Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey, or to most of the world, ‘hockey’ is one of the fastest, dangerous sports there is. Players move around on the ice on ice skates crashing into each other, attempting to smash a small bit of rubber into a goal at speeds of over 160 kilometres per hour.

It’s no wonder that teams end up fighting each other like gladiatorial style combat! This is your geek’s guide to ice hockey.

Introduction to ice hockey

Ice hockey is a fast-paced, high-energy sport played on an ice rink by two teams of six players each, including a goaltender. The main objective is simple: outscore the opposing team by sending a hard rubber puck into their net.

As an Olympic sport and a staple of winter athletics, ice hockey is known for its speed, skill, and physical intensity. The National Hockey League (NHL) stands as the premier professional hockey league, drawing fans from around the world to watch the world’s best players compete.

Whether you’re watching a local hockey league or an NHL game, the action is non-stop, with players racing across the ice, executing dazzling plays, and battling for every puck. With millions of players and fans, ice hockey is a sport played and loved on a global scale.

History of ice hockey

Ice hockey’s roots trace back to early 19th-century Canada, where it evolved from stick-and-ball games played on frozen ponds and rivers.

The first organised game took place in 1875 at McGill University in Montreal, setting the stage for the sport’s rapid development. The McGill University Hockey Club, established in 1877, played a pivotal role in creating the first set of formal rules, thereby shaping the modern game.

As the sport grew, the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada was formed in 1885, marking the beginning of organised league play. The Stanley Cup, donated by Lord Stanley in 1893, quickly became the ultimate prize in hockey.

The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded in 1926. Over the decades, it has grown into the world’s top professional hockey league, showcasing the evolution of the game from its humble beginnings to the fast-paced spectacle we know today.

The objective of ice hockey

The game aims to score goals by shooting a hard rubber disc known as a puck into the opposing team’s goal. To do this, hockey players use hockey sticks to pass the puck along the ice and shoot at the goal, defended by a goalkeeper. For a goal to be counted, the puck must completely cross the goal line.

Ice hockey matches typically last 60 minutes unless there are overtime or penalty shootouts. Games are divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes.

Stoppages can occur for several reasons, including a penalty, a goal being scored, offside, or the puck being shot out of the playing area. The offside rule states that a player cannot enter the attacking zone before the puck, which helps control the flow of the game and offensive strategies.

The number of goals scored by each team is compared at the end of the game. The team with the most goals scored is the winner of the match.

Equipment used in ice hockey

Ice hockey players are covered in padding, like a suit of armour, primarily for protection yet also influences the type of aggressive play.

• Hockey helmets are hard on the outside with a foam shell on the inside for comfort and are required to be worn by all players.
• Mouthguards prevent damage to the teeth and jaw from hockey sticks and pucks being flown through the air.
• Shoulder, elbow and knee pads cover the entire body including the chest area. Shin pads are also essential protective gear, preventing leg injuries from sticks, pucks, and collisions, and have been a requirement since the early days of organised ice hockey.
• Gloves are worn to protect the wrists and hands and improve grip on players hockey sticks.
• Ice hockey skates, unlike figure skates, have a rounded heel and no spike at the toe, with additional protection around the heel and toe parts of the boot.
• Hockey sticks are the primary equipment needed to move the puck along the ice and score goals – they are not to be used for fighting!
• Chest protector is a key piece of equipment, especially for goaltenders, providing vital protection against high-speed pucks and preventing serious injuries.

Goaltenders wear similar equipment to outfield players except they are more suited up in padded armour, including a specialised chest protector, as ultimately, they will be the player stopping the puck from going into their goals.

Ice hockey rink

Ice Hockey is played on an ice surface (hence the name of the game!)

Several coloured lines divide the rink, including ‘face-off circles’ and goal lines. The blue lines are essential, as they divide the ice into three zones—defensive, neutral, and offensive—which allows for forward passing and adds strategic depth to the game. Ice rinks vary in size – official NHL (National Hockey League) arena is 60 metres long by just under 26 metres wide.

Ice hockey player positions

There are six players on each team, with specific positions and roles to play.

