A game played originally by using ball and stick in the early 1800s, Ice hockey has greatly improved since its discovery. It has now a set of rules and regulations that keeps the players in check. A standard playing field, more correctly termed as rink is also utilized.

Just like any ball games, the objective of the game is to lead the puck and shoot it to the goal, which is enclosed in a net that is four feet tall and sic feet wide and guarded by the goaltender of the opponent. The team that shoots more naturally wins the game.

Ice hockey requires that each team is composed of one goaltender, two defensemen and three forwards, giving a total of six players. They are given three periods to play and shoot the puck to the goal. Each period has twenty minutes each, giving a total of sixty minutes of action.

The game starts during faceoff, when the referee drops the puck between the forwards of each team. The rest are on the defensive side, waiting to for the puck to be passed on to them. No body contact should be done during this time; otherwise, a penalty will be called. Substitution is also not allowed while face off is on-going. The players then scatter into the rink measuring 200 feet by 85 feet.

Players entering the opponents field into the net for a goal should make sure that the puck precedes the player currently controlling it. The goaltender is not allowed to roam the court, unlike the rest of the players, as his job is to protect the goal.

During the game, each player passes the puck to their teammate to reach the goal. Before, when the offensive team is still in their court, they are not allowed to pass the puck directly to their teammate in the opponents side, lest they will commit the two line pass. However, NHL (National Hockey League) currently changed a set of rules and allowed the two line pass.

A hand pass, which involves the hitting of the puck by the player, is allowed as long as it is slid along the ice and not towards his teammate. The defending players can try to steal the puck from the opponent by hitting their hip, shoulder, or torso and subsequently trying to get hold of the puck, a move called body check. Body check is considered illegal when the player does not possess the puck.

Substitution of players is unlimited and can be done anytime. It is allowed without the referees permission as long as it is not during the face-off and the player to be substituted is within five feet from the bench. Goals are awarded not by the referee but by the Official Scorer. In case of controversies, or questionable merits, a video replay can be sought to clarify things.

A goal is given when the puck was propelled by the player and entered the net. In case the puck is passed to a teammate but accidentally hits him and bounces off towards the net, this will also be considered a score to the team.

During the 2005-2006n NHL season, NHL had some of the rules changes. The first one was already mentioned above. Other changes are no tolerance for aggressiveness towards the opponent, making the uniform less bulky at the same time still offer protection to the player, and restricting the playing field of the goaltender.

In case of ties, a shootout is used, after the five-minute tie break, but this change is yet to be accepted, because it removes team play and was considered a novel gimmick by some NHL executives. More fines were also enforced by the NHL. Furthermore, the playing field was increased by decreasing the area of the neutral zone, ensuring and adrenaline-surging action for the players.