Ice Hockey Goals And Nets

Ice hockey is a sport which requires lots of equipment to be played. One of the most important pieces of equipment to play hockey is the goal. A regulation size hockey goal used in the National Hockey League and many other leagues is 6′ x 4′ (foot). Each hockey rink contains two goals with one placed on either end that represent where the puck needs to enter to score a goal.

What are goals used for?

Hockey goals, also known as nets, are important for many reasons. One of the most significant is the fact that it is needed to determine whether or not a goal is scored. Goals in hockey are scored when any part of the puck crosses the goal line, which is determined by the position of the net. Although different forms of hockey such as street and ice hockey use different sized goals, the importance of this piece of equipment remains the same. The hockey net allows for a clear view of whether or not the puck has crossed the goal line and should be counted as a goal.

Hockey goals did not always look the same as they do today. Starting in the 1800’s, early players of the game would simply use two sticks to outline the hockey goal. The first goals made out of pipes and netting were not used until the late 1800’s, and continued to evolve into the modern nets we have today.

Things To Consider

When looking for an ice hockey goal, you'll want to consider the following:

• What size goal are you looking for?
• How much are you looking to spend on an ice hockey goal?
• What surface do you want to be able to use your goal on?

Types

Hockey goals come in many different shapes and sizes. It is important to understand what you are looking for so that you end up with the right hockey goal for your rink.

Regulation Goal

A regulation hockey goal is 6 feet x 4 feet. This is different from other types as it is the size used in hockey leagues around the world. If you are trying to recreate a rink based on hockey leagues such as the NHL, then the regulation goal is right for you. Most regulation nets are made of steel for maximum sturdiness. However, regulation sized hockey goals can be bought in plastic and other materials.

Skill Goal

Skill hockey goals are different from all other types of hockey goals. These goals are not meant to be used in games.         They are meant for practicing skills such as shot and pass accuracy. The purpose of the goal is that it is small and creates a target for passing or shooting the puck into a tight space. This is a great hockey goal to buy if you are looking to improve upon various aspects of the game, or simply want to challenge yourself on the skill goal.

Street Hockey Goal

Street hockey goals are meant to be used outside for practice and not on an ice rink like regulation goals. One thing to be aware about when buying street hockey goals is that they come in many different shapes and sizes. Some have rounded corners and some have square corners. Most street hockey goals are made out of PVC plastic or steel.

Goal with Backstop

This type of goal has a different purpose than the other types of hockey goals. Backstops are used for practicing and help players keep pucks in the vicinity of the goal. It is great to use when trying to improve shot accuracy as pucks that miss the net will not travel far distances. This allows players to continue practicing without having to gather pucks from various points across the rink.

Brands

Here are the most popular hockey net brands:

• Bauer: Bauer is a reliable brand that has been used by hockey players from across the world for many years. They sell many variations of hockey goals from practice goals to regulation goals.
• EZGoal: EZGoal equipment is great for practice. It comes with a backstop to help players practice to their maximum capacity without having to retrieve pucks after every shot.
• Franklin: Franklin sells many variations of hockey goals similar to Bauer. Their products tend to be a cheaper option for many different types of goals.
• Mylec: Mylec goals are another cheaper option for beginners. Mylec sells goals that use many different types of materials such as steel and PVC pipe.

Considerations

There are many factors to consider when looking for the perfect hockey goal. Some of the most important things to consider while looking are cost, durability, size, and functionality.

Durability

Durability is mostly based on the materials used in the goal. Steel is the most durable and tends to be the most expensive. Plastic nets are usually cheapest but last the shortest period of time. It is important to determine whether price or durability is most important when deciding to buy a hockey goal.

Cost

Hockey goals can range in price depending on material and size. Most expensive nets tend to be made out of metal such as steel. The cheapest goals are usually made out of plastic PVC pipe. Goals can range from $30 to upwards of $300.

Sizes

Hockey goals come in all different sizes. Knowing these dimensions before purchasing will be helpful in making the right choice. For kids, knee hockey nets tend to be inexpensive and quite small, making them perfect for younger children. However, if you are trying to get an authentic hockey experience and want to replicate a real rink, regulation sized goals are the way to go.

Functionality

The different types of goals have different uses in ice hockey. For example, skill nets and goals with a backstop are used exclusively in practice scenarios, while regulation nets are used in both practice and game situations. It is important to take into account what you will be using the goal for before purchasing.

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