Swindon Wildcats: Your first ice hockey game, what to expect

Ice hockey is growing in popularity in the UK, and according to the Elite Ice Hockey League, it is one of the most-watched indoor sports in Britain. But if you’re just getting into the sport, what should you expect from your first game?

What to expect from your first ice hockey game

Let’s start with the basics. Only six players from each team can be on the ice at the same time. That consists of five skaters and a goalie. The aim of the game is for the skaters to try and get the puck and score a goal against the opposite team.

Players can be swapped as often as needed, and the puck is out of play if it goes over the glass. The referees help to keep order, with each game consisting of 3 x 20 minutes with a clock counting down.

As soon as the game starts you’ll realise that ice hockey is great fun to watch. The players are all brilliant skaters who zoom up and down at incredible speeds. However, you will be grateful for the perspex barrier separating you from the players; make sure you watch out for flying pucks!

The sport is family-friendly though you may encounter the occasional ice hockey brawl! Physical contact is allowed in ice hockey between players contesting the puck, and this includes rough contact.

You’ll want to wrap up warm – sitting beside the ice rink can make you cold, so be sure to bring your coat, scarf and gloves along!

A great website to check out for rules and all the latest result is the EIHA site. The EIHA are the governing body for our ice hockey league.

Watch ice hockey in Swindon

If you want to watch ice hockey in Swindon, then book your ticket for the next Swindon Wildcats game. Also known as “The Cats”, we currently play in the National League or second tier (NIHL) of ice hockey in the UK, just below the Elite Ice Hockey League. We play our home games at the Link Centre in Swindon, Wiltshire, which has a 1000+ seat capacity and a strong fan base that wear their wildcat with pride.

Our team colours are Red and White and the official mascot is, of course, a wildcat called Scratch. He wears the team colours with the number 00 on the back.

Finally, if you would like to meet the players, you can wait for rink side after the games or head to The Harvey, our local pub sponsor!