Ice hockey is a contact team sport played on ice, using sticks to shoot a puck (a vulcanized rubber disc) into a net to score goals. It’s a fast-paced, physically demanding game requiring skill, strategy, and teamwork.
Key Characteristics / Core Concepts
- Team Gameplay: Two teams of six players (five skaters and a goalie) compete.
- Ice Rink: The game is played on a rectangular ice rink.
- Puck Handling: Players use sticks to control and shoot the puck.
- Scoring: Goals are scored by shooting the puck into the opposing team’s net.
- Physicality: Body checking (controlled contact) is a significant part of the game.
How It Works / Its Function
The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team within three 20-minute periods (periods can be longer in certain leagues). Teams try to control the puck by passing and skating, avoiding the opposing team’s attempts to intercept the puck and prevent goals. The goalie protects the net.
Offsides and icing rules govern puck movement and player positioning. Penalties are given for infractions, resulting in temporary player removals from the game.
Examples
- The NHL (National Hockey League) in North America.
- The KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) in Russia and other Eurasian countries.
- Various international tournaments, such as the Olympics.
Why is it Important? / Significance
Ice hockey is a globally popular sport with a large and passionate fanbase. It provides entertainment, athletic competition, and fosters a sense of community among players and fans.
The sport also contributes significantly to the economy through broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, and tourism related to major events.
Related Concepts
- Figure Skating
- Field Hockey
- Ice Skating