Are you a hockey fanatic and want to quiz your organ of rink? This 125+ originals on hockey riddles will bring fun, laugher and puzzlement to anyone, hockey beginners to adults in search of the trivia valedictory. Divided into riddles about ice hockey, field hockey, roles of the players, and many more, every riddle contains a hint to create the curiosity and the answer which is full of facts.
Regardless of which team you support, whether you are at a game, coaching a team, or hosting a get together party, these riddles will be a hit. Here is the puck!
A Collection of 125+ Hockey Riddles with Answers For All Ages
Hockey puzzles, which are fueled by the use of witty wordplay, enhance your affection to the game. They educate words, accentuate regulations, and unite individuals. Occupying a strict series of riddles for both children and adults, we have classified them as per the level of skills.
Put you skates on then, pick out your hockey stick and delve into hockey puzzles! Need some advice on how to conquer a puzzle? Have a look at our article on how to solve riddles like you are a professional.
Easy Hockey Riddles for Kids
The riddles are easy, involving, and are suitable to young fans or novices.
- Riddle: What do you wear to glide on the ice?
Hint: They have blades but don’t cut.
Answer: Skates. Ice hockey skates, weighing 2–3 pounds, let players speed across the rink.
- Riddle: I’m small, round, and chased by sticks—what am I?
Hint: I’m not a ball and drive every play.
Answer: Puck. A puck, 5.5–6 ounces, is made of vulcanized rubber.
- Riddle: Who blocks pucks in front of the net?
Hint: They wear a mask and extra padding.
Answer: Goalie. NHL goalies stop 25 shots per game on average.
- Riddle: What happens when the puck crosses the goal line?
Hint: Fans cheer wildly for this.
Answer: Goal. A goal earns one point for the team.
- Riddle: What machine smooths the ice between periods?
Hint: It’s slow and named after its inventor.
Answer: Zamboni. Zambonis resurface rinks in 7–10 minutes.
- Riddle: What do you call a hockey player who tells jokes?
Hint: It’s a pun on “funny.”
Answer: A punny player. A nod to hockey’s fun vibe.
- Riddle: Why did the hockey stick visit the doctor?
Hint: It’s about breaking.
Answer: It had a splinter. Composite sticks often crack in play.
- Riddle: What’s the goalie’s protected zone called?
Hint: It’s a painted area near the net.
Answer: Crease. The crease measures 4×8 feet.
- Riddle: What NHL team shares its name with a flightless bird?
Hint: They’re based in Pittsburgh.
Answer: Penguins. The Pittsburgh Penguins have five Stanley Cups.
- Riddle: What do you get crossing a snowman and a hockey player?
Hint: It’s a cold pun.
Answer: Frostbite. A playful rink reference. Explore more cold-themed puzzles with our snowflake riddles.
- Riddle: What lines split the rink into zones?
Hint: They’re blue and red.
Answer: Blue lines. They define offensive and defensive zones.
- Riddle: Why do players carry extra sticks?
Hint: Something might snap.
Answer: In case one breaks. Players carry 2–3 sticks per game.
- Riddle: What’s a hockey player who keeps falling called?
Hint: It’s a pun on a shot type.
Answer: A slip-shot. A twist on “slapshot.”
- Riddle: What trophy crowns the NHL champion?
Hint: It’s North America’s oldest sports prize.
Answer: Stanley Cup. Awarded since 1893, it’s hockey’s holy grail. Learn more about sports history with our American history riddles.
- Riddle: Why did the puck go to school?
Hint: It wanted to learn.
Answer: To get smarter. A kid-friendly riddle.
- Riddle: What’s a hockey player who loves music called?
Hint: It’s a pun on a dodging move.
Answer: A deke-jay. A play on “deke” and “DJ.”
- Riddle: Where is ice hockey played?
Hint: It’s cold and icy.
Answer: Rink. NHL rinks are 200×85 feet.
- Riddle: Why don’t hockey players need umbrellas?
Hint: They’re used to wet conditions.
Answer: They play on ice. Ice shavings keep players damp.
