Ice hockey began in Canada, where variations of the modern-day hockey game were first played in frigid circumstances in the 19th century. Since then, the sport has grown to be one of the most popular globally, with the majority of players being from North America. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the most lucrative league for ice hockey.

The game aims to hit a little puck across the rink with a hockey stick before hitting it into a goal. The puck is a large, solid rubber item that weighs around 6 ounces. The puck can be struck with a player's stick or foot, but it can never be touched by anybody other than the goaltender. Each time the puck goes into the goal, that team receives one point.

The players can pass the puck around the rink, and it is the opposition's goal to keep the other team from scoring. At the end of the game, the side with the most goals is named the winner. If the game ends in a draw, it will be decided in overtime, with the first side to score being declared the winner. The equipment used in ice hockey includes a hockey stick, ice skates, and a variety of protective gear, such as a face mask, helmet, padded shorts, shoulder pads, arm guards, and gloves.

A maximum of 20 players can be assigned to each squad. Only six of the 20 players are allowed to be on the rink at any given moment. The rest will be utilized as replacements and will be able to come and leave the game as needed.

While each player will be assigned to a position, they will be allowed to travel about the rink as they see fit. This does not apply to the goaltender, who must stay within their half and not cross the center red line. Three 20-minute minutes make up each game. Every time the game is paused, the game clock is stopped, and when the time in each period runs out, the game is over.

The game begins with a faceoff in the center circle. The referee will drop the puck between two opposing players, who will struggle for their team's position. After a pause in any of the attacking or defensive faceoff zones, a faceoff can be utilized to restart play. To win the puck from their opponent, players may use physical force. Body checking is permitted in the rear and above shoulder height but not in the front.

Players charged with a minor penalty will be required to leave the ice for two minutes, during which time their team will be reduced to five players. If the opposing team scores a goal in those two minutes, the player can immediately return to the rink.

Tripping an opponent with their stick, holding with their stick or hands, hooking with their stick, or body-checking a player without the puck are minor penalties. A player who commits a major penalty will be pulled off the rink for up to five minutes. Examples are fighting, causing major injury to rival players, or committing minor offenses.