Q: What is the puck made of?
A: The puck is made of vulcanized rubber and is three inches in diameter and one inch thick, weighing about six ounces. It is frozen before entering play to make it bounce resistant.
Q: How fast does the puck travel?
A: Some of the game’s hardest shooters send the puck toward the net at speeds between 90 and 100 mph with the elite shooters easily topping the century mark. Making things even more difficult on the goalie is the puck will frequently curve in flight, much like a baseball.
Q: Which shot is the hardest for a goalie to stop?
A: Generally speaking, it is one that’s low and to the stick side. Some goaltenders overplay to the stick side, presenting a more inviting target on the glove side.
Q: What about deflections?
A: Deflections aren’t just luck. Players practice redirecting shots by standing at the side of the net and knocking a shot from the outside past the goalie into another area of the goal.
Q: Which is tougher for the goalie to stop a slap shot or a wrist shot?
A: The slap shot, while it is harder and faster, is easier for the goalie to time than a wrist shot, which takes the goalie more by surprise.
Q: How thick is the ice?
A: The ice is approximately 3/4" thick and is usually kept at 16 degrees for the proper hardness. The thicker the sheet of ice becomes, the softer and slower it is.
Q: What are the standard dimensions of the rink?
A: The standard is 200’ by 85’, although some do vary.
Q: Can the puck be kicked in for a goal?
A: Not intentionally. However, if a puck is deflected off a skate or off a player’s body and no overt attempt is made to throw it or kick it in, a goal is allowed.
Q: What if an offensive player is in the crease?
A: If they arethere under theirown power and the puck goes in, the goal is disallowed. A goal can be awarded if the player was forced into the crease or held there by a defensive player. An offensive player is allowed to carry the puck into the crease and score.
Q: Why do goalies frequently come out of in front of their net?
A: Usually when a goalie leaves the area immediately in front of the goal it is to reduce the shooting area, cut down the angle of the shooter or for the offensive player to release theirshot before theywould like to. After coming out of the net, the goalie is usually backing up slowly in an attempt to get the shooter to commit themselffirst.
Q: Who gets credited for an assist?
A: The last player or players (no more than two) who touch the puck prior to the goal scorer are awarded assists. For example, if player A passes to player B who passes to player C who scores a goal; players A and B get assists.
Q: Why doesn’t the referee stop fights?
A: There are several reasons. First, it is theirjob to watch what is going on and determine who should be penalized. Also, it is quite hazardous to get in close during a fight and since they arein sole control of the game, they haveto protect themself from injury.
Q: How are the markings - the red and blue lines, goal lines, crease and face-off circles - applied to the ice?
A: The ice is built up to a 1/2"thickness by spraying water over the concrete floor, which has the freezing pipes embedded into it. Then the markings are painted on, after which additional water is sprayed to coat the markings and build the ice to the prescribed thickness.
I'm an avid hockey enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the sport, its rules, and the intricacies of gameplay. My knowledge extends beyond the basics, encompassing the physics of puck movement, goalie strategies, and the technical aspects of the rink itself. I can confidently speak to the specifics of puck composition, speed, goalie challenges, ice thickness, rink dimensions, and various game scenarios.
Let's break down the information provided in the article:
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Puck Composition:
- The puck is made of vulcanized rubber.
- Dimensions: Three inches in diameter and one inch thick.
- Weight: Approximately six ounces.
- It is frozen before play to make it bounce resistant.
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Puck Speed:
- Hard shots can reach speeds between 90 and 100 mph.
- Elite shooters can exceed the century mark.
- Pucks may curve in flight, similar to a baseball.
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Goalie Challenges:
- Low shots to the stick side are generally challenging for goalies.
- Some goaltenders may overplay to the stick side, making the glove side more vulnerable.
- Slap shots are harder and faster but easier for goalies to time than wrist shots.
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Deflections:
- Deflections are not solely luck-based.
- Players practice redirecting shots by standing at the side of the net.
-
Ice Thickness:
- The ice is approximately 3/4" thick.
- Maintained at 16 degrees for proper hardness.
- Thickness affects the softness and speed of the ice.
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Rink Dimensions:
- The standard rink size is 200' by 85'.
- Some rinks may vary in dimensions.
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Scoring Rules:
- The puck cannot be intentionally kicked in for a goal.
- Goals are allowed if the puck is deflected off a skate or player's body without overt intent.
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Goaltender Strategies:
- Goalies may come out of the net to reduce shooting area and cut down the shooter's angle.
- Goalies back up slowly after leaving the net to encourage the shooter to commit.
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Assists:
- The last player or players (up to two) who touch the puck before the goal scorer are awarded assists.
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Referee and Fights:
- Referees do not stop fights; their primary role is to assess penalties.
- Referees avoid getting too close due to the inherent hazards and the need to protect themselves.
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Rink Markings:
- Ice is built up to a 1/2" thickness by spraying water over the concrete floor.
- Markings (red and blue lines, goal lines, crease, and face-off circles) are painted on, and additional water is sprayed to coat and build the ice to the prescribed thickness.
