Hockey: From the Most Popular Sport to Simple Online Hockey Games

[Renan Rue]

Among other online sports games, hockey is the one that is the easiest to play, with simple rules. While online football games always offer you realistic graphics and the same rules as real football, game developers tend to simplify hockey. A match with 11 players on each team in an ice rink  becomes a small game between two people (you and the computer, or with another person if this game offers two players mode). Despite their simplicity, online hockey games are still on the list of hot and new sports games you can play online for totally free.

Although the online version of hockey is easy to understand and play, the real one is a different story. This sport is very popular in many parts of the world. Its rules are also more complicated than those of online games. Moreover, players always work hard to help their team win. So, if you are curious about this sport, let’s have a brief overview of it before enjoying various online hockey games.

1. All about hockey

First of all, we would like to briefly present the origin of hockey. This sport has a long history. There are various historical records showing that the first form of hockey was played in Egypt 4000 years ago, in Ethiopia in approximately 1000 BC, and Iran from around 2000 BC. Moreover, there are lots of documents which indicate that the ancient form of hockey was also played in Roman, Greek and Aztec cities several decades before the discovery made by  Columbus.

In the 18th century, this sport appeared in England and grew its popularity quickly at schools. Following this, it became one of the most widely-played sports at schools. In 1876, the Hockey Association was established, and the first formal rules were introduced.

Hockey became one of the most widely-played sports at schools.

Different from the online hockey game versions, this sport is played in an ice rink. Players move around with ice skates. Instead of a round object, like other sports, a flat hockey puck is used to score. Players have to propel this puck on the ice into the goal. This sport requires you to run and respond fast while also controlling the puck. In other words, it requires your speed, skills, and dexterity. These are also some of the factors that attract so many of people.

Now, let’s talk about the real rules of hockey. While in the online hockey games, you only need to hit the puck into the rival’s goal and protect yours, there are lots of things you have to notice in a  real hockey match.

Players who play as defensemen have to stop the players of the other team at their blue lines. They have to do everything to make the puck stay away from their goal, such as breaking up passes, blocking shots, etc. Their position is inside the rival’s blue line.

A goaltender is the one who keeps their own goal safe. He can pass the puck to this teammates, but he usually stays in front of the goal.

The players who receive the puck from the offense and lead to swings are centers. Moreover, they also try to stop the puck from running to the opponent’s side.

The ones who work with the center to hit the puck into the goal are swings. Like centers, they also try to disrupt players from the other team.

With online hockey games, there are not too many rules for you to follow. So, if you don’t know the rules or all the positions of the players, you still can play easily. If you are looking for fun and easy online sports games, don’t forget to check the top 10 free online sports games on computer browser with no download.

2. Recommended online hockey games

2.1. Ice Hockey

In a real match, our goal is propelling the puck into the net of the opponent. It’s obvious. However, in the Ice Hockey online game, you have to not only score, but also hit the defenders. You have to knock them down because one of your teammates is in serious pain due to attacks from defenders. You must take advantage of any chance you have to hit them.

To control your character, move the mouse to the left or right. Right after the puck is released, click and hold the left mouse to increase the power of your hit. Then, release the mouse to shoot. Of course, you are timed in this game, but you can gain extra time with every 500 points. It might sound easy, but, you have to deal with a moving puck, so it might take time for you to get used to with this game.

To control your character, move the mouse to the left or right.

2.2. Ice Hockey Down

This game has a retro style and simple graphics. However, it’s still attractive. In this game, you are joining in a real hockey match. You have to run on an ice rink, avoid the defenders of the other team, and shoot to score. You are alone in this match, so you must be careful. The defenders come from various directions that you can’t predict. After one score, you will fight against another team. The strength and number of defenders increase when you play higher levels.

Use your mouse to move the character. Make sure that you avoid all opponents, because you can’t crash into them, to lead the puck through. When you are ready to shoot, click the left mouse. Then, click a second time to shoot

Ice Hockey Down has a retro style and simple graphics.

2.3. Sports Heads Ice Hockey Championship

Welcome to the National Sports Heads Hockey League! Now, you play for the victory of your country. The goal of this game is the same as others. You have to stop the puck running into your net and propel it into the rival’s. You have to finish 14 matches, but if you can win 8, you go to into the Play-Offs.

Use four arrow keys to move around, up for jumping, and spacebar for hitting. You also can add more effects to your hitting with various symbols. So, when these special symbols appear, take advantage of the change to make a perfect hit.

Use four arrow keys to move around, up for jumping, and spacebar for hitting. 

Playing online hockey games doesn’t require you to follow the formal rules of this sport, so you can play these games in your way. However, if you want to bring these online matches into real life, you should have basic knowledge about hockey. For more interesting online sports games, check this link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/best-online-sports-games-you-can-play-free-right-now-manti-games