On the surface, ice hockey and street hockey can look pretty similar. Both games require speed, coordination, stickhandling, and shooting. But the truth is that these sports are unique and offer their own fun experience.

To give you a better idea of what street hockey is all about, we’ve outlined the five biggest differences between street hockey and ice hockey—besides the ice, of course.

Street hockey is played with a ball, not a puck

Street hockey games take place on foot, and players chase after a ball instead of a puck. But like ice hockey, it’s a fast-paced, competitive game with the same objective: to get the ball in the opposing team’s net.

Less equipment is required in street hockey

Because players are on foot, they don’t have as much equipment as ice hockey. That being said, some players choose to wear optional equipment, such as helmets, gloves, shin-pads, glasses, mouthguards, and sweatbands, but they’re not required.

Game structure and positions

NHL STREET teams play four on four, with goalies, so you won’t find a center in street hockey. Instead, most teams play with two forwards and two defenders. Additionally, street hockey leagues consist of two 15-minute halves, unlike three periods in ice hockey.

Strategy

Since street hockey rules slightly differ from ice hockey, you’ll find that game strategy changes, too. For example, in ice hockey, one way to penetrate the zone is to sacrifice possession. While NHL STREET leagues enforce offsides, there isn’t any icing. This means that one of the best street hockey strategies is to never sacrifice possession.

Skills

It’s true that several technical skills carry over from street hockey to ice hockey. Shooting, stickhandling, and stick checking are basically identical. But, without the ice, hockey stopping isn’t a big factor. So sharp turns and halting stops are skills saved for the ice.

When it comes down to it, both sports have a lot to offer. They’re fun, engaging, and competitive. It doesn’t matter if you’re new to hockey or a seasoned expert. You can take your game to the next level—on the floor or ice.