How fast do hockey players skate?

Hockey players in the NHL often reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour with some speed skaters increasing the speed to around 30 miles per hour. Most amateur-level players will not reach the same speeds as professional hockey players.

A combination of strength and mechanics allows skaters to move more efficiently and quickly on ice. In order to accelerate, players dig their skates into the surface of the ice and lean forward, which in turn leads to a pronounced force on their lower bodies. In order to maintain balance, most hockey players crouch forward in the direction they are moving.