Think you know everything about the NHL? From legendary players to record-breaking moments, this NHL Trivia will put your hockey knowledge to the ultimate test. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into sport, challenge yourself and see if you have what it takes to score big!
This trivia is designed for all levels of hockey fans, starting easy and getting more challenging as you progress. The 90-question quiz is divided into three difficulty levels:
Easy (30 questions) – Perfect for casual fans and newcomers 🏒
Medium (30 questions) – A test for seasoned NHL followers 🏆
Hard (30 questions) – Only true hockey experts will master this 🏅
Each level contains three sub-trivias with 10 questions each, so you can play at your own pace. To see the correct answers, simply click the “Show Answers” button at the end of each trivia block.
What to Expect in This NHL Quiz?
You’ll face questions covering: ✅ Iconic Stanley Cup moments 🏆 ✅ NHL teams, mascots, and arenas 🏟️ ✅ Legendary players and their records 🏒 ✅ Rules, penalties, and strategies 🏁 ✅ Unforgettable rivalries and historic games 🔥
The puck has dropped—are you ready to prove your NHL expertise? Scroll down, take on the trivia, and show off your hockey IQ!
Easy Hockey Trivia Questions
1. What is the name of the sport played on ice with two teams and a puck?
Ice hockey is a competitive sport played by two teams, each typically consisting of six players equipped with skates, on an ice rink. The primary aim is to maneuver a vulcanized rubber disk known as a puck, across the ice, ultimately directing it past a goal line and into a net defended by a goaltender, also known as a goalie.
2. How many players are on the ice for each team in a standard hockey game?
Ice hockey is a dynamic contest involving two teams, each typically comprised of six players, all donning skates, engaging in competition on an ice rink.
3. What is the objective of hockey?
In hockey, the fundamental objective is straightforward: propel the puck within the striking circle into the opposing team's net to achieve a goal. The team that accumulates the highest number of goals by the game's conclusion emerges victorious.
4. What is the flat disc called that players try to shoot into the opponent's net?
In the realm of ice hockey, two rival teams employ ice hockey sticks to maneuver, progress, and shoot a solid, vulcanized rubber disc known as a "puck" towards the opposing team's goal.
5. How many periods are there in a standard hockey game?
An NHL hockey game typically spans around 60 minutes in duration. It consists of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, with intermissions following the first and second periods.
6. How long does each period typically last in professional hockey?
During an NHL hockey game, players engage in three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, resulting in a total playing time of 60 minutes.
7. What is the term for a player scoring three goals in a single game?
In ice hockey, a hat-trick is achieved when a player successfully scores three goals within a single game, regardless of whether the goals are consecutive or not.
8. What is the area in front of the net called where most goals are scored?
The area surrounding the net in hockey is commonly known as the goal crease, often referred to simply as the crease.
9. What is it called when a player shoots the puck and it enters the net?
In ice hockey, a shot on goal refers to directing the puck towards the net, where it either enters the goal for a score or is blocked by the goaltender, resulting in a save.
10. What is the term for a period of play where one team has a numerical advantage in players, usually due to a rule violation by the opposing team?
A power play occurs in hockey when a team gains a one- or two-man advantage over the opposition as a result of penalties.
1. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the most valuable player in the NHL?
The Hart Memorial Trophy, initially named the Hart Trophy, is presented annually in the National Hockey League to honor the player deemed most valuable throughout the season.
2. Which position is responsible for defending the team's net?
In ice hockey, the goaltender is tasked with the responsibility of safeguarding their team's net by preventing the hockey puck from entering it.
3. What is the name of the lines that divide the rink into three zones: the neutral zone, the defensive zone, and the offensive zone?
The rink is partitioned into three segments by two blue lines. The defensive zone, where one's own goal is located, is contrasted with the offensive zone, housing the opponent's goal. Between these zones lies the neutral zone. Adjacent to the goals is the red goal line.
4. What is the term for when a team has fewer players on the ice due to a penalty?
Shorthanded refers to a situation in hockey where a team has one or two fewer players on the ice due to penalties incurred by their own team.
5. Overtime is a five-minute session in which the first team to score wins the game. During this period, teams compete three-on-three, with each side having three skaters on the ice.
In the event of a tie after three periods in a regular season game, the match proceeds to overtime. Overtime consists of a five-minute period during which the first team to score secures victory.
6. What is the term for when a player passes the puck to a teammate who then scores a goal?
In ice hockey, an assist is credited to up to two players from the scoring team who contributed to the goal by shooting, passing, deflecting, or otherwise facilitating the puck towards the scoring teammate, thus assisting in the goal.
