Rules of the Game

Each team has a 23-man roster, of which 20 dress for each game. Every team uses six players at a time on the ice: three forwards (center, right winger, and left winger), two defensemen (left and right) and one goaltender.

All players are allowed to carry the puck, make forward/backward passes and shoot at the opposing goalie. Players can also go on and off the ice while play is in progress.

Goaltender

Unlike his teammates, the goalie does not skate around the ice. His job is to keep the puck out of his net by stopping shots that can exceed 100 mph. The goalie can use any part of the body or any piece of equipment to stop the puck. He needs quickness, good balance, concentration and courage!

Defensemen

The right and left defensemen play a dual role. They have to stop incoming opponents, preventing them from shooting at their goaltender. They also have to support their forwards on offense by initiating offensive charges and following the play into the attacking zone. Once inside the offensive zone they attempt to keep the puck inside the blue line.

Center

The center primarily operates up and down the middle of the ice and takes all face-offs. The center is the playmaker, passing between the two wings to set up a goal. In the defensive zone, the center's job is to get back and assist defense "down low" and try and break up the opposing team's play.

Wings

Right and left wings predominately move up and down the sides of the rink with the direction of play. The wingers are often big players willing to battle along the boards to gain possession of the puck and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, they guard the opponent's pointmen and try to keep them from shooting.

Minor Penalties

Any player, other than a goaltender, will be sent off the ice for two minutes during which time no substitute shall be permitted. If the shorthanded team is scored upon before the two minutes elapse, the player in the penalty box is released. Minor penalties are the most frequently called penalties and are typically called for the following infractions:

Tripping	Player uses stick, arm or leg to knock down an opponent.
High-Sticking	Striking an opponent with the stick above shoulder level.
Slashing	The act of swinging a player's stick at an opponent, whether contact is made or not.
Holding	Player holds an opponent by using his hands, arms or legs.
Charging	Player, as a result of distance traveled, violently checks an opponent in any manner.
Interference	Player interferes with or impedes the progress of an opponent who is not in possession of the puck.
Elbowing	Use of an extended elbow to foul opponent in a manner that may or may not cause injury.
Cross-Checking	A check rendered with both hands on the stick, and the extending of the arms, while the check is being delivered.
Hooking	Using the stick in a manner that enables a player to restrain an opponent.
Boarding	Checking an opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to be thrown violently into the boards.
Delaying the Game	Player or goalie delays game by deliberately hitting the puck with his stick or hand outside the playing area or deliberately knocks the goal post from its normal position.
Kneeing	Hitting an opponent with a distinct movement of the knee.
Roughing	A minor altercation that does not warrant a major penalty (pushing and shoving rather than actual fisticuffs).
Major Penalty	Any player, other than the goaltender, will be sent off the ice for five minutes (a five-minute major) during which time no substitute will be permitted .Major penalties are assessed for many of the same infractions that apply to minor penalties except they involve a greater degree of deliberate violence that results in injury. The player who is serving the five-minute major must stay in the penalty box for the full time, regardless if a goal is scored on the "shorthanded" team. Any player who records three major penalties in a game is automatically ejected.