Hockey rules for Dummies: The Basic Rules Explained!
Welcome to the ultimate guide for hockey rules! Whether you’re a newbie or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, we’ve got you covered. Hockey can be a bit confusing at first, but fear not! Our comprehensive guide will unravel the mysteries of this thrilling sport.
From icings to offsides, positions to game structure, we’ll delve into every aspect you need to know to get started. But wait, there’s more! Not only will we break down the basic rules, but we’ll also reveal the secret strategies used by players and teams to claim victory.
Feeling curious? Dive deeper into any topic with our handy links to more in-depth articles. Take your time, explore, and enjoy the journey of becoming a hockey aficionado!
Let’s start of with a quote from Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan about the game of hockey:
Is hockey hard? I don’t know, you tell me. We need to have the strength and power of a football player, the stamina of a marathon runner, and the concentration of a brain surgeon. But we need to put all this together while moving at high speeds on a cold and slippery surface while 5 other guys use clubs to try and kill us. Oh yeah, did I mention that this whole time we’re standing on blades 1/8 of an inch thick? Is ice hockey hard? I don’t know, you tell me. Next question.
Brendan Shanahan
Guide to the hockey rules for dummies
By the end of this comprehensive guide, you will have gained a deep understanding of the core mechanics and intricacies that drive the game. You will be equipped with the knowledge to navigate its challenges, make strategic decisions, and ultimately master the gameplay. Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of discovery and unravel the secrets of this captivating game!
Object of the hockey game
The object of the game is simply to score more goals than the opposing team. A team achieves a goal by skillfully shooting the puck into the other team’s net. Whoever accomplishes this feat the most times emerges as the victor! It sounds straightforward enough, doesn’t it?
However, the game becomes more intricate when we consider the specific actions that a team is allowed or not allowed to take in their pursuit of scoring more goals than their opponents. In this discussion, we will explore the various strategies and tactics employed by players and teams as they strive to secure a victory on the ice.
Note: At the end of each section, pay close attention to the “What to watch for” comment, as it will provide valuable insights into common plays and maneuvers that frequently occur during the game. By understanding these dynamics, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the thrilling and dynamic nature of ice hockey.
How many players on a team and on the ice
In the professional leagues like the NHL, each team is allowed to dress a maximum of 20 players for the game. This roster usually consists of 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies. The forwards are responsible for scoring goals and creating offensive opportunities, while the defensemen focus on preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goalies, on the other hand, are the last line of defense and their primary role is to stop the puck from entering the net.
What are the different positions in hockey?
During a game, when both teams are at full strength with no penalties, they will play 5 vs 5 with a goalie on each side. In this scenario, teams typically deploy 3 forwards, 2 defensemen, and 1 goalie on the ice. This combination allows for a balanced and strategic gameplay, ensuring a strong offensive presence while maintaining defensive stability.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into this topic, I recommend checking out the in-depth article provided below which explores the intricacies of the number of players on the ice in various game situations.
Here are the roles and responsibilities of each position:
Forwards
- The primary responsibility of forwards is to score goals.
- The 12 forwards are organized into 4 lines, each consisting of 3 players. While the coach may interchange players within these lines during the game, the aim is to maintain consistency among players.
- Forwards are categorized into three positions: Center, Left Wing, and Right Wing.
- The Center position holds the greatest defensive responsibility and is also responsible for taking faceoffs.
- All forwards have a shared responsibility to support the defensemen and goaltender in preventing goals.
Defensemen
- They have the important role of stopping the opposing team’s attack and preventing goals.
- The 6 defensemen are divided into 3 different pairs. The coach may switch these pairs around during the game, but usually tries to keep the same players together.
- There is a left defensemen and a right defensemen. Both have the same responsibilities, but coaches usually prefer right-shooting defensemen on the right side and vice versa. This makes it easier for defensemen to pick up the puck off the boards with their sticks.
- Defensemen also contribute in the offensive zone by helping to rush the puck up the ice or joining the play to assist the forwards with an extra attacker. The defensemen who excel at this often win the Norris trophy for the best overall defensemen.
Goalies
“I’m not dumb enough to be a goalie,” boldly declared Brett Hull, the revered fourth-ranked player on the NHL all-time goal list.
But let’s dive into the fascinating realm of goalies, where special rules and privileges abound. These masked guardians are entrusted with the crucial task of safeguarding the puck from finding its way into the net. With their unique role comes a set of intriguing guidelines:
• Goalies possess the extraordinary ability to hold the puck and halt the play, wielding ultimate control.
• Equipped with sticks, gloves, and ample padding, these stalwarts are fortified to defy the relentless assault of the puck.