7. What is the term for a shot that hits the goalpost or crossbar but doesn't go in the net?
Shots that miss the net entirely or go wide or high, as well as shots that strike the goalpost or crossbar without entering the net, are categorized as "missed shots" and are not tallied as shots on goal.
8. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the team that wins the Stanley Cup playoffs?
Each year, the National Hockey League (NHL) crowns its playoff champion with the prestigious Stanley Cup, known in French as La Coupe Stanley.
9. How many players are typically on an ice hockey roster?
Before the commencement of the season, every club is required to provide the NHL with its "Opening Day Playing Roster," consisting of a maximum of 23 players.
10. What is the term for the area where players sit when they are serving a penalty?
In various sports like ice hockey, rugby union, rugby league, roller derby, and others, there exists a designated area known as the penalty box or sin bin. It's where players serve the time for penalties they've incurred, which are deemed less severe than outright expulsion from the game. It's also referred to by different names like the bad box, bin, or box.
1. What is the term for a penalty given to a player for delaying the game intentionally?
A minor penalty is assessed against a player who deliberately dislodges their own goal from its moorings.
2. What is the name of the area where the goaltender stands to protect the net?
Typically, the goaltender positions themselves within or in close proximity to the designated area in front of the net known as the goal crease.
3. What is the term for when a player shoots the puck and it is stopped by the goaltender?
Within ice hockey, a goaltender earns credit for a save when they successfully prevent an opponent's shot from entering the net.
4. What is the name of the professional ice hockey league in North America?
The National Hockey League (NHL) stands as a professional ice hockey league situated in North America, boasting a total of 32 teams, with 25 based in the United States and 7 in Canada.
5. Which country has won the most Olympic gold medals in men's ice hockey between 1920-2022?
Canadian teams have secured the highest number of medals, tallying fifteen in total, which includes nine gold medals.
6. What is the name of the curved stick used by players to handle the puck?
In the realm of ice hockey, an essential piece of equipment is the ice hockey stick, utilized for shooting, passing, and maneuvering the puck across the ice.
7. What is the term for a goal scored by a player shooting the puck between their legs?
Five-Hole refers to the space between the leg pads of the goalie in ice hockey. When a player successfully scores a goal by shooting the puck through this gap, it is said that the puck went through the five-hole.
8. Which NHL team first achieved a record 20 Stanley Cups?
The Canadiens hold the record for the most Stanley Cup victories among NHL franchises, securing 24 championships. Of these, 23 victories were attained since the league's inception, with 22 occurring post-1927 when NHL teams exclusively competed for the Stanley Cup.
9. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular-season record?
Established in the 1985-86 season, the Presidents' Trophy is bestowed annually upon the team that concludes the regular season with the most outstanding overall record.
10. What is the term for a penalty in which a player uses their stick to trip an opponent?
In ice hockey, a tripping penalty, also known as an obstruction tripping penalty, occurs when a player uses their stick, body, or leg to cause an opponent to trip or fall deliberately, resulting in a penalty assessed by the officials.
Intermediate Hockey Trivia Questions
1. Who holds the NHL record for points from 1979-99?
Wayne Gretzky holds the distinction of being the all-time leader in both goals and assists, amassing a total of 2,857 points over the course of 21 seasons.
2. What team won the very first Stanley Cup?
The initial Stanley Cup champions were the Montreal Hockey Club, which was associated with the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association. Following this achievement, Stanley appointed Sheriff John Sweetland and Philip D. Ross, who subsequently served an unprecedented 56 years, as trustees of the Cup.
3. What is the name of the annual international ice hockey tournament held by the IIHF?
Every year, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) orchestrates the Ice Hockey World Championships, a global event showcasing men's ice hockey talent from around the world.
4. Who was the first European-born player to be selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft?
In 1989, Mats Sundin was selected by the Quebec Nordiques, becoming the inaugural European player to be chosen as the first overall pick in the draft.
5. Which player was the first to win 9 Hart Memorial Trophies as the NHL's most valuable player?
Throughout his illustrious career, Wayne Gretzky clinched the award an unprecedented nine times, with an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories. Notably, Gretzky, alongside his Edmonton Oilers counterpart Mark Messier, stands as the sole recipients of the Hart Trophy to achieve this feat with multiple teams.
