Olympic Size Hockey Rink Vs Nhl
The game of ice hockey has been around for almost two centuries, and it has evolved into one of the most popular sports globally. Over the years, the game has undergone many changes, and one of those changes is the size of the rink.
There are mainly two types of rinks used in professional ice hockey, the Olympic size rink, and the NHL size rink. While they might appear similar, there are significant differences between the two. In this article, we will discuss the differences between Olympic size hockey rinks and NHL rinks.
What is an Olympic Size Hockey Rink?
An Olympic size hockey rink is much larger than an NHL size rink. An Olympic size rink measures 100 feet wide by 200 feet long. This size is more common in international competitions such as the Winter Olympics. The larger size not only creates a more open playing field, but it also showcases the faster and more technical style of hockey played at the international level. An Olympic size rink also has a larger playing surface, which can lead to more extended passes and faster skating speeds.
What is an NHL Size Hockey Rink?
An NHL size rink is smaller than an Olympic size rink. The NHL rink measures 85 feet wide by 200 feet long, making it more compact than the Olympic size rink. The smaller dimensions of an NHL size rink create a more physical game, and players have less open ice to work with. In addition, the faster pace of the game and more frequent body contact make the NHL game much more intense than international hockey.
How Does the Size Affect the Game?
The size of the rink has a significant impact on the style of play in both international and NHL hockey. The larger size of an Olympic size rink creates more open space, which allows players to be more creative with their play. There is also more room for players to skate, which can lead to more extended passes and faster breakouts. This style of play is preferred by many fans who enjoy a technically sound game that showcases the skills of the players in a more fluid and relaxed style.
On the other hand, the smaller size of an NHL rink creates a more physical game where players have less space to work with. The more frequent body contact and the faster pace of the game create a more intense and aggressive style of play, which is preferred by fans in North America who enjoy a more physical and action-packed game.
Conclusion
The differences between an Olympic size hockey rink and an NHL size rink are significant. While both offer a similar game of hockey, the differences in size create vastly different playing styles. The larger Olympic size rink allows for a more open and technical game, while the smaller NHL rink creates a more physical and intense game. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and fans can enjoy both styles of hockey for their unique and exciting play.