- Riddle: What’s a goal scored with a powerful swing called?
Hint: It’s fast and loud.
Answer: Slapshot. Slapshots hit 100 mph.
- Riddle: What protects your head in hockey?
Hint: It’s hard and sometimes has a visor.
Answer: Helmet. Helmets are mandatory for safety.
- Riddle: Why was the hockey game so cool?
Hint: It’s about the rink’s temperature.
Hint: It was on ice. Rinks stay at 16–22°F.
- Riddle: Who’s the player great at passing the puck?
Hint: They set up goals.
Answer: Playmaker. Like Sidney Crosby, playmakers pile up assists.
Tricky Hockey Riddles for Adults
These riddles test seasoned fans with deeper game knowledge.
- Riddle: I catch pucks with a glove but I’m not a net—what am I?
Hint: I’m a player with a unique role.
Answer: Goalie. Goalies face 20–30 shots per game in the NHL.
- Riddle: What has a stick, puck, and ice but isn’t a game?
Hint: You’re solving it now.
Answer: A hockey riddle. A clever meta twist. For more meta puzzles, try our mysterious riddles.
- Riddle: Why don’t hockey players overheat?
Hint: It’s a crowd pun.
Answer: Too many fans. NHL games draw 17,000 fans on average.
- Riddle: What’s three goals by one player in a game called?
Hint: Fans toss hats to celebrate.
Answer: Hat trick. A rare feat, like Alex Ovechkin’s 17 career hat tricks.
- Riddle: Why was the puck locked up?
Hint: It’s a rough play pun.
Answer: It was rough around the edges. A nod to roughing penalties.
- Riddle: Who coached nine Stanley Cups but never played?
Hint: He’s a legend behind the bench.
Answer: Scotty Bowman. His record is unmatched in NHL history.
- Riddle: What starts play after a whistle?
Hint: Two players battle for the puck.
Answer: Face-off. Games average 50–60 face-offs.
- Riddle: Why do referees wear stripes?
Hint: It’s for visibility.
Answer: To stand out. Refs make 200–300 calls per game.
- Riddle: What’s a goalie’s favorite move to block shots?
Hint: It involves dropping to the ice.
Answer: Butterfly. Goalies like Carey Price master this style.
- Riddle: What’s a precise shot past the goalie called?
Hint: It’s a top-corner goal.
Answer: Snipe. Snipers like Ovechkin excel at this.
- Riddle: What protects a goalie’s legs and weighs 5–7 pounds?
Hint: It’s part of their heavy gear.
Answer: Leg pads. Goalies wear 25–30 pounds total.
- Riddle: What’s the rule when a player crosses the blue line too early?
Hint: Play stops instantly.
Answer: Offside. Called 10–15 times per game.
- Riddle: What’s a goal scored with fewer players on the ice?
Hint: It’s tough during a penalty.
Answer: Shorthanded goal. About 5% of NHL goals.
- Riddle: Why don’t players need GPS on the rink?
Hint: They know the play’s flow.
Answer: They follow the puck. Instinct drives action.
- Riddle: What’s a hockey player’s favorite board game?
Hint: It’s a defensive move pun.
Answer: Checkers. Checking disrupts opponents.
- Riddle: Who scores at the last second to save the game?
Hint: They thrive under pressure.
Answer: Clutch player. Like Mario Lemieux in clutch moments.
- Riddle: What tracks penalties and goals above the rink?
Hint: It’s lit up during games.
Answer: Scoreboard. Essential for game flow.
- Riddle: What’s the penalty for swinging your stick too high?
Hint: It’s a common foul.
Answer: High-sticking. Earns a 2-minute penalty.
- Riddle: What lets the puck glide smoothly on ice?
Hint: It’s a physics concept.
Answer: Low friction. Ice reduces resistance for speed. For more science-based puzzles, see our ice riddles.
- Riddle: What’s a game where no pucks get past the goalie?
Hint: It’s a goalie’s dream.
Answer: Shutout. About 10% of NHL games.
