Interactive Explainer
HockeyRead the Gamefrom the Bench
Pick a zone setup, tap any player to learn their role, and finally understand what a power play really means — and why the penalty kill matters.
Sport DNA
Rink (NHL)
200 ft × 85 ft
Youth: 185 ft × 85 ft (varies)
Stick Length
Chin to nose (standing)
Shorter for younger players
Skates
Half-size smaller than shoe
Fit snug — no heel lift
Goal Size
6 ft wide × 4 ft tall
Youth: 4 ft × 3 ft (Mites)
Players per Side
6 (5 skaters + goalie)
3-on-3 OT in NHL
Game Length
3 × 20 min (NHL)
3 × 12–15 min (youth)
Countries Playing
76 IIHF members
Winter Olympic sport since 1920
Founded
1875 · Montreal, Canada
First indoor game on record
Offensive Zone Attack
Your team has the puck in the attacking zone (far end of the ice). Two defensemen hold the blue line to keep the puck in, while the three forwards cycle and look for a scoring chance. The goalie watches from far away.
Tap any player to see their role
Ready to get them on the ice?
Find local Hockey programs in your area.
Before the Start
Essential Gear
See all 13 items
Hockey Helmet with Cage
The most critical piece of equipment. Must be CSA, HECC, or CE certified. A cage (wire face guard) is required for all youth players — no visor-only setups until older age groups.
Est. $50 – $200
Ice Skates
Buy hockey skates one half-size smaller than your kid's shoe size — they should fit snugly with no heel lift. Bauer, CCM, and True are the top brands. Have them sharpened before the first skate.
Est. $60 – $350
Hockey Stick
Composite sticks are lighter and more responsive; wood sticks are cheaper and fine for beginners. Length: standing on skates, the stick should reach your kid's chin. Confirm the correct lie and flex rating for their age/weight.
Est. $30 – $150
Hockey Gloves
Protect the hands, fingers, and wrists from slashes and falls. Should fit snugly — no gaps at the cuff between the glove and elbow pad.
Est. $30 – $120
Full gear guide
13 must-haves · 13 items total · Est. $300 – $900
Parent's Cheat Sheet
What just happened?
Official Wording
Icing is called when a player shoots the puck from their side of the center red line and it crosses the opposing team's goal line untouched, without a goal being scored.
Parent Translation
Your kid shot or cleared the puck the full length of the ice from behind center. Play stops, the puck comes all the way back to your kid's defensive zone for a face-off. It's not a penalty — just a do-over that hurts tired defenders because they don't get a line change.
