Mini hockey

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Mini hockey (aka. mini sticks, sock hockey, knee hockey, hall hockey, or , shimmy stick) is an indoor sport which is similar to ice or roller hockey. In mini hockey, two players attempt to put a soft, foam ball or puck into their opponent's goal using either their hands or specially designed mini hockey sticks. Mini hockey is especially popular amongst children and teenagers around the world, mostly in the United States and Canada. Its accessibility (any soft object can be a ball and things like laundry baskets can be used to make a goal) makes it a common game in basements, hallways and hotel hallways where a regular hockey game would not be feasible. B

Mini hockey is played on a soft, indoor surface (usually a rug, although specially designed mini hockey mats are available). Two goals are set up at opposite ends of the "rink" and the players use either their hands or their sticks to put the ball/puck in the other goal. Most games are played with two players going head to head, playing both goaltender and offense. However, some games are played on larger surfaces with teams of two or even more players. While hands are sometimes used instead of sticks, most leagues and tournaments require the use of sticks to avoid situations such as the puck accidentally being thrown into the opponent's goal.

1 The Game
2 League play
3 References

[edit] The Game

The exact origins of the sport of mini hockey are not known. Mini hockey is especially popular with youth teams who travel to tournaments. In their hotels they often stage large tournaments in the hallways in between their games. It is, in essence, a miniature version of ice or roller hockey. However, there are a few key differences, such as players not wearing skates and playing on their knees. In recreational play, games are generally played with little or no rules and usually end when one player scores a certain number of goals. However, in most leagues, three timed periods are played and rules such as high sticking and slashing are enforced. There is no authorititive code of play enforced by a higher association in mini hockey, so the rules can vary slightly or substantially from league to league.

In most league play, three periods are played with the clock being stopped after goals, penalties, and timeouts. There is a brief intermission between periods and an overtime is usually played if the score is tied after regulation. In some cases, the game will proceed to a shootout if the game cannot be ended in one overtime period.

Mini hockey is not as physical as regular hockey, but it can get quite rough. Common penalties include: slashing, roughing, holding the stick, hooking, cross-checking, spearing, and boarding (hitting a player when he is close to a wall or obstacle). Despite the physical aspect, mini hockey is generally a game of skill over strength. The quick pace of the game can cause more goals to be scored than in a regular game of ice or roller hockey. It is not uncommon for one or both players/teams to score more than ten goals in a game.

[edit] The Rink

The mini hockey "rink" is generally a living room, basement or hallway floor, since these areas are easily accessed and transformed into playing surfaces. There are usually no set dimensions for a rink other than it allowing for adequate movement for both players/teams. Any area with two goals can be considered a mini hockey rink, and often obstacles such as tables, chairs, and other furniture remain in their places. A great rink size could be 15 ft by 30 ft. Because of the small playing field, mini hockey is generally a fast-paced, back-and-forth game, almost like a game of table tennis. Since possession of the ball/puck usually changes after every shot, the momentum of the game can shift quickly and drastically.

[edit] Equipment

Mini hockey players usually have only one necessary piece of equipment: the mini hockey stick. The mini hockey stick is made of plastic and very light. The small size of the stick makes taking a quick wrist shot more desirable than winding up for a slap shot. The stick can be many different colors, curves, and sizes, and it can be taped or untaped, depending on the player's personal preference. Some players simply take their old roller or ice hockey sticks and cut them down for mini hockey play, while others purchase specifically-designed mini hockey sticks (two examples: ^[1], ^[2])

The ball or puck can be any light, round object. Specially made balls and pucks which are designed for mini hockey may be purchased as well. Regular roller hockey balls can be used, although these are not desirable because with the lack of padding they can injure the players. The ball or puck is generally soft in order to lessen risk of both damage to surroundings and injury to the players.

Players can wear whatever they wish when playing, although most players, as a defensive tactic, wear large, loose-fitting clothing. The large clothing makes it easier for the ball or puck to get caught in the player's clothing while defending the net, therefore making it easier to save a shot. Specially designed mini hockey leg pads, goaltender gloves, and helmets are made, but these are seldom used. ^[3]

[edit] Tactics

The fast, dramatic pace of a mini hockey game requires players and teams to both think on their feet and switch up tactics on the fly. Playing styles vary from player to player; while some players opt for a defensive, "turtle" style of game (waiting in front of their own goal and defending the net while looking for a safe opportunity to take a shot at the opponent's goal), other players will play an aggressive style, rarely standing stationary in front of their own goal. Of course, there are variations and mediums between these two extreme styles as well.

The main tactic of mini hockey is controlling the ball or puck. More often than not, the player or team who dominates possession will wind up winning the game, simply because they will have more opportunities to shoot at the goal. Rebounding is a key factor in mini hockey. The small size of the rink means that even a player who shoots from his/her own defensive end can be in the goalie's face in a hurry, trying to dig the ball free. Goaltenders have to show great poise and control when defending their net, because a giveaway in front of the goal will usually lead to a goal for the other side.

While stick-handling the ball or puck, like in roller or ice hockey, is common, the condensed nature of the game makes attempting to deke a defender or goaltender a less viable tactic. More commonly, players will use environmental obstacles, such as walls, tables, or chairs, to take "bank shots" at the goal (banking the ball or puck off of an obstacle and towards the net). These shots can confuse a goaltender or defender and lead to more scoring chances than if one were to simply go one on one with a defender and try to deke him/her out.

Due to the small size of most sticks, it can be quite difficult to wind up for a slap shot such as in ice or roller hockey. The wind-up usually gives the opposing player time to reach in and poke the ball/puck away from the shooter; in addition, a slap shot allows the goaltender to square up to the shooter and cut off the shooting angles, making it more difficult for the shooter to place an effective shot. Because of this, a quicker, faster wrist shot or backhand shot is more desirable. Since there is no pre-shot wind-up motion, it is difficult to read a wrist shot or backhand shot, and it is common for the shooter to catch the goaltender off-guard or unprepared with one of these shots.

[edit] League play

There are many various neighborhood and community leagues for mini hockey, each with varying rule and team structures. There is no official higher governing body for the sport. Most leagues are formed in local communities by youngsters and teenagers looking for a non-expensive but still competitive alternative to ice or roller hockey. Because there is no governing mini hockey body as of right now, league play can vary greatly from league to league.

In the works is a pro mini hockey league where players will earn a salary the league will be based in the western united states and its headquarters will be in phoenix. The league website will be up by june, the website will include how to get a try out to join the league, league rules, and other needed information. If you have any questions now pleae e-mail us at mhlphx@yahoo.com