Information for new players
What is Roller Hockey? Is this like Ice hockey?
Honestly, we believe roller is the pathway to Ice.
Roller hockey is just as fast-paced, only played on wheels instead of ice. The stick handling, the team work, passing and shooting feels just like it does on ice.
We play it on on inline skates (not quad skates) in a local sports hall – we see this as the best way to engage people just like you in making the journey from fan to player.
Plus – loads of top ice hockey players, like Connor Bedard, Patrick Kane, Auston Matthews, and Alex Tuch, grew up playing roller hockey, not to mention the huge number of the best Ice Hockey players in the UK National League!
So yes, it’s like ice hockey… just a bit cheaper, more accessible and way fewer cold rinks!
Can I try Roller Hockey?
Absolutely! Roller hockey is for everyone, whether you’re brand new to skating or already confident on wheels we’ve got a way for you to access the sport. In fact, our mission is to convert hockey fans to hockey players and we recognise its a journey from ice hockey stadium to standing in your own skates!
We help make the pathway as easy as possible, so if you’ve got the drive to take a stick and learn while meeting new friends – you’re good to go.
It’s fast, fun, and a great way to stay active, so if you want to try, we’ll help you get started. (Be warned though – its easy to get hooked!).
What about the padding?
Roller hockey is surprisingly padding free, with little more required than that time you tried roller skating at the park, here is a guide to what is worn – we can help you access this equipment if you can’t.
Helmet (Recommended with a face cage)
…for head and facial protection against falls and accidental contact with a stick.
Elbow pads & shin guards
…for the inevitable falls
Gloves
…for grip and hand protection
Hockey at your Leisure Centre: what you need to know?
We get it, hockey looks different, but we at The Skate Works think different, and we’re here to reinvent hockey as a social sport for all genders, ages and backgrounds.
First things first, the padding; at first glance, hockey players can look imposing and the pucks move fast, but the padding is all about being safe at speed – the sport is fast and the stopping is not always easy!
Our sport is fast-paced and dynamic, so players wear protective gear to help them move with confidence and stay safe and contact is not tolerated at this level; our culture focuses on control, respect, and safety.
Facility-Friendly and Fully Organised
We’ve designed our sessions to be easy on your venue:
- Roller skates use non-marking wheels and our floorball sessions mandate sport-specific trainers
- The Pucks are lightweight plastic – they dont mark and they offer no greater risk of damage than ball-sports
- Our goals don’t slide. When they’re carefully placed they remain there, ensuring no greater chance of issue than other equipment
- We can supply our own equipment
Several centres already host us successfully and report no issues with wear or maintenance.
A Sport That Welcomes Everyone
We run sessions for:
- Kids and families looking for something new
- Adults returning to sport or fitness
- Inclusive, mixed or gender specific teams
We work hard to make hockey fun, accessible, and community-focused, not elite or exclusive. It’s a sport that builds confidence, coordination, and fitness for all ages.
Benefits for Your Centre:
- We can guarantee reliable, regular bookings managed from our side by professional and friendly facilitators
- We specialise in bringing a diverse range of people from the local community into sports
- We’d love to bring hockey to your venue and show how it can fit seamlessly into your schedule and community offer.
Want to see it in action? We’re happy to come to you and talk things through on your terms. Let us show you what a session looks like, or hear from other centres who’ve partnered with us.