2torial #0546: Learn2 Understand Hockney Familiarize yourself with the rink To understand the finer points of hockey, you must first become familiar with the field of play--i.e. the hockey rink. The number of lines and circles in a rink indicate the relatively complex nature of the game. While the principles of hockey resemble those of soccer, a glance at a rink will immediately reveal two differences. First, while a soccer field is divided into two parts, an ice hockey rink is actually divided into three, with a neutral zone in the center between the two teams' defensive zones. Second, hockey goals lie approximately 15 feet (4m) away from the edge of the rink, so that play can actually occur behind the goal itself. Other details to be aware of: The crease--generally a semi-circle 12 feet (3.5m) in diameter extending out from the goal--is the goalie's special domain--and within its boundaries he can use his hands and aggressively pursue the puck without fear of the ref's whistle. In addition, attacking players cannot enter the crease unless the puck has. A hockey goal is relatively small: about six feet wide and four feet high. By contrast, a soccer goal can be as large as 24 feet (7.5m) wide by eight feet (2.5m) high. The reduced size is only fair, given the smallness of the puck and the high speeds it can achieve. The rink is edged by "boards," or a fence about 3.5 feet (1.2m) high that entirely surrounds the rink. Both the players and the puck can make contact with the boards without being called out of bounds. This allows for angled passes, like the bank shot in pool. An attacking team cannot pass the opponent's defending (a.k.a. blue) line until the puck does (see Step 6). Step 3