Ice hockey is played on a 200-by-85-foot rink surrounded by boards and Plexiglas. Two goal nets are placed at each end, and a center red line divides the rink.
Gameplay Basics:
- Starting the Game: Play begins with a face-off at center ice, where the referee drops the puck for players to compete for possession.
- Passing and Shooting: Players pass and shoot the puck with their sticks to create scoring chances, aiming to get the puck into the opponent's net.
- Offside Rule: Attacking players cannot enter the opponent's zone before the puck. If they do, play stops, and a face-off occurs.
- Icing Rule: Teams cannot clear the puck past the opponent's goal line from their side without touching it; if they do, icing is called, and play stops.
- Penalties: Infractions like tripping or slashing result in penalties, sending players to the penalty box and giving the other team a power play advantage.
- Goaltending: The goalie uses special gear to block shots and prevent goals, playing a crucial role in defending the net.