- Riddle: What’s a player’s favorite coffee order?
Hint: It’s a dodging pun.
Answer: A deCAF. A play on “deke” and “decaf.”
- Riddle: Where’s the Hockey Hall of Fame located?
Hint: It’s Canada’s hockey hub.
Answer: Toronto. Home to hockey’s greatest relics.
Field Hockey Riddles
These riddles celebrate field hockey’s unique rules and global appeal.
- Riddle: What do field hockey players hit instead of a puck?
Hint: It’s hard and round.
Answer: Ball. Field hockey balls weigh 5.5–5.75 ounces.
- Riddle: What’s the curved stick in field hockey called?
Hint: It’s lighter than ice hockey sticks.
Answer: Field hockey stick. Weighs 19–22 ounces.
- Riddle: Why don’t field hockey players skate?
Hint: It’s about the playing surface.
Answer: They play on turf. Fields are grass or synthetic.
- Riddle: Who’s called the ‘Maradona of field hockey’ for dribbling?
Hint: She’s an Argentine legend.
Answer: Luciana Aymar. Won eight FIH Player of the Year awards.
- Riddle: What’s the field hockey goal called?
Hint: It’s smaller than a soccer goal.
Answer: Cage. Measures 7 feet high, 12 feet wide.
- Riddle: Why did the field hockey ball go to class?
Hint: It’s about learning.
Answer: To get educated. A fun kid riddle.
- Riddle: What protects field hockey players’ legs?
Hint: Covers the shins.
Answer: Shin guards. Mandatory for safety.
- Riddle: What’s a field hockey player’s favorite tune?
Hint: It’s a rock genre pun.
Answer: Stick and roll. A riff on “rock and roll.”
- Riddle: Why don’t field hockey players get lost?
Hint: The field has clear markings.
Answer: They follow the lines. Fields have boundary lines.
- Riddle: What’s a blazing fast field hockey shot?
Hint: It’s a powerful strike.
Answer: Drag flick. Reaches 75 mph.
- Riddle: What’s the foul for blocking with your body?
Hint: It halts fair play.
Answer: Obstruction. A common penalty.
- Riddle: Why did the field hockey player bring a broom?
Hint: It’s a sweeping pun.
Answer: To sweep the ball. A playful shot reference.
- Riddle: Which country won eight Olympic field hockey golds?
Hint: It’s a South Asian powerhouse.
Answer: India. Dominated men’s field hockey historically.
- Riddle: What’s the goal-scoring area in field hockey?
Hint: It’s a semicircle.
Answer: Shooting circle. Also called the “D.”
- Riddle: Why was the field hockey game so quiet?
Hint: It’s about the crowd.
Answer: No fans cheered. Some matches draw small crowds.
- Riddle: Who’s great at weaving through defenders?
Hint: They control the ball masterfully.
Answer: Dribble master. Dribbling is key in field hockey.
- Riddle: What do field hockey goalies wear to kick balls?
Hint: It’s unique goalkeeper gear.
Answer: Kickers. Protect feet during saves.
- Riddle: What’s a field hockey player’s favorite fruit?
Hint: It’s a scoring pun.
Answer: A goal-den apple. A “goal” and “golden” play.
- Riddle: What’s a field hockey game with no goals?
Hint: It’s a defensive showdown.
Answer: Stalemate. Common in tight matches.
- Riddle: Why was the field hockey stick in trouble?
Hint: It’s a foul pun.
Answer: Caught high-sticking. A 2-minute penalty.
- Riddle: What’s a pass that lifts the ball off the turf?
Hint: It dodges defenders.
Answer: Aerial pass. A strategic move.
- Riddle: Why do field hockey teams pass so much?
Hint: It’s how they win.
Answer: Passing wins games. Teams average 200 passes per match.
Ice Hockey Riddles
These riddles explore ice hockey’s thrills, from rules to rink quirks.
- Riddle: What’s a hockey game with no fans called?
Hint: It’s eerily quiet.
Answer: Silent night. NHL games typically draw 17,000 fans.
