DEFINITION:
Ice Hockey: A fast-paced team sport played on ice, characterized by players using hockey sticks to shoot a puck into the opposing team’s net, with the objective of scoring goals.
FAQs:
1. What equipment is required to play ice hockey?
In ice hockey, players are required to wear ice skates, a helmet with a face cage, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, gloves, and a mouthguard. Goaltenders also wear additional protective gear such as leg pads, a chest protector, and a mask.
2. How many players are there on an ice hockey team?
In a standard game, each team has six players on the ice, consisting of three forwards, two defensemen, and one goaltender.
3. What is the role of the goaltender in ice hockey?
The goaltender, also known as the goalie or netminder, is the last line of defense for a team. Their main objective is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by stopping shots on goal with their body, stick, or blocker.
4. How is an ice hockey game structured?
Ice hockey games usually consist of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission between periods. The team with the most goals at the end of the game is declared the winner. If the game ends in a tie, it may proceed into overtime or a shoot-out.
5. What are some common penalties in ice hockey?
Penalties in ice hockey can range from minor infractions like tripping or hooking, which result in a player serving time in the penalty box, to major penalties such as fighting or checking from behind, which can result in ejection from the game. The length of a penalty can be either two, five, or ten minutes.
