The game of hockey began as field hockey, or bandy.  It was played on ice starting in Canada in the late 1800's.  The first league was in the year 1890 in Ontario.  It was called the Ontario Hockey Association.  The current day NHL started in 1917.

For the penalties at the right the player must spend two minutes in the penalty box , a small glass box on the side of the rink.  That player's team is then shorthanded.  That means that they have one less player than the other team.  For major fighting or misconduct the player is given a five minute penalty or taken out of the game. 

All of the teams are competing to win the Stanley Cup.  This award is named after Lord Stanley Preston.  It was first given to the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada.  In order to win it  a team must first get to the playoffs, win at least 4 out of 6 games in each playoff round, and finally win the championship, which is also a six game round.  The Pittsburgh Penguins have won twice.

For the younger players there are different levels of play.  The lowest is develop mental.  That is to teach the kids the game.  It is followed by Mites, Squirts, Peewees, and Bantams.  This sport is great to keep kids in shape.

All in all, hockey is one of the best sports ever invented. It can be played by anyone who has a pair of skates and a stick.  The rewards are big and the games are long.  It is a sport enjoyed by millions all around he world.