In the mid-‘90s, the Chicago Blackhawks had a strong positioning statement to commemorate the team’s transition from Chicago Stadium across the street to the then-newly constructed United Center: “Remember the Roar.” The phrase referenced the rousing noise from the upper decks of the hallowed grounds colloquially referred to as the Madhouse on Madison.
Coincidentally, my first time seeing a hockey game in person was at Chicago Stadium during its final season. I vividly remember the 2.5-hour drive west on the Indiana Toll Road in early January with my dad to see the Blackhawks play the Winnipeg Jets.
I got goosebumps walking into that venue. It felt like magic in the air. NHL Hall of Fame 2024 inductee and former Blackhawk Jeremy Roenick scored a hat trick (three goals in one game) that night. I saved my allowance for 12 weeks to buy the legendary away jersey from CCM at the vendor stand inside the door. I still have that jersey. Even more impressive, it still fits.
For the uninitiated, hockey is a fast and often brutal sport. As a fan for 30-plus years, I’ve seen every manner of hit, bruise, punch and high stick, as well as epic goals scored at every level of the sport. I’ve seen numerous teams hoist the most coveted trophy in sports – Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Did I mention it’s also tremendously fun to watch?
With the Blackhawks’ ECHL minor-league affiliate, the Indy Fuel, kicking off their 2024-2025 season at the Fishers Event Center for the first time, we thought it perhaps best to offer some education on the sport.
Here are the 10 basic rules of hockey to know before your first game:
The Goal: Get the puck in the net. That is called a goal (yes, we know – we’re stating the obvious).
Goalie Play: The goalie’s main job is to stop the puck from entering the net using any part of their body or stick.
Each team has six players total on the ice unless there is a penalty being enforced: left wing, right wing, center, two defensive players and goalie.
Periods: Hockey is played in three 20-minute periods, with a 15-minute intermission between each period.
Offside: A player cannot enter the offensive zone, the area beyond the opponent’s blue line, before the puck does. If they do, the play is stopped, and a face-off occurs.
Icing: Not like on a cookie. Icing happens when a player shoots the puck from behind their own side of the red center line down the ice, and it crosses the opponent’s goal line without being touched. This results in a face-off in the offending team’s zone.
Face-off: A face-off begins the game and is used after every stoppage of play.
Penalties: Infractions such as tripping, hooking or slashing result in penalties. The offending player must sit in the penalty box for two minutes (minor penalty) or more, during which their team plays shorthanded.
Power Play and Penalty Kill: When a team is penalized, the opposing team goes on a “power play,” with the other team on the “penalty kill.” The team playing a man down is trying to “kill” the penalty by playing defensively until the penalty time expires. The penalty is either two minutes for minors or five minutes for majors. When both teams are penalized simultaneously, it’s often referred to as four-on-four hockey.
Checking: Body checking (using the body to block or hit an opponent) is allowed, but only against the player with the puck. Hits from behind or to the head are illegal and result in penalties.
Fighting: Aside from UFC, hockey is one of the few professional sports where fighting is allowed. Fighting, or “dropping the gloves,” can result in minor and major penalties depending on who started it, how many players got involved, and various other factors. Yes, it’s allowed. No, you don’t get away with it.
With these basic rules in hand, let’s also take a moment to talk about being a good fan, particularly if it’s your first time.
Fishers Events Center Opens>
Fan Dos and Don’ts:
DO try to stay in your seat while the puck is in play. Trust us – there will be a myriad of timeouts and two intermissions.
DO dress warmly. The arena climate control is generally based on the players.
Do ask questions. The people sitting around you might be hockey veterans. Make friends and ask questions if there’s something you don’t understand.
DO NOT throw things on the ice unless someone scores three goals in one game. Then, toss your hat. You can buy another on the way out.
DO NOT taunt the players if you are sitting near the glass or the penalty box.
Do NOT hit the glass.
DO NOT try to catch a flying puck. They often travel far above 100 miles per hour, and you can get hurt.
DO keep your cool. At the end of the day, it’s just a game. Everyone is there to have a good time.
The Fuel will open their 11th season at the Fishers Event Center on Friday, December 6 against the Iowa Heartlanders. Indy Fuel tickets can be purchased at indyfuelhockey.com.
