Hockey Rulebook
A plain-language guide to the rules of ice hockey. Whether you're new to the sport or need a quick refresher, this covers the essentials.
The Basics
Objective
Score more goals than the opposing team within three 20-minute periods of play. If the score is tied after regulation, the game goes to overtime (format varies by league).
Teams
Each team has 5 skaters and 1 goaltender on the ice at a time. A full roster typically carries 12 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies.
Positions
Three forwards (center, left wing, right wing), two defensemen, and one goaltender. See our positional guides for detailed breakdowns.
Key Rules
Offsides
An attacking player cannot enter the offensive zone (cross the blue line) before the puck. If a player is in the zone before the puck, play is stopped and a faceoff occurs in the neutral zone.
Icing
When a player shoots the puck from behind the center red line all the way past the opposing goal line without it being touched. Results in a faceoff in the offending team's defensive zone. The offending team cannot make a line change. Icing is waived off if the team is shorthanded (on the penalty kill).
Penalties
Minor penalty (2 minutes): Tripping, hooking, slashing, holding, interference, high-sticking, cross-checking, boarding, roughing.
Major penalty (5 minutes): Fighting, severe versions of minor penalties that cause injury.
Misconduct (10 minutes): Unsportsmanlike conduct, abuse of officials. Team does not play shorthanded.
Game misconduct: Player is ejected from the game.
Power Play and Penalty Kill
When a team takes a minor penalty, they play shorthanded (4-on-5) for 2 minutes. The opposing team is on the power play. If the power play team scores, the penalty ends. Major penalties are served in full regardless of goals scored.
The Rink
Blue lines divide the ice into three zones: defensive, neutral, and offensive.
Red line (center ice) divides the rink in half. Used for icing calls.
Goal lines are at each end where the goals sit.
Faceoff circles — five circles on the ice where play restarts after stoppages.
Crease — the blue semicircle in front of each goal. Attacking players generally cannot interfere with the goalie in the crease.
Official Rulebook
For the complete official rules, refer to your league's rulebook: