Ice Hockey (NCAA) vs Ice Hockey (NHL) — Same Game, Different Rules

Puck: vulcanized rubber, 3" diameter × 1" thick, 5.5-6 oz, frozen pre-game; Stick: max 63" length, blade max 12.5" × 3" (skater); goalie stick 26" max paddle, 15.5" blade; Skates: NCAA-approved figure with secure ankle support and toe cap; goaltenders use specialized goalie skates

The official NHL puck is made of vulcanized rubber, is one inch (1") thick, three inches (3") in diameter, and weighs between five and one-half ounces (5.5 oz) and six ounces (6 oz). Pucks are frozen before each game to reduce bouncing and provide a more consistent playing surface.

NHL games are played on an ice surface measuring 200 feet (61 m) in length and 85 feet (26 m) in width. The corners of the rink are rounded with a uniform radius of 28 feet.

NCAA rink: 200 ft × 85 ft (standard "North American" dimensions; some venues use larger international 200 × 100); Two blue lines defining the offensive/defensive zones; one red center line; Two end-zone faceoff dots in each defensive zone, neutral-zone faceoff dots, center faceoff dot

An NHL regular season game consists of three 20-minute periods of play with two intermissions of 18 minutes each. Each team plays 82 regular season games (the final season at this number before the planned expansion to 84 games beginning in 2026-27).

Game starts and resumes after stoppages with a faceoff at the appropriate dot. Centers position sticks flat on the ice; the linesperson drops the puck.

Goal: entire puck crosses the goal line between the posts and below the crossbar; Goals are reviewable by NCAA video review for legality (offside, puck in net, kicking motion, hand-pass, distinct kicking motion); Empty-net, shorthanded, power-play, and game-winning goals are recorded for stat pur...

A goal counts as one point for the scoring team. The player who shoots or last touches the puck before it enters the net is credited with the goal.

The NHL operates under a comprehensive concussion protocol developed in conjunction with the NHLPA. Any player suspected of sustaining a concussion is removed from play and evaluated by a team physician in a quiet room.

Mandatory full face mask (NCAA standard); contact-to-the-head zero-tolerance framework; fighting penalty includes mandatory game misconduct + suspension. Concussion protocol: removal + graduated return-to-play assessment.