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Sports and Games · entry 32 of 52
An ice hockey rink is surrounded by boards designed to keep the puck in play.
The longer version
A barrier about a metre high surrounds the sheet, topped by glass or netting, and it is built to return the puck to play rather than stop it. The boards are slightly flexible so impact absorbs some energy, and the surface is smooth enough that a puck can ride along it. Corners are rounded to keep play moving.
Because the boundary is hard, players deliberately bank the puck off it, and reading the geometry of a rebound off a rounded corner is its own skill. Rules treat the puck as live until it leaves the playing area entirely, which is why play continues so often near the barrier. Height and construction are specified, and protective glass must meet impact standards.
Where this entry sits
Facts here look at the rules, equipment and odd histories behind familiar sports and games, from balls and rackets to cards, boards and playing fields. Expect small details about scoring quirks, stadium design and the long story of the Olympic Games. The full list sits on the Sports and Games page, where every entry is listed in order.
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