The modern NHL hockey net is a fixed object made of metal or a combination of metal and other materials. It typically measures 6 feet (1.83 m) wide by 4 feet (1.22 m) tall. This size has been in use since the early 1900s, when nets first began to be used in the game. Seems like the scores would be really low in a game without nets….just saying.
The goal posts and crossbar are made of metal, but the netting itself is made of a synthetic nylon material that is light and durable. The size of the net was originally determined by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to make the game fair for all players. The net is also designed to stop the puck from exiting the goal.
How Heavy is the NHL Hockey net?
The hockey net can have very different weights depending on the materials they are constructed out of. The average hockey net will normally weigh around 40-50 pounds. Heavy-duty nets made with reinforced steel posts generally weigh about 70 pounds.
The hockey net size has been the standard for many years but there is now talk of making it larger. The reason for this is that the average number of goals per game has gone down in recent years. This is due to the fact that goalies tend to be bigger now and their equipment is also bigger.
Compared to the 70s, 80s and 90s, where the average number of goals per game averaged around 3.5 to 4, the goal average now will range between 2.7 and 3. The goalies are better now but so are the skaters and so it might be more exciting and high scoring with a bigger NHL net.
What is a goal in a hockey game?
A goal in a hockey game is awarded when the puck crosses the goal line between the two net posts and below the crossbar. The puck must completely cross the goal line before a point is awarded. Not an easy task with a goaltender guarding the net. It is typical for two defencemen and a goalie to protect the net against the three forwards from the opposing team. Hockey is a fast and exciting game with a lot of puck movement. Scoring a goal is not as easy as it sounds.
Wayne Gretzky is the all time NHL goal scoring champion. He holds the records for the regular season and for playoff goals. A whopping 894 goals with 1,963 assists for total points of 2,857. He also had 50 “hat tricks” which is hockey slang for scoring 3 goals in one game. In the 1983-84 season Gretzky scored 87 goals in the regular season and 19 more in the playoffs. For the math challenged that adds up to 106……. IN ONE SEASON. Not bad kid.
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