Hockey Pucks & Balls

Hockey Pucks & Balls: frequently asked questions

What size and weight is a regulation hockey puck in Canada?

Hockey Canada's playing rules (Rule 3.8) set the standard puck at 2.54 cm (1 in.) thick and 7.62 cm (3 in.) across, weighing 156 to 170 g (5.5 to 6 oz). For U9 and younger, a puck of the same size may weigh as little as 113.4 g (4 oz) if it is clearly identified, which is where the light blue puck comes in. Hockey Canada's Timbits U7 FAQ says the 4 oz blue puck suits young players but is not mandatory.

Which street hockey ball should I use in cold weather?

No-bounce balls come in different compounds for different temperatures, and the colour tells you which. Bauer rates its orange warm-weather ball for 16°C (60°F) and above, and its pink cool-weather ball for roughly −1 to 16°C (30 to 60°F). Other brands set their own ranges, so check the label. Used outside its range, a ball turns hard and lively in the cold or soft in the heat, so many Canadian players keep both colours in the bag for spring and fall.

Can I use an off-ice puck like the Green Biscuit at the rink?

Off-ice pucks such as Green Biscuit, Better Biscuit and Wraparound are designed for hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt and smooth floors, where a rubber puck tends to bounce and roll. Their shells, glides or bearings are what let them slide flat there. On ice, practise with a standard rubber puck, or a 4 oz blue puck for young players. Roller hockey leagues often specify their own pucks, so check the league rules before buying for games.

Sources: rulebook.hockeycanada.ca · hockeycanada.ca · bauer.com · uk.bauer.com