What Is the Long Change in Hockey?
TLDR: The long change happens every second period — teams switch ends and suddenly their bench is on the far side of the ice from their defensive zone. Players have to skate roughly 50 extra feet just to get off for a line change, which leads to longer shifts, tired legs, bad decisions, and — […]
How to read the NHL standings?
When following any new sport, it is important to figure out how to read the standings of the primary league, and following the NHL is no different. The standings can be confusing at first, but with a little knowledge they are quite straightforward. The purpose of the NHL standings is to show which team, at […]
Can hockey games end in a tie? (and what happens next)
The rules for a tie have changed in hockey. For a long time, a tie game was quite common to see at the professional level, but the NHL wanted to make sure that there was a winner and loser each and every game so they changed the way the game was structured; the tie in […]
What is a penalty shot in hockey?
If you are at a hockey game and you want to hear the crowd go crazy in anticipation, cross your fingers that you get to see a penalty shot. The penalty shot is a unique, one-of-a-kind play in ice hockey. Let’s look at this exciting play! What is a penalty shot in hockey? A penalty […]
What NHL teams have never won a Stanley Cup? A guide to futility
The Stanley Cup is one of the most prized possessions in all of sports. It is awarded to the NHL team that survives the gruelling two months of playoff hockey. There are 32 teams in the NHL… so, what nhl teams have never won a Stanley Cup? Embed from Getty Images The Vancouver Canucks bench […]
Field Hockey vs. Ice Hockey: What’s the difference?
When you say the word hockey what do you think of? Depending on which country you are in, you will probably think of ice hockey or field hockey. If you are in Canada, the U.S., the Scandinavian countries, or Eastern Europe, the word hockey will conjure up images of ice hockey. If you are in […]
How long do hockey players stay on the ice? A guide to shift lengths
Hockey is a highly intense sport often called the fastest game in the world. If you have ever watched or played in a hockey game you will know there is a lot of truth to it. Players are asked to go out onto the ice and play at an extremely aggressive and fast level of […]
How many players are in the NHL?
The NHL is the top hockey league in the world. There are a lot of people who play hockey but, really, only a few get to play in the NHL ever year. The odds are not great. I have seen this firsthand with my nephew — he has played with friends who were drafted into […]
Are Hockey Arenas Cold? (Yes — Here’s What to Expect)
Quick Answer: Yes, hockey arenas are cold — but not as cold as you might think. NHL arenas are kept between 60°F and 65°F (15–18°C), which feels more like a cool movie theatre than a freezer. A light jacket or hockey jersey is all you need. Recreational rinks run colder, around 55°F (12°C) or below, […]
Can you kick the puck in hockey?
A hockey player is quite talented with his feet, and I am not only talking about this skating ability. Players learn to use their feet to kick and direct the puck to themselves or a teammate. So, players are allowed to kick the puck – except for one certain play. When can you kick the […]