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Watch & Learn

By LINDSAY CZARNECKI

HOCKEY is by far the fastest professional team sport, which makes following those guys on skates and that little black puck challenging.

But watching a hockey game in person can be an enjoyable experience — and easier than watching on TV — as long as you know what to look for.

First, the easy stuff: The object of the game is to get the puck into the offensive zone and score.

There are six team members on the ice at any given time — three forwards, two defensemen and the goalie.

Skaters stay on the ice roughly 45 seconds at a time, which is why you see them hopping over the boards and rotating with teammates throughout the game. They are carrying around nearly 30 pounds of protective gear while trying to compete at full speed. You’d probably need a rest, too.

The trick to following the game is to utilize what’s around you, and the advantage spectators have is being able to see the entire ice sheet.

The puck weighs 6 ounces and is 1-by-3 inches. Trying to follow it as it reaches speeds up to 100 mph isn’t always easy.

Like a good hockey player, a good spectator keeps an eye on the puck while watching the players on the ice respond.

Keeping the puck in your peripheral vision allows you to see players on both teams read and react to the puck, as well as change their position to defend or get open for a pass.

When picking out tickets, closer isn’t always better. A seat 15-20 rows up is ultimately better than one right up against the glass.

The best seat, and the easiest to watch from, is anywhere in the arena where you can see the whole playing area without the glass distorting your view.

Don’t worry when something spins by and you feel you’ve missed something.

Ask a friend or listen to fans around you.

The more you listen and the more you watch, the fewer questions you’ll have.