INTRODUCTION TO INLINE HOCKEY

 ABOUT THE SPORT OF INLINE HOCKEY:

In-line or roller hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. It is an exciting game where athletes of all abilities can compete at their own level. While maintaining the same basic rules and concepts as ice hockey, there are some important differences that make roller hockey a unique sport where kids of all ages, sizes and abilities can play and enjoy.

The game is played with four skaters and a goalie on the rink at a time. Because of the lower number of players on the floor, everyone has more room to maneuver. There are no “offside” or “icing” rules to facilitate a continual flow of action with minimal stoppages. This all leads to a more offensive minded, higher scoring game.

With fewer players and more room, everyone has more opportunity to handle the puck. This helps in developing individual hockey skills. Players learn how to stickhandle, pass, and shoot early in their development. They are forced to think fast because of the pace of the game and fewer numbers of teammates on the rink to work with.

The biggest difference from ice hockey is that there is no body checking. This makes it accessible of players of all sizes and ages. It also allows boys and girls to play in the same league. Although it is illegal to body check, incidental contact does happen and therefore all players must wear proper protective gear.

ABOUT OUR LEAGUE:

The South Mississippi Inline Hockey League (SMIHL) stresses fun, development & sportsmanship during our fall and spring house-league sessions. Our desire is to see that all players develop to the best of their ability and have fun! We provide a supervised, safe environment for all players to develop both physically and mentally.

Currently our players are divided into different age divisions; U6, U8, U10, U12, U14 & U17. Girls are given one extra year of eligibility. In the spring session we have started to run a high school division in place of the U17’s.

Roller hockey provides some unique opportunities in the South. Fewer people in the area have played the sport. The no-checking rule allows kids of different sizes and skill levels to safely play together. Our smaller # of players per team allows more time for the coaches to work with newer players. This all means that unlike other sports, even at the age of 14 or 15, if you have never played before, you can jump in and start to play right away and progress with little pressure at your own pace.

All teams make the playoffs in our house-league. This allows our coaches to concentrate on skill development during the course of the season. Our policy of equal play for everyone during the regular season also enables new players to get their share of game time, not just practice time.

There has never been a better time to start! Come by and check us out today!