Section 3: Playing Area
The Rink
NHL games are played on an ice surface measuring 200 feet (61 m) in length and 85 feet (26 m) in width. The corners of the rink are rounded with a uniform radius of 28 feet. The rink is enclosed by boards (also known as "the dasher") that are not less than 40 inches and not more than 48 inches in height, topped by shatter-resistant glass or acrylic panels extending an additional 5 to 8 feet above the boards.
Lines and Zones
- Center Red Line: Divides the ice surface into two equal halves. Used for determining icing violations.
- Blue Lines: Two blue lines are located 75 feet from each end of the rink, dividing the ice into three zones: the attacking zone, the neutral zone, and the defending zone. Blue lines are used for determining offside violations.
- Goal Lines: A red goal line extends across the width of the ice, 11 feet from each end. The goal is centered on this line.
- Goal Crease: A semi-circular area in front of each goal, painted blue, where the goaltender has specific protections against contact from opposing players.
- Face-off Circles and Spots: There are nine face-off spots on the ice: one at center ice, four in the neutral zone, and two in each end zone. The end-zone face-off circles have a radius of 15 feet.
The Goal
Each goal frame is 4 feet (1.22 m) high and 6 feet (1.83 m) wide, positioned at the center of the goal line. The goal frame is equipped with a net to catch pucks that enter the goal. Goals must be anchored by a flexible pegging system designed to dislodge upon significant impact, preventing injury to players.
Players' Benches and Penalty Boxes
Each team has a designated players' bench on the same side of the ice, separated by a distance sufficient to prevent interaction between opposing teams. Penalty boxes are on the opposite side of the ice from the players' benches.