Whether you’re taking a leap into a new hobby or you are a keen enthusiast already - Andy French, General Secretary at Ice Hockey UK, is here to tell you everything you need to know to start playing.
Describe ice hockey in a few words
Physical, fast-paced and skilful with plenty of goals! This makes it very exciting for people from all walks of life.
What are the basic rules?
You are allowed one goalie and five players on the ice: three forwards and two in defence. Skaters use their sticks to shoot a puck into the opponent’s net to score a goal. As with most sports, the team with the most points scored at the end of three 20-minute periods wins.
How does the scoring system work?
A team is awarded one point for each goal they score. A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the crossbar.
If the score is tied at the end of 60 minutes, the game will go into five minutes of overtime and if it is still level, a penalty shoot-out will take place to determine a winner.
I want to play. How do I get involved?
Find a club who may have a learn to play programme and start this way.
If you can already skate, find an established ice hockey club who may have equipment that you can use before you purchase everything as the cost of equipment is expensive.
For those who need to get their skating to a better standard, you have the option of going public skating or even taking up figure skating lessons to ensure you do everything correctly in terms of your edges and positioning.
Is there a disability option?
Yes, players with a disability can take part in sledge hockey. You can learn more and find a club right for you here.
What if I want to play the sport professionally?
1 in 20 players who go through the junior systems make it to a professional level in the UK. There are also a lot of players who participate in semi-professional teams and leagues in this country.
What advice would you have for anyone looking to take up the sport?
Go and try it first before you pay all the money for the equipment as this is expensive! You will either love it or hate it – there really is no inbetween!
What does the future of the sport look like?
Ice hockey is growing year on year and more people are getting involved at a young age. The Great Britain Senior Men’s team have had great success in the past three years and this has created a lot more interest in the UK, with more young people, both male and female, wanting to take up the sport.
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