Advice: International ice vs NHL ice

Rookie109

Registered User
Mar 31, 2014
355
39
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
So, my beer league team is in a new league which has a few games scheduled on the bigger international ice surface (not typical in Canada). Any suggestions for how to adjust? It's our first game of the season, and it looks like we'll be playing on the big ice 2/6 scheduled games so far.

Thanks
 

Anomie2029

Registered User
Oct 10, 2013
3,860
4,023
Melbourne, Australia
I play on three different sized rinks in Melbourne, Australia. One is international, one is NHL equivalent, and the last is even smaller.

The bigger the ice, the more important structure is. As a Dman, I love the bigger ice because the greater amount of surface results in more time and space, and clearer passing lanes. So make sure you have clear breakout structures that can utilise the extra space.
 

Filthy Dangles

Registered User*
Oct 23, 2014
28,356
39,703
In my experience, the pace of the game drops a little bit on bigger ice. More puck possession and cycle on the wider ice than the NA ice which is more in the trenches and more North South back and forth.

As for smaller nuances, things like shooting angles and closing guys out along the boards might be different. It's been shown that scoring doesn't go up on the bigger ice despite having more time and space. Even if you beat someone wide on the wider ice, your now at a worse angle and getting to the middle or interior part of the rinks isn't really any easier than on the smaller ice.
 

tarheelhockey

Offside Review Specialist
Feb 12, 2010
84,982
137,355
Bojangles Parking Lot
I agree about the pace of the game slowing down on bigger ice. You have an extra second to really look at your options before someone is on top of you. It makes a difference when you’re breaking out, and even more so if you have to chase back and make a quick decision. Instead of having someone right in your back pocket, maybe he’s a couple of strides further behind you. Assuming of course that you are spreading out rather than playing as if you’re on a NA-sized rink.
 
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Habs76

Registered User
Nov 11, 2014
7,672
1,751
Fredericton, NB
As a bigger, slower forward but also someone who excels in puck protection, I find I actually do better on an international ice surface. I figure the reasons for that are: more room to drive wide, more time to think and gain separation/get to open ice, and further distance between myself and others. In all honesty though, the difference is minimal. How I play doesn’t change, but the efficiency of my plays tends to increase.
 

Rookie109

Registered User
Mar 31, 2014
355
39
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Thanks for the advice, the guys on my team who've been sitting on their asses all summer are going to be in for a shock when they realize it's on the bigger surface lol. More skating means more exercise at least.
 

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