"There is a significant difference between being a fast skater and being a quick skater. Speed is measured by how fast a player in full stride can skate from point a to point b. A players ability to stride efficiently with good technique creates speed. Quickness, however is the players ability to go from one speed to another in a small amount of time and space, which may also include changing direction. Quick starts have a completely different technique then skating at full stride. Quickness in a game is considered to be more of an effective tool then speed itself. Hockey is a game of transition and reaction where burst of speed and quickness are valuable assets to possess."
source: http://www.semihockey.ca/skating_progression_with_ihd_part_2
