The Rink
A typical North American hockey rink is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide.  It's divided into three zones:  the neutral zone (between the blue lines); the defensive zone (behind blue line in your end of the ice); and offensive zone (in front of the blue line in opposition's end of the ice).
The Players
Each team has six players on the ice, a goalie and five "skaters" (3 forwards & 2 defensemen).
Substitutions - Either team can substitute players "on the fly" as long as the player being replaced is within 5-feet of the bench.
The Faceoff
To begin play, the puck is dropped between two forwards at any of nine places on the ice.  Those outside the faceoff circle are positioned on the defensive side of the puck.
The Game Clock
Hockey is divided into three, 20-minute periods.  The clock is stopped during all stoppages of play.
Penalties - Minor & Major and Penalty Box Time
A player is charged with a minor penalty and sent to the penalty box for two minutes and cannot be replaced.  A penalty ends immediately if a goal is scored by the opposing team.
Penalties -
            Player Obstruction      Dangerous Use of Stick           Dangerous Physical Fouls
            Tripping                        Slashing                                  Elbowing
            Holding                        Spearing                                  Checking from Behind
            Hooking                       High-Sticking                            Kneeing
            Interference                  Cross-Checking                        Roughing
Fighting is a major penalty and both players receive a 5-minute penalty for fighting.  All of the above can be considered a major penalty by the referee.
The Rules
You'll commonly hear "off sides" or "icing" during a game.  So, what are they?
Off Sides - If a player precedes the puck in the "offensive zone."  Also, a pass made a blue line AND the center line, or "two line pass."
Result - 1st instance = Faceoff in the "neutral zone."  2nd instance = Faceoff at originating point of the pass.
Icing - Shooting the buck to the end of the ice from behind the center line (red line).  If the puck crosses the opposing goal line untouched, and is then retrieved by an opposing player, icing is called.
Result - Considered a delaying tactic, it results in a stoppage in play and a faceoff in the offending team's defensive zone.
Power Play - A situation in which one team has a greater number of players on the ice, because a player of the opposing team has been penalized.  Also known as a "man advantage." What the...?
Q:  Why does the announcement come way after the play/foul?
A:  The scorekeepers are down on the ice between the penalty boxes.  They have to officially score the goal/foul, including all players involved and time of game, before calling the information up to the press box.  The press box writes it down and then hands the information to the announcer.
Q:  Why is it legal for the players to fight?
A:  Actually, it's not.  There's a 5-minute penalty for fighting for both players.  There are also rules for fighting:  no more than two players; gloves must be off; and once a player falls down, the fight is over and the officials skate in to stop it.  And as I told my 8-year old daughter, "they're boys and boys do stupid things like that."
Q:  What if the puck flies into the crowd?
A:  Number one, that's why spectators should always keep an eye on the ice to watch what's going on.  Number two, if you're lucky enough to catch it or grab it first, you get to keep it as a souvenir!
Q:  How come these players are so young?
A:  Welcome to "Junior A" hockey.  USA Hockey's Junior Program is available to athletes who are 20 & under as of the 31st day of December of the current season of competition. The program is available to high school students and graduates who seek a greater or different challenge than that which might be available through their prep school team, high school varsity or club team or area 18 & under teams. The principal purpose of this development program is to prepare the athlete for career advancement either in a collegiate program or a professional opportunity.
Q:  What other teams are in Wenatchee's League?
A:  The National Amateur Hockey League has 19 teams in four divisions.  Wenatchee is in the West Division with Alaska, Fairbanks and Kenai River.  The NAHL has hopes of landing other franchises on the West Coast to make it a little easier for Wenatchee to develop some rivalries.
The best way to learn more about hockey is to go to a game.  The Wenatchee Wild will face Wichita Falls November 5th, 7th and 8th at 7:05pm at the Town Toyota Center.  Tickets range from $10.50 to $20 per game and are available at the Town Toyota Center ticket office.  For more on the team, visit their website at www.wenatcheewild.com.