• Goaltender: The goaltender’s specialised role is to stop the puck from going into their net, using unique equipment and techniques crucial to team defence.
• Defence: Two players perform defensive duties, situated on the left and right side at the back. One is usually creative minded, playing the ball out from the ‘back.’ The other is less so, preferring to stop offensive plays physically and not venture out of his zone with the puck.
• Right-wing: Covers the right-hand side of the rink and is exceptional along with the rink side and into the corners. The right-wing often acts as a puck carrier, advancing play and creating scoring opportunities.
• Left-wing: Same as the right wing yet playing on the left-hand side making left-hand shots towards the goal. The left-wing can also serve as a puck carrier, helping maintain possession and drive offensive plays.
• Centre: The most creative player, who has a stellar shot and who excels at face-offs and passing. The centre frequently takes on the role of puck carrier, responsible for moving the puck into offensive zones and setting up plays.

Scoring in ice hockey

Each period begins with a face-off at the centre ice circle. The other face-off circles located on the rink are used at times in the game for many reasons.

When taking the face-off, two players face each other and place their sticks on the ice, once done, the linesman drops the puck and play commences. If a player moves their stick off the ice before the puck is dropped, the face-off must be repeated.

Persistent infringements during the face-off will result in the offending player being removed and replaced with another.

After the face-off, players begin to pass the puck along the ice and build up play to try and score goals. The team with the most goals scored at the end of the match is declared the winner.

Players earn points for each goal and assist they record during the game, and teams accumulate points in the standings based on game results.

Scoring goals is not easy, with the goal sizes measuring only 180 cm wide by 120 cm tall, guarded by a formidable goalie.

Penalties in ice hockey

Penalties in ice hockey consist of several types: minor penalties, major penalties, misconduct penalties, and double minor penalties. The more severe the penalty, the harsher the punishment.

A minor penalty is assessed for infractions such as tripping, slashing, or hooking and results in the offending player being sent to the penalty box for two minutes. A major penalty is a five-minute infraction, typically called for more violent or dangerous conduct, such as fighting or intentional injury. The offending player must serve the full five minutes in the penalty box, regardless of the score. A double minor penalty consists of two consecutive minor penalties of two minutes each, often assessed for infractions like high-sticking that causes injury. A misconduct penalty is assessed for more serious offences such as fighting, checking from behind, or head contact, resulting in the offending player being removed from play for ten minutes.

Penalised players must serve their time in the penalty box before rejoining the game, which can create power-play opportunities for the opposing team.

• Butt-ending: Prodding an opponent with the top end of a stick.
• Checking from behind: Hitting an opponent from behind when they are unaware and cannot defend themselves.
• Cross-checking: When a player makes a body check using both hands on the stick, this is not permitted.
• Elbowing: Not permitted to elbow your opponents.
• Hooking: Hampering the progress of an opponent by hooking them with the hockey stick.
• Interference: If a player does not have the puck, the opposition players are not to interfere with his ‘runs’ into space and so on. Interference also includes stopping an opposing player from picking up their stick should they have dropped it.
• Slashing: Hitting opponents with hockey sticks to injure or impede their play.
• Spearing: Stabbing an opponent with the hockey stick blade.
• Tripping: Obviously, players are not permitted to trip players, causing them to fall.

Fighting in ice hockey

For ardent ice hockey fans, fighting is part and parcel of the sport. Although it looks uncontrolled, there are ‘unwritten rules’ that govern what is allowed and what is not. For example, when a player has fallen to the ice, the referees intervene and stop the fight. If a player continues the fight, they will most likely be ejected from the match.

Fighting is typically initiated by players who are there to intimidate the opposing team and disrupt their playing flow. However, fighting and physical play contribute to a higher risk of injury in ice hockey.

For amateur armchair fans, fighting in ice hockey is what they conceive the game is about, yet this is far from the truth. Ice hockey today is about skill, speed, strength and tactics. Although it still exists, fighting is no longer the primary tactic to win games, with reliance on a player’s individual talent to win games.

Leagues and championships

Ice hockey boasts a rich landscape of leagues and championships at every level. The NHL is the crown jewel, featuring 32 teams from across North America battling through a gruelling regular season and intense playoffs for the coveted Stanley Cup.

