Is roller hockey a professional sport?
That’s the big query we’re trying to unravel.
You see, most people think of ice when they hear ‘hockey’, but another variant played on wheels is gaining traction.
The intriguing world of roller hockey, folks!
The Intricacies of Roller Hockey and Its Benefits
For those who enjoy the rush of ice hockey, roller hockey provides a novel avenue to experience this stimulating activity. It’s not just about playing inline hockey; it’s also an effective off-ice cross training tool that can significantly enhance your skills.
Roller Hockey vs Ice Hockey
In many ways, roller and ice hockey are similar sports. Both require agility, quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork. USAHockey recommends both games for developing these essential attributes in players.
The key difference lies in their equipment: while you’re learning ice hockey with Bauer Vapor Ice Skates or CCM Super Tacks Ice skates on frozen surfaces using traditional rubber pucks; when you play roller hockey, you’ll be gliding on smooth concrete or asphalt wearing super tacks roller skates or Bauer vapor inline skates maneuvering typical plastic pucks instead.
Apart from gear differences, the gameplay rules differ too. The wider surface area of the blades used for skating makes stopping techniques unique between each game which is why even experienced NHL power skating coaches recommend mastering edges separately for each variant. This isn’t something to fret over though because as The Athletic points out, playing one doesn’t stop you from excelling at other – in fact they complement each other.
In our next section we will delve deeper into how transitioning between these two forms works so stay tuned.
Transitioning Between Roller Hockey and Ice Hockey
Moving from roller hockey to ice hockey, or vice versa, requires a nuanced understanding of both sports.
From Roller to Ice
The transition involves mastering edges in skating techniques. NHL power skating coach Robby Glantz recommends ice hockey players to get their blades sharpened regularly for optimal performance on the rink.
A similar Bauer Vapor ice skates model can be used as your inline skate counterpart which will provide familiar feel while you’re learning ice hockey.
This familiarity is key when transitioning between different types of gameplay and equipment like typical plastic roller pucks versus traditional rubberized ones used in professional leagues such as NHL.
From Ice to Roller
Moving from an icy surface onto pavement demands adaptation too. For instance, mastering “inline turn” technique becomes crucial when playing inline hockey with super tacks roller skates. Skating experts suggest using a similar inline skate model.
This similarity helps ease the transition by providing a comparable experience even though surfaces are vastly different – one being slippery (ice) and other being solid (asphalt).
Top Recommended Skates for Transitioning Players
If you’re transitioning between roller and ice hockey, choosing the right skates can make a world of difference.
The design similarities in certain skate models like CCM Super Tacks or Bauer Vapor series allow seamless transition from one sport to another.
CCM Super Tacks Skates
A popular choice among professionals is the CCM Super Tacks Ice Skates.
This model’s features are designed with precision that enhances performance on ice rinks.
But what about playing inline hockey?
An inline version of this brand offers similar comfort and control as its ice counterpart.
This similarity helps players maintain their skill level while switching sports without much adjustment needed in terms of gear.
Bauer Vapor Series
In addition to CCM, there’s also the well-regarded Bauer Vapor Ice Skate series.
This line has been praised by many for providing exceptional agility and speed during gameplay on icy surfaces.
How Playing Roller Hockey Makes You a Better Player
No, playing roller hockey won’t have a negative impact on your ice hockey game – in fact, it can be an effective cross training tool that improves various aspects of your performance.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite – roller hockey serves as an effective off-ice cross training tool that enhances various aspects of your gameplay.
The Benefits of Roller Hockey for Ice Players
Roller hockey players moving on inline skates develop superior balance and agility due to wider wheelbase compared to ice skate blades. This improves their skating skills and translates into better stick handling when they switch back to ice.
Many professional NHL power skating coaches recommend their athletes play roller during offseasons.
Roller vs Ice: A Cross-training Perspective
Apart from physical benefits, don’t stop playing roller because it offers unique mental challenges too. The slower pace allows more time for decision making which in turn helps with developing strategic thinking abilities – something crucially important in high-speed games like Ice-Hockey. Inline Paceline explains this aspect well,
In addition, as super effective cross-training sport especially during times like Covid-19 lockouts when access to actual rinks might be limited.
Muscle Memory and Stick Handling Skills:
- You’re learning how different surfaces affect puck control while using typical plastic pucks instead of regular rubber ones used in ice-hockeys.