6. Which country won the gold medal in women's ice hockey at the 2022 Winter Olympics?
In the Women's Hockey event at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Winter Games, Hockey Canada celebrated a historic victory as Marie-Philip Poulin secured the golden goal once more, while Sarah Nurse established two new Olympic records. With a thrilling 3-2 triumph over the United States, Canada proudly claimed its fifth gold medal in the competition.
7. Who is the top scorer in NHL history from 1979-1999?
Gretzky holds the distinction of being the all-time leading goal scorer, assist provider, and point scorer in NHL history. Remarkably, he has accumulated more career assists than any other player has total points.
8. Which player won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP on a losing team in 2003?
On five occasions, the Calder Memorial Trophy has been awarded to players representing teams that ultimately fell short in the Finals. One notable instance occurred in 2003 when Jean-Sebastien Giguere of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim received the honor. Giguere played a pivotal role in guiding his team to an unexpected journey to the Finals, where they fiercely contested the New Jersey Devils in a memorable seven-game series.
9. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL's top rookie each season?
Each year, the Calder Memorial Trophy is bestowed upon the player deemed "most proficient" in their inaugural season of competition within the National Hockey League (NHL).
10. Which player was the first to break the NHL career shutouts record of 125 saves?
Martin Brodeur holds the distinction of being the first player to surpass the NHL career shutouts record of 125 saves.
1. In which city is the Hockey Hall of Fame located?
Situated in the bustling heart of downtown Toronto, at the intersection of Yonge & Front Streets within Brookfield Place's lower concourse level, lies the esteemed Hockey Hall of Fame.
2. Which player was the first to set the NHL record of 1,963 assists?
With an impressive tally of four Stanley Cup victories to his name, Gretzky etched his name into hockey history by setting records in both regular season and post-season play. His achievements include holding the record for most career regular season goals (894), assists (1,963), points (2,857), and hat-tricks (50).
3. Who was the first goaltender to regularly wear a mask in the NHL?
In 1959, Jacques Plante pioneered a significant advancement in ice hockey goaltending by developing and utilizing the first practical mask. Crafted from fiberglass, Plante's mask was meticulously contoured to fit his face, marking a crucial innovation in player safety. Over time, this initial design evolved into various iterations, including the helmet-cage combination and the single-piece full fiberglass mask.
4. What is the term used for a penalty in which a player impedes an opponent's progress with his stick?
Hooking is defined as the act of obstructing an opponent's progress through the deliberate use of a pulling or tugging motion with the blade of the stick, targeting any part of the opponent's body or stick.
5. Who is the youngest captain in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup in 2009?
Crosby made history in 2009 by becoming the youngest NHL captain to earn the honor of having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup following his team's victory.
6. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL's top defenseman each season?
Since its inception in the 1953-54 season, the James Norris Memorial Trophy has been annually awarded to the defense player who exhibits the most exceptional all-around skills in their position throughout the season.
7. Which player has scored 50 goals in 50 games in the 1980-81 NHL?
During the 1980–81 NHL season, Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming only the second player in history to score 50 goals in 50 games, accomplishing this feat 36 years after Maurice Richard's initial achievement.
8. Which player was the first to achieve the record of 50 hat tricks in the NHL?
Wayne Gretzky currently holds the NHL record for the most career hat tricks, totaling an impressive 50 throughout his illustrious career. Interestingly, the league's inaugural hat trick was netted by Harry Hyland on December 18, 1917, during the first-ever NHL game, where his Montreal Wanderers emerged victorious over the Toronto Arenas with a score of 10-9.
9. Which player was the first to set the NHL record of 410 career goals by a defenseman in the NHL?
Ray Bourque holds the distinction of having scored the most career goals by a defenseman in NHL history, totaling 410 goals. He was the first player to establish the NHL record of 410 career goals by a defenseman.
10. Which player holds the record for assists in the 1985-86 NHL season?
Gretzky's achievement of 163 assists during the 1985-86 season equates to an impressive average of 2.04 assists per game. This surpasses not only his own second-best record but also outshines the remarkable assist-heavy seasons of other hockey legends such as Lemieux.
1. What is the term used for a penalty in which a player intentionally shoots the puck out of play from his defensive zone?
In the National Hockey League (NHL), when a player intentionally shoots or bats the puck out of play from their defensive zone, it results in the opposing team being awarded a delay of game penalty.
2. Who was the first goaltender to score a goal in an NHL game?
In 1987, Ron Hextall achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first goaltender to score directly with a shot on goal. Later on, he further solidified his place in hockey history by becoming the first goaltender to score a short-handed goal.
3. What is the term used for a goal scored by a team that is shorthanded due to a penalty?
A short-handed goal in ice hockey refers to a goal scored when a team's on-ice players are outnumbered by the opposing team's players.
