As with most sports, physics plays a large part in the sport of ice hockey.

fast break hockey ice hockey involves high intensity exercise

Moving on Ice

The ice provides a low friction surface, which poses problems of moving fast and changing direction, and also when a collision occurs between two players. Ice hockey skates have short blades to enable quick turns and stops.

Equipment

New aluminum shafts and graphite blades for hockey sticks mean more lightness and durability. With such a stick, it is easier to control the puck and hit it faster - a slapshot can be clocked at 118 miles per hour.