Gameplay Basics

1. What Hockey Is

  • Hockey is played with a black puck.

  • Each team has six players: one goalie, five skaters.

  • Objective: shoot the puck into the opponent’s net.

2. Starting and Restarting Play

  • Puck drop at center ice starts the game and after goals.

  • Referee drops the puck without warning to keep it fair.

  • Teams alternate possessions based on faceoffs after stoppages.

3. Player Movement

  • Players can skate forward and backward, pass, and shoot.

  • Players cannot hold or throw the puck with their hands, but can knock it down or stop it briefly.

  • Positioning is guided by zones (can link to a Rink & Zones page).

4. Zones Overview (Short Summary)

  • Defensive zone – your own end, protect your net.

  • Neutral zone – middle ice, transition between defense and offense.

  • Offensive zone – opponent’s end, attack and score.

  • Positioning rules are mostly based on zones.

5. Scoring

  • A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line.

  • Game ends with most goals winning after three periods.

6. Game Duration

  • Three periods, 20 minutes each.

  • Clock stops whenever play stops, so actual games take longer.

7. Optional: Beginner Tips

  • Don’t worry about mastering rules immediately — focus on skating, passing, shooting.

  • Learn by watching games and practicing.

Man tying skates