The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Move the puck across the ice and into the opposing goal while defending your own. These basics follow the IIHF rules covered on the site.

Scoring

A goal counts when the puck legally crosses the entire goal line beneath the crossbar. The team with more goals wins; overtime and shootout procedures depend on the competition.

Key rules

• Attackers generally must not enter the attacking zone before the puck: this is offside.
• Sending the puck from your own half beyond the opposing goal line can cause icing, subject to exceptions.
• Illegal contact and stick offences can bring penalties and temporary numerical disadvantages.