Hockey is a popular game played all over the world. The exact date of its origin is not known. One belief is that it originated from the English game of field hockey. When the English came to North America, they realized that ice is faster than grass and started playing on ice covered ponds. Today, the term “hockey” in the US is synonymous with ice hockey. The term “hockey” is derived from the French word ‘hoquet’ meaning ‘shepherds crook’ which is similar in shape to a hockey stick.

Modern ice hockey was played for the first time in the United States in 1893. The game became very popular and in a very short time spread to Great Britain and other European countries. It is now played in around 30 countries and mostly in North America, Scandinavia and Russia. It is also the national game of Canada.

Ice hockey is played on natural or artificial ice on an oval shaped rink of 61 m by 25.5 m .Two goal nets, each measuring 1.22 m high and 1.83 m wide are placed at both ends of the rink. Each team consists of six players. The players are divided into one center, two forwards, two defenders and one goaltender or goalie. The game is played with wooden or metal sticks around 152 cm in length. A hard rubber disc called a puck is used to score goals. The players wear padded clothing and gloves to protect themselves. The team scoring the most goals wins.

The National Hockey League was formed in 1917, made up of teams from the United States and Canada. In the early years, almost all hockey players were from Canada, but more recently, there has been an upsurge in players from the United States and European countries, who have started participating in the game. The Stanley Cup, held annually, is the most famous competition for ice hockey.

Interest in ice hockey is on the rise in schools, colleges and universities. More and more youngsters have started playing the game. The live telecast of almost all the professional league matches played in United States proves the popularity of the game, as well.

Hockey provides detailed information on Hockey, Hockey Jerseys, Hockey Tickets, Hockey Equipment and more. Hockey is affiliated with Ice Hockey Goalie Equipment.

Source: www.isnare.com