Ice Hockey
Quick Link - Good Points - Bad Points - Tips - Costs - Resources
Introduction
Ice Hockey is a fast paced sport with all action play, often allowing physical contact (hence the big pads!). Due to all this, it is one of the fastest growing spectator sports in the UK.
History
Most historians estimate ice hockey originated in northern Europe, particularly the UK and possibly France. Which coincides with:
The first artificial ice rink (mechanically refrigerated) being built by John Gamgee in 1876, at Chelsea, London, England and was named the Glaciarium. The sport is also said to have kicked off in America in Ontario during 1860. There are many views on how it started, never mind that let's move on to the modern game.
Technical
Each game consists of 3 x 20-minute periods, and there is a 15-minute break between each period.
Each team has 6 players in play, but can have a maximum squad of 18 players, with 2 apprentices. Players can come on and off as often as they want. A team will feature a netminder (the goalie in football), plus players in defensive, central and wing positions.
Time is precise in ice hockey, because there is a dedicated timekeeper to stop and start the clock accurately.
The puck, when hit by pro's can reach speeds exceeding 100mph!
In professional matches physical contact is allowed between players contesting for the puck. Excessive rough contact is covered by various rules.
An interesting feature is the penalty box (a kind of sin bin), where players are sent after incurring a penalty (for doing something wrong). The time spent off the ice can be 2, 5 or 10 minutes depending on the nature of the incident.
How to Take Part
Get yourself along to your nearest ice hockey club, perhaps watch a match first, see what it's all about, and then join in on practice days. Of course, ability to skate is required.
One aspect that does vary between clubs is the rule of "checking". Some clubs allow it, other don't. Checking allows bodily contact as legitimate play. More padding is usually required for checking matches, as opposed to non-checking.
For a full list of recreational clubs in the UK you can join, go to the Recreational Hockey Network link in the resources section.
Summary of Ice Hockey
Fast, energetic sport with impact.
However rough it gets, your layers of padding protect you well.
Almost as exciting to watch it, as to play it!
Fairly sharp one-off cost to buy all your own equipment.
Ice hockey is exclusively limited to an ice rink (Although there are other means, such as roller-hockey).
With the nature of sharp ice blades and sticks, these can cause injuries.
Attend either local club matches or professional matches to gain a fuller understanding of the sport in action.
Be sure you are aware of the checking policy before playing at a new club.
Check out the Recreational Hockey Network link in the resources section below, for your local team which you can train / play with.
Full new kit, including all items listed above = �400
The biggest items that will influence your expenditure, are your skates, and your stick.
Alternatively, borrow a club's equipment while you learn.
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Good points
Bad points
Tips
Costs
Ice Hockey Resources
Crazy Kenny's - UK shop, superb site selling ice hockey products, news, team info and much more.
Adrenaline-Sports.net users are looking for reputable businesses to purchase from. Your business can be featured right here!
Recreational Hockey Network - Invaluable database of UK recreational Ice Hockey Teams, inc. all contact details, info etc.
Ice Hockey UK - General site with some news and details of professional events
Scottish IHA - Scottish Ice Hockey Association, Scottish news & fixtures etc.
FBNL - Findus British National League, fixtures, specific news.
Lifetime Hockey - Comprehensive glossary to help you know what you're talking about.
Prize Sports - Retails collectable ice hockey player cards from the past. (US).
Related sports featured on Adrenaline-Sports.net include: Rollerblading and the team sport of Paintballing.
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