Do you love hockey? Have you ever heard of 4 On 4 Hockey? If so, then you’re in luck because this game is back and better than ever! With the 2020 NHL season upon us, it’s the perfect time to brush up on your hockey knowledge.
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What Is 4 On 4 Hockey?
4 On 4 Hockey is a variation of the classic hockey game where there are four players on each team. The objective is to score more goals than the opposing team. The game is also commonly referred to as “extreme hockey” or “mini-hockey”, due to the small size of the ice surface and lack of goal towers.
There are several explanations as to why 4 On 4 Hockey was born. One explanation is that the game is the brainchild of former Chicago White Sox pitcher Kenny Thomas. In 2004, Thomas began organizing a series of 4 On 4 Hockey games to benefit his native Chicago area. The games were played on outdoor rinks and were open to the public. The proceeds from the event were donated to The Chicago Park District’s “After-School All-Stars” program, which provides students with an opportunity to improve their social skills through hockey.
Since then, 4 On 4 Hockey has grown in both popularity and scope, with multiple leagues and tournaments being formed in other parts of the country. In 2019, 1.9 million videos were uploaded to TikTok, with 82% of those being centered around 4 On 4 Hockey. The popularity of the game can also be attributed to the fact that it requires no equipment, making it accessible to more people. This is a marked contrast to most other hockey games, which require specialized equipment and a large amount of space for the players.
The History Of 4 On 4 Hockey
Aside from its origin, the history of 4 On 4 Hockey is also rather interesting. The concept of the game was actually invented by Thomas in 2004, but the idea did not take off until a few years later. It wasn’t until the following year that the very first 4 On 4 Hockey outdoor game was played. The game was such a hit that Thomas organized several more outdoor games. These were followed by indoor games as well, which was more conducive to the cold weather.
It wasn’t until 2012 that the first official 4 On 4 Hockey tournament was held. That same year, Thomas founded the 4 On 4 Hockey Association (4O4HA) to help promote and organize the sport. The following year, the U.S. Women’s Hockey League was established as the first women’s hockey league in the United States. The league has since expanded to include teams from Canada and Germany.
Even more impressively, in 2019 the Vegas Golden Knights became the first American sports team to win a Super Bowl. The team’s owner, Mel Kiper Jr., is also an owner of the New York Excelsior, a team in the 4 On 4 Hockey league. The team’s general manager is George McFall, who also happens to be the general manager of the St. Louis Blues. This is the same George McFall who helped establish the U.S. Women’s Hockey League in the first place!
Why Play 4 On 4 Hockey?
So, you want to play 4 On 4 Hockey? Just remember a few things. First, make sure you have a lot of space to accommodate the number of players (at least 100 yards of space and a wall or bank of some sort to protect the goalie). You can also opt for a smaller pitch (goal size) to make the game more accessible.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the goal. For a traditional hockey game, you need two tall goalposts with a crossbar in the middle to mark the center. For the smaller pitch, you can simply use a broomstick or a sawhorse for a goal. The smaller goal will make it easier for younger players (and even some adults) to participate in the game.
Once you have the space and goals in mind, the last thing you need to do is to figure out the rules. Some of the basics for 4 On 4 Hockey include the following:
- No skates allowed
- No sticks allowed (except for the goalie)
- No fighting
- Three icing calls per period
- No checking or hooking
- No shots on goal allowed (the puck must enter the rink via a shot or a kick-in goal)
- Four-minute bursts only
- One referee for the entire game
- No offsides
- No stealing
As you can see, there aren’t a lot of rules, which makes 4 On 4 Hockey much easier to understand. You don’t need a giant playbook to keep track of the game, either, as it’s mostly just a matter of common sense. If you want to learn more, simply hit the “learn more” link beneath my picture.
The Equipment You Will Need
While you don’t need any special equipment to play 4 On 4 Hockey, you will need some basic hockey equipment.
The most important piece of equipment is the helmet. You will not be able to participate in the game without a helmet. Make sure to get a youth helmet that is small enough to fit comfortably on your child’s head.
For the rest of the equipment, you will need a pair of skates, a stick, and a bag in which to bring everything. If you’re opting for the smaller goal, then you will also need a pair of shoes for yourself.
As you might imagine, not all of this equipment is available at every sports store. If you want to play 4 On 4 Hockey, then you will need to purchase them from a hockey equipment shop.
Where Can I Play 4 On 4 Hockey?
With the resurgence of 4 On 4 Hockey, outdoor games have become popular again. You can play 4 On 4 Hockey at parks, community centers, and school playgrounds. The biggest challenge is finding a place with enough space.
Indoor facilities are also suitable for the game, as are multi-level gymnasiums. The only thing you need to watch out for is the lighting, as it can get rather hard to play at night.
When Is The Best Time To Play 4 On 4 Hockey?
The best time to play 4 On 4 Hockey is during the day. Some people believe that the light makes it easier for the players to see where they are hitting the puck, while others think it makes it easier for the players and spectators to see the plays develop.
The afternoon sun is also generally cooler, which is a bonus if you live in a hotter climate.
The Pros And Cons Of Playing 4 On 4 Hockey
Now, let’s take a quick survey to determine whether or not you should play 4 On 4 Hockey. Is it a game for you? The fact is, this is a game that can be enjoyed by all ages, and with the right space and equipment, it is even possible for kids to have fun playing with their parents.
One of the biggest appeals of the game is its simplicity. There are only a few rules, and they are mostly common sense. Of course, there is also the ability to have tons of fun playing a contact sport while being active and social.
On the other hand, 4 On 4 Hockey can be rather dangerous. The small size of the ice surface and lack of protective equipment make it difficult for players to ensure they keep their helmets on. This is why it is recommended that kids play in teams of three or more, and adults should only play in teams of two. The fact that there are only a few rules also makes it easier for players to become referees, helping to even the playing field. The only downside to playing 4 On 4 Hockey is the fact that it is rather physically demanding. Not many people can play the entire game without getting tired, which is why it is recommended that two players be off the ice for every one on it. If you are looking for a low-impact, stress-free game, then 4 On 4 Hockey is not for you. It requires a certain intensity that can be difficult to find in a game that is so effortless to learn.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Two extremely fun, unique, and accessible games. If you love hockey, or if you know someone who does, then give either one of these games a try. I know I had fun writing this article, and I hope you have fun reading it.