WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
INBOX HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
“Try Inbox Hockey, the World’s newest sport, both competitive and fun” – Vadims Mahnovs
What is Inbox Hockey
Inbox Hockey is a variation of Hockey that features a less formal structure than the traditional sport. It’s a game or activity that is played within a smaller surface than a “normal” Inline/Roller hockey game.
Developed in 2022 by Vadims Mahnovs, Inbox Hockey is played on inline hockey skates indoors on wooden floors using a half of a full-sized sports hall, in a square area so four equal straight sides. The small playing surface allows for a range of techniques, team tactics and strategies.
Since there is less space, speed doesn't have as much of a factor as it would on a regular-size rink so the key is to move the puck quickly, shoot from everywhere and drive the net.
The Inbox Hockey is fun for beginner hockey players and the most skilled players on the planet. It's a fast and dynamic team sport and is excellent for the mini-leagues or tournaments.
Why Inbox Hockey
The only thing holding the game of Inline Hockey or Roller Hockey back is the lack of proper facilities. The problem of finding a designed place to play, though increasingly common is not new. These factors have developed a new sport of Inbox Hockey that offers an alternative version of hockey for the players.
The first-ever Inbox Hockey Tournament was organised by the British Regional Inline-Ice Hockey Association (BRIHA) held at Ivybridge Leisure Centre in November 2022. It was an exceptional success, with teams showcasing remarkable performances showing fast-paced games in the small area featuring plenty of goals.
Realising the immediate benefit of using a smaller area surface has encouraged BRIHA to introduce the IIHL mini league in November 2023. These modifications allow organisers to allocate a playground, team benches and spectator area all in one place.
The Benefits Playing Inbox Hockey
Players benefit from Inbox Hockey because they are working harder by touching the puck more, always moving and involved in the play since there is less space, battling for loose pucks and creating scoring chances in tight spaces.
All these factors automatically reinforce major skills like skating, passing, puck control/protection, and shooting.
The Benefits Playing Inbox Hockey
The game of Inbox Hockey also forces players to work on their decision-making skills because there is no pre-determined route that they must take to score a goal.
Goalkeepers are forced to adapt to different rules and patterns of play. It's learning how to be creative, and how to read and react to different situations. They're a great way to help goalies feel comfortable in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations.
Inbox hockey rules and terms
3 on 3 plus Goalies
No Lines
Ice Hockey Nets Used
No Checking
No Slap-Shots
Inbox Hockey is played in a square area so four equal straight sides.Teams are limited to 6 players (min 4 and max 6), plus the goalkeeper. Every game starts with a face-off where opposing players face each other with their sticks one foot apart on the ground. When the referee drops the puck, the play begins.The game shall consist of two 12minute halves running-time separated by a two-minute halftime period. Substitutions may be made during play (“on the fly”) or while a puck is being retrieved. There is a stoppage of play after a goal is scored. No Timeouts or Overtime. Once a goal is scored, play restarts with the face-off from the centre line.
Slap-shots are not allowed. A slap shot is defined as having the backswing above the waist as estimated by the referee. A player guilty of using a slap shot will cause a stoppage of play and the ensuing faceoff will be in either face-off spot in their team’s defensive zone. If a player uses a slap shot for the purpose of “Delay of Game”, then, at the discretion of the referee, a “Delay of Game” penalty may be applied.
Games will be scored according to the following: 3 points for the win; 1 point for a tie; 0 point for a loss. A forfeited game is scored as a 6-0 win for the team presented. Tournament placing will be decided by points gained. If two or more teams have the same points and the same goal difference, the team which has scored the higher number of goals will be ranked higher. If teams have scored the same number of goals, then the team with the best record in matches (only those two) will be ranked higher.
All players must wear helmets, gloves, shins, elbows and hockey skates. Hockey shoulder pads and padded shorts are highly recommended. All teams must have light and dark jerseys or uniforms.
There are two officials (one on the rink and one off the rink) to monitor the play (scoring, time, puck reset, and arbiter of infractions). The referee will have the discretion to also award a 1-minute penalty” to the opposing team when a minor penalty is flagrant and a 3-minute penalty for the major. The penalised team plays with 1 less skater. After penalty time runs out, the player returns to the playground. The penalty is cut short if the opposing team scores a goal. If a team takes a penalty while they have two players on the playground the penalty will be served at the expiry of the penalty with the least amount of time left.
Players involved in “fighting” shall be suspended for the rest of the game and receive a game misconduct penalty (so players miss the team’s next game).
Any major penalty, which includes any action that could possibly injure another player, will result in that player being ejected from the tournament. A Referee will determine major penalties in consultation with an Off-ice official.
Abuse of officials will be considered a major penalty. This includes yelling, swearing, or arguing about calls. No checking is allowed. Such action will result in a minor penalty unless deemed serious enough to be a major.
Welcome in the world of Inbox Hockey!