Ice hockey is a sport that is played all over the world. The version of ice hockey that most people in North America are familiar with is the National Hockey League, or NHL. Sports fans that are trying to understand the NHL version of ice hockey may find some of the rules a bit difficult to understand. A quick explanation of some of the NHL’s more difficult rules will help new viewers follow the game easier.
Image via Wikipedia
1) Offsides
If you look at an NHL rink, you will see two blue lines in the middle portion of the ice. These are referred to, easily enough, as the blue lines. Offsides is when the entire puck crosses the blue line before both skates of the offensive player. That is why a player skates along the blue line with his feet spread wide apart. He is keeping one of his feet on or outside the blue line so the play can stay onsides.
2) Icing
If you look at the diagram, you will see a dotted red line going down the middle of the ice. You will also see red lines at both ends of the rink. If a player shots the puck from his offensive side of the middle red line, it crosses the end red line and a person from the other team touches it, then that is icing. The team that shot the puck can get the icing waved off if they touch the puck first.
The lines on the ice during an NHL game can be confusing. But, a little understanding can make the game easier for you to learn.
