What is Ice Hockey?
Ice hockey is a team sport played on an ice rink. The most common types of hockey are field hockey, ice hockey, and roller hockey. Ice hockey is played with a puck, a hockey stick made of wood or graphite with a hooked blade, and a hockey skate with a set of sharpened blades on the bottom of a metal frame. The game is played in three periods of 20 minutes each with a 15-minute break in between periods. Each period is broken down into smaller segments called “shifts” because ice hockey is a contact sport in which players skate on a very slippery surface with skates. Players are allowed to carry the puck with their stick while skating, but they cannot pass it to their team members with their hands.
Ice Hockey Equipment
As with any team sport, ice hockey requires special equipment to play. The most important pieces of hockey equipment are skates, a stick, and a puck. Skates are made of metal blades that are attached to a metal frame to protect the feet from the ice. They are the only equipment that is used to apply physical force to the puck. The stick is used to pass and shoot the puck, as well as to defend against opposing players. Ice hockey pucks are made of synthetic rubber and are very durable. Players wear a special type of clothing when playing ice hockey. Skating requires special clothing to protect the body from the friction caused by the ice. The players wear specialized pants, gloves, and shoulder pads. They also wear a helmet and a “cage” that protects the face.
The Rules of Ice Hockey
The game is played in three periods of 20 minutes each with a 15-minute break between periods. Each period is broken down into smaller segments called “shifts” because ice hockey is a contact sport in which players skate on a very slippery surface with skates. Players are allowed to carry the puck with their stick while skating, but they cannot pass it to their team members with their hands. If they do, they will be penalized. The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins. If no team scores during regulation time, the game goes into overtime. The overtime period is defined by sudden death. This means that if a team scores a goal, the other team does not get a chance to score. The team that has possession of the puck for the entire overtime period wins the game. If no team has the puck for the entire overtime period, the game ends in a tie.
Types of Plays in Ice Hockey
There are many types of plays in ice hockey. Here are the most popular ones: - Breakaway - The breakaway occurs when a member of the opposing team has been called for an infraction and the player who was fouled is awarded an immediate shot on goal. - Clear - A clear is a quick pass from one team member to another to move the puck out of the defensive zone and into the offensive zone. - Face-Off - The two team captains skate to center ice and place their sticks on the ice. At the same time, their teammates skate to their respective side of the rink. - Give and Go - A player receives a pass, skates with the puck for a few seconds, and then passes it to the teammate who has been skating behind him. - Power Play - The opposing team is penalized. The team that is on the power play has more players on the ice than the opposition. - Breakout - A team is in their offensive zone and wants to get the puck out of their defensive zone. - Screen - A player uses their body to block the goalie’s vision so that they can get an open shot on goal. - Give-Away - A team member has the puck but has not properly controlled the puck with their stick and is therefore not allowed to pass it to a teammate.
Handing and Scoring in Ice Hockey
Ice hockey has two different ways of scoring: Handing and shooting. Handing occurs when a player pushes the puck into the goal with their stick. Scoring by shooting occurs when a player gets the puck past the goalie by shooting it. There are three ways to score when shooting: - Tip-In - A player lifts the puck from the ice and puts it into the net with the blade of their stick. - Backhand - A player pushes the puck into the net with the back of the blade of their stick. This can only be done if a player is positioned behind the goal line. - Deflection - A player lifts the puck from the ice and redirects it into the net with their stick.
Key Terms to Know
Breakaway - The breakaway occurs when a member of the opposing team has been called for an infraction and the player who was fouled is awarded an immediate shot on goal. Clear - A clear is a quick pass from one team member to another to move the puck out of the defensive zone and into the offensive zone. Face-Off - The two team captains skate to center ice and place their sticks on the ice. At the same time, their teammates skate to their respective side of the rink. Give and Go - A player receives a pass, skates with the puck for a few seconds, and then passes it to the teammate who has been skating behind him. Give-Away - A team member has the puck but has not properly controlled the puck with their stick and is therefore not allowed to pass it to a teammate. Power Play - The opposing team is penalized. The team that is on the power play has more players on the ice than the opposition. Breakout - A team is in their offensive zone and wants to get the puck out of their defensive zone. Screen - A player uses their body to block the goalie’s vision so that they can get an open shot on goal.
Conclusion
Ice hockey is a fast-paced, exciting sport that can be played by people of all ages. While the equipment and rules may be different, the basic principles of hockey can be applied to any rink. This allows the game to be played in every season and in every corner of the world. The game has been popular among spectators since the early 20th century, and it’s easy to understand why. With only a few players on the ice at any given time, players need to be able to think and react quickly. This is what makes ice hockey such a great spectator sport.