Last updated June 2026.
The Drawer · Rules at-a-glance · Hockey
Hockey rules: a five-minute primer for first-time parents
Everything a parent needs to know to follow a youth hockey game: how the rink is set up, how long games run, how scoring works, and the calls you will hear most often.
Field/court setup
A hockey rink is divided into three zones by two blue lines: the defensive zone, the neutral zone, and the offensive zone. The red center line bisects the rink. Each end has a crease (the blue painted area around the goal) where the goalie operates. Six players per side: three forwards, two defensemen, one goalie.
Game length
Three periods of varying length depending on age level. Younger youth games (8U–10U) often run two 20-minute stop-time periods. Older levels run three 15-17 minute stop-time periods. Total game time with warmup and Zamboni breaks is typically 75–90 minutes.
Scoring basics
- · A goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar.
- · Assists are awarded to up to two players who passed to the goal scorer.
- · Goals called back by the referee do not count. Common reasons are goalie interference or a hand pass in the offensive zone.
Calls you'll see
- · Icing: shooting the puck from behind the center red line all the way past the opposing goal line without it being touched. Results in a faceoff in the shooting team's defensive zone.
- · Offside: an attacking player enters the offensive zone before the puck. Results in a faceoff at the blue line.
- · Hooking: using the stick to hook or impede an opponent's movement.
- · Tripping: using a stick or body part to trip an opponent.
- · High-sticking: carrying the stick above the shoulders in a dangerous manner.
- · Interference: impeding a player who does not have the puck.
- · Cross-checking: using the shaft of the stick with both hands to check an opponent.
Three things parents most often get wrong
- · Icing is not a penalty. It just results in a faceoff in your team's zone.
- · Goaltender interference gets goals waved off even if the puck clearly crossed the line.
- · Body checking rules vary by age level and organization. Many youth levels prohibit checking entirely until Bantam (13–14).
- · A delayed penalty means the team with the advantage can pull the goalie for an extra skater without fear of being scored on. The whistle blows when the penalized team touches the puck.