4. Who was the first NHL player to reach 1,000 career assists?
Wayne Gretzky holds the distinction of being the inaugural NHL player to achieve 1,000 career assists.
5. Which player holds the record for penalty minutes in NHL history between 1974 and 1988?
Dave "Tiger" Williams, hailing from Canada, holds the record for the most penalty minutes in NHL history, accumulating an impressive total of 3,971 penalty minutes throughout his illustrious career. This remarkable feat was achieved over 962 games played across 17 seasons, during which he represented five different teams from 1974 to 1988.
6. Which city held the first stadium series game ever?
The inaugural Stadium Series game took place in the city of Los Angeles.
7. Which player has won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer in seven consecutive seasons from 1980-81 through the 1986-87 season?
Wayne Gretzky holds the NHL record for winning a trophy 10 times, a remarkable achievement that includes seven consecutive wins from 1980-81 through 1986-87 with the Edmonton Oilers. Following Gretzky, Gordie Howe and Mario Lemieux are tied for second place with six wins each.
8. What is the name of the trophy awarded to the NHL's top goaltender each season?
The Vezina Trophy is presented annually to the goaltender recognized as the best in their position, as determined by the votes of all NHL general managers.
9. Which player was the first to set the NHL record of 299 power-play goals?
Alex Ovechkin holds the distinction of being the NHL's all-time leader in power-play goals, with an impressive tally of 299 goals scored with the man advantage.
10. In ice hockey, what is the term used for a player who specializes in taking faceoffs?
In ice hockey, a "faceoff specialist" refers to a player who specializes in taking faceoffs, crucial moments in the game where possession of the puck is determined by the outcome of the faceoff.
Hard Hockey Trivia Questions
1. What is the exact measurement of the NHL regulation-size hockey puck?
NHL-official ice hockey pucks are characterized by their dimensions of 3 inches in diameter, 1 inch in thickness, and a weight of 166 grams.
2. In which year did the NHL introduce the "instigator" penalty?
The "Instigator" rule, which imposes an additional two-minute minor penalty on the player who instigates a fight, was introduced in 1992.
3. Who holds the record for goals scored in the 1981-82 NHL season?
During the 1981-82 season, Wayne Gretzky emerged as the leading goal scorer in the NHL, netting an impressive total of 92 goals.
4. Which player won the most Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship in the NHL between 1928-31 and 1933-35?
Following Frank Boucher's remarkable feat of winning the award seven times in eight seasons from 1927-28 through 1934-35, the Lady Byng Trophy was permanently awarded to him to keep. In recognition of Lady Byng's generosity, a replacement trophy was donated in 1936 to continue honoring the league's most sportsmanlike player.
5. Name the first player to score 50 goals in a season as a rookie.
Mike Bossy holds the distinction of being the first player to achieve the milestone of scoring 50 goals in a season during his rookie year in the NHL.
6. Which defenseman won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer from 1969-70?
Bobby Orr stands alone in NHL history as the only defenseman to capture the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the league's leading scorer, a feat he accomplished twice, also winning it in the 1974-75 season.
7. Which player was the first to set the NHL record of 382 playoff points?
Wayne Gretzky holds the distinction of being the first player to establish the NHL record for most playoff points, totaling 382 points throughout his illustrious career.
8. Who was the youngest player to score 500 goals in the NHL for the first time?
Wayne Gretzky achieved the milestone of scoring 500 goals in the NHL at the youngest age ever recorded in the league's history.
9. Which team holds the record for consecutive Stanley Cup championships between 1956 and 1960?
The Montreal Canadiens hold the record for the most Stanley Cup victories, having won the prestigious trophy 24 times, the highest number achieved by any team in NHL history. Additionally, they boast the record for consecutive Stanley Cup wins, securing five championships in a row between 1955-56 and 1959-60.
10. Name the first player to score 135 game-winning goals in the NHL.
Jaromir Jagr holds the NHL record for the most career game-winning goals, having scored an impressive total of 135 game-winners throughout his illustrious career.
1. Which player won the Selke Trophy four times as the NHL's best defensive forward between 1977 and 1981?
From the 1973–1974 season until the 1988–1989 season, Gainey was a prominent figure within the Montreal Canadiens roster. During this period, he secured four consecutive Frank J. Selke Trophies, recognizing him as the league's premier defensive forward, and contributed significantly to the team's four consecutive Stanley Cup victories spanning from 1976 to 1979.
