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Ice Hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world and if you are interested in getting started in the sport, here a few basics of the rules and equipment needed to get you going.

First, the ice is divided into three zones. The area nearest the goal in which you are defending is called the “defending zone. The area nearest the other goal in where you are trying to score is called the “offensive zone”. The middle of the ice is called the “neutral zone”. The puck is made up of black rubber and can be moved only by using your hockey stick or your skates. Using anything else is illegal.

Teams consist of a goalie, two defensemen, and three forwards (a left wing, right wing, and a center). Regardless of positions, all players can go anywhere on the ice except the goalie who cannot pass the center ice line. There is a net (goal) located at each end of the ice rink guarded by goaltenders. Players use their hockey sticks to pass the puck to a teammate, to maneuver the puck away from defenders, and to shoot the puck into the goal on offensive, and on defense you use the hockey stick to try and take the puck away from someone on the opposing team and to try and stop a goal from being scored against you. The object of the game is simple, try and score more goals than the other team.

Basic penalties include tripping, which means you cannot use your stick or leg to trip an opposing player. Holding, which means you can’t grab an opposing player with your stick or hands, and interference, which means you can’t body check or impede a player who doesn’t have the puck. Major penalties include hitting a player with in the head or face with the stick (high sticking) or hitting a player with the shaft of the stick (cross-checking).

Your coach will have a complete list of rules designated for your specific league. But the most important rules to follow are to be safe, listen to your coaches, and have fun.