Dekhockey, also known as Street Hockey, has evolved from a casual neighborhood game into an organized sport enjoyed by players of all ages. This article delves into the rules and regulations that govern Hudson Dek Hockey, highlighting its unique characteristics and growing popularity.
Dekhockey game in action.
The Origins of Street Hockey
In its early days, Street Hockey was played in various locations such as tennis courts, driveways, school yards, parking lots, gyms, and streets. It was known by many names, including Road Hockey, Ball Hockey, and Floor Hockey. Throughout the United States and Canada, the game was played with worn-out equipment, homemade goals, punctured tennis balls, and a few basic rules, fueled by plenty of enthusiasm.
The Transformation into an Organized Sport
Street Hockey was elevated from a neighborhood game to an organized sport in the early 1970s in Leominster, Massachusetts. A group of hockey enthusiasts introduced three essential elements to transform the game:
- A regulation rink (160' x 80') for gameplay
- A no-bounce ball to replace the puck
- A set of official playing rules
This dedicated group developed programs that included league formation, age divisions, referee training and certification, along with Regional, National, and International tournaments, which accelerated the sport's growth nationwide.
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Dekhockey Today
Organized Street Hockey today often uses the name Dekhockey. It features lightweight equipment designed for a fast-paced, action-packed game under an official set of rules, organized leagues, and rink facilities. The sport is played by boys and girls in all age divisions, from 4 years old to over 40 years old.
The Regional, National, and International tournaments for all age groups bring together over 500 teams and 10,000 players every year.
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Key Features of Dekhockey
Street Hockey/Dekhockey is a running game played similarly to ice hockey, with the exception that body checking is not allowed. The basic qualities that provide an exciting and fast game are running, stickhandling, passing, and shooting.
Leagues and tournaments are played in official rinks on all-weather playing surfaces and under the Official Street Hockey/Dekhockey rules. Play consists of 3 periods with officiating and scorekeeping.
Example of a Dekhockey Rink.
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Global Expansion
Organized Street Hockey/Dekhockey is flourishing throughout the United States and Canada and is now being played under these official rules in Finland and Japan.
Summary of Key Aspects
Here's a quick overview of the key aspects of Hudson Dek Hockey:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Playing Surface | Official rinks with all-weather surfaces |
| Game Structure | 3 periods with officiating and scorekeeping |
| Key Skills | Running, stickhandling, passing, and shooting |
| Equipment | Lightweight equipment designed for fast-paced play |
| Body Checking | Not allowed |
| Player Age | All age divisions, from 4 to over 40 years old |
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