DEFINITION:
Olympic hockey competition: A highly anticipated international tournament held during the Winter Olympics, where national teams from various countries compete in the sport of hockey, following the rules and regulations set forth by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).
FAQs:
1. What is the format of the Olympic hockey competition?
– The Olympic hockey competition consists of a series of matches played in a round-robin format, followed by knockout stages leading to the gold medal match.
2. How many players are allowed on each team during an Olympic hockey game?
– During an Olympic hockey game, each team is allowed to have a maximum of 20 players on their roster, including 2 goaltenders and 18 skaters.
3. Can professional hockey players participate in the Olympic hockey competition?
– Yes, professional hockey players are eligible to compete in the Olympic hockey competition since the International Olympic Committee (IOC) lifted the ban on professional athletes in 1988. However, each country’s national hockey association decides whether to include professionals on their roster.
4. How often does the Olympic hockey competition take place?
– The Olympic hockey competition takes place every four years, in conjunction with the Winter Olympic Games, offering an exciting opportunity for countries from around the world to showcase their talent and compete for gold.
5. Which country has been the most successful in the Olympic hockey competition?
– The Soviet Union/Russia holds the record for the most gold medals won in the Olympic hockey competition, with a total of 9 gold medals. They are followed by Canada, who has won 9 gold medals as well.
