Ice Hockey, or just Hockey for those who live in parts of the world where it is played, is a fast and entertaining game that offers many benefits to those involved. Not only is playing hockey a great way to get some exercise, it also has a strong social aspect that many players, coaches and others that are part of the game enjoy. While there is a steeper barrier to get into hockey, in terms of skill, equipment and accessibility, hockey enhances more than a million players' lives worldwide, and many others who support those players as well. Read on to learn how to play hockey, so that you too can enjoy this wonderful pastime.

• Get the minimum amount of equipment you will need to play

• Learn the rules of the game

• Start developing your hockey skills

• Get out there and have fun!

In order to play hockey, it is important to get the proper equipment, understand the rules, and learn the basic skills required. That said, there are many beginner hockey programs that do not require any significant level of proficiency; there programs are a great way to introduce yourself to the game, and start to build confidence.

Most hockey is played with full equipment, although there are exceptions when only partial equipment is required. All hockey equipment can be purchased used rather than new to save money; remember, it will smell just as bad after you've used it a few times. The equipment required is:

• Skates - no need to purchase a top-of-the-line pair to start
• Helmet - make sure it is approved by the appropriate safety standards organization for your region
• Face Guard for Helmet - a full, metal cage offers the most protection, and won't fog up like plastic
• Shoulder Pads - avoid the temptation to get huge, armor-like pads rather than smaller, more manageable ones
• Elbow Pads - again, smaller and more flexible is better
• Gloves - look for ones that extend high enough that they will protect your wrists from incoming pucks
• Hockey Pants - not too bulky, and should extend long enough to be just above your shin pads
• Jock Strap - one which has built-in straps and clips to hold up your socks is most convenient
• Shin Pads - the right length, so they are comfortable and line up properly with your knee and ankle

There are some additional pieces of equipment such as the neck protector and mouth guard which may be used at your discretion, and also depending on your level of play.

To the uninitiated, hockey may seem like a very complicated game. But once you understand the basic rules, it all starts to flow together into a seamless experience. Here are the rules to know to get started:

• Hockey is played on a rectangular frozen body of water, with rounded corners and surrounded by boards, which is a wall that is about 1 m tall. The size of the rink varies depending on whether it is an international or North American size
• A game consists of two teams, each comprised of six players on the ice at any one time. Normally there are three forwards (a left and right winger, as well as a center), two defense and one goalie
• The objective of each team is to score more goals than the other. A goal is scored when the entire puck crosses the goal line, and goes into the net
• Penalties may be assessed when any player commits a violation of the rules. The most common penalties include roughing, slashing, tripping, hooking, holding, interference and crosschecking. Referees may penalize a player for two (minor), four (double minor), or five (major) minutes, and may also eject a player from the game at their discretion
• Attacking players may not enter the opponents' zone before the puck; if they do, the official calls an "off-side", and the play is stopped
• Attacking players may not shoot the puck down the ice before reaching the middle (red) line; if they do so, and the puck reaches the end of the rink without anyone else touching it, the official calls "icing", and the play is stopped

There are a number of additional rules, but these essentials are enough to start playing hockey.

Becoming a competent hockey player requires that you develop a number of skills. All of these skills can be developed through formal instruction if desired, but practice is most important. The skills required include:

• Skating - including forwards, backwards, turning and stopping
• Stick handling
• Passing - including making and receiving a pass
• Shooting - including slap shot and wrist shot
• Defensive moves
• Body checking (only if playing in a league where checking is permitted) - including delivering and receiving a check
• Positioning - knowing where on the ice to be in different situations