5 Facts You Didn't Know About Ice Hokey
The ice hockey world is filled with unknown facts and trivia. From the first games played in the early 1800s to the latest rules of the modern game, there's a lot to be aware of. If you're a fan of the sport, or just know a bit about it but don't know much about it, here are some of the things you may not know about ice hockey. From its history and rules to the most famous ice hockey players and the best ice hockey teams, here are 5 interesting facts about ice hockey you may not have known.
1. The first hockey game was played in 1875
The first ice hockey game took place in Montreal, Canada in 1875. It was played between two teams of nine players each. This game is what led to a variation of the sport: bandy, which is played on a level field instead of an ice rink.
2. The first rule of ice hockey was created in 1876
James Creighton founded a new Montreal hockey club and wanted to establish some rules for the game. Creighton's first rule was that players were not allowed to lift their sticks above their waists or cross their sticks in front of the puck. Creighton also created the idea of substitutions and the blue lines on the ice where teams should stay within designated zones. Creighton invented an indoor court for playing hockey and increased his team’s membership by 15 people after he set these rules. Creighton’s second rule was that players could only pass with one hand and violators would be taken out of play for 30 seconds. The final rule was that goalies had to wear canvas suits until they got a permanent net.
3. Ice hockey is played all year round in cold places
The winter season clearly makes ice hockey the most popular sport in places like Canada and Russia, but it's not just being played during the cold months. Ice hockey is also played all year round in cold places like Sweden, Norway and Finland. There are three main reasons: 1) For countries with a lot of snow but little rain, there is enough ice for skating all year round. 2) In these countries, there are enough indoor arenas for playing when it is too hot outside. 3) The outdoor rink culture is strong in these countries, and so people who skate on outdoor rinks enjoy playing on them when the temperature rises above freezing point and they can't use the indoor rinks anymore.
4. The Stanley Cup is named after Lord Stanley of Preston
The Stanley Cup is one of the most recognizable trophies in all of sports. It is awarded to the champion of the National Hockey League and it has been around since 1893. The trophy was named after Lord Stanley of Preston, who donated it in 1892 as a trophy for Canada's best professional hockey team at the time. The original Stanley Cup was made in Sheffield, England, by Fattorini & Sons and then transported to Quebec City, where it was first presented to the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association (MAAA) on May 15, 1893. It was renamed 'The Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup' in early 1894 because Lord Stanley had died in January 1894 and therefore couldn't make any more challenges! In 1910, there were suggestions that a new cup should be made but it wasn't until 1914 that the trustees agreed and melting down The Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup started. This new cup would be called 'The Prince of Wales' Memorial Cup' or 'The Prince of Wales Trophy.' This is now known as The Memorial Cup which is awarded annually to Canada's Junior A hockey champions.
5. The most famous ice hockey player is Wayne Gretzky
The most famous ice hockey player of all time is Wayne Gretzky. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers. In his career, he scored 1083 goals and an additional 894 assists in 1287 games. He's considered to be the best player of all time and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979. Some people call him 'The Great One' because he was so talented at hockey.
6. Which team holds the Stanley Cup record?
The Montreal Canadiens are the team with the most Stanley Cup wins, with 24.
7. How many players are on an ice hockey team?
Most ice hockey games are played with 6 players on each team. However, unlike other sports, if a player is injured or ejected then the team can play with 5 people.
8. How does ice hockey work?
Ice hockey is a contact sport played on ice, in which two teams of skaters or players use their sticks to shoot a vulcanized rubber puck into their opponent's net to score points. The game is played on a sheet of ice that measures 200 ft by 85 ft, with a goal at each end of the playing surface. Two teams of six players skate around the rink and try to shoot the puck into the other team's net. A player can't handle the puck for more than three seconds. This is called 'carrying.' If they carry it too long, they'll get penalized and have to give up possession. The team with the most goals at the end of regulation time wins. In overtime, if both teams are tied, then whoever scores wins.
9. Final Words: Is Hockey Your New Favorite Sport?
'ice-hockey is clearly the best sport.' 'I don't get it. I'm an ice hockey fan and I don't like this.' These are the opinions of two different people, who may have the same opinion about other sports but not ice hockey. It's simply a matter of preference. And why not? Hockey has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy watching fast-paced action or following a game with strategy and slower play, there's something in hockey for every viewer. There are also many ways to enjoy ice hockey as a spectator or player in different leagues, levels, or locations. You can find ice hockey at your nearest rink, school, or even on TV! How do you feel about giving the sport a try?