hockey

Hockey refers to a family of team sports in which players use sticks to move a ball or puck toward the opponent’s goal. While the term commonly denotes ice hockey in North America, it also describes field hockey and other variants such as roller hockey and underwater hockey. Despite different surfaces and equipment, all forms emphasize speed, skill, and teamwork.

Ice hockey is played on an ice rink by two teams. Each team fields six players, including a goaltender. Players use curved sticks to shoot a hard puck into the opponent’s net. The game is divided into three periods; goals determine the score. Contact is permitted within the rules, and penalties lead to power plays. The sport is governed by the IIHF; the NHL is the premier professional league.

Field hockey is played on grass or artificial turf by two teams of 11. Players use a curved stick to control and strike a small ball toward the goal. The game emphasizes skill, passing, and defense. The governing body is the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Field hockey has been an Olympic sport for men since 1908 and for women since 1980; major tournaments include the World Cup and the Olympics.

Roller hockey is played on roller skates on a dry surface, with variants using a ball or puck. It shares core elements with ice hockey but differs in surface and rules. It is governed by World Skate in many regions and has world championships.

Origins date to the 19th century in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, with formal rules developing in the 20th century. Today hockey is played worldwide at amateur and professional levels, with extensive youth programs and international competition.