Easy Explanation Of Ice Hockey Rules

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Without a doubt, we can say that ice hockey is one of the most famous games throughout the world. For beginners, it can be very difficult to understand the rules of the game. So, today we will explain the rules in very easy terms so let’s move forward.

The playing surface

• Ice area is enclosed by plexiglass and boards
• Ice areas in European countries are slightly larger than the American
• Normal American rink will measure 80 feet by 200 feet.
• This sheet is also known as the rink
• The rink is divided into different zones using two blue lines and a red line at the center.

Zones

• The total area of ice is divided into three zones
• The area near the goal net is called the defending zone.
• The mid-side of the ice area is called the neutral zone
• An area where a team has to score near the net is called the offensive zone

Puck

• The puck is like a ball that is made of vulcanized rubber and is black.
• Touching the puck with your hands is completely illegal

Object

• The object of this game is very easy, it is to score more goals than the opposition team.

Net

• Net is a small cage that is made of nylon mesh in the back and is 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall.
• There are two nets, each on the opposite ends of the rink.

Game periods

• There are two 20 minutes periods
• Whenever there is a stoppage the clock is stopped

Bodychecking

• Body checking is the act of defense where the player uses his torso, hip, or shoulder to get the possession of the puck.
• You cannot body check on the opponent’s head.

Small penalties

• If a player does something which is illegal and the referee assumes as not a big one leads to a minor penalty in which the player is sent off the field for 2 minutes.
• there is no substitution allowed during this period and if the opposing team scores a goal, the penalty period ends immediately.

These can be called for the following offenses

• Interference
• hooking
• holding
• tripping
• high sticking
• steering
• slashing
• cross-checking
• checking from behind
• Roughing

Major penalties

• The rules for Major penalties are different from the minor penalty and the difference is the player is not sent for 2 minutes off the ice but 5 minutes.
• Most referees charge the players with major penalties when they start fighting.
• Unlike minor penalties, substitutions can be made.
• It is completely depending on the referee whether to assume an offense as a major or a minor penalty charge.
• If a player has been involved in attempting to seriously injure someone then he can be completely sent off for the game.
• In this case, substitution is not allowed and the team plays with one player less for the rest of the game.