Ice hockey Draft
A fast team sport on ice where skaters pass a puck and shoot it into the opponent's goal. Beginner and adult learn-to-play programs make it much easier to start than people expect.
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How to start
What you need
- Hockey skates
- Helmet with cage or visor, and a mouthguard
- Gloves, shin guards, elbow pads, shoulder pads
- Pants, pelvic protector, neck guard
- Stick and a bag; goalies need a full set of goalie gear
Typical cost
Full beginner gear is about $300 to $600 new, less used. Many programs rent starter kits. Learn-to-play sessions cost about $100 to $300, and adult drop-in sessions $10 to $25 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Local rinks and hockey associations, adult beginner leagues, learn-to-play programs and drop-in 'stick and puck' sessions.
Rules
- Teams of 5 skaters and a goalie try to put the puck into the opponent's net. Each goal is worth one point.
- A game has three periods of 20 minutes in adult play. Youth games are often shorter.
- Offside: you cannot enter the offensive zone before the puck does.
- Icing: shooting the puck from your own half all the way across the opponent's goal line, without anyone touching it, stops play in most leagues.
- Penalties (such as tripping, hooking, slashing or high-sticking) send the offender to the penalty box and give the other team a power play.
- Body checking is allowed only in certain leagues and age groups; many recreational leagues are non-contact.
- Line changes happen on the fly, so players come on and off the ice while play continues.
Drills
Skate and stop 8 min
Skate across the ice, stop with both snowplow and hockey stops, repeat 10 times each side.
Puck control 10 min
Stickhandle in a small square with the puck close to your body, head up. Add cones and weave through.
Passing in pairs 8 min
Pass back and forth with a partner from 6 meters, receive with a soft stick blade, 20 passes each.
Shooting 10 min
Take wrist shots from 8 to 10 meters at an empty net or a goalie. Aim for corners. 20 shots.
Backward skating 8 min
Skate backward with knees bent, using C-cuts; cross over at the end of the lane. 5 lengths.
Etiquette
- Respect teammates, coaches and referees.
- Shake hands after the game.
- Keep your stick on the ice and out of other people's feet when possible.
Safety
- Wear every piece of protective gear, including a properly fit helmet and mouthguard.
- Learn how to fall and get up.
- Report any head injuries and follow concussion protocols.
Levels
- 1Just learning to skate; may need support and basic safety gear.
- 2Skates forward, backward and stops confidently; learning to handle the puck.
- 3Passes, shoots and understands offside; plays beginner league games.
- 4Strong skater and puck handler; plays on a rec or club team.
- 5Fast, skilled player in competitive or high-level adult play.
Questions
Do I need to skate well first?
Basic skating is the key skill. Most programs spend the first sessions on skating before adding sticks and pucks.
Is hockey expensive?
Gear is the main cost. Buying used gear or renting through beginner programs lowers the barrier.
Can adults start?
Yes. Many rinks run adult learn-to-play programs and beginner leagues.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays ice hockey. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.