Dimensions of a Hockey Puck
Aside from the hockey stick, ice skates and protective gears, the
hockey puck is also one of the primary components of hockey games. While ball games such as basketball and soccer make use of ball, this device serves the very same purpose for the different types of hockey games. Furthermore, it is also featured in less popular game variations such as underwater hockey as well as roller hockey. For a better understanding of this all-important device, it is good to know the dimensions of a hockey puck.
The Standard Size of Hockey Pucks
In terms of thickness, a standard hockey puck usually measures 25 millimeters or 1 inch. Likewise, it has a diameter of 76 millimeters or 3 inches. Its weight ranges from 160 grams to 170 grams or 5.5 ounces to 6 ounces. In some cases, pucks can be lighter or heavier than the standard weight. For the purpose of training, players can experience using pucks that are as heavy as 283 grams or 10 ounces. For younger players, a different type of puck is commonly used, which is a lighter version. This type of puck has a blue color and weighs only 113 grams or 4 ounces.
Additional Facts and Other Interesting Details
Vulcanized rubber is the basic material used to create pucks for hockey games. The standard color is black, which usually features league logos or team insignias silkscreened on both sides of every disk. Historically, ice hockey is believed to have evolved from bandy, which is a field hockey game that originated in Great Britain. This kind of game is actually played outdoors during the winter season.
When the game arrived in North America, a ball is used instead of a puck. Furthermore, its rules were called Canadian rules bandy. As the game progressed, the ball was changed into a puck by cutting the top part as well as the bottom part of it. The main reason behind this is that a wooden ball is unsuitable for a surface made out of hard ice.
Nowadays, it is a regular practice among game organizers to put the puck inside the ref for freezing, specifically a few hours before a scheduled game. By doing this, it becomes easier to control by reducing its bounciness during game time.
Besides the standard black-colored puck, other versions are available, one of which is the blue-colored variant. Because it is lighter compared to the black puck, this version is usually associated with individuals who are still undergoing training. For those who wish to strengthen wrist, game experts recommend the use of steel pucks, the weight of which is approximately 900 grams or 2 pounds.
