How important is size in hockey ice and roller

[morrisville75]

i need to know becuase i am 5'6 155 and i can play d and forward well for ice

and most people are taller than me

[chandler27]

depends on your style. I'm your size minus 30 lbs. i play D on 2 teams and forward on 2 teams. I play a more Lidstrom style vs. a Chelios style. Although I can't clear the crease with strength, I can usually at least tie up the man/woman. To prevent screens, I usually have to get a little physical and "push" with my stick or annoy the crap out of the forward. Sometimes I get called, sometimes I don't. I don't think it's dirty play, but I wouldn't call it gentlemanly either. When I play forward, my lack of size doesn't deter me from anything. I'll camp out in the crease and take a beating to screen or draw a penalty. In the corners, I "bait" the guy with the puck to go where I want him to and tie him up, or force him off the puck. Use your head and size doesn't always matter. I will say that it's pretty easy to push me off the puck or tie me up. To avoid that, I just never stop moving.

[The_GM]

Ask any woman, they'll say size does matter

The GM

[SpeedDemon]

Learn how to command your balance. I'm a bit taller and heavier than you, but still considered a smaller player. However, I've had 250 lb. monsters come full force at me in the crease or corners, or try to ride me off the puck, and barely do more than nudge me this way or that, all because I feel I have done what it takes to set my balance correctly for checks and contact.

There are plenty of books out there that teach you how to have great balance, agility and control. Invest in one and you'll feel 10 times more confident on your skates.

SD