Lots of folks really like ice hockey due to its fast moving excitement. The game is played between 2 teams on a piece of ice known as the rink, and the goal of the game is for one team to get more goals as opposed to other team. The standard North American rink measures 200` x 85`, though rinks in Europe are usually somewhat bigger.
The rink is split into three zones by a red-colored line at the centre and blue lines on both sides. The region where the goal net is found is known as the “defending zone” for the team defending the net. The central area of the rink between the 2 blue lines is the “neutral” zone while the net which is being assaulted is called the “attacking zone”.
Each team has half a dozen members on the ice at any one time and they`re composed of 3 forwards, a goaltender and 2 defensive players. Irrespective of these positions, players apart from the goalie can go anywhere on the ice. The goaltender is not allowed to go beyond the central red line. Players may be replaced at any time without either stoppage of play or the permission of the officials managing the game. A player may be a part of the game, and while it is in full flow switch with a player while within 5 feet of the bench.
The game is played with a puck instead of a ball. The puck is a round piece of vulcanized rubber that is 1 inch wide, 3 inches across, and which weighs about five ounces. The puck can easily be touched with the hockey stick or the feet, however it really is illegal to get it with the hands. The hockey stick is utilized by each player to control, move and pass the puck. A goal is scored when the puck is directed with the hockey stick into your opponent`s net. A shot that deflects from the body of a player into the net is going to be allowed as a goal.
The game is played in 3 periods of 20 mins each, and the game clock is stopped when there`s a stoppage in play and then started again when play continues. A player can utilize his body, shoulder or hip to block or stop an opponent`s player, but only when the player being body checked is in possession of the puck. A body check on an opponent`s head is prohibited, as is a body check on his back when he is facing the boards.
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