Object of the Game - Hockey is played on an ice surface by two teams of six players wearing skates that allow them to move at speeds between 20-30 mph. The object of this fast-paced game is for the players, using a stick, to put a small hard rubber disk (puck) into the net of the opposing team, thus scoring a goal. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins.

Scoring a Goal - A goal is scored when the puck entirely crosses the plane of the red goal line into the net. A goal will not be allowed if the puck has been thrown or otherwise deliberately directed by an attacking player into the net by any means other than a stick.

The Face-Off - The means by which the puck is put into play to start a game or to resume play.

Hockey Talk

Backcheck - Legal attempt by forwards on their way to their defense zone to regain control of the puck.

Breakaway - When the attacking team comes out of its defending zone with the puck and starts up the ice.

Crease - The area in front of the goal marked by a red semi-circle.

Clearing the Puck - When the puck is passed or shot away from in front of the net or congested area.

Forecheck - To keep opponents in their end of the ring while trying to regain control of the puck. (legal)

Freezing the Puck - Holding the puck against the board with stick or with skates.

Hat Trick - Three goals scored by one player in a single game.

Headmanning - Passing the puck forward to a leading teammate.

Point - A position just inside the opposition blue line and close to the boards. Attacking defensemen usually take these positions when their team is in control of the puck in the opposition?s zone.

Slapshot - Bringing the stick back, then quickly forward, hitting the ice and puck at the same time.

Stickhandling - Controlling the puck along the ice with stick.

Wrist Shot - Propelling the puck off the blade of the stick with a quick flick of the wrist.

Player Positions

Center - The middle of the ice from end-to-end is his primary territory. He leads the attack by carrying the puck on offense. He exchanges passes with his wingmen to steer the play toward the enemy goal.

Goaltender - By any method he can employ, the goalie?s primary job is to keep the opposition from putting the puck into his goal.

Wings - Moving up and down the sides of the ice with the direction of play, the wings work with the center on the attack to set up shots at the goal. Defensively, they try to disrupt plays by the opposing wings and upset their shot attempts.

Defensemen - They try to stop the incoming play at their own blue line. They attempt to block shots, cover opposing forwards and clear the puck from in front of their own goal. On offense they get the puck to their center and wings and follow the play into the attacking zone to maintain the offensive momentum.

Game Officials

Referee - Supervises the game and is in complete charge. Handles face-offs to start the game, at the beginning of each period and after all goals; calls penalties and determines the goal-scorer. Does not get involved in the break-up of an altercation - monitors player benches and individual players for possible infractions - minor, major or misconduct. Wears red/orange band on his arm.

Linesmen - Two are utilized. They call offside and icing the puck. Handle faceoffs following most stoppages of play. They help break up altercations between players. They do not call penalties, but do make recommendations to the referee.

Goal Judge - One sits off-ice behind each net and indicates when a goal has been scored by turning on the red light just above his station. Referee can ask his advice on disputed goals, but the referee is the final authority and can overrule the goal judge.

Official Scorer - Helps determine which player scores and credits assists, if any. Only two players can be credited with an assist on goals.

Penalites

Hockey is unique in that several times during a game, both teams will be forced to play "shorthanded" when one or more of its players are put in the penalty box. No team is forced to play more than two men below full (six man) strength at any time. However, if a third penalty is called, it is suspended until the first expires. For penalties called on the goaltender, a teammate serves his time in the penalty box. Except for major or match penalties, the "shorthanded" team gets to play at full strength as soon as the opposition scores.

Here is a brief description of the types of penalties:

Minor - (2 minutes) Called for all minor infractions such as tripping, hooking, etc

Major - (5 minutes) Usually assessed to the players involved in an on-ice altercation.

Misconduct - (10 minutes or rest of game) Profane or abusive language to an official. Team does not play shorthanded.

Match - (remainder of game) For deliberately injuring an opponent. The team must play shorthanded for 5 minutes regardless if the opponent scores a power play goal.

Penalty Shot - A free shot, unopposed except by the goaltender, is given to a player who is illegally impeded from behind when in possession of the puck and with no opponent between him and the goal except the goalie. The team which commits the offense is not penalized beyond the penalty shot, whether it succeeds or not.

What is the puck made out of? - The puck is made of solid vulcanized rubber, three inches in diameter and one inch thick. It is frozen before entering play to make it bounce resistant. It weighs about 6 ounces.

How fast does the puck travel? - Some shooters can propel the puck between 90-100 mph. Compounding the problem for goaltenders, frequently the puck will curve in flight, much like a baseball.

How thick is the ice? - The best ice for hockey is usually held at 17 degrees Fahrenheit for the proper hardness and is approximately 1 1⁄2 inches thick. A thicker sheet of ice becomes softer and slower. Commercial ice shows perform on warmer, slower ice.

How big is the rink? - Hockey rinks can vary in size. They are typically 185 to 200 in length and range in width from 80-85.

How are the lines and markers applied to the ice? - The ice is built up to a 1/16" thickness by spraying water over the concrete floor, which has freezing pipes embedded. Then the markings are painted on, after which addition water is sprayed to coat the markings and build the ice to the prescribed thickness.

Are all sticks alike? - Far from it. Just as baseball players have their individually personalized bats, so too do hockey players have their patterned sticks. Flexibility, lie (blade angle), weight, etc. vary from player to player.

Who gets credit for an assist? - The last player, or players (not more than 2), to touch the puck prior to the scoring of a goal.