Hockey is one of the few sports that isn’t part of the WIAA association, yet it is one of the most popular sports in our state. So, let’s say you want to get into hockey, but you have no idea where or how to start. Luckily for you, this guide will explain everything you need to know about hockey.

First, you may be wondering, is how do you get into the sport? Washington has a lot of associations for hockey, so finding one is relatively easy. Many organizations in hockey offer skate classes or hockey for beginners, so you are not overwhelmed by being thrown into a league. Depending on your age, some associations offer rental gear, so you don’t have to spend tons of money for a sport you’re not sure about. Sometimes you will go through certain levels of beginner practices that help fine tune your basic skills before you take the next step onto a team. When you think you are ready, you can then tryout for a team! There are different levels of teams you can try out for. The first is recreational or house, which is a casual laid back level for people who just wany to enjoy the sport. The next is B team, which is and intermediate or select level that is for people who are trying to be more professional and want a more serious experience. Then there is A, which is the most advanced level for people who are trying to legitimately compete and climb the ranks to go pro.

Now, how does hockey work? Each team has five skaters each with one goalie, with a total of three periods with 20 minutes each. The goal of the game is to score more goals than the other team. The ice consists of three zones: the left side, where one team’s goalie is, the middle or “neutral zone”, and the right-side, where the other team’s goalie is. Two players start in the middle in a “face off” where the puck is dropped between them and it’s off to the races. You must be careful though; you cannot enter the opposing team’s side before the puck holder, or you will get an offsides. When playing the most important part is learning how to work as a team. a good team who knows how to move the puck around is virtually unstoppable to team who is un-organized. Now something you might probably been asking, why should you play hockey? Well, here are some wise words from a triple A hockey player, “hockey is more than a game, it’s a war with speed, skill and strength. While playing, hockey brings you lifelong friendships and countless memories unlike any other; going out arm and arm ready to die with the man next to you builds a brotherhood that is irreplaceable,” McManus said.

Like getting into any other sport, it can be confusing at first, but hopefully this will get your foot in the door and help you on your journey to becoming a professional hockey player.