Hockey

Whether you want to learn about the history and rules of this beloved sport, read news and blogs, buy equipment or game tickets, or simply become a better player, the Internet can meet your needs.

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The Rules and History of Hockey

From the first time field hockey players in Northern Europe played on frozen lakes more than 500 ... read more »

Hockey Leagues

Many sports, like football, have one primary league and almost nothing else. That is not the case ... read more »

News, Rumors, and Analysis of Hockey

Anyone looking for hockey news and analysis will find the Web's resources to be a monumental ... read more »

Hockey Statistics

Next time you're in a friendly argument about who has the all-time highest points-per-game ratio in ... read more »

Fantasy Hockey

Fantasy hockey sites are plentiful on the Web. We’ve found the best of the best to help ... read more »

If you are more likely to fall on your behind when taking a slap shot than get the puck in the vicinity of the goal, you could probably benefit from what online coaching sites offer. If you are Bobby Orr reincarnate, then there are sites out there that will help you, too. The sites we’ve included here offer players a wealth of advice and tips, and even teach coaches and parents how to structure practices, run drills, manage games, and interact with kids. And if you are looking for a venue to show off your hockey expertise, we’ve got that here, too.

Dulcinea's Insight

Most sites use some combination of text-based tutorials, diagrams, animations, and videos to outline plays, formations, and drills.

Many of the sites that give you tips on the game also try to sell you their product. However, some of them, including HockeyShot.com, provide such a wealth of free information that it’s worth looking past the product promotions. So don’t be instantly frightened away from a coaching site if you see that they are selling something, but definitely be skeptical.

Many of the amateur hockey league organizations have tips for players on their sites as well. USA Hockey’s section on “Education and Training,” described below, is one of the best.

Dulcinea's Picks

For playing tips …

USA Hockey 's “Education and Training” section has a small “Skill Progressions Handbook” plus age-specific books of drills and videos of those drills. There is even a PowerPoint presentation for parents.

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LifeTime Hockey is an ideal Web site for anyone looking to either learn to play the sport or continue to play it. There is a section devoted to “Getting Started,” with a skills handbook and rules of the game. The site also focuses on staying active as a hockey player after your younger years.

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HockeyShot can be used as a tool to improve your hockey game no matter your level. You can click on the links on the left-hand side of the page for shooting and skating tips, with visual multimedia to help you along the way. The company also sells a number of products and training exercises that you might find useful.

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NHL.com brings you a different practice drill each week. The site teaches techniques for stickhandling, skating, face-offs, goaltending, and training.

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LifeTips.com provides ideas for improving your hockey game. The great thing about this site is that users can rate every tip in terms of quality, and post comments on the tips so you can see if someone else clearly disagrees. There are a number of categories besides general hockey, such as coaching hockey, training, and finding equipment.

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PlayBetterHockey.com has hockey drills, playing secrets, tips, hockey skills, strength training, and more. The site also boasts that it is one of the few sites that provide tips for goalies as well as other positions.

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The Stretching Institute offers helpful advice for hockey players or those looking to start playing hockey (whether field hockey, ice hockey, or in-line hockey). The site discusses the anatomy involved when playing the sport and what the best stretches are to improve performance and prevent injury. Pictures of the stretches make them easy to follow.

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Exploratorium, part of the Science Learning Network, provides this unique and interesting Web site called “The Science of Hockey.” Chemists, physicists, players, and coaches come together to help you understand the science behind many aspects of the game. The ice, skating, gear, goaltending, shooting, checking, and fitness are all presented in a new light.

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To find rinks or leagues …

American Hockey Center is a superb help if you are looking for a hockey rink in your area. The site provides a directory to the names, addresses, and phone numbers of hockey rinks in every state, more than 1,500 rinks in total. Local rinks typically offer leagues and/or lessons.

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The Open Directory Project has a list of adult ice hockey leagues and clubs worldwide. Use the Search field to search by name or scroll down through the list.

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Hockey North America, with more than 10,000 adult players, is one of the pioneers of recreational hockey. It has classes for beginners and competitive tournaments for all skill levels and ages. The league does not allow checking or fighting, which could be either a blessing or a disappointment depending on your thirst for blood. Take a look at the interactive map on the top of the page to find activities in your area.

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