The rules of hockey may seem simple, but there’s a lot more to it than you think. While some players stick to the rules, others don’t, leading to a whole lot of embellishment. Here’s a closer look at what embellishment means in hockey.
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The Difference In Judgment And Perception
Hockey is a game that’s all about speed and skill. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being fast or skilled, there’s also something wrong with abusing either one. Judging whether or not a hockey player has embellished a play is fairly easy; all you need to do is watch the replay. However, this could change once the penalty has been called and the defending team has a chance to get their legs back under them. Depending on how the call goes, they may feel like they have to play a bit more cautiously on the back end and may even engage in some rough play in an effort to keep the puck away from the other team.
Dressing In The Fashion Of The Time
Hockey is a game that was originally played in winter, so you’d think that the fashion style would follow suit. While there are definitely some similarities between playing hockey in winter and playing hockey in the summer, there are some differences as well. One of the biggest differences is in the clothing the players wear. While the modern game usually requires some sort of helmet, there were no screens or visors back in the day. This means that players had to protect their heads not only from injury, but also from the sun and the chilly weather. As a result, they typically wear a lot more hats, scarves, and gloves.
More Than Meets The Eye
Hockey is all about teamwork, and while each individual player may have a talent that they bring to the ice, it’s the coach and the rest of the team that work together to form a complete unit. Once a team is complete, they need someone to step up and anchor the defense, so the offensive stars don’t have to do everything themselves. In most cases, this will fall on the captain, who is the leader of the team and also one of the most experienced players. However, it’s not just about who wears the star, it’s about who wears the stripes too.
An Opportunity To Be Unique
While the rest of the team works to create an impenetrable defense, the unique players on the team have the opportunity to be different. Typically, one player on the team will be responsible for opening the ice up for the others, so they have space to maneuver in. This player is usually the one with the outstanding speed and is called the “winger”. In order to play this role, they will often utilize their speed to beat opponents to the inside, drawing the opposition into a trap. Once the opposition is in the trap, the rest of the team can gang up on them and prevent them from getting the puck back out.
Flexibility
Another important aspect of hockey is flexibility. Unlike other sports, such as football or basketball, hockey players are not bound to a specific position on the field. This means that they are able to move around and take positions based on where their teammates need some help. While the rules may suggest that each player should take a regular shift, coaches and players alike know that this isn’t always the case. Due to where they are positioned on the ice, a hockey player’s flexibility is often their greatest asset. For example, a defenseman may have the flexibility to move to the wing and help out their team’s “winger” in carrying out their speed game strategy.
Playing By The Book
Hockey is traditionally a game played according to the rules, and it’s essential that everyone plays by the rules. Especially since there are a lot of experienced players on the ice, infractions usually result in a scrum, instead of the usual hockey game. As a result of this, everyone knows how to play by the rules, and no one feels like they’re being cheated because the game is played according to the book.
Keeping Score Is Fundamental
Last but not least, we have keeping score. Like in any other sport, hockey is all about who has the most winners when the game ends. In order to keep track of all of this, teams typically use a “scorecard”, which has a running total at the bottom in the form of stripes or stars. As the game progresses, players will accumulate a certain number of stripes or stars depending on how much they contribute to their team’s success.
With so much to think about when it comes to hockey, it can be hard to know where to start. Once you’re familiar with these essential elements, however, you’ll be able to apply this knowledge to any situation and make the right decision for the game.