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Quizzes > Sports

Hockey quiz: How well do you know the NHL and ice hockey?

Quick, free ice hockey quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Sri RangaUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of hockey puck stick rink lines with quiz title NHL ice hockey trivia challenge on teal background

This hockey quiz helps you check your knowledge of NHL teams, players, and rules. For a tougher set, try hard NHL trivia. Want a broader mix? See hockey trivia or practice with hockey quiz questions and answers. Get instant results and share your score.

How many players are on the ice for each team during standard NHL play, including the goalie?
7
5
6
4
A standard lineup in the NHL consists of five skaters plus one goaltender per side, making six players on the ice for each team at any given time. This format balances offense and defense and is consistent across professional hockey leagues. Teams strategize player shifts to maintain stamina over three periods.
What does the abbreviation "NHL" stand for?
National Hockey League
National Hockey Levy
New Hockey League
North Hockey League
The NHL stands for the National Hockey League, which is the premier professional ice hockey league in North America. It was founded in 1917 and has grown to include 32 teams across the United States and Canada. The league is known for its high level of competition and storied history.
Which country is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern ice hockey?
United States
Russia
Sweden
Canada
Modern ice hockey evolved in Canada during the mid-19th century, with the first organized indoor game recorded in Montreal in 1875. The sport combined elements of field hockey and skating, quickly spreading across North America and Europe. Canada remains a dominant force in hockey culture and competition.
Which piece of protective equipment must all NHL players wear at all times during play?
Skates
Shin guards
Elbow pads
Helmet
Helmets are mandatory for all NHL players throughout the entire game to protect against head injuries and concussions. The rule was made compulsory in 1979 for new players and extended in 1997 to include all rostered players. Mandatory helmets have significantly improved on-ice safety.
What geometric shape best describes an ice hockey puck?
Cone
Cylinder
Cube
Sphere
An ice hockey puck is a flat, circular disk made of vulcanized rubber, classifying it as a cylinder. It measures one inch thick and three inches in diameter and weighs between 5.5 and 6 ounces. This shape ensures predictable gliding on the ice surface.
Which trophy is awarded annually to the NHL playoff champion?
Stanley Cup
Vezina Trophy
President's Trophy
Hart Memorial Trophy
The Stanley Cup is the oldest and most prestigious trophy in North American professional sports, awarded to the NHL playoff champion each spring. First presented in 1893, the Cup has become synonymous with hockey excellence and tradition. Every member of the winning team gets personal time with the trophy.
How long is each period in a standard NHL game?
30 minutes
25 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
An NHL game consists of three 20-minute periods, separated by intermissions. This structure has been in place since the early days of the league and balances player fatigue with game pace. Overtime and shootouts are used to decide ties in regular season games.
Who holds the NHL record for the most career goals scored?
Wayne Gretzky
Alex Ovechkin
Gordie Howe
Jaromir Jagr
Wayne Gretzky is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer with 894 career goals. Known as "The Great One," Gretzky set numerous scoring records during his 20-year career, many of which still stand. His ability to find the net was unmatched in hockey history.
Which NHL franchise has won the most Stanley Cup championships?
Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
Detroit Red Wings
The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for most Stanley Cup championships with 24 titles. Established in 1909, the club dominated in the early 20th century and again in the 1970s. Their success is a major part of NHL and Canadian hockey heritage.
Who was the first European-born player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Mats Sundin
Peter Stastny
Börje Salming
Teemu Selanne
Börje Salming of Sweden was the first European-born player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. He broke barriers for European players in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs and had a standout career as a defenseman. Salming's induction recognized his impact on the game globally.
Which NHL team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden?
Philadelphia Flyers
New York Rangers
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
The New York Rangers have played at Madison Square Garden since 1968. The Garden is one of the world's most famous arenas and hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events. The Rangers are one of the oldest NHL franchises, founded in 1926.
In hockey terminology, what is a "hat trick"?
Scoring three goals in one game
A three-player passing play
Blocking three shots in a row
Winning three consecutive games
A hat trick occurs when a single player scores three goals in one game. Fans often celebrate by throwing hats onto the ice after the third goal. This feat is a mark of individual excellence in hockey.
What is the name of the blue-painted area directly in front of the goal?
Crease
Face-off circle
Slot
Neutral Zone
The crease is the semi-circular blue area in front of the goal where the goaltender operates. It serves to protect the goalie from interference and defines where opponents can and cannot make contact. Pucks and players in the crease have special rules governing goals and penalties.
Who scored the series-winning goal for Team Canada in the 1972 Summit Series?
Steve Shutt
Paul Henderson
Phil Esposito
Bobby Orr
Paul Henderson scored the famous series-clinching goal for Canada in the final game of the 1972 Summit Series against the USSR. His goal came with 34 seconds remaining and is regarded as one of the greatest moments in Canadian sports history.
Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in the 2019 - 2020 NHL season?
Ryan O'Reilly
Nikita Kucherov
Victor Hedman
Alexander Ovechkin
Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning was awarded the 2020 Conn Smythe Trophy for his outstanding performance during the playoffs. He recorded key goals and assists, helping lead his team to the Stanley Cup. Hedman was the first defenseman to win the award since Nicklas Lidstrom in 2002.
Which NHL star overcame Hodgkin's lymphoma and returned to continue a Hall of Fame career?
Steve Yzerman
Wayne Gretzky
Mark Messier
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1993 but made a remarkable return to the NHL later that season. He continued to produce at an elite level and finished his career with over 600 goals. Lemieux was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame immediately upon retirement.
Which coach holds the record for the most career wins in NHL history?
Ken Hitchcock
Scotty Bowman
Joel Quenneville
Al Arbour
Scotty Bowman leads all NHL coaches with 1,244 regular-season wins over his career. He coached multiple teams to Stanley Cup championships, including the Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins. Bowman is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in hockey history.
In which year did the National Hockey League officially begin operations?
1942
1917
1905
1926
The NHL was founded on November 26, 1917, after splitting from the National Hockey Association. It began with four teams in Eastern Canada and has since expanded to 32 teams across North America. The league's formation marked a new era in professional ice hockey.
Which goaltender holds the NHL record for most career shutouts?
Dominik Hasek
Terry Sawchuk
Patrick Roy
Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur holds the NHL career shutout record with 125 shutouts. His consistency and puck-handling skills helped revolutionize the goaltending position. Brodeur's record stands as one of the toughest to break in modern hockey.
Which was the first American-based team to win the Stanley Cup?
Chicago Blackhawks
Detroit Red Wings
New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins became the first American-based franchise to win the Stanley Cup in 1929. Founded in 1924, they broke the Montreal Canadiens' early Canadian dominance. The Bruins' victory marked a milestone in the league's expansion.
Which player was famously nicknamed "Mr. Hockey"?
Gordie Howe
Guy Lafleur
Bobby Hull
Maurice Richard
Gordie Howe earned the nickname "Mr. Hockey" for his all-around skills, longevity, and toughness. He played over five decades professionally, setting numerous records and earning six Hart Trophies. Howe's legacy remains unmatched in hockey lore.
What does the term "icing" refer to in hockey?
When a player brings the puck out of the crease
Blocking a shot with any part of the body
A puck shot from behind the center line across the opponent's goal line without being touched
A player shooting over the glass from the defensive zone
Icing occurs when a player shoots the puck across both the center red line and the opposing goal line without it being touched, resulting in a stoppage of play. The rule aims to prevent teams from merely dumping the puck to relieve pressure. After icing, play is restarted with a face-off in the offending team's zone.
Who was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games?
Bobby Hull
Maurice Richard
Wayne Gretzky
Mike Bossy
Maurice Richard was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in 50 games during the 1944 - 45 season. His remarkable achievement stood alone for decades and became a benchmark for elite goal scorers. Richard's feat cemented his place as one of hockey's greatest legends.
Which major rule change implemented in the 2005 - 06 NHL season aimed to increase scoring by allowing two-line passes?
Strict enforcement of offside
Reduction of goalie pad sizes
Elimination of the two-line pass rule
Introduction of the shootout
The 2005 - 06 rule changes removed the two-line pass restriction, allowing players to pass from their defensive zone all the way to the offensive blue line or beyond. This opened up the neutral zone, sped up play, and created more scoring chances. The result was a noticeable increase in goals and a more exciting product for fans.
Who holds the NHL record for most penalty minutes in a single regular season?
Tie Domi
Dave Schultz
Bob Probert
Tiger Williams
Dave Schultz set the single-season penalty minutes record with 472 minutes during the 1974 - 75 season playing for the Philadelphia Flyers. Known as one of the league's toughest enforcers, Schultz's record remains untouched. His physical style exemplified the "Broad Street Bullies" era of Philadelphia hockey.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand NHL Legends -