• Residing within the crease, the sacred painted area in front of the net, goalies are untouchable, shielded from checks. But what happens if you dare challenge this sacred rule?
• Goalies possess the exclusive right to bring the game to a halt by skillfully covering up the puck with their hands or equipment.
Step into the captivating world of goalies, where defenders of the net reign supreme!
How scoring points work in hockey: goals and assists
The outcome of the game hinges on the number of goals scored by each team. Each goal carries its own story, divided into three parts: the electrifying moment of the goal itself, the pivotal primary assist, and the crucial secondary assist. These components, each worth one point, shape the dynamic of the game and can make all the difference in a player’s season or career.
Imagine a stat sheet like this:
Goal: Sidney Crosby (Malkin, Letang)
- Here, Sidney Crosby unleashes his skill and scores a goal, brilliantly assisted by the talented duo of Evgeny Malkin and Kris Letang.
- The primary assist is given to the last player who touched the puck before the goal, while the secondary assist acknowledges the player before that.
- However, a goal can stand on its own, without any assists, or it may only have one assist.
- Both goals and assists contribute one point to a player’s overall stats, fueling their journey to greatness.
How the time structure of a hockey game works
A hockey game lasts for a total of 60 minutes, which is divided into 3 periods of 20 minutes each. And you know what? After each period, there’s a 15-minute intermission. Pretty cool, huh? Oh, and by the way, have you ever wondered how they came up with three periods?
Now, here’s the thing: in professional and high-level amateur leagues, the 60 minutes played is stop time. That means when the play is stopped by the referees, the clock will also stop. It won’t start again until play resumes. But in recreational hockey, it’s a bit different. The 60 minutes is played runtime, which means the clock doesn’t stop after a whistle. It only stops at the end of a period.
Oh, and let me tell you about timeouts. Each team is given only one 30-second timeout per game. Coaches usually save this timeout for the end of a game. You know, just in case their team is behind and they want to call a timeout for a special strategy session. It can help tie up the game and give their offensive players some extra rest.
So, that’s how it goes in the world of hockey. Pretty neat, right?
Officials: How hockey rules are enforced
In a game, there are four officials who make the calls based on the rules: two referees and two linesmen. When someone breaks the rules, the officials blow the whistle and stop the play.
There are two types of infractions. Some result in a player getting penalized and sent off the ice for 2 or 5 minutes. Others just stop the play, and then it starts again with a faceoff.
- The linesmen are the ones who call the non-penalty infractions like offsides and icing.
- On the other hand, the referees are responsible for calling penalty infractions, deciding if a goal should count, and communicating with the teams.
Hockey Rink and the Lines
To understand the rules of hockey you need to understand how the rink is set
Zones – Defending zone, neutral zone, offensive zone
Imagine being on a rink, where 5 lines stretch from one side of the boards to the other, and 9 big dots are scattered across the ice. These lines play a vital role in knowing when a play should be halted, while the dots come into play when reigniting the action. But that’s not all! Let’s dive deeper into the fascinating world of offside and icing. Strap on your skates, and let’s get started!
How does offside work in hockey?
The two blue lines help determine the rule call offside.
The blue line serves as a crucial defensive barrier, acting as a formidable obstacle against the offensive team. Its primary objective is to provide support to the defensive side by imposing restrictions on the opposing team’s movement across the ice. By compelling the attacking team to either carry or shoot the puck over the blue line, it effectively prevents them from freely entering the zone between the blue line and the end boards.
Should an attacking player cross the blue line of their attack zone prior to the puck, an official will blow the whistle, bringing the game to a halt. However, it’s worth noting that a player is allowed to have a portion of their body (such as their head, body, or one skate) cross the blue line ahead of the puck, as long as their trailing skate remains on or above the blue line. This ensures that they are still considered onside and able to continue play.
If you’d like to delve deeper into the topic of offsides, I’d be happy to provide more detailed information.
What to watch for: The defensive team will line up along the blue line to make it really tough for the opposing team to get into their offensive zone. They know that as long as they keep an offensive player from sneaking behind them before the puck crosses the blue line, they’re in good shape. This usually ends up making the offensive team shoot the puck into the offensive zone instead of carrying it in.
How does icing work in hockey?
The red line at the center of the ice helps with the rule of icing.
In the game of hockey, teams aren’t fans of the “puck chuck” strategy – you know, just flinging it down the ice to relieve pressure. It ruins the flow and kills scoring opportunities. So, they came up with a solution: the red lines. They said, “Nope, you can’t just ice it!” Is icing hockey’s most confusing rule? Let me break it down for you.
