Hockey is a team sport that is great for everyone. It allows you to work on your fitness, while enjoying the thrill of competition. If you’re new to hockey, then here’s a bit of information about it that will help you get up to speed.
The Basics
Hockey is part of the sport of ice hockey. It is a game that has been around for more than a century and is played on ice hockey rinks, also known as ‘The Ice’, all over the world. In the United States, Canada, and some parts of Europe, hockey is usually played on a sheet of ice that is at least 5 meters (16.4 feet) wide and 80 meters (26.2 feet) long. This is called a ‘Pond’. In some parts of Europe, such as Finland and Sweden, hockey is usually played on a sheet of ice that is at least 7 meters (22.8 feet) wide and 120 meters (39.3 feet) long, which is called a ‘Stadion’.
How Is It Played?
Each team is allowed to have up to 13 players on the ice at any given time. Each player is allowed to skate with the puck during the game. There are five ‘lines’ that make up the ice on which the game is played. The five lines are the ‘Red’, ‘Gold’, ‘White’, ‘Blue’, and ‘Purple Lines’. The puck can be passed and shot at any time while the other players are standing around or skating. If a player is without the puck, then he or she is ‘offside’. The object of the game is to score more goals than your opponent. The team that scores the most goals at the end of the game wins.
While most players on an ice hockey team wear helmets, elbow and knee pads, and shoulder pads, none of these items are required by law or rule. If you’re wondering why no one is wearing pants, it’s because hockey players often play in the snow or cold wind and so take their skates off after every period. This is why being fully clothed is usually a good idea even if you aren’t playing in freezing temperatures!
The Different Skates & Their Purpose
Like any other sport, hockey players need equipment to play. One of the most essential pieces of equipment is, of course, skates. The most common type of skate is a ‘snowflake’ skate. This type of skate was originally designed for use in ballet classes, where the dancers would practice in the wintertime and needed to perform in the snow. Because of their delicate design, snowflake skates are almost unbreakable and have been around for more than 100 years.
The only difference between the two most common kinds of skates is that one has a metal edge, while the other, soft, non-metal edge. Metal edge skates are great for fast breaks and for hitting rough spots on the ice. They are also great for blocking shots, as there is a lot of friction when hitting something hard with metal edges. This helps prevent injuries as well as give the skater more control while cutting and checking on the ice.
The other common type of skate is the ‘classic’ or the ‘street’ skate. The classic or street skate is great for any type of skating: fast, rough, or smooth. These kinds of skates have been used by professional athletes for decades due to their durability and light weight. They are also suitable for use in street skating or for kids to learn on as they get older.
While there are many different kinds of skates, the most popular ones are the ones mentioned above. Before the end of this article, we will discuss the different kinds of hockey sticks that are available. For now, know that there are two basic types of sticks: wooden and metal.
Hockey Sticks & Their Purpose
Since there are so many different kinds of skates and their purpose vary, so does the blade of the hockey stick. The ‘hockey stick blade’ is designed for use with ice hockey skates, which is of course what you will be using if you’re playing on an actual ice hockey rink. There are six basic types of hockey stick blades, which include the four that we mentioned above as well as the two most popular broad-style blades. These are known as the ‘Pole’, the ‘Batter’, the ‘Slinger’, the ‘Joker’, the ‘Comet’, the ‘Sawtooth’, and the ‘Arrow’.
If you’re new to hockey, then it’s a good idea to start off with a wooden hockey stick in order to feel the experience more. As you become more familiar with the sport, you can switch to a metal hockey stick, which will make you feel more secure while playing and help you improve your game.
Key Points
When playing at home, using a helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and knee pads is not required. Wearing pants will also keep you safer and more comfortable on the ice. The other items of equipment that you will need are protective wristbands for defense, and ice hockey skates. Remember to check the regulations of your league before the start of the season so that you know what is acceptable wear.