Ice Hockey: History, Rules, and Key Elements

Ice Hockey: A Brief History

Ice hockey originated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with rules established in 1789. The sport was first played in 1893.

The Rink and Equipment

The playing surface is an ice rink, specifically designed for hockey. It's rectangular, measuring 61 meters long by 30 meters wide. A red line divides the rink in half, with two goal lines at each end, four meters from the end of the rink. The goal is located in front of each goal line.

Basic Rules of Ice Hockey

• The game is divided into three 20-minute periods.
• If the score is tied after three periods, a 10-minute overtime is played. If no goals are scored, the game ends in a draw.
• Defending often involves checking.
• A player entering the offensive zone before the puck is offside.

Common Penalties

• Free Throw: Awarded when a player is illegally impeded while shooting.
• Offside: Occurs when a player passes the puck to a teammate in the offensive zone before the puck crosses the center red line.
• Icing: Occurs when a player shoots the puck from behind their own center red line to the opposing goal line without it being touched by another player.

Technical Elements

• Hit (Check): Impeding a player with or without the puck. A check is not valid if a penalty is committed.
• Control: Attacking players must not precede the puck into the offensive zone.
• Drive: Controlling the puck to score a goal.

Spotlight: Shea Weber

Born August 14, 1985, in Sicamous, B.C. Drafted in the second round (49th overall) by Nashville in 2003. Won the 2004 Memorial Cup with the Kelowna Rockets. Won WJC gold with Canada in 2005. Named a first-team NHL all-star in 2010-11 and a Norris Trophy finalist in 2010-11. Won Olympic gold with Canada in 2010. Signed through 2011-12 with a $7.5 million cap hit. Eligible for RFA status in July.