Ringette and hockey are two popular ice sports played worldwide. They both require speed, skill, and teamwork to be successful. However, there are some surprising differences between the two that may leave you wondering which sport is faster. In this article, we will take a closer look at the unique features of ringette and hockey, including their history, rules, and equipment, to help you decide which sport reigns supreme when it comes to speed and excitement.
Ringette is a fast-paced, non-contact sport that was created in Canada in the 1960s. The game is played on an ice rink with two teams of six players each, including a goaltender. The objective of the game is to score goals by shooting a rubber ring into the opponent’s net using sticks, while skating on ice wearing skates.
Hockey, on the other hand, is a contact sport that originated in Canada in the late 19th century. It is played on an ice rink with two teams of six players each, including a goaltender. The objective of the game is to score goals by shooting a puck into the opponent’s net using sticks, while skating on ice wearing skates. Unlike ringette, body checking is allowed in hockey, making it a more physically demanding sport.
If you want to discover the surprising differences between ringette and hockey and find out which sport is faster, keep reading. We will dive into the rules, equipment, and speed comparison of these two exciting sports.
Table of Contents
History of Ringette
Ringette is a unique ice sport that originated in Canada in the 1960s. Sam Jacks, a physical education instructor from North Bay, Ontario, developed the game as a safe alternative to ice hockey that would allow girls to participate in a team sport. The sport quickly gained popularity and spread to other parts of Canada and the United States, with the first official rules being established in 1967.
Ringette has continued to evolve over the years, with new rules and equipment being introduced to improve safety and enhance gameplay. Today, the sport is played by thousands of athletes around the world and has even been recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a potential future Olympic sport.
Rules of Ringette
The rules of ringette are designed to emphasize skill, speed, and teamwork while also ensuring player safety. The game is played on a standard-sized ice rink, with two teams of six players each competing to score goals by shooting a rubber ring into the opposing team’s net.
- Players must pass the ring over each blue line on the ice before they can take a shot on goal.
- Goalies are not allowed to leave the crease and can only handle the ring in the designated area in front of the net.
- Body checking is not allowed, and players must use a “stick check” to defend against opponents.
Equipment Used in Ringette
Ringette requires specific equipment designed to maximize player safety while allowing for fast-paced gameplay. The following are some of the essential pieces of equipment used in ringette:
- Ring: The ring used in ringette is a rubber circular object with a hollow center. The ring must be a specific size and weight to ensure fair gameplay.
- Sticks: Ringette sticks are longer and lighter than ice hockey sticks, with a smaller blade designed for easier handling of the ring.
- Goalie Equipment: Goalies wear a helmet with a cage, a chest protector, leg pads, and a blocker and catcher to protect against shots on goal.
Ringette vs. Ice Hockey
While ringette and ice hockey share some similarities, such as being played on ice and involving scoring goals, there are also significant differences between the two sports:
- Pace: Ringette is often considered a faster-paced game than ice hockey due to the constant movement of the ring and the requirement to pass over each blue line before taking a shot on goal.
- Physicality: While ice hockey is known for its physical play and body checking, ringette emphasizes stick checking and finesse skills over physical play.
- Gender: While both sports can be played by both genders, ringette is often seen as a female-dominated sport, while ice hockey is more commonly played by males.
Now that you understand the basics of ringette and its history, let’s dive deeper into the game and learn about the techniques, strategies, and athletes that make this sport so unique and exciting.
History of Hockey
Hockey, also known as ice hockey, is a sport that has been around for over a century. The origins of hockey can be traced back to the frozen ponds and lakes of Canada in the 1800s. The game started off as a simple way for Canadian kids to pass the time during the cold winter months. The first organized game of hockey was played in 1875 in Montreal, Canada. From there, the game spread throughout Canada and eventually made its way to other countries around the world.
Today, hockey is a beloved sport that is played at both amateur and professional levels. It is known for its fast pace, physicality, and exciting gameplay. While the sport has evolved over the years, its roots in Canada and its love of the game have remained constant.
Early Days of Hockey
The early days of hockey were characterized by informal games played on frozen ponds and lakes. These games were played with a puck made from frozen cow dung and sticks that were fashioned from tree branches. As the game became more popular, it started to become more organized, with rules and regulations being developed to ensure fairness and safety.
Growth of Hockey
- By the turn of the 20th century, hockey had spread beyond Canada and was being played in the United States and Europe.
- The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded in 1917 and is now considered the premier professional hockey league in the world.
