Provided by Nathan White
GAME – Ice hockey is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use sticks to direct a hard rubber puck into the opposing team’s goal. During normal play, there are six players, including one goaltender, per side on the ice, each of whom is on ice skates. The objective of the game is to score goals by shooting the puck into the opponent’s goal. The defending players attempt to prevent goals using their sticks or by making physical contact – known as checking – the puck carrier.
LEAGUE – The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is one of three major junior hockey leagues in Canada. Players’ ages are between 16 and 20, and professional teams select the best players at the annual NHL Entry Draft in June. There are 18 teams in the QMJHL, with squads based out of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Quebec, and Maine (USA). Teams compete for the President’s Cup as league champions before facing teams from other parts of the country for the Memorial Cup (Canadian National Junior Championship).
SAINT JOHN SEA DOGS – Currently in their fifth season of existence, the Sea Dogs joined the QMJHL prior to the 2005-06 season and have made the playoffs in each of the last two years. Saint John’s coach is former NHL all-star Gerard Gallant, a tough, high-scoring winger with the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning in the 1980’s and 1990’s
QUEBEC REMPARTS – The Remparts first entered the league in 1969 and have since won two Memorial Cup Championships as the top team in Canada. Quebec’s coach is legendary goaltender Patrick Roy, who is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Roy holds several NHL records and won four Stanley Cup Championships during his time with the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche.
OFFICIALS – REFEREES/LINESMEN are the men on the ice responsible for ensuring the game is played properly. All officials wear black-and-white striped sweaters, with referees being designated by the orange bands around their arms. Officials are responsible for:
FACEOFFS – After a stoppage in play, play is re-started when both teams line up and an official drops the puck between two opposing players
PENALTIES – Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box. Two-minute minor penalties are called when various fouls are committed, such as tripping, elbowing, high-sticking, or checking from behind. Five-minute major penalties are called when two players drop their gloves to fight each other or commit another major foul. Other penalties include 10-minute or game misconducts for inappropriate behaviour.
OFF-SIDE – Is called if a player on the attacking team crosses the offensive blue line before the puck
ICING – Is called if a team shoots the puck all the way down the ice from its own side. Play is resumed with a faceoff in the defending zone of the team that committed icing.