A Beginner's Guide to Hockey and the NHL

If you're new to the game, here is a brief and simple guide to the basic ice hockey rules.

A collection of pictures and rink diagrams illustrating basic ice hockey rules.

Can't tell PIMs from GAs? This guide will help you sort out all the meaningful numbers on the NHL stat sheet.

Goaltenders, of course, have their own package of numbers. Here's an easy guide to goalie stats, including how to figure out save percentage and goals-against average.

Abbreviations and explanations to help you sort out all the numbers listed in the NHL standings.

Here's an explanation of how the shootout works, how it counts in the NHL standings and how it affects the statistics compiled for teams and individual players.

The NHL Entry Draft is how the league distributes the best 18-year-old hockey players in the world, along with a few late bloomers, long shots and older players. Here's a quick summary of how it works.

In plain language, here's how the NHL salary cap works.

What's a Group Four? Can my team bid for a Group Three? This primer on NHL free agents and the status of different groups will help you sort out what it means to be an NHL free agent.

Hockey's greatest teams, going back to 1893.

A brief history of hockey and the NHL. Find out about the original artificial ice, the first player's strike, the Babe Pratt gambling scandal and much more.

Playing hockey is the greatest experience in sport. Whether you're strapping on the skates yourself or you're the parent of a new hockey player, here's a beginner's guide to getting started in world's greatest game.

For anyone new to the game, these hockey books explain rules, fundamentals and customs, celebrate hockey history and provide plenty of tips and essential knowledge for fans and players.

There's much more to NHL history than Stanley Cups and big goals. Pro hockey is a mean business and a unique working world. These books provide a look at how the business and culture of the game shaped hockey history.

Find a game, discover the game, learn the game. A resource designed to build awareness and understanding of youth hockey, allowing parents to make informed decisions. A collaborative effort of USA Hockey, Hockey Canada, the NHL, NHL Players Association and other industry leaders.

Any hockey player needs the right pair of skates. Here's how to find, fit and buy hockey skates.

Here's how to try on a hockey skate in the store, to ensure the best possible fit.