- The Olympic Games first included hockey in 1920, and it has been a staple of the Winter Olympics ever since.
Hockey Today
Today, hockey is a popular sport around the world, with professional leagues in North America, Europe, and Asia. The NHL is home to some of the best players in the world and attracts millions of fans each year. Hockey has also become a staple of the Winter Olympics, with countries from around the world competing for the gold medal.
Whether you are a fan of the NHL or just love playing pick-up games on a frozen pond, hockey is a sport that continues to captivate people of all ages and backgrounds. Its fast-paced action and physicality make it a truly exciting game to watch and play.
Rules of Ringette
Ringette is a non-contact sport that is played on an ice rink. The rules of the game are designed to emphasize skill and teamwork, rather than physicality. There are several key rules that players must follow during a ringette game.
The first rule of ringette is that players are not allowed to use their sticks to make physical contact with other players. Instead, they must use their sticks to control the ring and pass it to their teammates. Another important rule is that players must pass the ring over each of the blue lines on the ice before they can take a shot on goal.
Offensive Rules
- Players are not allowed to enter the offensive zone before the ring does.
- Players are not allowed to touch the goalie or their equipment while in the crease area.
- Players are not allowed to pass the ring across the goal line.
Defensive Rules
- Players must stay a stick’s length away from their opponents while in the defensive zone.
- Players are not allowed to body check their opponents.
- Players are not allowed to pick up the ring and throw it out of the defensive zone.
Penalties
If a player breaks one of the rules of ringette, they may be assessed a penalty. Penalties can result in a player sitting in the penalty box for a set amount of time, and can also result in the opposing team being awarded a power play, where they have a numerical advantage on the ice.
Overall, the rules of ringette are designed to create a fast-paced, exciting game that emphasizes skill and teamwork over physicality. By following these rules, players can enjoy a fun and challenging game that is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
Rules of Hockey
Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport, but it also has its fair share of rules and regulations. Here are some of the most important rules that every hockey player and fan should know:
Offside – If an attacking player crosses the blue line into the offensive zone before the puck does, the play is considered offside. The puck must fully cross the blue line before any attacking player can enter the zone.
Penalties
- Hooking – Hooking occurs when a player uses their stick to impede an opponent’s progress or pull them down.
- Tripping – Tripping is called when a player uses their stick, body, or foot to trip an opponent.
- High-sticking – A high-sticking penalty is called when a player strikes an opponent with their stick above the shoulders.
Equipment
Wearing the proper equipment is essential for safety in hockey. Some of the required equipment includes a helmet, gloves, shin guards, and skates. It is also important to wear a mouthguard to protect teeth and prevent concussions.
Overall, understanding the rules of hockey is crucial for players and fans alike. By following these rules and wearing the proper equipment, everyone can enjoy the game safely and fairly.
Equipment Used in Ringette
Ringette is a sport that requires specific equipment for players to be able to safely participate in the game. The following paragraphs will detail the essential equipment used in ringette.
Ringette Stick: The ringette stick is a unique piece of equipment that differs significantly from a regular ice hockey stick. It is a long, straight stick made of graphite, fiberglass or carbon fibre with a blade at one end, and a tapered handle at the other. The blade has no curvature and is rounded at the bottom to allow for better control of the ring.
Protective Equipment
- Ringette Gloves: Ringette gloves are designed to offer adequate hand protection while still allowing players to maintain a good grip on the stick. They are typically made from a combination of foam, plastic, and leather materials.
- Shin Guards: Shin guards are worn to protect the shins from contact with the stick or the ring. They are usually made of plastic and foam materials and have a hard outer shell to absorb impact.
- Helmets: Helmets are mandatory in ringette, and they should be CSA-approved. They are designed to protect the head from falls, collisions, and the impact of the ring.
Other Equipment
- Ring: The ring is a rubber ring that players pass and shoot throughout the game. It has a diameter of 6 inches and is hollow in the middle. The ring must be made of a high-quality rubber to ensure proper bounce and durability.
- Goalie Equipment: Goalies in ringette wear specialized equipment that includes a chest protector, a goalie mask, a catching glove, a blocker, and leg pads to protect them from the high-speed ring shots.
- Jerseys: Jerseys are typically made of lightweight, breathable fabric and come in a range of colors. They are worn to distinguish players on opposing teams and help officials keep track of who is who on the ice.
In conclusion, ringette players need specific equipment to safely participate in the sport. From the unique ringette stick to the protective gear, each piece of equipment plays an important role in ensuring players are safe and protected while enjoying the game.
