Hockey vs. Ice Hockey

Attribute	Hockey	Ice Hockey
Playing Surface	Grass or artificial turf	Ice rink
Equipment	Stick, ball, shin guards, mouthguard	Stick, puck, skates, helmet, shoulder pads, gloves
Number of Players	11 players per team	6 players per team
Duration of Game	90 minutes (2 halves)	60 minutes (3 periods)
Popular Countries	India, Pakistan, Australia	Canada, USA, Russia

History

Hockey and ice hockey are two popular sports that have a lot in common but also have some key differences. Hockey, also known as field hockey, has been played for centuries and has roots in ancient civilizations. It is played on a grass or turf field with a ball and sticks. Ice hockey, on the other hand, originated in Canada in the 19th century and is played on ice with skates, a puck, and hockey sticks.

Equipment

One of the main differences between hockey and ice hockey is the equipment used in each sport. In hockey, players wear shin guards, mouth guards, and gloves to protect themselves from injury. They also use a stick with a flat side to hit the ball. In ice hockey, players wear helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and gloves to protect themselves from the physical nature of the game. They also use skates to move quickly on the ice and a stick with a curved blade to control the puck.

Playing Surface

Another key difference between hockey and ice hockey is the playing surface. In hockey, the game is played on a grass or turf field that is typically 100 yards long and 60 yards wide. The goals are located at each end of the field and are 7 feet high and 12 feet wide. In ice hockey, the game is played on a rink of ice that is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide. The goals are located at each end of the rink and are 4 feet high and 6 feet wide.

Rules

While hockey and ice hockey share some basic rules, there are also some significant differences between the two sports. In hockey, players are not allowed to use their feet to move the ball, and the game is typically played in two halves of 35 minutes each. In ice hockey, players are allowed to use their feet to move the puck, and the game is played in three periods of 20 minutes each. Additionally, ice hockey has penalties such as icing and offside that are not present in hockey.

Physicality

Both hockey and ice hockey are physical sports that require strength, speed, and agility. However, ice hockey is generally considered to be more physical than hockey due to the nature of the game being played on ice. In ice hockey, players can body check their opponents into the boards and engage in fights on the ice. In hockey, physical contact is limited to shoulder-to-shoulder challenges and stick checks.

Popularity

While both hockey and ice hockey are popular sports around the world, ice hockey is more widely played and watched than hockey. Ice hockey is a major professional sport in countries like Canada, the United States, Russia, and Sweden, with professional leagues such as the NHL attracting millions of fans. Hockey, on the other hand, is more popular in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Netherlands, where it is a national sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hockey and ice hockey are two exciting sports that have their own unique attributes. While hockey is played on a field with a ball and sticks, ice hockey is played on ice with skates and a puck. The equipment, playing surface, rules, physicality, and popularity of the two sports differ, making each sport appealing to different audiences. Whether you prefer the fast-paced action of ice hockey or the strategic gameplay of hockey, both sports offer plenty of excitement for fans and players alike.