The Trapezoid Rule in Hockey
The trapezoid rule in hockey restricts where goaltenders can play the puck behind the net to a designated trapezoidal area. Introduced in the 2005-06 NHL season, this rule prevents goalies from handling the puck in the corners behind the goal line, forcing them to stay within specific boundaries or face a two-minute delay of game […]
Hockey Penalties: Complete Guide
Hockey penalties are rule violations that send players to the penalty box for 2 to 10 minutes, forcing their team to play shorthanded while the opposing team gains a power play advantage. Understanding Penalty Severity Levels Both the NHL and the International Ice Hockey Federation recognize the common penalty degrees of minor and major penalties, […]
How long is a hockey game
A hockey game lasts approximately 2.5 hours in real time, consisting of 60 minutes of regulation play divided into three 20-minute periods, plus two intermissions and various stoppages that extend the total duration. Why Hockey Games Take Longer Than 60 Minutes The official game clock shows 60 minutes of play, but fans should expect to […]
What is Offside in Hockey?
Offside in hockey occurs when an attacking player crosses the blue line into the offensive zone before the puck, preventing teams from gaining an unfair positional advantage by “camping” near the opponent’s goal. Why the Offside Rule Exists The NHL introduced the offsides rule in 1929 to eliminate an unfair tactic that was ruining the […]
What is Icing in Hockey?
Icing in hockey is when a player shoots the puck from their own side of the center red line across the opposing team’s goal line without the puck being touched or a goal being scored, resulting in a stoppage of play and a faceoff in the offending team’s defensive zone. Why the Icing Rule Exists […]
Hockey Rink Dimensions: Official NHL Size & Markings Guide
Hockey rink size in the NHL measures 200 feet long by 85 feet wide, creating a 17,000-square-foot playing surface enclosed by boards and glass. Understanding rink dimensions helps players position themselves strategically, coaches design effective plays, and fans appreciate the precision required at professional speeds. Standard NHL Rink Dimensions / Measurements NHL rinks follow strict […]