Equipment Used in Hockey
Playing hockey requires a significant amount of equipment to protect players from potential injuries. The following paragraphs will outline the essential equipment required to play the sport of hockey.
Firstly, players require skates to glide on the ice. These skates are usually made of a durable material such as leather or synthetic materials and have a blade at the bottom to grip the ice. Next, players need to wear protective gear such as a helmet, mouthguard, and gloves. Helmets are typically made of hard plastic and have a cage or visor to protect the player’s face. Gloves, on the other hand, are made of a combination of synthetic materials and leather to provide protection while maintaining flexibility.
Protective Gear
- Helmets: Hard plastic helmets with a cage or visor to protect the player’s face.
- Mouthguards: Molded to fit a player’s teeth, mouthguards help protect teeth from injury during play.
- Gloves: Made of synthetic materials and leather to provide protection while maintaining flexibility.
Body Protection
- Shoulder Pads: Protect the player’s shoulders and upper body from impact.
- Elbow Pads: Protect the player’s elbows from potential impacts and injuries.
- Shin Guards: Cover the player’s shins and protect them from pucks and other players’ sticks.
Skating Equipment
In addition to skates, players require a few other pieces of equipment to help them move effectively on the ice. One of the most important is the hockey stick, which is used to shoot, pass, and stickhandle the puck. Additionally, players often wear garter belts or jockstraps to hold their protective gear in place during play. Lastly, goalies require a unique set of equipment, including pads, gloves, blockers, and a helmet with a full cage to protect their head and face from potential impacts.
Speed Comparison between Ringette and Hockey
Ringette and hockey are two popular sports that are played on ice with skates. Both sports require speed and agility, but how do they compare when it comes to speed?
Ringette is a sport that was developed in Canada in the 1960s as a non-contact alternative to hockey. It is played with a straight stick and a ring, and players must pass the ring over the blue lines to advance it up the ice. Unlike hockey, ringette players cannot carry the ring on their sticks beyond the blue lines, which leads to a faster pace of play.
Skating Speed
- Both ringette and hockey players skate at high speeds, with some professional players reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour on the ice.
- However, due to the nature of ringette, with its focus on passing and movement of the ring rather than individual puck handling, ringette players tend to be more agile and have quicker acceleration than hockey players.
- Ringette also places a greater emphasis on skating technique and form, as players must rely on their skating ability to move the ring quickly and effectively up the ice.
Game Pace
While both sports are played at a fast pace, ringette tends to be faster due to its rules and gameplay. Ringette has fewer stoppages in play, with fewer faceoffs and penalties, leading to a more continuous flow of play. The smaller ring size and the requirement to pass over the blue lines also leads to a faster pace, with players needing to constantly be on the move to keep the ring in play.
Equipment
- Ringette players wear similar equipment to hockey players, including skates, shin guards, gloves, and helmets.
- The sticks used in ringette are straight, whereas hockey sticks have a curve in the blade to allow for easier puck handling.
- Ringette players also wear a special girdle that has padding in the hips and tailbone area, as falls are more common in ringette due to the faster pace and agility required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ringette?
Ringette is a Canadian ice sport that was created in the 1960s, exclusively for women. It’s similar to ice hockey but is played with a straight stick and a rubber ring instead of a puck. The game is played with five skaters and a goaltender on each team.
What is Hockey?
Hockey is a team sport played on ice, which involves two teams trying to score by hitting a small rubber disc, called a puck, into the opponent’s net using a stick. Each team has six players on the ice at a time, including a goaltender.
Which is Faster, Ringette or Hockey?
It’s generally accepted that hockey is faster than ringette. Hockey players skate faster and can shoot the puck harder than ringette players can shoot the ring. This may be due in part to the fact that hockey has a larger playing surface than ringette, allowing for more speed and momentum.
Why is Hockey Faster than Ringette?
There are a few reasons why hockey is faster than ringette. One reason is that hockey players wear thinner skates, which allows them to move faster on the ice. Additionally, hockey players can use their bodies and sticks to create more speed and momentum, while ringette players are limited to using their sticks to move the ring.
Is Ringette Slower than Hockey?
Yes, ringette is generally considered to be slower than hockey. Ringette players don’t skate as fast as hockey players, and the ring doesn’t move as quickly as the puck. However, this doesn’t mean that ringette is any less exciting to watch or play.
Which is More Popular, Ringette or Hockey?
Hockey is far more popular than ringette, especially in North America. While ringette has a dedicated following, hockey is played and watched by millions of people around the world.