About Hockey
Ice hockey is a fast team sport played on skates. Players use sticks to move a puck across the ice while trying to score in the opponent's net and defend their own.
The Rink
Hockey is played on an ice rink divided by colored lines and faceoff circles.
Learn MorePlayers and Positions
A typical lineup includes forwards, defensemen, and a goaltender.
Learn MorePassing and Shooting
Players use sticks to pass, control, and shoot a hard rubber puck.
Learn MoreRules and Penalties
Certain rule violations can send a player to the penalty box for a set time.
Learn MoreEquipment and Safety
Hockey players wear extensive protective equipment.
Learn MoreHockey History
Modern ice hockey developed in Canada during the 1800s.
Learn MoreThe Rink
Boards and protective glass surround the playing surface. Blue lines divide the rink into zones, and a red line runs through center ice. Faceoff spots are used to restart play. The rink layout helps organize rules such as offside and icing.
Players and Positions
Centers and wingers are forwards who help create scoring chances and pressure the puck. Defensemen protect their own zone and help move the puck forward. The goaltender guards the net and wears specialized protective equipment.
Passing and Shooting
Because the puck can travel quickly, players must make fast decisions. Passes can move across the ice faster than a skater. Shots vary in speed and style, but accuracy and timing are often just as important as power.
Rules and Penalties
During many penalties, the penalized team must play with fewer skaters for a short period. The other team then has a power play. Rules also regulate offside, icing, dangerous contact, and stick use to keep play organized and safer.
Equipment and Safety
Helmets, gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, padded pants, and mouth protection help reduce injury risk. Goaltenders wear even more specialized equipment. Skates and sticks must also be properly fitted and maintained.
Hockey History
Stick-and-ball games on ice existed earlier, but organized modern ice hockey became strongly established in Canada in the nineteenth century. The sport spread internationally and became part of the Winter Olympic program. Professional leagues and national teams now compete across many countries.
Hockey Gallery
From goaltender saves to championship games, ice hockey is full of speed and skill. Swipe or use the arrows to see more.
Goaltender Save.jpg)
Slap Shot
Faceoff
Power Play Goal
Carrying the Puck
Game Action
Olympic Hockey
Early Hockey History
Youth Hockey