The only two pieces of required equipment are a stick and a pair of shoes, but we do recommend at least hockey shin guards and hockey gloves.
We play with NHL regulation size goals.
League Rules
- No Checking, Hitting, Pushing, Elbowing: (Bodying and cutting off along the boards is okay). We will kindly ask you to leave if you have to be repeatedly reprimanded for infractions for this.
- No Intentional and Repetitive Accidental Slashing: If you break another player's stick with a slash, you owe them an apology, and possibly a new stick. No chopping other player's sticks, feet, shin guards, hands, or above the waist. This also includes when goalies cover. If you can't see the ball cleanly to chip it in, DO NOT WHACK AT THE GOALIE. We call whistles respectfully when the ball has been confirmed covered under the goalie so listen for the whistle call.
- No High Sticks: Sticks Must Stay Below Your Waist At All Times!
- No Slapshots: No lifting the stick backwards in a wind-up power motion. Wrist Shots and Snap Shots are more than enough powerful for our games. A one-timer "quarter-slap shot" - where the blade of the stick stays very close to the ground and does not wind up in the air is acceptable - as long as the follow through stays down too. You will be called for a SlapShot AND High Sticking if you do not keep your stick down near the ground.
- No Fighting: It's hard to believe we even have to write that. If you physically engage with anyone else, you will be asked to leave, no questions asked.
- Other Penalties To Avoid Include: Hooking, Holding, Tripping, Goalie and Player Interference, Delay of Game, Too Many Men
- Gentleman's Offsides: We do not enforce offsides rules, but beware that if you hang out near your opponent's net, you're likely putting your team down a man in the defensive zone.
- If You Take League Water, You Must Contribute To The Water Fund: We have a fund which supplies us with water so you don't have to bring your own. We ask for $5 contributions every few months to replenish the fund. If you would like league water, please contribute to the water fund. Thank you.
- Sportsmanship and Respect: Above all else, the LIQ values safety, good sportsmanship, and respect of teammates and competitors. We all have varying ages, skill levels, and strengths, and we are also ALL here to get exercise and have fun playing the sport we love. It's fine to play hard and competitively, but please keep it clean, respectful, and friendly. Unnecessary roughness or conflicts will not be welcomed. If there's a conflict - talk it out after the game, shake hands, and forget about it. If needed, feel free to contact the group admins for assistance.
- This is Not The NHL: Remember, you're playing a pickup game, on a court, in your sneakers. Have fun out there and don't take it or yourself too seriously.
Gameplay
- GameDay: We play 4vs4 with 2 teams comprised of a balanced weekly drafted roster. We play 3-4 games per day. If numbers allow more teams, we will have a round-robin style tournament.
- Balanced Teams: We try our best to draft even and competitive teams.
- Periods: We play three 6-8 minute periods running time with intermissions between each one.
- Face-Offs: Each game begins with a nok-hockey style face-off, and these also occur after each goal.
- Whistles:
- Free Pass: Team who gains possession after a whistle will get a free pass in the corner behind the goal line. Defensive team can block pass, but cannot contact free pass player until the ball has crossed the goal line, or the player opts to venture or pass behind their own goal. This is similar to a corner kick in soccer.
- Goalie Covers: Defensive team will gain free pass possession behind their own goal.
- Penalties: Other team gains free pass possession in offensive zone. Remainder of Period or Game Misconduct Penalty may be called. Penalty shot possible.
- Ball Out!: Delay of Game penalty may be called. Delay of game: other team gains free pass in offensive zone. No delay of game: team last to touch is at fault, other team gains free pass possession from zone which ball last deflected from.
- Hot Subs: Often we have 1-2 players extra for each team. In this case you may sub in and out with a teammate at any time during the period. However, it is recommended to wait until your team has offensive possession, or especially during a whistle. Beware that you are at risk of being called for a Too Many Men penalty if you enter too early or interfere with play when exiting .
- Tie: In the case teams are tied at the end of the 3rd period, we will into a sudden death overtime.
Extreme Weather
Unlike ice hockey or indoor dek hockey, us folks that play street hockey are victims of mother nature's discretion. Unfortunately this means some missed games due to precipitation or temperature. LIQ games will be cancelled (with notice) if any of the following weather conditions are present.
- Steady Rain
- Heavy Snow
- Snow or Ice Accumulation on Court
- Extreme Temperatures
