Swansea Sharks Roller Hockey ClubWho are we?
Swansea Sharks Roller Hockey club is based at Penyrheol Leisure Centre, Gorseinon, and play inline roller hockey in the South Walesjunior league. Numerous clubs compete in this league, including Cardigan from the west and Gloucester from the east. Swansea Sharks were formed only a couple of years ago after the Treboeth Allstars and the younger age groups of the Gowerton Gamblers merged.
What we do
Inline roller hockey is closely related to ice hockey, with similar rules and equipment (e.g. puck), but is played in sports halls instead of ice rinks. This makes the sports more accessible than ice hockey. The game doesn’t involve the same level of contact as ice hockey, although the players wear very similar protective gear. Inline hockey is, however, far from a non–contact sport and is very fast and exciting to watch. The players skate on special inline skates, and can play just as fast as the players on ice.
Although Inline Hockey is not Ice Hockey on wheels. Inline hockey has developed to be more than just that. It is a fast growing team sport and has been since 1995.
Inline hockey is very high intensity sport played with great passion and skill. It is very exciting sport to both play and watch.
Eight outfield players speeding around chasing after a piece of black plastic trying to put it past the opposing goalie who looks like the Michelin man, with all that equipment on.
Unlike Ice Hockey you are not allowed to intentionally body check your opponent. The game is non-checking but not non-contact. This helps reduce the risk of injuries and make the sport a much more skilful game. Inline Hockey can be played in sports halls or anywhere where there is a smooth and flat suitable area.
Inline hockey is played all over the World and has its own World and European Championships.
In Britain the sport is played under two main organisations; British Inline Puck Hockey Association (BIPHA) and Great Britain Hockey Inline (GBHI).
Over the last few years not only has the sport grown but the skill levels have risen and Britain's progression has been noticed all over the world within the sport.The sport has also put in bid to join the Olympics in the near future, which can only help inline develop more.