Ice Hockey Terms

May 28th, 2011 by admin No comments »

Ice hockey is a contact sport that is played on ice, and the objective of the game is to put the puck in the opponents net more times than them. If you are an avid fan or an aspiring fan of ice hockey, you need to familiarize yourself with the ice hockey terms mentioned here to be able to follow the game better.

Since the game is played on ice, it is popular in Arctic countries and places where there is a seasonal ice cover. Canada, northern parts of the United States and some European countries are heavily involved in the sport of ice hockey. Ice hockey terms and rules are easy to pick up, and aid one in understanding the game accurately.

List of Ice Hockey Terms
Here are some of the most commonly used ice hockey terms and phrases for you. These cover the basic aspects of the game, and come in handy when you are watching a game of ice hockey and wondering what the commentator is saying.

ASSIST: A pass to a player who immediately scores a goal. The player with the most assists is obviously the most creative one on the team. Also known as an apple, 2 assists can be granted per goal.

ATTACKING ZONE: The opponent’s end on the ice, or the area between their goal and the blue line.

BACKHANDER SHOT: A shot that is hit by the backside of the blade. For example, if a right handed player hits a shot from his left side, it is known as a backhander shot.

BACKCHECK: Going back to one’s own defensive zone to try and stop the opponents from attacking. » Read more: Ice Hockey Terms

Ice Hockey For Kids

May 28th, 2011 by admin No comments »

The game of ice hockey is played on ice rinks, mostly in the cold countries of the northern hemisphere. To play this game, ice-cover is the basic necessity. However, with the availability of artificial ice rinks, one can play this game the whole year. Ice hockey is fast-paced game which involves aggressive moves. Kids can play this game to become flexible, have perfect body balance and also to strengthen muscles. Let us understand more about ice hockey for kids through the paragraphs presented below.

Kids Ice Hockey

Children can start learning ice hockey at the age of 4 years. Before that, they should learn to skate properly. Three-year old kids can begin with the practice of skating. Initially, kids ice hockey should be played with double-bladed skates; it helps in maintaining the balance properly. The first-impression of parents about ice-hockey is that of a slam-bang sport with higher chances of getting injured. However, children can develop various skills through this game. Ice hockey for kids requires children to have the following, important qualities: being energetic and willingness to be a team player.

In the United States of America, kids of different age groups are classified into levels/groups. The categories in which boys are categorized include the following ones.

  • Mite: 8 yr. and under 8.
  • Squirt: 10 yr. and under 10.
  • Peewee: 12 yr. and under 12.
  • Bantam: 14 yr. and under 14.
  • Midget Minor: 16 yr. and under 16.
  • Midget Major: 18 yr. and under 18.

Ice Hockey Rules for Kids
The standard rink used for ice hockey has the dimensions of 200 feet x 85 feet. The playing area is divided into two halves with a red line. Two blue colored lines further divide these halves. The game is played with 6 members in each team. » Read more: Ice Hockey For Kids