Compare sports

Ice Hockey vs Speed Skating

Ice Hockey vs Speed Skating: how they compare on difficulty, intensity, cost of kit and what suits you — so you can choose with confidence.

Ice Hockeyvs Speed Skating

At a glance

Every row is drawn from each sport’s own profile — no scores, just the facts side by side.

	Ice Hockey	Speed Skating
Category	Team Sports	Winter Sports
Getting started	Rewards practice	Rewards practice
Intensity	High intensity	High intensity
Where you play	indoor or outdoor	indoor or outdoor
Format	Team sport (small teams on the ice)	Solo (individual or relay races)
Essential kit	Ice skates, Hockey stick and Protective gear (helmet, pads and gloves)	Speed skates, Comfortable, flexible clothing, Gloves and Access to an ice rink or oval

What they share

Both can be played indoors and outdoors.

How they differ

Ice Hockey is a team sports sport; Speed Skating is winter sports.

Which might suit you

There is no better or worse here — only what fits your goals, your schedule and what you enjoy.

1Ice Hockey and Speed Skating are closely matched on everything this comparison measures — how easy they are to start, how intense they are, and whether you can play them indoors. Pick on access, cost and which one you would look forward to.

Explore each sport

Full beginner-friendly guides to both.

Ice Hockey

A fast team sport on ice that combines skating skill with quick passing and goal-scoring.

Team SportsRewards practice

Speed Skating

A racing sport on long-bladed skates, powering around an ice oval or tight indoor track with long, rhythmic strides.

Winter SportsRewards practice

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Ice Hockey and Speed Skating?

Ice Hockey is a team sports sport and Speed Skating is winter sports, so they feel quite different in pace and setting. The table above lays out how they compare on difficulty, intensity, where you play and the kit you need.

Is Ice Hockey or Speed Skating easier for beginners?

Both Ice Hockey and Speed Skating are approachable for beginners when you start gently. A first lesson or a patient partner helps with either, and the right one is simply the one you are more drawn to try.

Can I do both Ice Hockey and Speed Skating?

Yes — there is no need to choose only one. Playing both adds variety, works your body in different ways and keeps sport interesting over the long term.

Comparisons