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Stoney's Hockey 101 - The Basics

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Learning About Hockey With Me, Stoney � Episode 1: The Basics

11/5/11 in NHL | The_Real_Stoney | 20438 respect

Back in the 1970s, if you watched NBC’s Hockey Game of the Week or Hockey Night in Canada, you were privy to Peter Puck teaching you about the game of hockey. I wasn’t alive, so I had to watch on horrible quality VHS as a youth of the 80s. Luckily for all of you, we now have the interwebs, and access to me spreading the gospel of the fastest team game on the planet.

Episode 1 will give an overview of the game, the basic ins and outs, and as the series continues, get more in depth and technical.

The Playing Surface

There are two basic rink sizes used around the world. The rinks used in the NHL and a majority of the US and Canada measure 85’ wide x 200’ long. International and Olympic rinks are the same length, but 13’ wider.

The entire ice surface is painted white and striped with the definitive lines you’ll see on all hockey rinks. The goal lines on which the nets sit at either end of the ice which sit generally 10 feet from the end boards, the blue lines which designate the defending or attack zones depending on your team’s direction of play, and the red (center ice) line that divides the rink in half. The area of center ice between the blue lines is known as the neutral zone. Inside each zone, there are two face-off circles, there are four face-off dots in the neutral zone, and one dot inside the face-off circle at center ice. It’s at these locations where the puck is dropped to start a period, after a goal, and any other stoppage in play. The blue shaded area in front of the net is the crease which acts as a safe haven for the goalie and an area where attacking players aren’t allowed to camp out. In the NHL, there is a trapezoidal area behind each net, and in this area, the goalie is not allowed to handle the puck. The inside dimensions of the nets are 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall.

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11/8/11 | jswol54 | 19957 respect

wrote:

I don't know about you, but I still miss the stadium.

The original "Madhouse on Madison" will always hold a special place in my heart. It's where I first saw MJ, the Hawks (Eddie the Eagle was my dogg), and the Ice Capades. What? I have sisters.

But I have grown to love the UC as well. One thing is for sure, though. It doesn't get as loud as Chicago Stadium.

11/8/11 | JKB37 | 2409 respect

Good stuff Stoney! Really good stuff! I wish I had this about 5 years ago when I started really following hockey! I can't wait until you get to Cycling the Puck.. I think I finally get it.. I'll let you know when I read your summation!

11/7/11 | VIOLET | 11270 respect

wrote:

Ironic you said that! When I was asked to coach my son's soccer team a couple of years back, I hadn't a clue about the game, but knew hockey. So I taught the techniques of goaltending and defense (which were my positions of strength) and the boys did quite well! My friend from Puerto Rico was in charge of offense, but the kids rarely scored. LOL

Thankfully, my son got the Jacque Plante gene from me, so the games were respectable when he was in goal!

(Edited by VIOLET)

So you know what I'm talking about And I agree that sometimes people are not interested in some sports or any other topics because they don't give them a chance. For me would be awesome to learn ice skating, it seems very difficult, but maybe some day, it has to be soon or I'll broke my hip on my first fall

11/7/11 | kramer | 10787 respect

wrote:

I don't know about you, but I still miss the stadium.

I remember that old place from the '92 Cup finals. Wasn't it something crazy like 10 stories up where those people would run for the standing room only seats in peanut heaven? That's crazy.

11/7/11 | jswol54 | 19957 respect

Good stuff, Stoney. This is a must read for anyone bashing hockey because they don't get the rules, and therefore, don't give it chance. Love seeing people transform from "haters" to fans once they understand said rules. Watching a game in person seems to help as well.

11/6/11 | VIOLET | 11270 respect

Thanks, Jonathan. I thought I needed a "Hockey for dummies" but your article is so clear and I learnt something today. I didn't know we had a national Hockey team till I saw like two months ago Mexico was playing (can't remember the other team or the tournament, but they were like college boys) And I thought that was great. I like to watch hockey when I have the chance because of some similarities with soccer and that makes it easier to follow . I like the speed of the game and the skills all players show, sad part is not very popular in here Great job

11/6/11 | JrCanuckFan | 10047 respect

I've been watching hockey since I was 3, started playing it when I was 4. This was GREAT, Stoney! There were a couple of things I'd never paid attention to so even though I have prided myself on knowing all about the game, I learned a couple of things, too! Can't wait for the next installment

11/5/11 | Jess | 28013 respect

I do too...and I played (still do when I can), and watch hockey all the time. I think we can all learn a little something from these. Thanks Stoney!

11/5/11 | kobe_lova | 51962 respect

wrote:

Totally different question! Of course I read all 3 pages

Your first post "joke" sounded like you only saw the first page. And your "Learn? I used to PLAY!" implies that you had no reason to read it anyway. I didn't read what you said after that but I'm sure you explain very well why you don't need the articles.

I do, though.

11/5/11 | kobe_lova | 51962 respect

(Edited by kobe_lova)

So, you didn't read it?

11/5/11 | kteacher | 31557 respect

Awwwweee....Paul Stewart.

11/5/11 | kramer | 10787 respect

(Edited by kramer)

I linked this to tonight's NHL live thread. This is a perfect tie in if people have questions during live game action!

11/5/11 | kobe_lova | 51962 respect

wrote:

Pucking awesome!

I get the funniest looks whenever a player misses the net on an easy shot and I yell, "6-foot wide, 4-feet high, 3-feet deep!" Then I have to explain that's the dimensions of the goal.

You didn't learn anything from the other 2 pages?

11/5/11 | kramer | 10787 respect

This is awesome! I'm looking forward to getting more in depth with the explanations. Yes, Jess is right guys, we think we know it all when it comes to sports. However, I'm sure as this series goes further I'll learn tons about hockey that I never knew even though I've been watching it for 20+ years.

11/5/11 | gobigblue1960 | 4778 respect

Hey, I am old enough to remember Peter Puck. Good Job.

11/5/11 | hskrdave | 9730 respect

i was reading there might be p(r)i(z)e(s)?

11/5/11 | The_Real_Stoney | 20438 respect

kobe_lova wrote:

Yay! Things are making a little sense...

Um..you wanna send these to me? I happened upon it on about the 3rd page of my feed.

I was going to post a link on Filter Error this morning.. And will still do so.. But next time, I will make sure I send you a message

11/5/11 | Jess | 28013 respect

Joe_L wrote:

Can you write it in crayon with plenty of pictures, so us men will understand?

Or better yet,a video?

Shush, hockey fan.

11/5/11 | Joe_L | 12207 respect

Can you write it in crayon with plenty of pictures, so us men will understand?

Or better yet,a video?

11/5/11 | Jess | 28013 respect

wrote:

Kind of sexist. You'd be amazed how many guys THINK they know sports, but don't have a clue! I'm a youth baseball/softball umpire and if I had a penny for every time I had to explain the basic rules to a coach during a game, I could buy out Microsoft AND Apple and still have money left over. LMAO

That's just the point though - most guys THINK they know all about it and wouldn't bother reading an informational blog (or admit to it anyway)...girls aren't too proud or embarrassed to find ways to educate themselves on these things. Writing a blog geared toward women about sports doesn't seem all that sexist when you think about it. It's kind of like the whole "asking for directions" thing.

And the guys who aren't too proud to read it can do so secretly...