CRHG
Canadian Rollerhockey Group
Join Us. Roll With Us. Change Everything.
Play More Roller Hockey Instead of Spring Hockey
As winter winds down and the ice melts, many Hockey players face a big decision: Should they play spring hockey? While playing spring Hockey might seem the best way to stay sharp, we at Canadian Rollerhockey Group want to amplify a growing sentiment that Roller Hockey is the smarter and more beneficial choice for the off-season.
Give Your Body a Break
Spring hockey is often marketed as "essential" for player development. Still, playing Hockey year-round can lead to burnout and injuries. As Tim Turk points out, one major downside of spring hockey is that it doesn't properly give young athletes the time they need to recover from a long season. The wear and tear from constant skating, checking, and intense practices can increase the risk of injuries. On the other hand, Roller Hockey is a lower-impact alternative that keeps you in game shape while sharpening your skills. The surface is easier on the joints, and since Roller Hockey is a non-contact sport, players avoid the physical toll of constant body checks. This makes it a great way to stay active while giving your body the needed recovery.
Develop Skills
Many NHL players have credited Roller Hockey for enhancing their hands, improving their creativity, and making them better overall players. Connor Bedard, one of Hockey's most exciting young stars, is known for his Roller Hockey background. Other NHL players like Alex DeBrincat, Patty Maroon, and Dylan Strome also grew up playing Roller Hockey. At the same time, Canadian Rollerhockey Group has seen players like top NHL prospects Michael Misa and Matthew Schaefer, as well as the 2024 #1 OHL Draft pick Ethan Belchetz, all using it as a tool to develop high-end puck skills and vision. Because Roller Hockey is a 4-on-4 game with no offsides or icing, the flow of play is much different than Ice Hockey. Players have more time and space with the puck, forcing them to think creatively and develop their stickhandling, passing, and shooting under less structured conditions. This directly translates to better performance on the ice.
Become a More Versatile Athlete
Specializing in one sport too early can hinder long-term development. The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and medical experts from University Hospitals emphasize the importance of being a multi-sport athlete. Playing different sports builds overall athleticism, prevents burnout, and reduces injury risk. Roller Hockey provides a fresh challenge, and other movement patterns are closely related to Ice Hockey. The differences in stopping, starting, and transitioning on wheels versus skates help players develop better edgework, balance, and agility. Plus, the skill set gained from Roller Hockey often leads to an increase in ice hockey performance.
Save Money Without Sacrificing Development
Spring Hockey can be expensive. The costs quickly increase between travel, team fees, and ice time. Roller Hockey, in comparison, is much more affordable while offering high-level competition and development opportunities. We offer local youth and adult leagues, tournaments and development sessions at affordable rates. We also attend, but do not require, tournaments like State Wars, NARCh, and other top Roller tournaments to provide amazing experiences for players looking to test themselves without the heavy financial burden of spring hockey programs.
Keep Hockey Fun
One of the biggest downsides of year-round Ice Hockey is that it can start to feel like a job and lead to burnout. The pressure to constantly improve and the repetitive nature of practices are making young players lose their love for the game. On the other hand, Roller Hockey is all about having fun while developing your skills in a new environment. At Canadian Rollerhockey Group, we emphasize fostering a strong love for the game; improving your skills is an added benefit!. By taking a break from the physical toll of Ice Hockey and choosing Roller Hockey, you can develop high-end skills in a new environment while keeping costs manageable. Roller Hockey is the perfect way to stay in the game while having fun. If some of the NHL's best players have used Roller Hockey to achieve success, it may be time for more young athletes to follow their example.