An Overview of the Game

The Game	A hockey game consists of three 20 minute periods with two 18 minute intermissions. Should the game end in a tie, the two teams will play 5 minutes of sudden death overtime. *If the game is still tied, the teams will compete in a shootout.
Teams	Each team has six players: a center, a right wing, left wing, 2 defensemen and a goaltender.
The Puck	The puck is made of vulcanized rubber. It is three inches in diameter and one inch thick. It weighs about six ounces, and is frozen before games so that it slides and does not bounce.
The Rink	The rink is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide.
The Goal	Goals are worth one point each and are scored by shooting the puck into the net.The goal posts extend vertically four feet above the ice and six feet apart measured from the inside of the posts. This is where all points of the game are scored.Each "goal" counts one point in the player's statistics.When a player scores a goal, an "assist" is credited to the player or players taking part in the play immediately preceding the goal. Typically the player who is awarded the assist passed the puck to the goal scorer. No more than two assists can be given on any goal. Each "assist" counts one point in the player's statistics.

When is a goal scored??

• When the puck completely crosses the goal line in between the goal posts.
  
  
• If the puck is put into the goal in any way by a player of the defending side. The player of the attacking side who last played the puck is given credit for the goal but no assists are awarded.
  
  
• If an attacking player has the puck deflect into the net, off his skate or body, in any manner, the goal shall be allowed. The player who deflected the puck is credited with the goal.

When is a goal disallowed?

• When it is scored by an attacking player who deliberately redirects the puck with any part of his body across the goal line.
  
  
• When an attacking player bats the puck and it is deflected off any player or goalkeeper into the net.
  
  
• If the puck has been intentionally kicked with the player’s skate or foot, using a distinct kicking motion, and subsequently enters the net.
  
  
• If the puck has been thrown or deliberately directed into the goal by any means other than a stick.
  
  
• If a goal is scored as a result of being deflected directly into the net off an Official.
  
  
• If a player scores a goal while a teammate is in the crease, the goal can be disallowed if it is ruled that the player in the crease was interfering with the goaltender.

Hockey Positions

Goaltender	This player's job is to keep the puck out of his team's net. He can use any part of his body or any piece of equipment to do this and is allowed to catch or smother the puck.
Center	The center leads the attack by carrying the puck on offense. He mainly works up and down the middle of the ice and has more freedom to move than his linemates. This player passes between the left and right wings to set up a goal.
Right/ Left Wing	Each wing skates along the left or right side of the ice, depending on their designated side. The wings team with the center on the attack to set up scoring chances.
Defensemen	The main responsibility of these players is to defend their team’s part of the ice by preventing the other team from scoring. They try to break up passes, block shots, cover rival forwards and clear the puck from in front of their own goal.