- Riddle: Why did the player bring string to the game?
Hint: It’s about the score.
Answer: To tie the score. Ties trigger overtime.
- Riddle: Who won four Olympic golds in women’s hockey?
Hint: She’s a Canadian icon.
Answer: Hayley Wickenheiser. Inspired women’s hockey globally.
- Riddle: Why did the player study art?
Hint: It’s about fooling opponents.
Answer: To draw penalties. A strategic tactic.
- Riddle: Who’s always arguing with the refs?
Hint: They challenge every call.
Answer: Referee’s nightmare. Refs handle 200–300 calls.
- Riddle: What’s the foul for knocking a player down?
Hint: It stops their stride.
Answer: Tripping. A 2-minute penalty.
- Riddle: Why was the ice so slick?
Hint: It’s about rink upkeep.
Answer: Freshly Zambonied. Ice stays at 16–22°F.
- Riddle: What’s a goal in the final minute called?
Hint: It shifts the game.
Answer: Buzzer-beater. A thrilling moment.
- Riddle: Why don’t players wear sandals on the rink?
Hint: It’s about their gear.
Answer: They need skates. Skates are essential.
- Riddle: What’s a goalie’s favorite snack?
Hint: It’s a save pun.
Answer: Save-ory biscuit. A “save” and “savory” play.
- Riddle: Who steals the puck like a thief?
Hint: They’re quick and sneaky.
Answer: Pickpocket. A defensive star.
- Riddle: What brand powers Crosby’s slapshots?
Hint: It’s a top hockey gear maker.
Answer: Bauer. Known for sticks and skates.
- Riddle: What’s the rule when the puck’s shot too far?
Hint: Play resets in the defensive zone.
Answer: Icing. Stops long-distance clears.
- Riddle: Where did 2022 Olympic hockey shine?
Hint: It’s a Winter Games host.
Answer: Beijing. Hosted NHL-free games.
- Riddle: Who’s the ice’s top goal-scorer?
Hint: They’re a scoring machine.
Answer: Sniper. Like Connor McDavid’s precision.
- Riddle: Why don’t players use pens on the ice?
Hint: It’s about their tools.
Answer: They use sticks. Sticks score goals.
- Riddle: What’s the extra period in a tied game?
Hint: It extends the match.
Answer: Overtime. NHL uses 5-minute 3-on-3 play.
- Riddle: Why did the puck need therapy?
Hint: It’s about constant hits.
Answer: Always getting slapped. Pucks take a beating.
- Riddle: What’s a goalie’s best friend on the net?
Hint: It saves shots.
Answer: Post. Goalposts block many pucks.
- Riddle: Why was the player exhausted?
Hint: It’s about their ice time.
Answer: Too many shifts. Shifts last 45–60 seconds.
- Riddle: Who organizes Olympic hockey worldwide?
Hint: It’s a global hockey body.
Answer: IIHF. Governs international tournaments. For more about global sports, visit IIHF’s official site.
- Riddle: Which team won 24 Stanley Cups?
Hint: It’s the NHL’s most successful club.
Answer: Montreal Canadiens. A hockey dynasty.
Hockey Jokes and Puns
These riddles bring humor with clever wordplay.
- Riddle: Why was the player kicked out of the library?
Hint: It’s about noisy gear.
Answer: Skates made too much noise. Skates clatter off-ice.
- Riddle: What’s a hockey player with a unibrow called?
Hint: It’s a goalie pun.
Answer: Goal-tender. A “goaltender” twist.
- Riddle: Why don’t hockey players sweat?
Hint: It’s a crowd pun.
Answer: Too many fans. A rink and supporter play.
- Riddle: Who’s the player great at hiding?
Hint: It’s a defensive role.
Answer: Cover point. A nod to coverage.
- Riddle: Why bring a ladder to a hockey game?
Hint: It’s about intensity.
Answer: It’s on a high level. A competition metaphor.
- Riddle: Why did the puck hit the party?
Hint: It’s the game’s star.
Answer: It was the center of attention. Pucks drive play.
