Ice hockey is a fast-paced, exciting sport that requires skill, strategy, and athleticism. It also lends itself well to riddles! Here are 36 ice hockey brainteasers with answers to challenge hockey fans.
Riddles About Ice Hockey Basics
Riddle #1
What has 16 legs and empties seats?
Answer: An octopus thrown onto the ice at a Detroit Red Wings game
Riddle #2
I’m made of vulcanized rubber and can be shot over 100 mph. What am I?
Answer: A hockey puck
Riddle #3
I’m long, wooden, and used to propel the puck across the ice. What am I?
Answer: A hockey stick
Riddle #4
We chase after a small, round object and try to shoot it into a net. What sport are we playing?
Answer: Ice hockey
Riddle #5
You’ll find me on skates chasing after a rubber disc on ice. Who am I?
Answer: An ice hockey player
Riddles About Hockey Rules and Positions
Riddle #6
What position guards the net from close range shots?
Answer: Goalie
Riddle #7
We stay on the ice to maintain advantage after a stoppage in play. Who are we?
Answer: Power play lines
Riddle #8
What major rule change in ice hockey allowed forward passing in all areas of the ice in 1929?
Answer: Introduction of the blue line
Riddle #9
This position’s main role is to knock the opposing players off the puck. What is it called?
Answer: The defenseman
Riddle #10
What is the name for illegally using your stick to hook an opponent in ice hockey?
Answer: Hooking
Riddles About Ice Hockey Gear and Equipment
Riddle #11
We guard your hands and allow you to grip your stick. What equipment are we?
Answer: Hockey gloves
Riddle #12
I protect your shoulders and chest from injury when players check you into the boards. What am I?
Answer: Shoulder pads
Riddle #13
We shield your legs from stray hockey pucks. Name us.
Answer: Shin guards
Riddle #14
Goalies hide behind us as protection from shots. What are we?
Answer: Goalie masks/helmets
Riddle #15
Skaters glide across me effortlessly in a well-maintained ice rink. What am I?
Answer: The ice
Riddles About Ice Hockey Penalties
Riddle #16
What minor penalty results in a faceoff in the offending team’s defensive zone?
Answer: Icing
Riddle #17
This penalty requires the player to sit out for 10 minutes in the penalty box. What is it called?
Answer: Misconduct
Riddle #18
Describe the penalty earned when players start fighting.
Answer: Five minutes for fighting
Riddle #19
What penalty might you get for using a high stick?
Answer: High-sticking
Riddle #20
You hit the ice after I trip you up. What penalty did I commit?
Answer: Tripping
Riddles About Scoring and Strategy
Riddle #21
A goalie prevents me from making the red light shine. What am I?
Answer: The puck crossing the goal line
Riddle #22
I’m awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman each year. What am I called?
Answer: The Norris trophy
Riddle #23
Dumping the puck into my area helps offenses regroup. What is my nickname?
Answer: The corner
Riddle #24
A one-timer shot taken from the faceoff circle area near the goal often catches goalies by surprise. What scoring area is this?
Answer: The slot
Riddle #25
Deke moves allow skaters to fake out opponents. True or false?
Answer: True
Riddles About Hockey History and Fun Facts
Riddle #26
Sticks were not always slender like today. Hockey sticks used to look more like me. What are they similar to?
Answer: Broom handles/stick handles
Riddle #27
I’m the only player to score over 200 points in a season. Who am I?
Answer: Wayne Gretzky
Riddle #28
Zambonis smooth and renew me between periods so players can continue gliding gracefully. What am I?
Answer: The ice rink
Riddle #29
Introduced in 1875, I am considered the precursor sport to ice hockey. What sport am I?
Answer: Bandy
Riddle #30
I am the trophy awarded to the winner of the first round Stanley Cup playoffs. What am I called?
Answer: The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl
Riddles About Ice Hockey Terms and Lingo
Riddle #31
I’m the term for advancing the puck across the opposing team’s blue line. Name me.
Answer: Breaking out
Riddle #32
Requesting a “gordie _______” from the bench may get you an extra attacker on the ice. What goes in the blank?
Answer: Howe hat trick
Riddle #33
When a player takes his place on the bench after his shift, what is this called?
Answer: Changing on the fly
Riddle #34
Hitting all three goal posts and the crossbar in one shot has a special name. What is it?
Answer: Goalie’s best friend
Riddle #35
I’m the term for the first home game for a relocated NHL team. What am I?
Answer: A franchise opener
Conclusion
Riddle #36
I’m a fast, physical game played on ice with rules, equipment, strategies, penalties, and specialized player positions. What sport am I?
Answer: Ice hockey
How did you do with these ice hockey riddles? Hockey fans love to challenge each other with brainteasers involving their favorite sport. Trying to solve these puzzles requires understanding hockey inside and out. Hopefully you had some fun and learned something too!