- This experience aids muscle memory development enhancing precision even under varying conditions.
- Better control over sticks means improved passing and shooting capabilities leading towards overall performance improvement.
Making Hockey More Accessible through Roller Hockey
Roller hockey is not only a thrilling sport, but it also presents an opportunity to make the world of hockey more accessible by providing access for those who are unable to afford traditional ice-hockey facilities.
The Affordability Factor of Roller Hockey
The cost barrier often associated with playing ice hockey can be significantly reduced by opting to play roller hockey instead. The equipment needed – from super tacks roller skates to typical plastic pucks – are generally less pricey than their counterparts used on the rink.
This makes it easier and cheaper for beginners or those on tight budgets to get involved in this thrilling sport without having financial concerns holding them back.
Diversifying Ice-Hockey Through Inline Skating
In addition, promoting inline skating as an effective off-cross training tool could help diversify the demographics within professional leagues like NHL. Encouraging people from all walks of life into picking up a pair Bauer Vapor inline skates will only enrich our beloved game further down the line.
Besides being affordable, another benefit lies in its versatility where you don’t need frozen ponds or icy conditions; any smooth surface suffices which widens its appeal geographically too.
As we delve deeper into why more players should consider lacing up their CCM Super Tacks and join us out there rolling around town. This brings us neatly onto our next topic: Why NHL should expand into Roller Hockey.
Why NHL Should Expand Into Roller Hockey
The NHL has the opportunity to expand its horizons and explore the dynamic world of roller hockey. Many NHL players have already embraced this sport as an effective off-ice cross training tool. They use typical plastic roller hockey pucks for practice during offseasons, proving that playing inline doesn’t hurt their ice game.
Promoting a More Accessible Sport
NHL’s expansion into roller hockey can help diversify the game on many levels. Unlike traditional ice-hockey which requires expensive facilities and equipment, anyone with a pair of skates can play roller hockey in any open space or park. This makes it more accessible especially in areas where frozen ponds or professional rinks are hard to come by.
Besides accessibility, promoting this variant would also benefit both forms of the game – reinforcing skills like stick handling and balance among players who don’t stop playing just because they lack access to an actual rink. Roller Hockey provides opportunities for those wanting to enter the exciting world of puck sports without facing socioeconomic barriers.
Fostering Skills Development During Off-seasons
Diversifying into roller skating will not only keep athletes engaged but also enhance their overall performance when they return back onto icy surfaces. The wider surface area provided by rollers compared with blades helps improve balance while mastering edges becomes easier due to reduced friction.
FAQs in Relation to Is Roller Hockey a Professional Sport
Is roller hockey a professional sport?
Yes, roller hockey is considered a professional sport with various leagues worldwide such as the National Roller Hockey League in the US and the Roller Hockey International.
Do people still play roller hockey?
Absolutely. Roller hockey continues to be popular among players of all ages globally due to its accessibility and affordability compared to ice-hockey.
Where is roller hockey most popular?
Roller hockey enjoys significant popularity in North America, Europe, and South America. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Argentina have strong national teams.
What is a roller hockey player?
A roller hockey player participates in games of inline or quad (traditional) skate-based version of the game similar to ice-hockey but played on hard surfaces instead of an ice rink.
Conclusion
Roller hockey, folks, is more than just a game on wheels.
It’s an exciting sport that complements ice hockey and serves as a fantastic cross-training tool.
The wide surface area of rollerblades makes them easier to skate on, and the transition between both sports can be made smoother with similar models of skates like CCM Super Tacks or Bauer Vapor series.
Playing roller hockey improves your stick-handling skills, balance, muscle strength, and much more!
Beyond its benefits for players, it’s making strides in accessibility by breaking down socioeconomic barriers associated with traditional ice-hockey.
Now you’re probably wondering – is roller hockey a professional sport?
While there isn’t an NHL equivalent yet for roller hockey, many professionals credit their improved skills to this variant. And let’s not forget about those who play professionally at national and international levels.
So yes! Roller Hockey does have its place in the professional world.
If you’ve been intrigued by our deep dive into this dynamic off-ice version of the beloved puck-chasing game…
We at World Inline Hockey invite you to continue exploring inline skating, whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your gameplay.
We offer tips and tricks from beginner’s basics all the way up through advanced techniques used by seasoned pros.