DEFINITION: Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a fast-paced team sport played on ice, in which two teams of six players each compete to score goals by shooting a small puck into the opponent’s net using a hockey stick. It is one of the most popular winter sports across North America, Europe, and other cold-weather regions. The game is known for its physicality and requires both skill and strategy to outscore the opposing team.
FAQs:
1. What equipment do ice hockey players wear?
Ice hockey players wear various protective gear, including a helmet with face cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, shin guards, and skates. They also use a hockey stick to handle the puck.
2. How long is an ice hockey game?
A standard ice hockey game consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes of actual playtime. There are breaks between periods and overtime is played if the game ends in a tie.
3. What is the role of the goaltender in ice hockey?
The goaltender, also known as the goalie or goaltender, is a specialized player in ice hockey who defends the net and prevents the opposing team from scoring goals. They wear additional protective gear, including a mask and goalie pads.
4. What is the penalty box in ice hockey?
The penalty box is an area in ice hockey where players serve time for various infractions, such as slashing, tripping, or fighting. When a player is given a penalty, they are required to sit in the penalty box for a specific amount of time, leaving their team short-handed on the ice.
5. How are goals scored in ice hockey?
Goals in ice hockey are scored when a player shoots the puck into the opponent’s net and it completely crosses the goal line. Each goal counts as one point, and the team with the most goals at the end of the game is declared the winner.
