Learn How to Change Lines in Adult Hockey: Beer League Hockey Line Change Rules

[@motogig7803]

Try to be consistent with your line changes. If you notice one or several of your line mates have changed on the fly it is probably a good idea for you to change too.

[@beginneradulthockey]

That is true! There is definitely a difference of opinion on this, and I am always so concerned I am switching with my position-mate that sometimes I forget my actual line. But if there is a stoppage of play, then it's definitely a good idea to try to get back on your line.

[@edwardlbc562]

45 seconds seems too quick. Our pick up club has a 2 min shift. We change lines all around every 2 mins so everyone gets equal ice time.

[@beginneradulthockey]

I like that! When I say 45 to 75 seconds, that is actual skating time - not clock time. 2 minutes is usually closer to what people do though - I say get out there, skate as hard as you can, and get back to the bench :)

[@papat7435]

In some leagues the team that iced the puck can't change players.

[@beginneradulthockey]

That is true! The nhl does that is most situations. I like the rule.

[@FishForFoodNotSport]

45 seconds?? Umm no. Way too short.

[@beginneradulthockey]

That is 45 seconds of actual skating time, not clock time. You should get out there, skate as hard as you can, and get back to the bench. I also would opt closer to 75 seconds, but it should never be 3, or 4, or 5 minutes. How long do you think would be right?

[@FishForFoodNotSport]

@@beginneradulthockey first off even skating at your hardest if you’re tired in 45 seconds your cardio sucks. Also might need to work your legs out more. Second, if you had a line change every 45 seconds then the guy who just got off the ice arguably has only 45 seconds to rest. Also that can become distracting to the play at hand and cause you to lose focus. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten off the ice after just 45 seconds. Sometimes maybe okay but she’s saying every time which is nonsense.

[@crashingintowalls]

Sounds like someone isn't skating hard enough bud

[@FishForFoodNotSport]

@@crashingintowalls sounds like someone’s out of shape bud.

[@crashingintowalls]

@@FishForFoodNotSport Average shift lengths for last nights stanley cup game 5 McDavid: 59.1 seconds Draisaitl: 53.6 seconds Tkachuck: 48.8 seconds Barkov: 45.7 Seconds FishForFoodNotSport "Man these NHL guys are really out of shape, I stay on the ice for five minutes at a time and Im not even tired.":

[@papat7435]

How can you not understand the math of cycling vs lines? If a line changes every 2 minutes or so..and you have two lines...then you rest about 2 minutes. I you are cycling through ten players then A player comes off every 2 minutes or so. Not three at a time. Duh.

[@beginneradulthockey]

But it never works that way. Some people stay out 5 minutes, sometimes 5 people come off at the same time and sometimes you sit for minutes and minutes because no one is coming off at all. It’s always different. Thanks for the helpful comment 😀

[@papat7435]

@@beginneradulthockey Nope. You said cycling vs a line change. Cycling you just wait your turn so you have to wait for everyone ahead of you to get on. This is ALWAYS going to take longer than line changes.