The sounds of clashing sticks and shoulder pads are unmistakable.

But on this weekend at Kamiloiki Rink in Hawai'i Kai, the hockey action is not on ice, but on concrete.

For more than seven years, Rob Moylan, 41, of Hawai'i Kai has been playing in the Adult O'ahu Inline Hockey League.

"I like the speed of hockey ... trying to beat your opponent using teamwork," said Moylan, who began playing ice hockey at age 10 in his native Detroit. "I love being part of a team and competing."

Les Kelly, 47, also is from Michigan, but said he never played hockey until he came to Hawai'i.

"As a youth we were too poor (to afford ice hockey)," he said. Even when kids would play street hockey, "I always watched but never played."

Kelly, who has served in U.S. Marine Corps for the past 29 years, was introduced to inline skate hockey four years ago when asked to volunteer coaching a youth team.

"I love playing because it's a ball," Kelly said. "We seldom win, but I'm not here for the Stanley Cup."

Kelly also said he enjoys the speed of the sport and adds, "You're always involved, even (when) sitting on the bench. The younger guys don't mind me playing, and I like the challenge of playing (against) younger players."

O'ahu native Troy Kimura, 28, of Makiki, took up inline hockey 10 years ago and also has had some ice hockey experience.

"I prefer inline over ice, because it's a less restrictive game as far as rules go. It's a relatively new approach to an old game," said Kimura, a goalie.

"The level of competition seems to be greater for our inline than at ice (hockey). I also get an opportunity to play against players who actively compete in national tournaments."

Kimura, an office assistant at a construction company, takes to the ice on weeknights to stay in shape for inline hockey. He also employs creativity when not near a rink.

"I don't have a strict training schedule, but I have done a few things in the past to help me improve my game, (such as) sidestep up stairs whenever I can to simulate the movement I make when I skate."

During one season, Kimura attended Tai Chi classes, which he said helped improve his balance and mental focus. He also skates at The Ice Palace for 1 1/2 to 2 hours once a week.

Kelly said he loves being in the rink whether he is coaching or playing, often five to six days a week for two hours each day.

Moylan also has been coaching youngsters for the past six years.

"I love what inline hockey offers kids," Moylan said. "It provides them with a perfect outlet and focus on endless amounts of energy they possess."

Despite Moylan's busy schedule as an Atlantis Submarine captain, part-time mail carrier and father of four, he practices one or two hours a week.

And despite the physical nature of the sport, Moylan said that in his seven years of playing inline hockey, he has never witnessed anyone getting injured beyond bruises and minor scrapes.

"Protective equipment is mandatory in our league and is very effective in preventing serious injuries," he said.

Kelly said his past scrapes came as a beginner.

"I was a new skater and used players and boards to stop my momentum," he said. "I did not realize until I started that it's really a safe game."

Kimura said the skill, speed and history of the sport, as well as the camaraderie, are hard to beat.

"I have to say the people who play hockey were the ones who drew me in and keep me involved with the sport," Kimura said. "I've played baseball, basketball and soccer, but only in hockey have I seen people from all walks of life, and different cultural backgrounds, come into the sport and bond with people who they would never meet (otherwise)."