Ice Hockey, the world's fastest team game, is full of skilful stick handling, tactics, speed and grit. Whether you want to be involved as a player or just as a spectator, one step into this icy world will have you hooked!
Ice hockey began in Canada in the late nineteenth century when some of the new arrivals from England decided to while away the long winter months by playing hockey on the frozen lakes. The game remained in Canada until the use of refrigerated ice rinks worldwide but is now becoming increasingly popular.
What make ice hockey different from conventional hockey is the puck, which takes the place of the ball. It is essentially a flat rubber disc, 7cm across, which slides across the ice a high speed. And, of course, the skates. This means that they players, too, move very very fast. Ice hockey players have to be well padded to protect them from the inevitable slips and tumbles – and of course the odd bit of fouling where players shove each other against the boards at the side of the ice.
A typical team is 17 to 22 players, although only 6 are on the ice at any one time: a goalie and five other players but there are regular substitutions during a 90 minute match.
The object of the game is simple: players attempt to shoot the puck into the goal. The ice is divided up into 3 zones, defence zone, neutral zone and an attacking zone. Players are not allowed to hang around in the attacking zone if the puck isn’t there, ensuring fast and furious play as the puck crosses and recrosses the ice. The only time the puck becomes “dead” is if the referee stops play or if the puck is hit over the protecting barriers (and if that happens, Spectators Beware! - If it hits you it hurts!)
Misdemeanours – general shoving of your opponents - make great entertainment for the spectators but they are not so amusing for the player involved. Offending players can be sent off the ice for 2 minutes or more and the team remains a man down through the penalty time.
So how do you start playing ice hockey? Well. To state the obvious, you must be a good skater before you try whizzing around on the ice with a stick on your hand. Some clubs, such as Telford, now offer lessons for players as young as 10, although actual contact is isn’t introduced to the game until you are 14. Kit can be expensive, so see if you can borrow some to start with until you are sure the game is really for you. You’ll need to be patient at the beginning as all the padding can restrict your movements at it takes a bit of getting used to. Make sure you watch professionals play to gain a better understanding of the game. To become a good player, you will need to improve your general strength, speed, balance and coordination, so join a gym and do other sports as well.For further information about ice hockey in the UK, including how to get involved and details of league matches, visit Ice Hockey UK www.icehockeyuk.co.uk For skating lessons in Telford, visit www.telford.gov.uk/Leisure+culture+and+tourism/Leisure+centres/Ice+rink