2torial #0546: Learn2 Understand Hockey Factor in the face-off Whenever play resumes (at the beginning of each period, after a goal is scored, after penalties and virtually any other time play is interrupted), two opposing players must "face off." Face-offs generally occur in one of five places: in the center circle in the middle of the rink, or in one of two circles in either team's defending territory. The two players face squarely forward and stand about one stick-length (about five feet or 1.7m) apart, with their sticks touching the ice. The rest of the players must stand outside the circle, or about 15 feet (4.5m) away. Once the players are in position, the referee drops the puck between them and they fight for control. This makes for an exciting battle of wills, especially since they cannot make any bodily contact, nor can they touch each other with their sticks. Step 5