How good at skating do you need to be to play ice hockey?

Lnini: How good at skating do you need to be to play ice hockey?
I’m a 15 year old girl and I started ice skating lessons late last year and now can skate forwards relatively fast (on figure skates) and backwards very slowly and can sort of do cross-overs. I want to start ice hockey lessons in 2 months or so, so I can play next year, will I be good enough? If not how good do I need to be? I also play normal hockey (field hockey?) are the skills used similar?

Answers and Views:

Answer by TexHabs
Depends on the level you’re trying to get to. Backwards skating isn’t as important for a
forward as for a defenceman or goalie – but you gotta be a good skater in all directions.
Look at videos of field hockey + ice hockey to make the distinction / notice differences

Answer by Pengu
House League/Local League:
FORWARD:
– Skate Forward better than Backwards.
– Be able to raise the puck at least 6 inches.
– Stick-handle fairly well.
– Push the puck while skating.
– No need to worry about body-contact, was removed on for these leagues.
– Crossovers (Ex. Lift leg over planted leg to turn quickly)

DEFENSE:
– Backwards Skating is a must.
– Able to raise the puck 6 inches from the blue line or top of the circles.
– Good back checker (skating back to your end to prevent a scoring opportunity)

Representative League:
FORWARD:
– Skate forward faster than 20/25km/hr.
– Be able to shoot from any point in the oppositions end.
– Take physical contact.
– Good back checking.
– Good stick handling.
– Need to have wrist shot, snap shot, back hand, and slap shot down to a fine art.
– Need to be fit throughout the season.
– Crossovers need to be good both ways (Left/Right)

DEFENSE:
– Backwards skating needs to be almost as good as forward skating.
– Slap shot is needed: Must be able to hit the net at any point in the oppositions end.
– Take physical contact.
– Crossover need to be good both ways (Left/Right) backwards and forwards.
– Need to keep head up at all times.
– Back checking quickly and efficiently
– Passing must be good.

Answer by shanny!!!!!!
I would keep practicing. Get hockey skates. They feel different. Strengthen your ankles. Skating is a must for hockey.. duh. You don’t want to be skating like you do now. You want to be good and strong at all skills on your skates. Because playing hockey… you will be skating, passing, shooting, getting passes, watching/ starting plays. It isn’t the easiest thing to do. The last thing you want to be doing is tripping over your skates. Ice hockey is faster than your “normal” hockey. *Sorry about this next comment*–> I can’t believe you called field hockey NORMAL hockey. That is just plain offensive.
Good Luck! You will need it.