ICE HOCKEY

   

   One of the latest sports, „game of speed and strength“, in which two opposite teams of skaters
   use long, curved sticks to try to drive a hard rubber disc into each other´s goal. It is
   especially popular in Canada, where it developed.

   

    1. Rink

   ·        Rectangular ice surface, surrounded by boards

   ·        Centreline

   ·        Blue lines – end zones (defending or attacking) – neutral zone in the middle

   ·        Blue spot at the centre – where the game begins

   ·        Red line – goal line, at the end of the rink

   ·        Crease – half-circle in front of the net, players can´t enter it unless the puck is
   there

   ·        Benches

   ·        Penalty boxes

   

    2. Team

   ·        Three forwards :    centre- focal point of the offence, good passers

   L+r wing – good shooters

   ·        Two defenders – rotate less frequently, prevent the opponent from scoring

   ·        Goalie – ability to react quickly and block shots, each save is recorded

   ·        Captain – respected leader, top player + two alternate captains – only ones permitted
   to speak with officials regarding rulings

   

    3. Play

   ·        60 minutes in three 20 min. periods

   ·        Two 15 min intermissions

   ·        Face-off at the beginning: one player from each team at the dot tries to get
   possession of the puck

   ·        Play stops after penalties, injuries, violations of the rules, when the puck is out
   of sight for more than 2 sec.

   ·        When a game is tied: overtime – sudden death : the first team to score is the
   winner                                          - shoot out : 5 players shoot on goal

   

    4. Penalties

   ·        Penalty killing  (disadvantaged)/power play (ends when the penalty time expires or a
   goal is scored)

   ·        Minor penalties: 2 min for tripping or holding, intentional delaying

   ·        Major penalty: 5 min for more serious fouls (fighting)

   ·        Match penalties: ejection from the game, possible suspension from the competition,
   team play shorthanded for 5 min

   ·        Misconduct penalties: 10 min for ignoring official´s instructions

   ·        Offside: crossing the attacking zone without the puck

   ·        Icing: shot from behind the centreline beyond the opponent´s goal without a player
   touching it

   

    5. Ice hockey skills

   ·        Stickhlandling: must make it difficult for the opponent to guess what direction they
   intend to pass, must be able to transfer it without looking down at it

   ·        Checking: defensive skill a) bodychecking (to take the puck away), b) stick checking
   (less physical contact)

   ·        Shooting: accuracy and quickness needed (forehand –stronger, backhand- weaker)

   

    6. Equipment

   ·        Puck – of black rubber

   ·        Hockey stick – shaft+blade (goalies – the shaft widens)

   ·        Jersey, helmet, gloves, pads, mouthpiece, protective cup over the groin

   ·        Skates: padded with plastic, blades are rounded and don´t have teeth

   ·        Goalies: masks, collar, blocker and trapper to catch shots