Roller Hockey Skates Jr
I began my hockey career with roller hockey and than went to ice. I haven’t been on roller skates in four years. I’m a goalie. I have a bunch of new ice hockey girl friends, and a few of them play roller hockey. They are going to the Jr. Olympics the end of July. They need me to be their goalie! Eek! I’ve agreed because I will not let my girls down. However, ice and roller are two different things. I’ve been playing open roller hockey once a week for about a month, it’s hard. I’ve got a lot of questions:
Is it easier to work with the smaller wheels?
Should I consider goalie inline skates?
What should I wear under my leg pads?
How can train for this?
What techniques do I need to worry about?
What’s the biggest difference between ice and roller?
I’ve got ice gear, is that a down fall for me?
If there are any roller hockey goalies here, I would love any tips!!
Thank you!
As someone who has played competitive roller hockey before, I can answer your questions.
Your best bet is with Goalie Skates and smaller wheels.
Wear Roller Hockey Pants under your leg pads, making sure the pantlegs have some slack in them for movement.
Ice gear is fine if you are playing on SportCourt.
Your footwork is different. When you move laterally, you have to point the lead skate where you are going. Recovery is easier due to the increased grip of the floor. Also, the biggest thing you probably have noticed is that if you try to slide, it doesn’t work as well. It’s ok, you learn how to adapt, mostly by staying on your skates longer.
Also, don’t be dismayed by the high scores. Roller hockey is a lot more open than ice hockey, and higher scoring. Also, don’t forget it will be 4-a-side, not 5-a-side like in ice, and 2-on-1’s are not your friend.
Also, contrary to popular belief, high level roller hockey is played with a plastic puck, NOT a ball.
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