Elements of the Game

• Team Composition: 6 players on the ice (1 goalie, 2 defensemen, 3 forwards)

• Game Structure: Three 20-minute periods with 15-minute intermissions

When A Goal Is Scored

• Puck goes between the goal posts below the crossbar and completely across the goal line by attacking player's stick

• Puck is put in the goal by a defending player, and the last attacking player who played the puck gets the goal

• Puck deflects off a player's skate into the net

• Puck is deflected into the goal from an attacking player's shot by a player of the same side, the deflector gets the goal

A Goal Is Not Allowed If

• Puck is kicked, thrown, or deliberately directed into the goal by means other than a stick

• Net is off its moorings or not flat on the ice when the puck enters

• Each team can have one 30-second timeout per game. In 2018, a "coach's challenge" was introduced for offside plays leading to a goal and potential interference on the goaltender.

The Varying Degree of Penalties in Ice Hockey

• Minor penalty: Off-ice for 2 minutes with no substitute allowed.

• Bench minor: One player off the ice for 2 minutes.

• Double minor: Two minor penalties for the same player.

• Major penalty: Offender is off the ice for 5 minutes; no limit on power play goals.

• Match penalty: Player is suspended from the game.

• Misconduct penalty: Player is removed for 10 minutes.

• Game misconduct penalty: Player is removed form the game and next.