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Hockey FACTS | Have you always wanted to ask a question about hockey but never knew who to ask? Well, hopefully that question is right here. |
How
fast does the puck travel?
Some slap-shooters propel the puck between 90-100 mph. Speeds up to
120 mph have been recorded by some of the harder shooters. Compounding
the problems for goaltenders, the puck will frequently curve in flight
much like a baseball.
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What
is the hardest shot to stop?
Some slap-shooters propel the puck between 90-100 mph. Speeds up to
120 mph have been recorded by some of the harder shooters. Compounding
the problems for goaltenders, the puck will frequently curve in flight
much like a baseball.
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What
about deflections?
Many people think that deflections are mere luck. Actually, players
practice on deflections constantly, standing off to the side of the nets,
or in front, and deflecting the shot from the outside to another area of
the cage. Seldom does a goalie have time to react to a deflection as the
puck changes direction off someone else's stick or skate.
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Can
a puck be kicked into the net for a score?
Not kicked in intentionally, but a puck can be deflected off a skate
or off a player's body if no overt attempt is made to throw it in or kick
it in.
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What
if a puck stops or is stopped on the goal line?
There is no score. The puck must completely cross the goal line between
the posts to be counted as a score.
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What
if an offensive player is in the crease, the red outlined area in front
of the net?
If he is therre under his own power, there is no score. A goal may
be awarded if he was forced into the crease or held there by a defending
player. An offensive player may carry the puck into the crease and score.
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You
frequently see the goalie come far out in front of the net. Doesn't this
leave an inviting target?
Most often, when the goaltender comes out in front, it is to reduce
the shooting area, cut down the angle of the shooter, or force the shooter
to unleash his shot too wide or too soon. Of course, after coming out of
the nets, the goalie is usually backing up slowly, trying to get the shooter
to commit himself first.
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How
large of an area does the goalie protect?
The nets are six feet wide, four feet high; a target of 24 square feet.
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Who
gets credit for an assist?
The last player, or players (not more than two) who touch the puck
prior to the scoring of a goal. As an example, player A passes to B who
passes to C who passes to D who scores the goal. Players B and C are credited
an assist. However, if C controls the puck and passes it to D who scores,
only C wopuld get credit for an assist.
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How
thick is the ice?
The best ice for pro hockey is usually held at 16 degrees for the proper
hardness and is approximately 3/4" thick. The thicker the sheet of ice
becomes, the softer and "slower" it is. Commercial ice shows perform on
"warmer," slower ice.
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Who
calls the penalties, the referee or the linesman?
The referee calls penalties, has the ultimate responsibility for allowing
(or disallowing) goals and even naming the goal scorer if a question arises.
The linesmen concentrate mainly on calling offsides and icing. However,
a linesman may call a misconduct penalty or ask the referee to do so if
he thinks it is justified.
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Why
doesn't the referee quell fights?
Several reasons: for one, he is observing who should receive the penalties
for the infractions; also, it is quite hazardous in those close quarters
with sticks, gloves and players. Since he is in sole control of the game,
he has to protect himself from injury.
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