Ask Dan Question & Answer

(An index of subjects covered on the Q & A page of the web site,

 the Newsletters, and Dan and Jay's books  can be found on the

 Index of Subjects page)

Question #155:
Dear Dan: I am 13 years old and I just started to play Ice hockey this season. I have played two seasons of rolller hockey before. Will roller skating help my ice hockey skills. Some people tell me that roller skating could damage your skating stride. I also wanted to ask you how many times in a week should I play ice hockey or ice skate if I want to make it to the NHL. Thanks, Y.F.M.

Dan Replies:
Dear Y.F.M.: I think that roller hockey is actually great training for ice hockey. There are many professional roller hockey players who switch to professional ice hockey aand back again and say that while there is some minor adjustments (mainly in stopping) there is no material difference and one reinforces the other.

As to how much you should play, I think you should play as much pickup or shinny as you can because that's where the game is learned... not by playing organized games. I made it to the NHL because of the ice rink my father made in our back yard where my brothers and I played endlessly in the winter. However, I don't think you should play year around. Playing other sports in their season will make you a better player than skating year around.

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