As an alternative to ice hockey, the inline atmosphere appears to be working in Colorado. The sport is typically played on universal multi-basketball/hockey sport courts at schools and recreation centers. It takes much of the cost out the brand-name game that is played at ice rinks, which are expensive to use.
The Colorado High School Inline Hockey League has captured the alternative, offering recreational and competitive teams for teenagers and younger. The CHSIHL is in its eighth high school season and fourth for middle school, and now oversees 53 teams competing at the 5A and 4A varsity and junior varsity levels.
The season begins in January and runs through April, with games at five venues along the Front Range. The CHSIHL is governed by USA Roller Sports, the leader in American inline hockey.
Differences of ice and floor.
The national and international differences between ice and “court” hockey go beyond the playing surface. Equipment protection is the same, but rink dimensions vary on the dry surface for practical purposes, and there are no offsides or icing. Checking is illegal, although incidental contact is allowed. There are no blue lines, just a center line that creates equal halves on the court. In most inline leagues, a starting lineup features four skaters and a goaltender. There are two, 16-to-20 minute halves, running time or stop time, depending on age and ability.
Physically, the biggest difference between ice and floor hockey is the ability to stop. “Hockey stops” are more difficult on wheels.
USA Hockey’s view.
Colorado Springs-based USA Hockey is behind virtually every ice hockey organization in the country, from youth to the NHL. But when it comes to roller hockey, USA Hockey has competition with USA Roller Sports (USARS), formerly dubbed the United States Amateur Confederation of Roller Skating.
USA Hockey, however, recently said it will continue to work with inline programs.
Mike Chambers: 303-954-1357 or mchambers@denverpost.com
Where to play
There are several area CHSIHL host venues and learn-to-play facilities. A look:
Parker Fieldhouse
18700 E. Plaza Drive
Parker
303-805-6300
Bladium Sports and Fitness Club
2400 Central Park Blvd.
Denver
303-320-3033
Colorado Sports Center
16240 Old Denver Highway
Monument
719-487-8572
Rocky Mountain Roller Hockey League
3606 S. Independence St.
Lakewood
303-933-1680
OD’s Sports Crossing
218 Smokey Street
Fort Collins
970-282-1112
Important dates
CHSIHL schedule (high school)
April 11 — All-star games
April 18 — Playoffs begin
April 26 — League championship
For more information, visit
