Rules + Gameplay

Rules & Gameplay

Welcome to HIHL – 

For those new to the exciting world of roller hockey, HIHL offers a dynamic alternative to traditional ice hockey. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, our league provides a competitive, fun, and inclusive environment for athletes of all skill levels.

League Rules and Gameplay

* Please note that individuals must play a minimum of 5 games to be eligible to play in playoffs. *

Game Structure:

  • Two Periods: Each game consists of two periods, providing an efficient and action-packed format.
  • Run Time: The clock runs continuously, stopping only in the final two minutes of the game if the score differential is two goals or less.

Gameplay Format:

  • 4v4 Teams: The game is played at 4v4 instead of 5v5, creating more open ice and opportunities for fast, skillful play.
  • Power Plays: Power play situations are as follows:
    • 4v3 for a one-man advantage.
    • 4v2 for a two-man advantage.

Penalties:

  • Minor Penalties: 1:30 in duration.
  • Double Minor Penalties: 3:00 in duration.
  • Major Penalties: All major penalties result in an automatic game misconduct, meaning the player is ejected from the game and subject to suspension.
  • No Tolerance for Fighting: Our league promotes skillful, competitive play and does not tolerate fighting.

Game Regulations:

  • No Offsides or Icing: This makes for a more skill dominant game and helps develop hockey sense and skills.
  • Non-Checking: This non-checking format reduces the risk of injury and encourages clean, skill-based play.
  • Co-Ed Play: HIHL is a co-ed league, encouraging inclusivity and bringing together players of all genders.

Scheduling:

Each team will play one game per week. Adults and 18U will be Monday-Thursday and youth games will be Monday-Thursday and Saturday mornings.

Equipment Requirement:

  • Goalies are required to wear skates
  • Indoor wheels
  • All divisions are required to wear a hockey helmet
  • Players under the age of 18 are required to wear a full cage

Gear Information

Gear Information

Roller Hockey equipment and ice hockey equipment are very similar for those not as familiar with roller hockey!

Everything is the same except shoulder pads and hockey pants are not required, but you are more than welcome to wear them.

Typically players like to wear ''roller/inline pants'' instead of the typical ice hockey pants and socks.

ROLLER PANTs OPTION

There are various other companies that also make these pants and the pants go OVER your shin pads and anything else you are wearing on your lower body.

There are also padded girdle options for under the pants for added protection. 

Here are additional links with other helpful information

BEGINNER GUIDE TO ROLLER EQUIPMENT

GEAR STARTER PACKAGES (scroll down to roller hockey)

Indoor Wheel Options (Required for the IceCourt Surface used in the Arena)

Skate brake stoppers  are not permitted on the surface.

WHEEL OPTIONS  BEARINGS & SPACERS

Pro tips for wheel care

  • Add a paintbrush to your hockey bag to dust off plastic residue from wheels and bearings
  • Add an Allen key to your bag to tighten/change your wheels

            WHEEL TOOL

REQUIRED
  • Goalies are required to wear skates
  • Indoor wheels
  • All divisions are required to wear a hockey helmet
  • Players under the age of 18 are required to wear a full cage
  • Skate brake stoppers are not permitted on the surface.

Roller and Inline hockey players in equipment