What are the parts of an ice hockey rink?

An ice hockey rink is important for any field hockey enthusiast. Every field hockey player has the responsibility to know the parts of the rink, as it is an essential part of understanding the rules of the game.

However, if you are a field hockey beginner, you probably have no idea where to start learning. That's why, in this article we will try to introduce you in detail what are the basic parts that make up an ice hockey rink. Take note!>

Hockey rink dimensions

Ice hockey rink dimensions can come in two forms: international size and North American size. However, in this part we will focus on the specifications that are requested by the NFL.

First, the ice hockey rink must be 61 meters long (200 feet) and 26 meters wide (85 feet). It must be rectangular with rounded corners according to the arc of a circle with a radius of 8.53 meters, but only applies if it is a new rink. In addition, each of the boundary edges have walls that rise to 42 inches.

Every ice hockey rink needs to have acrylic glass that extends vertically about 8 feet at the ends and 5 feet at the sides of the rink. This glass serves to protect the audience from any deflected shots taken during a field hockey game, allowing them to safely enjoy and view the game.  

However, not only is it not enough to have acrylic glass, the rink also needs to have nets that should be stretched across all ends of the field hockey rink about 18 feet above the glass.

Track lines

Now, the ice hockey rink s mainly made up of three types of lines that also help the position of each player.. The red line is positioned in the center to divide the rink into two halves.

On the other hand, two blue lines need to be placed 25 feet away from the center line. Thanks to this, a neutral zone is created between the two blue lines, each counting 12 feet wide that also extend from one side of the ice hockey rink to the other. 

Finally, at a distance of 64 feet from the blue lines, there are thinner red lines that function to show the zone that the puck must cross to score the goal or point of play.

Hockey rink areas

On the ice hockey rink, surface there will be four zones. The first zone, located at the goalie's position, is called the defensive zone, since it is the area that each team is in charge of defending. Then, we have the neutral zone which, as mentioned above, is identified by being between the two blue lines and includes the central red line. 

On the other hand, in the next blue line section, where the goalkeeper of the opposing team is placed, we have the offensive zone. That is, the area where the players must start their attack. Finally, an area that can be considered new is the trapezoid. This is located behind the nets where the goalies can handle the puck. Inside the field hockey rink, the trapezoid is identified by diagonal lines that extend from the goal line to the boards.

Confrontation points

Continuing with the parts of the ice hockey rink, another important detail to know is the face-off points. In total there are nine face-off zones: 2 are positioned in the defensive zone, 2 in the offensive zone and 5 in the neutral zone.  

When a game is started or a player scores a goal, a neutral serve must be taken at the center of the rink. Defensive and offensive zone points are used when the puck is sent out of play while in the zone or when it is frozen. The other remaining neutral zone points are usually used in the event of an infraction or if the puck is sent out of play while in the zone.

Player banks and penalties

In an ice hockey rink, it is essential to have two benches, one for each team, where the players who are not playing at the time are housed. These should be placed in front of the neutral zone for easy access at changeovers, and need to have space for 14 players.

Finally, on the other side of the field hockey rink there are three smaller benches. The first one is used by the scorers and is positioned on the central side. The other two smaller benches are positioned on the sides and these are used for penalties, i.e. every player who commits an infraction must sit there.