- Riddle: Who’s the singing hockey player?
Hint: It’s a dodging pun.
Answer: Deke-star. A “deke” and “rockstar” play.
- Riddle: Why was the stick embarrassed?
Hint: It’s a foul pun.
Answer: Caught slashing. A penalty reference.
- Riddle: What’s a goalie’s favorite drink?
Hint: It’s a save pun.
Answer: Save-ory juice. A “save” and “savory” twist.
- Riddle: Why did the player become a chef?
Hint: It’s a passing pun.
Answer: Great at saucing. “Saucer pass” is a hockey term.
- Riddle: Who’s the always-late hockey player?
Hint: It’s a rule pun.
Answer: Delayed penalty. A penalty infraction play.
- Riddle: Why don’t players play chess?
Hint: They prefer another check.
Answer: They check on the ice. Checking is physical.
- Riddle: What’s a player’s favorite dessert?
Hint: It’s a scoring pun.
Answer: Goal-den pie. A “goal” and “golden” play.
- Riddle: Why was the rink freezing?
Hint: It’s about temperature.
Answer: It’s kept frozen. Rinks stay at 16–22°F.
- Riddle: What’s a puck that never stops?
Hint: It’s tough to catch.
Answer: Slippery puck. Pucks glide effortlessly.
- Riddle: Why did the player hit the gym?
Hint: It’s about strength.
Answer: To boost his checks. Checking needs power.
- Riddle: What’s a referee’s favorite animal?
Hint: It’s an attire pun.
Answer: Zebra. Refs wear black-and-white stripes.
- Riddle: Why don’t players text on the ice?
Hint: It’s a passing pun.
Answer: They text the puck. A passing joke.
- Riddle: Who’s the dancing hockey player?
Hint: It’s a skating pun.
Answer: Spin-o-rama star. A flashy move reference.
- Riddle: Why was the game so funny?
Hint: It’s about tricky moves.
Answer: Too many dekes. Dekes fool opponents.
- Riddle: What’s a player’s favorite flower?
Hint: It’s a team pun.
Answer: Blackhawk bloom. A Chicago Blackhawks nod.
- Riddle: Why did the puck go to the movies?
Hint: It’s about stardom.
Answer: To be a star. Pucks are the game’s focus.
Hockey Positions Riddles
These riddles focus on player roles, from forwards to defenders.
- Riddle: Who leads the charge to score goals?
Hint: They’re up front in the attack.
Answer: Forward. Forwards like Connor McDavid drive offense.
- Riddle: Who guards the net with lightning reflexes?
Hint: They’re the last defense.
Answer: Goaltender. Stop 20–30 shots per game.
- Riddle: Who stays back to block opponents?
Hint: They’re the rink’s protectors.
Answer: Defenseman. Like Erik Karlsson, they anchor defense.
- Riddle: Who battles for puck control at face-offs?
Hint: They’re often the team’s heart.
Answer: Center. Centers like Patrice Bergeron excel here.
- Riddle: Who skates wide to set up plays?
Hint: They flank the center.
Answer: Winger. Wingers like Nikita Kucherov score from the sides.
- Riddle: Who’s the toughest player on the ice?
Hint: They’re known for physical play.
Answer: Enforcer. Rack up 100+ penalty minutes.
- Riddle: Who sets up goals with perfect passes?
Hint: They’re assist machines.
Answer: Playmaker. Like Nicklas Backstrom’s 700+ assists.
- Riddle: Who checks opponents to steal the puck?
Hint: They’re defensive disruptors.
Answer: Checker. Checking halts enemy plays.
- Riddle: Who’s the fastest skater on the team?
Hint: They outrace everyone.
Answer: Speedster. Like Cale Makar’s blazing speed.
- Riddle: Who led Pittsburgh to three Stanley Cups?
Hint: He’s a face-off king.
Answer: Sidney Crosby. A modern hockey legend.
- Riddle: Who calls the shots from the bench?
Hint: They strategize the game.
Answer: Coach. Like Bruce Boudreau, they guide teams.