Before you go all puck-crazy, you gotta pass that big red line in the center of the ice. If you don’t, and the puck crosses the thin red line (aka the goal line) in the other team’s zone, the whistle blows. Play stopped!
To get things going again, a faceoff is taken in the zone of the team that committed the icy crime. It’s a disadvantage, keeping the puck near your goalie, but hey, some of the best scoring chances and goals start from faceoffs in the opponent’s zone. Sneaky, huh?
What to watch for: Players often reach the red line with the puck – in hockey lingo, that’s called “gaining the red line”. Once they do, they unleash a wicked shot into the zone. This either lets their team make a slick substitution on the fly or kickstarts an epic forecheck.
Since the puck needs to hit the end boards for it to be icing, players have gotten clever. They just flip the puck up in the air, sending it far down the ice without triggering an icing. It’s like a pressure-relief valve for their defensive zone, while they swap out players like a well-choreographed dance.
Special lines (and rules) for goalies: Crease and trapezoid
The crease: that sacred space in front of the net, reserved for the goalie. Players can venture in, aiming to score, but beware! Interfere with the goalie, and you’ll face the wrath of penalties. It’s a delicate dance between victory and interference! 🏒⚡️
The trapezoid: the forbidden zone behind the net, where goalies reign supreme. They can play the puck here or in front of the goal line, but the corners of the rink are off-limits. This rule came to be because goalies were getting too good, acting like a third defenseman. Offenses needed a fighting chance in the offensive zone, you know? 😉
Goal Line: Considered the ultimate line in hockey, it’s where all the puck action happens – well, at least in front of the net. Teams have two main objectives: either score by getting the puck over this line into the opponent’s net or prevent the puck from crossing this line into their own net! Remember, the puck needs to fully cross the line to count – no half-hearted attempts allowed! 🏒
What to watch for: Just like other major sports, the NHL has embraced video review to settle those “did it or didn’t it” moments. Picture this: you’re watching hockey on TV and suddenly the game comes to a halt while they spend a good 2-5 minutes inspecting all the camera angles. Why? To determine if the puck has successfully crossed that elusive line and deserves to be a goal. It’s like playing detective, but with ice and sticks! 🕵️♂️🏒
How faceoffs are taken
When the play is started again after an infraction (penalized or non-penalized) or a goal, a faceoff is used.
A faceoff entails a puck battle between two players, initiated by an official dropping the puck between them. The objective is to gain possession of the puck. On occasions, a player may be disqualified from taking a faceoff. It is essential for all other players to provide adequate space to the two players engaged in the faceoff. However, once the puck is dropped by the official, all players are permitted to move freely across the ice.
Here is how they determine which faceoff dots to use:
- When it comes to offside calls, keep an eye on those four dots just outside the blue lines. They hold the power to decide the fate of the play!
- Goalie stoppages? Look no further than the faceoff circles closest to the netminder. They’re the hotspots for game-changing moments!
- Icings? The faceoff circles in the zone of the team responsible for the infraction are where the action begins anew. It’s a chance for redemption!
- Penalties? The faceoff circles in the zone of the penalized team hold the key to justice. Keep your eyes peeled for the consequences!
- Goals and the start of periods? The centre faceoff circle is the epicenter of excitement. It’s where the game begins and glory awaits!
Common hockey penalties
- Types of Penalties
- Minor penalty – These penalties last for 2 minutes and are usually called for tripping, slashing, high-sticking, holding, interference, or delay of game. They keep the game intense!
- Major penalty – These penalties last for 5 minutes and can be the same as a 2 minute minor penalty. However, the referee considers them to be more severe. When a player fights, it’s a major penalty! It’s serious business.
- Match Penalty – This penalty lasts for 5 minutes and results in a player being removed for the entire game. It’s given when a player intentionally injures or tries to injure another player. No room for dirty plays!
- Misconduct Penalty – This penalty lasts for 10 minutes but doesn’t leave the team shorthanded. It’s a timeout with consequences!
- Penalty Shot – A penalty shot is awarded in certain scenarios, with the most common being when a player is interfered with from behind during a breakaway. The player then gets a free shot against the goalie from center ice. It’s a thrilling one-on-one moment!
What happens when a penalty is called?
- Power play – The power play is like having a secret weapon on the ice. When a team gains an advantage by having more players due to a penalty, it’s time to strike. Whether it’s a 5 vs 4, 5 vs 3, or 4 vs 3 advantage, the power play is all about taking control.
- Penalty kill – Picture this: the tables have turned. The opposing team has taken a penalty, and now it’s time to defend. Welcome to the penalty kill. Even with fewer players on the ice, this team is determined to hold their ground. They might be down, but they’re far from out.
