Welcome to RinkStop β€” Find a rink near you β†’Browse hockey players β†’Explore local hockey teams β†’Claim your team listing β†’Welcome to RinkStop β€” Find a rink near you β†’Browse hockey players β†’Explore local hockey teams β†’Claim your team listing β†’
Your Hockey Journey Starts Here

LEARN HOCKEY

From your first strides on ice to understanding NHL rules β€” everything a new player or fan needs to know, in one place.

Find Learn to Play Programs Near You β†’

WHY PLAY HOCKEY?

❀️

Fitness

Hockey burns calories, builds leg strength, and improves cardiovascular health faster than most sports.

🧠

Mental Toughness

Fast-paced decision making builds mental acuity. You think faster, react quicker.

🀝

Community

Hockey teams become families. The locker room bonds run deeper than any office friendship.

🌍

Global Sport

From Canada to Russia to Japan β€” hockey connects you worldwide.

FIND YOUR LEVEL

🎿

BEGINNER

New to hockey β€” start here

Find Programs
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INTERMEDIATE

Know basics, building skills

Find Programs
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ADVANCED

Competitive player level

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HOCKEY POSITIONS

A hockey team has 6 players on the ice at a time (one goalie + 5 skaters). Each position has specific responsibilities that contribute to team success.

F

FORWARD

Left Wing (LW)Center (C)Right Wing (RW)

Primary offensive players who lead attacks and score goals.

D

DEFENSE

Left Defense (LD)Right Defense (RD)

Protect the goal, block shots, and initiate breakouts.

G

GOALTENDER

Goalie

Stop the puck from entering the net. The last line of defense.

Full Positions Guide β†’
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HOCKEY FUNDAMENTALS

Hockey Rules
Complete guide to NHL rules, penalties, and gameplay
12 min read→
Hockey Positions
Understanding each position and their responsibilities
8 min read→
Hockey Glossary
Common hockey terms and slang explained
6 min read→
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SKATING & SKILLS

How to Skate
Step-by-step guide to learning hockey skating
15 min read→
How to Stop
Master the hockey stop in 3 easy techniques
10 min read→
Crossovers
Build speed with proper crossover technique
8 min read→
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EQUIPMENT

Equipment Guide
Full list of required and recommended gear
12 min read→
Skate Fitting
How to fit hockey skates for optimal performance
7 min read→
Stick Fitting
Choosing the right stick: length, flex, curve
9 min read→
🎯

GAMEPLAY

Face-offs
How to win face-offs: techniques and positioning
6 min read→
Passing
Types of passes and when to use them
8 min read→
Shooting
Wrist shots, snap shots, slap shots β€” techniques
10 min read→

READY TO GET ON THE ICE?

Find beginner-friendly Learn to Play programs, youth hockey leagues, and adult hockey near you.

Learn to Play ProgramsYouth HockeyAdult Leagues
Learn Hockey - Beginners Guide to Ice Hockey | RinkStop