- Riddle: Who signals penalties with a whistle?
Hint: They wear stripes.
Answer: Referee. Make 200–300 calls per game.
- Riddle: Who’s the goalie’s backup on the bench?
Hint: They’re ready to jump in.
Answer: Backup goalie. Like Andrei Vasilevskiy’s understudy.
- Riddle: Who scores from the blue line?
Hint: They’re defenders with big shots.
Answer: Slapshot defenseman. Like Shea Weber’s cannon.
- Riddle: Who dodges defenders with fancy moves?
Hint: They’re tricksters on ice.
Answer: Deker. Like Patrick Kane’s slick dekes.
- Riddle: Who keeps the team’s morale high?
Hint: They’re the locker room glue.
Answer: Captain. Like Mark Messier’s leadership.
- Riddle: Who plays both offense and defense?
Hint: They’re versatile stars.
Answer: Two-way player. Like Anze Kopitar’s balance.
- Riddle: Who’s new to the NHL but shines?
Hint: They’re a rising star.
Answer: Rookie. Like Auston Matthews’ debut season.
- Riddle: Who tracks stats like goals and assists?
Hint: They’re off the ice but crucial.
Answer: Scorekeeper. Records every play.
- Riddle: Who’s the women’s hockey assist queen?
Hint: She’s a Canadian star.
Answer: Marie-Philip Poulin. Leads PWHL in assists.
- Riddle: Who sweeps the puck from danger?
Hint: They clear the defensive zone.
Answer: Sweeper. Defensemen excel at this.
- Riddle: Who organizes the power play?
Hint: They’re the on-ice strategist.
Answer: Quarterback. Like Roman Josi runs the power play.
Why Hockey Riddles Shine
Hockey riddles entertain while teaching. Decoding terms like “Zamboni” or “hat trick” sharpens your mind, and solving them feels like scoring a goal. They’re perfect for team bonding—coaches use them to boost morale, as fans share on social platforms.
Beyond fun, riddles tie to hockey’s physics (low friction lets pucks glide) and safety (helmets cut concussion risks), grounding the game in real-world science. Learn more about their cognitive benefits at this study on puzzles and mental development.
Personal story: I once shared a “slapshot” riddle at a Toronto rink, sparking a debate about Connor McDavid’s shot speed. It turned strangers into friends, proving riddles connect fans like a perfect pass.
Conclusion
Hockey riddles are a powerful play of fun and learning. From the puck’s 100 mph zip to Luciana Aymar’s dazzling dribbles, they celebrate hockey’s heart. Whether you’re a kid mastering the basics or a fan cheering in Montreal, these riddles ignite passion.
Try crafting your own riddle and share it at the next game—you might start a rink tradition! Check our site for more puzzles or a custom riddle book for your team. Check our site for more puzzles, like our baseball riddles, or a custom riddle book for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s hockey without ice called?
Field hockey, played on turf with a ball and sticks, features 11 players per team, like India’s Olympic legends. For more on field hockey’s global impact, see FIH’s official site.
What are some hockey riddles?
Examples include equipment riddles (“What’s curved and scores?”—Answer: Stick) or rules (“What’s a natural hat trick?”—Answer: Three uninterrupted goals by one player). Try our 100 classic riddles for more variety.
What are five hockey facts?
1. The NHL, founded in 1917, has 32 teams. Learn about its history at NHL.com.
2. Pucks hit 100 mph in pro games.
3. The Stanley Cup, awarded since 1893, is hockey’s top prize.
4. Goalies wear 25–30 pounds of gear.
5. Rinks stay at 16–22°F for smooth ice.
What’s a famous hockey quote?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” by Wayne Gretzky, motivates players worldwide.
How do I make my own hockey riddles?
Pick a term (e.g., “IIHF”), describe it creatively (“I rule global hockey tournaments”), and ask “What am I?” Test it for clarity.
Why are helmets vital in hockey?
They reduce concussion risks, a focus of NHL and PWHL safety protocols, protecting players like Marie-Philip Poulin. For more on sports safety, read this CDC guide.
