DEFINITION:
Ice Hockey: A fast-paced team sport played on ice, in which players use sticks to shoot a puck into the opponent’s goal. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team within the allotted time.
FAQs:
1. What equipment is required to play ice hockey?
Answer: Ice hockey players must wear several pieces of protective equipment, including helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, and skates. Additionally, they use a long stick to handle the puck.
2. How many players are on a team in ice hockey?
Answer: Typically, a team consists of six players on the ice, including one goaltender. However, during a penalty or power play, one team may have one less player, resulting in a five-on-four or five-on-three situation.
3. How long does an ice hockey game last?
Answer: A standard ice hockey game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, with intermissions between them. However, in professional leagues, the game may go into overtime if the scores are tied at the end of regulation time.
4. How is an ice hockey game started?
Answer: At the beginning of a game, a “faceoff” takes place at the center ice, where the referee drops the puck between two opposing players. The aim is for each team to gain control of the puck and start the game.
5. Can players check opponents in ice hockey?
Answer: Yes, body checking is permitted in ice hockey. Players can use their bodies to block or knock down opponents who are in possession of the puck. However, certain leagues and age groups have specific rules on the legality and extent of body checking.
