Ice hockey formations and positions.
Ice hockey is played six a side, five skaters and a goaltender, on a rink of 60 by 30 metres enclosed by boards. A match is three periods of 20 minutes of stopped-clock time, with line changes made on the fly. A goal is scored when the puck wholly crosses the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar. The IIHF Official Rulebook applies, administered in Britain by Ice Hockey UK.
Ice hockey positions.
| Code | Position | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| G | Goaltender | Goaltender |
| LD | Left Defence | Defence |
| RD | Right Defence | Defence |
| LW | Left Wing | Forwards |
| C | Centre | Forwards |
| RW | Right Wing | Forwards |
- Size
- 60 m by 30 m, 8.5 m corners
- Match
- 3 periods of 20 minutes
- Squad
- 6 on the field per side, up to 22 in a matchday squad, rolling substitutes
- Scoring
- A score is a goal; the result is in goals.
- Rules
- IIHF Official Rulebook 2026/27
4-on-4 formations (1).
4-on-4: 3 periods of 20 minutes, 5 on the field per side, rolling substitutes, on a 60 m by 30 m pitch.
Positions: Goaltender (G), Left Defence (LD), Right Defence (RD), Left Wing (LW), Centre (C), Right Wing (RW).
3-on-3 formations (1).
3-on-3: 3 periods of 20 minutes, 4 on the field per side, rolling substitutes, on a 60 m by 30 m pitch.
Positions: Goaltender (G), Left Defence (LD), Right Defence (RD), Left Wing (LW), Centre (C), Right Wing (RW).
Pick the shape, drag your players onto it and share the team sheet with parents before the game. The Vanta Club app is free.
