Hockey

Where and when did ice hockey begin?

Modern ice hockey began in Canada in the mid-1800s.

What was ice hockey influenced by?

It was influenced by stick-and-ball games like field hockey and lacrosse

Where and when was the first indoor game played?

Montreal in 1875

When was the NHL founded and how many teams did it have?

The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded in 1917 with just 4 teams

Where is hockey played?

Today, hockey is played worldwide, especially popular in Canada, the U.S., Russia, Sweden, and Finland

What is the main goal of hockey?

The main goal is to score more goals than the opposing team by shooting the puck into their net using a hockey stick.

Where are the games played?

• Ice rinks (ice hockey)

• Gyms/fields (in floor or field hockey)

How long is a game?

Three periods, each lasting 20 minutes.

Teams and players

• 6 players

  • 1 Goalie

  • 2 Defensemen

  • 3 Forwards (Left Wing, Center, Right Wing)

Substitution

Teams can have substitutes and make line changes throughout the game

Scoring

• A goal is scored when the puck fully crosses the goal line between the posts and below the crossbar.

• Each goal = 1 point.

Face-offs

• Used to start play at the beginning of each period or after stoppages.

• Players face each other and battle for puck possession when the referee drops the puck.

Offside rule 

• Players cannot enter the offensive zone (past the blue line) before the puck crosses it.

• If offside occurs, play stops and a face-off happens in the neutral zone.

Icing

• Called when a player shoots the puck across both the center red line and the opposing goal line without it being touched.

• Results in a face-off in the defending zone of the team that committed icing.

Penalties

• Minor Penalty (2 minutes): e.g., tripping, hooking, holding, high-sticking.

• Major Penalty (5 minutes): e.g., fighting, serious body checking.

• Power Play: The team with more players on the ice due to the other team’s penalty.

• Penalty Kill: The team playing short-handed tries to defend without allowing a goal.

Payer positions and responsibilities

• Center

  • Primary role - Offense

  • Job - Takes face-offs, sets up plays, passes to wingers, supports defense.

• Left Wing/Right Wing

  • Primary role - Offense

  • Job - Attacks down their side, shoots on goal, forechecks, supports defense.

• Defensemen (Left/Right)

  • Primary role - Defense

  • Job - Protects their goal, blocks shots, clears puck, supports offense.

• Goalie

  • Primary role - Defense

  • Job - Prevents goals using pads, gloves, and stick; last line of defense.

Skating (Ice Hockey)

Foundation of all play; includes forward/backward skating, stopping, and changing directions

Stick Handling

• Controlling the puck while moving.

• Keep puck close to stick, use soft hands and quick movements

Passing

• Two main types: forehand and backhand.

• Aim for teammates’ stick blades for control.

Shooting

• Common shots: wrist shot, slap shot, snap shot, backhand.

• Key elements: balance, weight transfer, follow-through

Checking (in contact hockey)

• Legal body contact used to separate the opponent from the puck.

• Must target body, not head, and never from behind.

Positioning and Spacing:

• Stay in your zone.

• Support teammates by maintaining good passing lanes.

Team Communication:

Call for passes, alert teammates of open space or defensive threats.

Defense Skills

Poke checking, blocking shots, clearing the puck from the defensive zone

Offensive Strategy

• Move the puck quickly to create scoring chances.

• Spread out (use the width of the ice) to open lanes.

• Crash the net for rebounds

Defensive Strategy

• Protect the slot (area in front of the goal).

• Keep body between the opponent and the goal.

• Clear the puck and prevent odd-man rushes.

Transition Play

• Switch quickly from defense to offense and vice versa.

• Speed and awareness are key.

Teamwork

Success relies on all players working together — passing, communication, and positioning

Required gear

• Helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, skates, stick, and protective cup.

Key safety rules

• No checking from behind.

• Keep stick below shoulder height.

• Avoid dangerous plays near boards.

Puck

Rubber disc used in ice hockey.

Rink

The playing surface for ice hockey

Crease

Blue area in front of the goal; only the goalie can stay in it

Neutral Zone

Area between both blue lines.

Forecheck

Pressuring the opponent in their defensive zone.

Breakaway

One player vs. goalie with no defenders in between.

Hat Trick

When one player scores three goals in a single game.