How far can I go in ice hockey if I start at 22?

Rutgers Student: How far can I go in ice hockey if I start at the age of 22?
I’ve been playing roller hockey since 1999, never played on ice and ice skated maybe 2-3 times in my life. I do play in organized rec roller hockey leagues that are a mix of ice hockey players and casual players.

I’m a goalie if that makes any difference.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Moginly
I think adult leagues are the route to take.

Answer by Jason
Apply for the draft, the Leafs might take you with their first round pick.

Answer by Bry
roller hockey is not real hockey… in fact it should be called something other than hockey… I’ve played hockey (on ice) and we don’t even need to call it ice hockey in canada because hockey is hockey…. of course its played on ice…. jesus… sorry pal im glad you like hockey and im glad you tried it, but beginning at age 22 you got no chance son…. you will get pasted along the boards so hard it will make you want to quit,,., again, sorry man and good luck, but you won’t go far…. we got kids here who start at the age of fetus… you got no chance fella

Answer by None
Play in a rec league. Roller hockey is way different however, hockey (ice hockey) tends to be a lot more challenging. But the only way to really find out, is to play on ice and see how you are!

Answer by hockeyisapassion
it is time to have a great time with the sport…just have fun

Answer by Robert P
The short answer: If you’re a good athlete or have a lot of access to ice time, you can get to the middle levels of rec hockey. If you’re an average athlete or only get to play once a week, you’ll probably stay in the lower levels of rec hockey. Either way, you’ll have fun! (truthfully, the upper levels of rec hockey are filled with guys who have been playing since childhood. The odds are against you competing with these guys, but who am I to say.)
The important answer is: 22 is NOT too old to start playing ice hockey. In my opinion, the key in rec hockey leagues is skating well. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO SKATE WITHOUT USING YOUR STICK FOR BALANCE or you’ll have trouble doing anything else. So go to open skates, but don’t just skate around in a circle. Practice doing the things a goalie would do — dropping down and getting back up, moving from side-to-side, etc.
Then learn the rule-differences between roller and ice. I’m not familiar with inline goalie equipment, but I’d guess you need stouter pads for ice hockey. And remember: It’s just rec hockey. Go for it and have fun.

Answer by Leafsfan29-RIP, Brendan
Whatever the US equivalent of beer leagues are…nothing wrong with it; you can still play the game and enjoy it.

Turning professional? No way. You have to be a very good skater to even entertain this conversation; which clearly isn’t the case.