One of the most intense and exciting sports around, Olympic ice hockey follows IIHF rules that differ slightly from those in the NHL. It is played on a rink measuring 197 feet by 98.5 feet and features three periods of play and six players per team. Players wear helmets and goalie masks, face-off circles are marked in the attacking zone (blue) and defending zones, and there’s a trapezoid behind the net that limits a skillful goalie’s ability to field pucks from any area of the boards.
Aside from these basic differences, the game is played in the same fashion as an NHL game. There are two teams, four periods and a shootout to settle ties. The Olympics are held every two years, with a maximum of 12 teams qualifying – eight through the IIHF World Ranking and three from qualifying tournaments. The top three teams in each group automatically advance to the quarterfinals, while the other eight teams compete in an elimination qualification round.
In the men’s game, a gold medal is coveted by nations across the globe. The United States has won three golds, including the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” upset of the Soviet Union. Canada is second with five, followed by Sweden and the Czech Republic.
The women’s game is equally competitive with three Canadians – Jayna Hefford, Hayley Wickenheiser and Caroline Ouellette – having won four medals each. Americans Angela Ruggiero and Jenny Potter have won three each.
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