FAQs - North Shore Inline Hockey League (NSIHL)

Frequently Asked Questions

Please scroll down to find answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Question	Answer
WHAT IS INLINE HOCKEY?	Inline hockey is a fast-paced, high scoring 4-on-4 game that is similar to ice hockey but with no body contact, no offsides and no icing. It is a puck possession game where stick handling and passing on a more wide open rink are keys to a team's success. Inline is an exciting, lower cost alternative to ice hockey where players of all ages and skill levels can participate in a sport that perfectly balances fun, skill development and competition. IT'S ALL THE THRILL, WITHOUT THE CHILL!
WHEN IS THE INLINE SEASON?	The NSIHL season runs in the spring, with games typically scheduled from early April to the end of June. The exact start date depends on the age division, but generally we begin offering open floor sessions in late March, with the teams forming shortly after that in early April.
WHAT DAYS ARE THE GAMES PLAYED?	Typically, teams will have one weeknight game and one weekend game per week. Games are one hour long, and there is no set day or time for each division's games. Younger divisions, (U9 and U11) can expect their weeknight games to be at 5pm or 6pm on weeknights and in the morning on weekends. Older age groups (U13, U15, and U18) can expect their weeknight games to be later in the evening, at 7pm or 8pm and their weekend games to take place in the afternoon or early evening. We do this to try and allow as many players as possible to make the games. By creating a variable schedule, we are aiming to avoid situations where any one participant has to miss most of the action because of conflicts with any other regularly scheduled weekly activities they may be involved in. The schedule is released prior to the season for the first month, and generally the remainder of the season's schedule is released a couple of weeks after that to allow for any balancing or other division modifications, etc.
WHERE ARE THE GAMES PLAYED?	Most games are played at Karen Magnussen Arena, on a tile floor made for specifically inline hockey. Some games in younger divisions may be played at Harry Jerome Arena. All games are played in North Vancouver.
What kind of equipment do I need?	CSA approved helmet with cage Hockey gloves Jock/Jill Strap Pants, either: Inline girdle and Inline pants or Regular short-leg ice hockey pants and hockey socks Hockey shin pads Hockey elbow pads Padded shirt or hockey shoulder pads (optional, but recommended) Mouth guard (optional, but recommended) Inline skates with indoor wheels (no brakes) Hockey stick Goalies must wear a protective, dangling neck guard made of Lexan (attached to the goalie mask, or to the helmet's face cage)
WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS?	The youth league is for players aged 6 to 17. See the Divisions page for a breakdown of the different age categories. In addition to the youth league, NSHIL also runs a separate adult league for players age 18 and over.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REGISTER?	Please refer to the Fees & Discounts page for complete details of our fees and the many discounts that are available.
MY CHILD IS REGISTERED IN U9 OR U11. HOW DO I CLAIM MY CREDIT AT COAST TO COAST HOCKEY SHOP?	The list of U9 and U11 player names is provided to our preferred supplier Coast to Coast Hockey Shop. You're welcome to stop by the store anytime they're open. Just mention that you're registered with NSIHL and they will apply the discount to your purchase. Coast to Coast will also be present at our annual preseason Swap Meet with a good selection of gear from their store. This credit must be utilized before April 30th, with no exceptions.
MY CHILD HAS NEVER PLAYED HOCKEY, IS THERE A BEGINNER GROUP? MY CHILD HAS PLAYED LOTS OF HOCKEY, IS THERE A MORE COMPETITIVE GROUP?	For those kids that are just starting inline hockey there is a non-competitive Recreational division in each age group. For those kids that have played a lot of hockey or are just looking for a more competitive playing environment the 4 older groups have a Competitive division as well. U9 - Recreational U11 - Recreational & Competitive U13 - Recreational & Competitive U15 - Recreational & Competitive U18 - Recreational & Competitive
HOW MANY GAMES ARE PLAYED PER SEASON AND HOW OFTEN ARE THE GAMES?	The season typically consists of 16 regular games and at least 2 playoff games per season (double elimination). Usually there are one to two games per week. The schedule will differ each week to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Practices can also be booked by the coach during the season if they wish, depending on floor availability. Younger age groups usually tend to have earlier times during weeknights and weekends.
How many players are on a team?	The number of players per team varies depending on the number of registrations. The maximum is 12 players (three lines of four) and a goalie for a total of 13, however, teams may also have as few as 10 players including the goalie.
How many practices are there?	With such a short season, and limited floor time available at our rinks, we try to fit it in as many games as we can. We have one practice at the beginning of the season, and and after that is just games.
Are girls mixed in with the boys on co-ed teams, or are they on separate teams?	Boys and girls do play on the same team, unless there are enough girls in the division and they want to form their own team. We've had girls ice hockey teams register and have played them against the boys with great success. The distribution of female players within each division varies from season to season and will depend on the number of female players registered and the league's consideration toward making teams that are balanced as best as possible.
Is it OK to buy used equipment?	We are all aware of the growing cost of equipment for players today. Parents and players should keep a few things in mind when purchasing used equipment. Equipment loses its effectiveness over time and use. This should be the first consideration when purchasing used equipment. In very few cases will it be as effective as in its original form. Check to ensure the product is free of holes, cracks, uneven padding etc. Helmets with loose padding should not be purchased. In cases that the padding is loose, only the manufacturer can re-glue the padding back in place. Because of the age of the helmet, they may be unwilling to do this re-gluing. DO NOT attempt to re-glue the padding on your own. If the wrong glue compound is applied to the helmet, it may affect the plastic compounds of the helmet and lessen the protective qualities of the product. DO NOT use super glue, contact cement, or hot glue guns to attach the padding to the helmet. If purchasing a helmet from a used equipment store, ask what, if any, repairs have been done to that specific product.
How can I be sure if the equipment fits?	Equipment should completely cover the area that it was meant to protect. Helmets should fit snug and not slide on the player’s head. Pants should protect the kidneys, hips, front, side of thighs and tailbone. Athletic supporter and cup should be positioned properly and be of the correct size. Shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves should adequately cover the chest and arm areas.