Inline Hockey


Background
Inline Hockey is played primarily in hockey rinks across Canada during the spring/summer months.  In addition, there are a small number of leagues that operate throughout the winter months.

While similar to ice hockey (it involves skating, passing, shooting), Inline Hockey tends to be more creative and higher scoring.  Games are played four skaters per side with no bluelines or redlines.  This creates games that are wide-open, featuring quality scoring chances constantly throughout each game.  Scores of 9-8, 10-7 are quite common.  Players have more room to skate and handle the puck, resulting in many offensive chances.

Gaining popularity every year, Inline Hockey has proven to be a fantastic game for players who skate well and are creative with the puck.  Leagues generally start for players as young as eight and under and run right up to adult leagues across the province.  Each year the Provincial Championships are contested for the top rep teams in ages from Atom (8 & under), Mite (10 & under), Squirt (12 & under), Peewee (14 & under), Bantam (16 & under) and Midget (18 & under).  Teams then proceed to the North American Championships.

Athlete Development
The BC Summer Games play an enormous role in the development of the province’s Inline Hockey players.  Coaches are able to meet, evaluate and develop athletes they may not have previously had access to and contact with.  

Athletes qualify for the BC Summer Games through Zone Selection Camps throughout BC.  At these camps, each athlete receives a number of on-floor sessions to show their skills and be evaluated by the Zone Coaching Staff.  Team selection occurs at the conclusion of each Selection Camp.  Team and player building sessions that broaden the understanding of Inline Hockey and expand the skill development of players, coaches and officials is also held at the Camps. 

Competition at the Games
BC Summer Games athletes will be the top players in the province born in the years 1995-96 (14 & under).  This is the first stage in the BCIHA High Performance Program.  The event will comprise a round robin tournament with teams then proceeding to the medal round.

Participating in the BC Summer Games experience gives the athletes an opportunity to play with and against the top Inline Hockey players in the province.  This shows each player the level they need to achieve to reach the top.  Further, the athletes get the opportunity to meet, interact and watch elite athletes from other sports and see the drive and determination it takes to reach the pinnacle of sport.

For more info on Inline Hockey, contact the BC Inline Hockey Association at www.bciha.com or (604) 882-1611.