    Recall achievements of key players featured in NHL hockey trivia questions and appreciate their impact on the game's history.

  2. Identify Ice Hockey Trivia Categories -

    Differentiate between eras, teams, and player stats in ice hockey trivia questions to tackle challenges confidently.

  3. Apply Quiz Strategies -

    Use proven approaches to answer hockey trivia questions and maximize your quiz score effectively.

  4. Analyze Iconic Goals -

    Examine landmark moments and must-know plays that shape memorable hockey trivia for kids and adults.

  5. Recall Key Statistics -

    Memorize essential NHL stats and records for quick recall during hockey trivia questions and answers.

  6. Track Your Progress -

    Assess your performance with the scored format to identify strengths and areas for improvement in NHL hockey trivia questions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. NHL All-Time Scoring Leaders -

    Study the top three points leaders - Wayne Gretzky (2,857), Mark Messier (1,887), and Jaromír Jágr (1,921) - and use the mnemonic "99+98=197" to recall Gretzky's single-season record. Apply the simple formula Points = Goals + Assists to see how stars build their totals. Official NHL.com stats ensure you're armed with accurate facts for hockey trivia questions and answers.

  2. Stanley Cup Origins -

    Learn that Lord Stanley of Preston donated the Cup in 1892 as Canada's amateur challenge trophy and use "LS of P, SC since '92" to remember its founder and date. Review Hockey Hall of Fame archives to see how the trophy evolved into the NHL's ultimate prize. This background is perfect for those ice hockey trivia questions on history.

  3. Offside Rule Fundamentals -

    Know that a player is offside when both skates enter the offensive zone before the puck, as defined in IIHF Rule 83. Keep it simple with "Pucks Before People" to recall that puck first, players second. Studying the official rulebook helps you breeze through nhl hockey trivia questions about gameplay regulations.

  4. Evolution of Hockey Equipment -

    Trace sticks from early 1900s wood to today's carbon-fiber composites by remembering the phrase "Wood to Carbon." Hockey Canada's gear guides detail this transition and illustrate how material science improved performance. This equips you to answer hockey trivia for kids and adults alike on gear history.

  5. Goaltender Save Percentage -

    Master the SV% formula: Saves ÷ Shots Against, then compare benchmarks (.900 average, .930 elite) to gauge goalie excellence. Commit to memory that a .930+ SV% often signifies top-tier performance in NHL hockey trivia questions. Referencing NHL Stats Pro and sports science journals guarantees your figures are spot on.

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