Hockey

Hockey, most commonly ice hockey in the United States, is a fast-paced team sport played between two teams of six players each, including a goalie. The objective is to score goals by shooting a puck into the opponent’s net using a hockey stick. Games are played on an ice rink divided into zones, with rules governing offside and icing to keep play fair and continuous. A standard game consists of three periods, and play begins with a faceoff, which is also used to restart play after stoppages or goals.

Rules focus on safety, flow of play, and fair competition. Players may use their bodies to check opponents in certain leagues, but illegal actions such as tripping, hooking, high-sticking, or boarding result in penalties. Penalties send players to the penalty box for a set time, forcing their team to play short-handed while the opposing team has a power play. Goals count as one point each, and if the score is tied at the end of regulation, overtime or a shootout may be used to determine a winner. Hockey emphasizes teamwork, speed, skill, and awareness, making it one of the most physically demanding team sports.