Understanding Hockey: A Basic Guide for the Non-Player Parent

Hello to all the super-supportive Hockey Parents out there!

There's always something exhilarating about watching a hockey game, even if you're somewhat perplexed by what's actually happening on the ice. Perhaps you're new to the sport, or just haven’t had a chance yet to uncover its intricacies. No worries! This blog is your friendly guide to understanding the basics of hockey. Fasten your seatbelts, and let’s dive straight into the dynamic world of ice rinks, pucks, and goals!

The Rules of Hockey - Cutting Through the Ice

Hockey may seem a bit chaotic if you're new to it. However, the game primarily revolves around two teams trying to manoeuver a handy little object, the puck, into the opposing team's goal with their hockey sticks - while avoiding a handful of penalties. Simple, right?

The game begins with a "face-off" at the center of the ice, where a player from each team competes to gain initial control of the puck. The action then shifts back and forth across the rink, with each team striving to score while simultaneously guarding their own goal. It’s kind of like the ultimate game of keep-away.

The Referee Team - Keeping Things in Check

All games have supervisors, and in hockey, we have referees and linesmen. The referees are responsible for ensuring fair play and can impose penalties for infractions like tripping, hooking, and fighting (no martial arts allowed in this rink!). They’re the ones in the striped shirts who seem to like pointing and discussing things emphatically!

Linesmen handle the more 'peripheral' tasks: watching the blue lines for ‘offsides’ or the goal lines for ‘icings.’ They're like the invisible string that holds the game intact, preventing it from veering into chaos. We owe them a tip of our (warm and winter-proof) hats.

Understanding Game Length - The Three-Act Play

A standard hockey game is divided into three periods, each 20-minutes long, making the game last 60 minutes in total. Each period is like a mini-match, with tactics employed, goals scored, and narratives unfolding. Between these periods are intervals, typically 15-17 minutes long, which are ideal for a quick dash to snack bar, discussing game strategies, or just catching your breath.

Learning the Lingo - Speaking Fluent Hockey

Every sport has its unique set of jargons, and hockey is no exception. Terms like 'icing' (when a player shoots the puck across at least two red lines, the opponent’s goal line being the last), 'offside' (when an attacking player enters the opponent’s zone before the puck) or infamous 'power play' (an advantage when the opposing team has a player in the penalty box), might sound confusing initially, but rest assured, you'll get a hang of it in no time!

And there you have it - hockey 101 in a nutshell! Cheer your young athlete, engage with the game, and before you know it, you'll find yourself explaining the rules to another new hockey parent. Hockey is not just a sport, it's a community. And as a parent, you're an essential part of that. So, let's embrace the beautiful chaos on ice, rev up our cheers, and enjoy the game for the fast-paced wonder it is!

Happy parenting and happy hockey-watching,

Erin @ My Hockey Store.