Beyond the NHL, fans can follow the American Hockey League (AHL), the European Hockey League (EHL), and the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), each offering its own brand of high-level competition. The Stanley Cup remains the most prestigious trophy in professional hockey, symbolising the pinnacle of team achievement.

On the international stage, the Olympic Winter Games and the IIHF World Championships bring together national teams from around the globe, giving fans a chance to cheer for their country in pursuit of gold.

International status

Ice hockey is truly a global sport, with passionate followings in North America, Europe, and Asia. The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) governs international competition, organising marquee events like the Olympic Winter Games and the annual World Championships.

With 74 member countries, the IIHF helps promote the sport in over 40 nations, ensuring that hockey is played and celebrated far beyond its Canadian roots. International competition is fierce, with teams vying for supremacy and national pride on the world’s biggest stages.

Whether it’s the thrill of the first Olympic Winter Games or the drama of a World Championship final, international play showcases the best of hockey’s speed, skill, and sportsmanship.

How to bet on ice hockey: know the game

With this guide to ice hockey, you should have enough to get started watching and betting on your first ice hockey match. If you can follow the fast-paced and brutal game, you’ll find yourself hooked on watching gladiatorial-style matches with plenty of goal-scoring and fighting entertainment.

Ice hockey is one of the most dynamic and unpredictable team sports, offering a wide array of betting opportunities across domestic leagues and international tournaments. The NHL, KHL, IIHF competitions, and Winter Olympics all provide unique betting angles throughout the year. NHL betting has grown rapidly, with a vast variety of NHL betting markets available, including moneyline, puck lines, totals, and props. The convenience of NHL online platforms allows bettors to access these markets and place wagers from anywhere.

Popular ice hockey betting markets include:

• Match winner – bet on the team you think will win in regulation time or after overtime.
• Total goals (over/under) – predict how many goals will be scored by both teams combined. You can bet on more goals (Over) or fewer goals (Under), and the number of goals scored or a single goal scored can determine the outcome of your bet.
• Puck line (handicap) – similar to the point spread in other sports, the puck line usually sets a 1.5 goal handicap, requiring the favored team to win by more than that margin or the underdog to lose by fewer goals.
• Correct score – wager on the exact final score of the game.
• Period betting – place bets on specific periods, such as which team will lead after the first period or focus on third period bets for more targeted options.
• Player props – bet on player performance, such as goal scorers, assists, or total points in a single game.

Single-game betting options are extensive, including player props and period-specific bets, allowing for detailed analysis and strategy.

Factors to consider when betting on ice hockey:

• Form and injuries – key players missing can dramatically affect team performance and points totals.
• Goalie matchups – goalkeepers often determine outcomes; know who’s starting, as this can impact the number of goals scored.
• Team schedules – back-to-back games and travel can impact stamina and results, especially with multiple teams playing in a short span.
• Rivalries – derbies and heated matchups often play out differently from standard fixtures.
• Penalty tendencies – some teams spend more time short-handed, affecting game flow and the likelihood of more or fewer goals.

Tournament formats often see four teams advancing to the semifinals, and the structure of teams playing in different rounds can influence betting strategies. The home team can have a significant impact on betting odds, especially when playing at their own venue.

Odds in ice hockey are often close, especially in balanced matchups. Understanding how to interpret moneyline or fractional odds can help you spot where value lies. Tracking NHL action throughout the season is crucial, as the lengthy schedule provides numerous betting opportunities and the chance to follow line movements in real-time.

The growth of the NHL, driven by the greatest expansions and rising players salaries, has influenced both the league’s competitiveness and the betting markets. Women’s ice hockey and women’s hockey leagues are also growing in popularity, offering new betting and fan engagement opportunities. The first European Championship for women’s ice hockey, held in 1989, marked a milestone for the sport. USA Hockey plays a key role in officiating standards and league regulation, ensuring consistency across all levels.

If you’re new to ice hockey betting, consider reading insights from betting tipsters who cover team sports. More experienced punters may benefit from arbitrage betting software to compare odds and secure better value.

With end-to-end NHL action, power plays, and sudden momentum swings, ice hockey offers bettors an intense and rewarding experience—provided they know the game.