2. Which player won the Hart Trophy and the Conn Smythe Trophy in the same 1970 season?
Bobby Orr holds the distinction of being the sole defenseman to claim the scoring title, accomplishing this feat in 1970 and 1975 while playing for Boston. In 1970, he made history by becoming the first player to secure four individual awards in a single season, triumphing in the Hart, Norris, and Conn Smythe Trophies alongside the scoring title.
3. Name the first player to score 25 overtime goals in the NHL.
Alexander Ovechkin boasts the record for the most NHL overtime goals in history, tallying an impressive 25. He was the pioneer in achieving this milestone, being the first player to do so.
4. Which player was the first to set the NHL record of 1.92 points per game?
Wayne Gretzky's legacy in the NHL is defined by his remarkable 2,857 points, showcasing an extraordinary average of 1.92 points per game.
5. Which NHL player was the first to set the record of 1274 faceoffs in a single season?
Ryan O'Reilly stands as the inaugural player to establish the record of 1274 faceoffs in a single season.
6. Which player was the first to set the 23.66% shooting percentage record in NHL history?
Craig Simpson holds the prestigious record for the highest career shooting percentage (minimum 800 shots) at an impressive 23.66%.
7. Name the player who scored the most goals in a 1920 NHL game.
Joe Malone is credited as the player who netted the highest number of goals in a single NHL game during the 1920 season.
8. Who was the first player to win the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in the same season?
Jarome Iginla achieved the historic feat of being the first player to claim both the Art Ross Trophy and the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in the same season.
9. What goalie has the most assists in a season?
Grant Fuhr holds the remarkable record for the most assists by a goalie in a single season, amassing an impressive total of 14 assists during the 1983-1984 season.
10. Name the first player to win the Stanley Cup as a player and as a coach.
John James Adams is celebrated as the trailblazer who achieved the distinction of winning the Stanley Cup both as a player and as a coach, marking a historic accomplishment in hockey.
1. Which defenseman scored at least 100 points in the 1991-92 NHL season?
Brian Leetch is among the exclusive group of just six NHL defensemen to achieve the milestone of scoring 100 points in a single season.
2. Which player scored the first goal in NHL history?
The inaugural goal in NHL history was netted by Dave Ritchie of the Montreal Wanderers, occurring just one minute into their thrilling 10-9 victory over Toronto. Remarkably, this victory stood as the only win the Wanderers achieved during their tenure in the NHL.
3. Name the first player to score a record 8 goals in overtime in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Joe Sakic holds the distinction of being the first player to score a record eight goals in overtime during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
4. Which team boasts the longest losing streak of the 1943-44 NHL season?
The New York Rangers hold the distinction of enduring the longest losing streak during the 1943-44 NHL season.
5. Which defenseman was the first to set the record of 173 power-play goals in NHL history?
Ray Bourque holds the record for the most career power-play goals by a defenseman, having scored an impressive total of 173 throughout his illustrious career.
6. Which team holds the record for consecutive playoff series wins in NHL history from 1980-1984?
The New York Islanders established a remarkable benchmark for all North American sports franchises by winning an unprecedented 19 consecutive playoff series during their illustrious Stanley Cup dynasty era.
7. Which player was the first to set the record of 73 short-handed goals in the history of professional ice hockey?
Wayne Gretzky holds the record for the most career shorthanded goals, having scored an impressive total of 73 throughout his illustrious career.
8. Which player won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (NHL scoring leader) without ever reaching 50 goals in the 1998-99 season?
Since its introduction in 1999, only one player has won the trophy with fewer than 50 goals, and that player is Teemu Selanne, who achieved the honor with 47 goals scored for Anaheim during the conclusion of the 1998-99 season.
9. Name the player who scored the fastest hat trick in NHL history in 1952.
In 1952, Bill Mosienko achieved an NHL milestone by securing the fastest natural hat trick in just 21 seconds while playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.
10. Name the player who scored the most goals in a single playoff run in the 1975-76 season
During the 1975-1976 playoff season, Reggie Leach emerged as the player who netted the highest number of goals in a single playoff run.
FAQs
How many questions are in this NHL trivia?
This quiz has 90 questions, divided into easy, medium, and hard levels. Each level contains 30 questions, split into three sets of 10.
How do I see the correct answers?
At the end of each trivia section, there is a “Show Answers” button. Click it to reveal the correct responses.
Can I retake the quiz?
Yes! Challenge yourself as many times as you like and try to improve your score.
Is this trivia for all NHL fans?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a casual viewer or a lifelong fan, this quiz has something for everyone.
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