow and attract a larger and larger following.
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