Will I like it

[newplayer]

Well, after playing ice hockey for two years I realized I am way better on inline skates and without having to wear such heavy pant shells I will have even more better balance. I have a good shot, just can never shoot it cause I have terrible balance on ice.
So, I am just wondering if I will like roller hockey better? (there's no offsides too)

*Whats a good hockey stick for roller hockey?
newplayer

[5280]

You don't really give enough information to say whether you'll like roller better than ice. What do you like about hockey? If you like checking, or grinding it out in the corners, then you probably won't like inline as much. If you like fast pace, up and down hockey, chances are, you may find inline to your taste. Hockey stops are different than ice. You may find that works for you...or not.

As for good roller hockey sticks, you'll probably find as many answers to that as there are posters on the board. In general, if you have a stick that you like in ice, you'll probably like it in roller.

My suggestion, find a rink that has open stick and puck sessions, and go mess around. If you like that, then check out a local short season rec league.

[newplayer]

Well, since I use roller blades and play roller hockey in my backyard I am going to assume I like it. But, I was wondering how competitive is the NAYRHL. I have participated in tryouts for state championship teams for ice hockey. So I am just wondering... will it be just as hard or a bit easier.
And, I have seen the stops for roller hockey I can emulate them somewhat but need a bit of practice. Other than stopping I see no problem as why I might be that terrible at roller hockey. Oh one more question, I have seen game footage and slap shots look a ton easier with one of the street pucks. Is this true?
How bout picking out inline roller blades...any recommendations or things I should look for when picking out a pair?
thanks man

[5280]

I'm out West, so someone else will have to comment on the quality of the NAYRHL.

The puck is lighter (around 3.5 oz, compared to 5.5-6 oz for an ice puck). So, it may be easier to get a slap shot off, but, IMO, harder to control it.

Strategies are obviously different. Because of the blue lines, the puck's location on the rink is often more important than possession. In inline, possession is king. It's not unusual to see teams on the attack in the offensive end, and then pull the puck back behind their net to regroup. For the most part, dump and chase isn't in the inline vocabulary. Because you can't come in and just check someone off the puck, there tends to be a bit more stick-handling in tight quarters. It's still physical, and strength is still important, but there are some defensive techniques from ice that you just have to alter. So, getting used the style differences sometimes takes ice players a little time.

As for the skates themselves, there are others here far more qualified to make recommendations on that.