Introduction to the GameSkater hockey pits two teams of 5 players (four players and a goalie) against each other in a highly energetic contest. The game is played so fast that 2 or more lines (18 players maximum) are available to ‘change-up’ for tired players at any time during the game. Players sub every few minutes. With a game lasting 45 minutes with 3 x 15 minutes periods and 2 minute rest between periods. Face-Off
Full contact (Checking) is allowed when trying to gain/retain possession of the ball, but only for the purpose of getting possession of the ball. Elbowing, tripping, slashing, or dangerous play may result in a two minute stretch in the penalty box (Sin Bin) leaving the team short of a player (or two).
The team manager plays his team like a hand of cards, trying to match the other team’s strengths and weaknesses, while giving his players much needed rests between bursts of play. Players may be changed on the fly (during run of play), or at the next break in the game - a penalty or goal. No more than 5 players are allowed on the pitch at any one time. Because of the speed of players, balls and sticks, full body armour and protection is essential to prevent injury.
The goal is small guarded by a highly padded goal keeper (Netminder). The goalie padding has evolved to assist the goalie as well as provide protection. The amount of target space around the goalie is very small, and players must shoot fast and accurate to get the ball into the net. The goalie’s padding gives him many blind spots, and makes him relatively immobile. Only 1 in 10 shots at goal may succeed, but many goals are made off re-bounds when the goalie is unsighted.
 Netminder
Players in defence will attempt to block passage and passes from the opponent in possession. Often forcing the attacking player to the barrier, forcing a poor pass, or taking possession themselves. The defence will attempt to keep play in the opponents half and create opportunities for the forwards.
Those in attack will be looking for space and openings in the opponents defence, and looking for opportunities to defeat the goalie. This may be shots on goal and picking up rebounds, blinding the goalie by screening his line of sight, or selling the goalie a dummy, and off balancing him.
 Team-Call
As a result of the rules, some odd tactics come into play some times.
Hand Ball: The players are allowed to handle high balls to bring it back into play/possession, but not to push it forwards. Sticks above shoulder height result in a penalty. Curiously, if the hand is holding the stick, then the hand is considered part of the stick, and so punching the ball while holding the stick is technically legal. Delayed call of penalty: If a penalty occurs while the awarded team is in possession, then the penalty is delayed until the team loose possession. In this situation, a quick manager may attempt to substitute the goalie with an outfield player to give his team an attacking advantage. Usually, by the time the goalie is substituted, possession is lost and the penalty then gets taken. Time wasting: If a team has a player in the sin bin or a has narrow score advantage towards the end of the game, then delaying tactics may come in. A particularly unpopular tactic is to take the ball to the corner of the pitch and hold it there between the skates.
To watch the game in action click on the video page, in the gallary section.
For more info on the rules of the game - see the game rules document on the Documents page.
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Playing the Game |