Street hockey continues to grow in popularity, as kids look for fun sports activities they can play with their friends. Although it has similarities to ice hockey, there are some differences. Also, there are specific types of equipment you’ll need to use. So, if you’re new to street hockey and have never played before, you may want to read the rest of this article so you can understand some basics of the game and what type of street hockey equipment you may need.

Types of Players

Goaltender: Most people realize that the goalie's primary task is to keep the puck out of their own net. They rarely leave the net. The only time they would is in an offensive situation where they would pass the puck to someone from their team to put it back in play.

Defensemen: In street hockey, there are right and left defensemen. These players do their best to stop players from the other team at their own blue line. Some of the strategies they use are: trying to break up passes, blocking shots, covering opposing forwards, and clearing the puck in front of their own goal. They also play from an offensive position, trying to get the puck to their forwards and follow the play into the attacking zone. They position themselves just inside their opponent's blue line at the "points” for maximum impact.

Center: The center is the person in the “center” of all the action. They are primarily responsible for leading the attack on the opposing team. They work with the wings, passing the puck, and creating a play to try and score. The center also tries to act in a defensive role, attempting to disrupt a play before it gets to far down the field.

Wings: In street hockey, there are right and left wings. As mentioned above, the wing works with the center to set up shots on the goal. They also try to break up plays by the other team and disrupt shot attempts.

Playing the Game of Street Hockey

• The center for each team does a “face-off” at the beginning of the game, in the center circle. (the dropping of the puck between one player from each team, to start or resume play.)

• Each team fights for the puck in face-off with a hockey stick, whoever gets the puck passes it to a teammate who is in good position.

• Whichever team member has the puck, they then look for another teammate who is in good position and passes the puck to this person to work it further down towards the goal or sometimes tries to put the puck in the goal directly, depending on position.

• When the puck is shot, the goalie attempts to block the puck from getting into the goal.

• If a player on either team makes a penalty, it is then followed by face-off in one of the four circles (not the center circle. The face-off circle depends on where the penalty happened, and which team has the puck.)

• When the puck is shot into the goal and the goalie misses it, it counts as one point.

• Like most sports, the team that scores the most points, wins the game.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Hockey Stick: You’ll definitely need one of these! Made of various materials. Try a themoplastic composite based stick for some great performance.

• Protective Equipment: You’ll want to have a hockey helmet, a pair of gloves, shin guards/leg guards and arm pads.

• Goalie Equipment: If you’re a goalie you’ll need a mask or helmet, goalie gloves, shin guards, goalie blocker pads, and a chest protector.

• Puck: Use one that is soft, hollow, and highly visible.

So, those are the basics. But reading about it isn’t a whole lot of fun. You got to get out there and play the game! Make sure you have the equipment you need so you can play your best. Street hockey can be an ultra competitive sport and you’ll be facing a tough challenge from the very first face off.