Ice hockey is one of the most exciting Olympic sports. Whether it’s the “Miracle on Ice” or another memorable moment, the sport has become a staple of the Olympic Games since its introduction in 1920. The men’s tournament became a permanent part of the Olympics in 1924, and women’s ice hockey was introduced at the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan. The game follows the rules of the International Ice Hockey Federation, which are a bit different than those used in the NHL.
During the early years of the Olympics, Canada was super strong in men’s hockey, winning six out of seven gold medals from 1924 to 1952. But the United States roared into the scene in 1980, defeating the Soviets in the semifinal of the Lake Placid Olympics. It’s still considered the greatest upset in Olympic history.
In the Olympic tournament, teams are grouped into three groups to play a series of round-robin games. The top teams in each group earn a bye into the quarterfinals, along with the next best-ranked team that didn’t win its group. The other eight teams compete in an elimination qualification round, where a single loss can end a country’s hopes for a gold medal.
One difference between Olympic and NHL hockey is that the puck goes out of play whenever it hits either of the player benches or the protective netting above the glass. Also, the ice is wider than that used in the NHL, which allows for a more fast-paced style of play.
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