Hockey

An indoor rink in an arena

Hockey is a fast, exciting sport that began in Canada in the 1800s. Every year many Canadians play hockey or watch the game on television.

A goalkeeper, or goalie, watching the puck

Hockey is played on a sheet of ice called a rink. Two teams compete to score points by shooting a puck into a net. Each team has six players who skate on the ice. Hockey is one of the fastest sports. When players shoot the puck, it can travel more than 160 kilometers per hour. Goalkeepers try to keep the puck out of their nets.

Players try to shoot the puck into the goal

Because hockey is a fast, rough game, the players need special clothing and equipment for protection. They wear helmets to protect their heads, as well as heavy sweaters, pants and gloves. Children who play on teams usually wear the same clothing and equipment as professional players.

Hockey is a popular winter sport for children. In the city, children often play hockey in skating rinks in the park. In the country, children can play hockey on frozen ponds, lakes or rivers. Many children play in teams and compete with other teams. They spend long hours in the arena practicing for their games.

In the past, all hockey games were played outside on frozen rivers and lakes. In the spring, there were sometimes accidents when players fell through the ice. Today most hockey games take place in indoor arenas, so they don't have to stop when the weather gets warm.

Hockey does not have to be played on ice. Sometimes all you need is a tennis ball, a hockey stick, and running shoes!