The Basics
The Game
Hockey is played on an ice rink between two teams. The goal is to score by shooting the puck into the other team’s net.
Periods
OHL games are played in three 20-minute periods. If the game is tied after regulation, a 5-minute overtime or a shootout decides the winner.
Players on the Ice
Six players are on the ice for each team:
3 Forwards – focus on scoring
2 Defencemen – prevent the other team from scoring
1 Goalie – protects the net
Scoring
A goal is scored when the puck fully crosses the goal line. Each goal counts as one point. The team with the most goals wins.
The Three Zones of the Ice
The hockey rink is divided into three main zones by two blue lines.
Offensive Zone
The offensive zone is the area where a team is trying to score. It is located between the opponent’s blue line and their goal net.
Neutral Zone
The neutral zone is the middle section of the ice between the two blue lines. Teams transition through this area when moving the puck up the ice.
Defensive Zone
The defensive zone is the area where a team protects its own net. It is located between their own blue line and their goalie.
Offside
A player cannot enter the offensive zone before the puck. If they do, play is stopped.
Faceoffs
A faceoff happens when the referee drops the puck between two opposing players. Faceoffs are used to start periods and restart play after stoppages.
Icing
Icing happens when a player shoots the puck from their side of centre ice and it crosses the other team’s goal line without being touched. The faceoff then comes back to their end.
Hat Trick
A hat trick is when one player scores three goals in a game.
A natural hat trick is when that player scores three goals in a row without any other player scoring in between.
Penalties
When a player breaks the rules, they may be sent to the penalty box. Their team usually plays with one fewer player.
Minor penalties: 2 minutes
Examples include tripping, slashing, hooking, interference, and high-sticking.
Major penalties: 5 minutes
Used for more serious plays like fighting, boarding, or checking from behind.
Misconducts: 10 minutes
The player sits for 10 minutes, but their team does not play shorthanded.
Match penalties
Used for the most serious infractions. The player is removed from the game, and their team plays shorthanded for five minutes. More discipline may follow.
Standings & Points
Teams earn points throughout the season:
- 2 points for a win
- 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss
- 0 points for a regulation loss
Power Play & Penalty Kill
When a team takes a
Equipment
Players wear helmets, pads, gloves, and skates to stay protected and move quickly on the ice.
Goalies wear special equipment to help stop shots, including:
Skates: built for balance and movement in the crease
Stick: wider than a player stick to help block shots
Blocker: worn on the stick hand to deflect pucks
Catcher: worn on the other hand to catch or cover the puck