How fast does the puck travel?

Some slapshooters propell the puck between 90 - 100 mph. Speeds up to 120 mph have been recorded by some of the hardest shooters. Compounding the problem for the goal-tender, frequently the puck will curve in flight, much like a baseball.

How thick is the ice?

The best ice for pro-hockey is usually held at 16 degrees fahrenheit for proper hardness and is approximatley 3/4" thick. The thicker the sheet of ice becomes, the softer and slower it is. 

How are the markings, lines and circles applied to the ice?

The ice is built up to half-ince thickness by spraying water over the concrete floor which has the freezing pipes imbedded underneath. The markings are then painted on, after which additional water is sprayed on the "coat" the markings and build the ice to prescribed thickness.

Who gets credit for an assist?

The last player, or players (not more than two) who touch the puck prior to the scoring of a goal. As an example, player A passes to B who passes to C who passes to D who scores the goal. Players C and B are credited with "assists"

What is the Zamboni?

The Zamboni is a highly specialized machine that cleans the ice between periods. In its travel across the ice, it scrapes the loose shavings off and lays down a layer of hot water. The water must be hot to melt the upper ice surface and weld a smooth sheet. It takes just minutes to freeze. 

Can the puck be kicked into net for a score?

Not kicked intentionally, but a puck can be deflected off a skate, or off a player's body if no overt attempt is made th throw it in or kick it in. 

Are all hockey sticks alike?

Far from it. Just as baseball players have their individually personalized bats, so to do hockey players have their "patterned" sticks. Flexibility, lie (angle of the blade), weight, etc. vary from player to player. 

Can a goalie score a goal?

While it is not unusual for a goalie to be credited with an assist, only a hand full of goalies have been a goal scorer in pro hockey history.  Admirals Goalie Corwin Saurdiff became the 4th goalie in pro hockey history to score a goal on March 18, 1995.

What if the puck is stopped or stops on the goal line?

There is no score.  The puck must completely cross the goal line between the posts to be counted as a score.