Ice hockey rink

Ice hockey layout

Nokia Arenan avajaiset 28

NHL Hockey Rink

Bruins at Devils on Apr 2 2008 (85)

HockeyRink-Zones

HalfBoards

An ice hockey rink is a rectangular ice surface specifically designed for the sport of ice hockey. The rink is surrounded by a wall or boards that are typically 1.22 meters (4 feet) high. The standard size of an ice hockey rink varies depending on the league and level of play, with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) having different specifications.

Dimensions

The dimensions of an ice hockey rink can vary:

• In the NHL, the standard rink size is 200 feet (61 meters) long and 85 feet (26 meters) wide.
• In the IIHF, the standard rink size is 60 meters (197 feet) long and 30 meters (98.4 feet) wide.

Zones

An ice hockey rink is divided into three main zones:

• The defensive zone is the area where a team defends its goal.
• The neutral zone is the area between the two blue lines.
• The offensive zone is the area where a team attempts to score a goal.

Markings

The rink features several important markings:

• The center line divides the rink into two halves.
• The blue lines divide the rink into three zones.
• The goal lines are located at each end of the rink, behind the goals.
• The faceoff circles and dots are used to restart play.

Boards and Glass

The boards surrounding the rink are made of wood or fiberglass and are designed to keep the puck in play and protect spectators. Above the boards, there is typically a layer of plexiglass to further protect spectators and keep the puck in play.

Goals

Each end of the rink has a goal net, which is 6 feet (1.83 meters) wide and 4 feet (1.22 meters) high. The goal is placed at the center of the goal line.

Ice Resurfacing

The ice surface is maintained using an ice resurfacer, commonly known as a Zamboni. The resurfacer smooths the ice to ensure optimal playing conditions.

Related Pages

• Ice hockey
• National Hockey League
• International Ice Hockey Federation
• Boards (ice hockey)
• Plexiglass
• Zamboni