The basics every fan and player should know, plus a full glossary for the terms that get thrown around the rink.
Two defensemen, three forwards (left wing, center, right wing), and a goaltender make up the standard six skaters per side at full strength.
The rink splits into three zones — defensive, neutral, and offensive — separated by the blue lines that also govern the offside rule.
Games are played in three periods, with stoppages for penalties, icing, and faceoffs resetting play throughout.
Our full hockey glossary covers 725 terms from pro slang to official rules.
Browse the Glossary →