- What to watch for – Brace yourself, because special teams are about to take center stage. Power plays and penalty kills are the game-changers. It’s like a battle within a battle, and the outcome can swing the entire game. When a team gets a power play, their top offensive players hit the ice, ready to make magic happen. It’s a challenge for the penalty kill to stand tall against their relentless attacks. With an average success rate of about 20%, a power play goal can be the game-changer that brings victory. So keep your eyes peeled, because the excitement is about to unfold on the ice.
What to watch for II: When a team gets penalized, the game doesn’t hit the snooze button. Oh no, it keeps on going! The power play team seizes the opportunity to keep the action alive until the penalized team touches the puck. Only then does the whistle blow, bringing the shenanigans to a halt. But wait, there’s more! During this time, the power play team dares to yank their goalie out of the net and add an extra attacker on the ice. So, if you catch a goalie dashing to the bench, fear not! It’s all part of the game’s mischievous charm!
What about hitting and fighting?
In the world of professional hockey and high-end recreational leagues, bodychecking is like a wild ride, but in most recreational leagues and women’s hockey, it’s more like a polite dance – just a little jostling and minor body contact while battling for the puck.
Now, fighting in the NHL is like a guilty pleasure, but let’s be honest, it’s not as popular as it used to be. The public expects more finesse and players are more aware of the risks of concussions and head injuries. Gone are the days of having a designated fighter on the team, it’s all about strategy and skill now. Game on!
What are the rules for overtime and the shootout?
When a game is tied at the end of regulation (60 minutes), it’s not over (unless you’re playing recreational hockey). At the professional level, when the game is deadlocked after 60 minutes, an additional 5 minutes of overtime is added. The excitement intensifies during playoff games, where full 20-minute periods are added until a winner is determined.
What makes regular season (non-playoff) overtime in the NHL truly thrilling is the switch to a 3 vs 3 format instead of the usual 5 vs 5. This opens up the game, leading to numerous scoring chances and edge-of-your-seat action. However, playoff overtime remains 5 vs 5 throughout the game.
Overtime in hockey is sudden death. As soon as a player scores, the game is over. I absolutely adore overtime in hockey! Let’s take a closer look at it and explore some of the longest overtimes in playoff history.
If the game is still tied at the end of the 5 minutes of overtime, the outcome is decided by a shootout. Each team selects three players who get unimpeded breakaway chances against the opposing goalie. The team that scores the most goals in the shootout emerges victorious. If the teams are still tied after this, they continue to select players one by one until one scores and the other doesn’t. It’s important to note that a shootout is different from a penalty shot. Let’s delve into the differences!
What to watch for: As teams approach the final minutes of the game, when the score is tied, it is common for both teams to adopt a cautious playing style. This is because they are aware that if the game goes into overtime, they will at least secure one point in the standings. In regulation time, if a team loses, they receive zero points, whereas in overtime, a losing team still earns one point towards their position in the standings. This strategic approach by teams reflects their understanding of the importance of securing points, even in the most critical moments of the game.
How line changes work and what is allowed
One of the fascinating aspects of hockey is the freedom for players to change on and off the ice at any point during the game. Unlike other sports like football, soccer, or basketball, where substitutions are only allowed after a stoppage in play, hockey players can switch seamlessly while the action is ongoing.
This hockey strategy, known as “changing on the fly,” is a crucial part of the game. Players can substitute with their teammates even during the fast-paced gameplay, maintaining the flow, action, and intensity. Have you ever wondered how they manage to coordinate these changes?
The ability to change on the fly adds to the excitement of the game, as each shift becomes a burst of energy. Players perform at their peak, knowing they can swap out while the action continues. But how long are these shifts, you may ask?
Here’s what to watch for: players are aware of who they are replacing as they step onto the ice. A center, for example, will enter when the previous line’s center is shifting off. The coach plays a vital role in signaling which line is up next, ensuring smooth transitions and strategic gameplay.
Hockey’s dynamic nature, combined with the thrill of on-the-fly substitutions, keeps the game intense and captivating. So next time you’re watching a hockey match, pay attention to these swift and strategic player changes that keep the momentum alive!
Conclusion
There you have it – this comprehensive guide will provide you with a solid foundation and a good basic understanding of the game of hockey. From the rules and strategies to the equipment and techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to dive into the exciting world of this wonderful sport.
For a more in-depth look, don’t forget to explore the rest of the website, where you’ll find a wealth of information to further enhance your knowledge and appreciation of hockey. Get ready to lace up your skates and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of this beloved game!
