Ice hockey is a team sport where two teams with six players on the ice try to score goals by shooting the puck into the opponent's net. The game takes place on an ice-covered rink, which usually measures 60 meters in length and 30 meters in width. In North America, slightly smaller rinks are often used.
On the rink, there is a center line, a center circle, two blue lines, two goal lines, and four faceoff circles marked. The area between the two blue lines is called the neutral zone. The areas between a blue line and the goal line are called the attacking zone and the defensive zone, respectively, depending on which team has the puck.
There are a total of nine faceoff spots on the rink. One in the center circle, which is used at the start of the game and after goals, four in the neutral zone, and four in the two end zones – two at each end. Faceoff is used to restart play after stoppages.
An ice hockey team has six players on the ice at a time: one goalie, two defensemen (backs), two wingers, and one center.
The center is often the most mobile player on the team. The player participates in both offense and defense and usually takes faceoffs. In offensive play, the center often acts as a playmaker and helps create scoring opportunities for teammates.
Wingers play on each side of the center in the attack. They are typically fast players who need to put pressure on the opponent's defense and be ready for shots. In defensive play, they help cover the opponents' defensemen and prevent shots from the blue line.
The two defensemen primarily play in the defensive part of the rink. Their main task is to protect their own goal, block shots, and break up the opponent's attacks. In offensive play, they often hold position around the blue line, where they can shoot at the goal or keep the puck in the zone.
The goalie defends the net, which is 122 cm high and 183 cm wide. In front of the net is the goalie's crease – also called the goal area. Opponents are not allowed to stay in the crease and at the same time prevent the goalie from doing their job.
Offside is called if an attacking player crosses the opponent's blue line before the puck. For play to continue, the puck must be the first to cross the blue line into the attacking zone.
If offside occurs, play is stopped and a faceoff is held in the neutral zone outside the attacking zone.
Icing is called when a player shoots the puck from their own half of the rink all the way down past the opponent's goal line without it being touched along the way. The rule was introduced to prevent teams from simply shooting the puck away to waste time.
When icing is called, play moves to a faceoff in the defensive zone of the team that committed the icing. The team is also not allowed to make substitutions before the faceoff.
Tripping occurs when a player uses their stick, arm, leg, or body to make an opponent fall or lose balance. It often happens when a player places the stick between or in front of the opponent's skates.
Tripping is usually penalized with two minutes in the penalty box. If the infraction prevents an obvious scoring chance, the referee may instead award a penalty shot.
Hooking occurs when a player uses the stick to hold or pull an opponent back. It typically happens when the stick is placed around the opponent's body, arms, or stick to hinder progress.
Hooking is usually penalized with a two-minute penalty. If the infraction stops a clear scoring opportunity, a penalty shot may be awarded.
Interference is called when a player prevents an opponent from moving freely without the opponent being in possession of the puck.
Examples of interference can be:
Interference is usually penalized with a two-minute penalty.
Slashing is called when a player swings their stick at an opponent with force, whether or not there is contact. It is often seen as blows to gloves or legs.
Slashing is usually penalized with a two-minute penalty, but hard or dangerous blows can result in a greater penalty.
High stick is called when a player hits an opponent with the stick carried above shoulder height. As it can be dangerous, it is typically penalized with a two-minute penalty. If the opponent is injured, the penalty can be greater.
Ice hockey players wear extensive protective equipment, including a helmet with visor, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, and skates. Goalies have extra heavy equipment, larger gloves, and a wider stick to better stop the puck.
The puck is made of hard rubber and weighs about 170 grams. It can move at very high speed, which makes the protective equipment necessary.
